standalone suspense novel with horseracing interest set in UK (1997)

I've not read Dick Francis before but often see library patrons requesting and reading these so when I found this paperback in the neighborhood little free library I thought I'd give it a try..

Rather than writing a series, each book appears to be a standalone novel, tying into the author's horseracing knowledge (as a former steeplechase jocket in the UK). Each book follows a completely new character -- this one centers on a 17/18 y.o. would-be-jockey-turned-politician's-son/bodyguard; apparently his father's campaign for a seat in Parliament lands him in the crosshairs of multiple enemies.

The writing is enjoyable, most fast-paced, though the pace dragged in a couple of places heavy with politicking (not necessarily a bad topic but I've read much more interesting political fiction). There is a little amateur sleuthing but also a lot of knowledgeable experts that are conveniently on hand to shed light on various clues--so you feel like you are learning a little while being entertained. I can see why these books have done so well. ( )

Though the version pictured here is not the one I read, I'm guessing the contents are the same.
Dick Francis has entered a different world in this excellent novel: Politics!
Though I have been involved, mostly on the fringes, in U.S. politics for most of my life, off and on, this inside look at British politics was eye-opening.
It seems, to this outsider, to be just as ridiculous and corrupt as ours, though, in this book, not as hate-filled and vicious as ours.
Still, a rational look at what government is and what it ought to be is just as absent as here.
This is, as we expect from Dick Francis, a darn good book, but of course it is not a political philosophy textbook -- nor really, for that matter, a how-to book of campaigning.
It is, though, a thoroughly entertaining story, with action and interesting characters, and I strongly recommend it. ( )

After reading quite a few of Dick Francis' books and with the pattern well established this one book came as a bit of a surprise, but sadly not in the positive way. It is like he is trying a new approach and it doesn't work. Don't get me wrong, ninety percent is still the same trusted pattern, but there are strange gaps in the story, tens of pages where there is nothing exciting going on even in the background, and the narrator is suddenly somewhat outside the main story rather than in it. Furthermore people behave even less logical than usual.

So if you like Dick Francis novels, pick one of the others before this one.

Rating - two stars: "It was ok".
( )

This mystery was a little different from most of the traditional mysteries that Francis writes. We do find out who the "bad guy" is early on, but the resolution takes several years. I liked it because the main character wasn't a brilliant jockey, but loved the sport anyway.

I also liked how the father-son relationship developed. I think I'd classify this more as fiction with a mystery element and incidental ties to racing. It isn't what I would suggest as a "classic" Dick Francis mystery, but ultimately it was satisfying. I did find one passage I really liked. "Never, ever make a joke to the police, they have no sense of humor. Never make a political joke, it will always be considered an insult. Always remember that umbrage can be taken at the lift of an eyebrow. Remember that if offense can possibly be given, it will be."

Fans of Dick Francis will like this book. I'd suggest it also for people who don't mind a meandering mystery. ( )

A bit taimer than usual, but still fun ( )