I always enjoy books written by Dick Francis and this one didn't disappoint. His signature topic is horse racing, and since I know little about the sport, after reading his books, I learn something new. In this book, Sid Halley is an ex jockey, now private eye. He never strays far from a race track and most of his cases are racing related. He's just a good guy. In this book, within a short span of time, there are 3 deaths at the track, and it's too much of a coincidence to think that they couldn't be related. Of course, those involved do their best to dissuade Sid from pursuing the matter, but that only makes him more determined. Quick, fun read. ( )

Not one of the best. Although Dick Francis gets sole credit as the novelist, it's plain that some of the text was written by his son, Felix, as the rhythm of the story and the abruptness of some of the prose is quite unlike Francis's body of work to date.

However, it was great to get reacquainted with Sid Halley and see that he's (finally) found the woman of his dreams. ( )

Dick Francis novels are always enjoyable but not so memorable. The victims are bad, the protagonists are clever and the horses are fast. Except for the horses who are slow. Sid Halley appears in several Dick Francis stories. He is a former jockey who lost a hand in a racing accident. Having to retire he became a private investigator specializing in horse racing issues. In Under Orders Sid investigates the murder of a jockey and finds all kinds of corruption. The suspects include a member of the House of Lords. Danger and suspense and in the end. Too much to spoil. ( )

Sid investigates murder of jockey, trainer and race fixing, nearly gets girlfriend killed, they marry, makes up with ex-wife

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Dick Francis novels. I read a bunch of them when I was 13 (it's what my grand-parents had lying around their house) and hadn't really gone back to them in the many decades since.
They're just fun, charming reads. No great mystery to solve, no convoluted plot, just an enjoyable, escapist afternoon.
Haven't read one that I haven't enjoyed. ( )