English agent Gene Hawkins is restlessly facing three weeks of vacation with only his tormented past for company. So when his boss asks him to help millionaire Dave Teller locate a prized missing stallion, he accepts. But he gets more action than he bargained for when he draws the affection of his boss’ beautiful teenage daughter, advances from Teller’s socialite wife, and the deadly attention of the horse thieves, who would be happy to put Hawkins out to pasture…permanently.
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"I always enjoy reading a good Dick Francis novel. They are pretty clean, the language isn't too bad, and not a lot of sex.... Sometimes I even reread the books, because it's like being with a friend you haven't seen in several years. I really enjoy the characters he uses, Syd in this book. Guess I've always had a little crush on him, and I also enjoy the series he writes about too. I'm not a gambler, but I really enjoy watching them live, as well as on screen. There is a certain excitement that I don't find in many other places."
— Carol (4 out of 5 stars)
“A rare and magical talent…who never writes the same story twice.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune“In the world of mystery writing, Dick Francis stands head and shoulders above the rest.”
— Ottawa Citizen“Galloping entertainment.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Fascinating book - obviously written by someone who knows the sport from the inside. Narration is excellent. "
— Anne, 2/4/2014" Wandering about the library, rediscovering favorite authors I had read in the past, I picked this one up for recreational reading. Loved it, as I do all of his. "
— Barbara, 1/30/2014" Not a bad book for entertainment, but its plot requires too much suspension of disbelief, even for a pulp novel. "
— Riley, 1/26/2014" Klopjacht "
— Ingrid, 1/26/2014" Gene Hawkins is hired to find a priceless race horse that has disappeared. He travels to America (California) and faces the thieves who would thwart his effort. "
— Tom, 1/23/2014" A Jackson, Wyoming dude ranch is the setting for this one. I liked it enormously! I've spent a bit of time in Jackson and in the other parts of the American desert West Francis uses for the setting of this book, and I think that was a draw. It is a particularly good sample of Francis's writing. Gene Hawkins is the hero. "
— Maribeth, 1/10/2014" This book contains scenes on the Thames River west of London and in Kentucky. That's all I can remember of it, so will have to read it again some day. "
— Lorraine, 1/7/2014" Always a pleasure to read a Francis book, even if for the second or third time. "
— Yvonne, 12/30/2013" If you like crime, mystery and suspense, plus love horses, read Dick Francis. "
— Ko, 12/25/2013" Dick Francis never fails to provide a good story. This search for a missing throughbred takes you from London to California to Las Vegas. "
— Marge, 12/13/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a damaged hero, and it's nice that Dick Francis makes his characters attractive. The plot was interesting, and I liked that the setting changed to the United States, places I've been too (not that I don't like British settings). "
— Hpstrangelove, 11/9/2013" This is a special book. "
— Ron, 11/9/2013" I'm a big Dick Francis fan. This is definitely one of his best. "
— J, 10/14/2013" A good mystery, not my favorite Dick Francis, but it has an unusual main character and interesting plot twists. "
— Magersdorf, 9/22/2013" Older book, but worth reading! "
— Kathleen, 6/12/2013" Dick Francis does a marvelous job with his hero, a man close to taking his own life because of the heavy burdens of his job, and what it takes to revive his hopes and dreams. "
— John, 4/30/2013" Didn't like this one quite as well as the other two I've read of his. This is due in part to the main character spending the entire novel being depressed and contemplating suicide. It was, however, well written and had an engaging plot. "
— Charlotte, 2/28/2013" (view spoiler)[Sad ending. (hide spoiler)] "
— Kat, 12/4/2012" This is shaping up to be another great read, not so predictable, I hope. Very good, tense and enjoyable. "
— Greg, 11/28/2012" British agent Gene Hawkins is investigating the disappearance of a racehorse. Gene is horribly depressed and doesn't seem to care much if he lives or dies. Good mystery "
— woody, 6/14/2012" I read sever of Francis' books: Very well-written; all seemed so similar to me that I didn't bother with any more. "
— Deb, 1/26/2012" It's okay. I should've traded up. "
— Joe, 12/14/2011" Never met a Dick Francis story I didn't like. "
— Peregrina651, 8/21/2011" Not great, but better than the first two father/son collaborations. The narrator isn't nearly as interesting or as developed as those in Francis' solo efforts, but a better than the other two, as is the plot. "
— Craig, 5/28/2011" More about the betting side of horses than the actual running of them. First Dick Francis mystery I've read that didn't have a jockey as the main character. "
— Amy, 5/22/2011" This is the first book by Dick Francis that I have read. It's a good thriller. Unlike other men's adventures/thrillers it's realistic. I didn't understanding everything about the betting but there isn't too much of it to worry about. "
— Kathy, 4/23/2011" Good Old Dick Francis! His second last book..... "
— Tony, 3/16/2011" The Dick Francis novels are always good. No matter when they are written, they aren't "dated". "
— Jane, 3/14/2011" The last collaboration, I think, before Dick Francis died. It has good reviews so I'm hopeful this one will jog along as well as the last one (Silks which I thought would make an excellent film or TV miniseries). <br/> <br/>And having finished it - it was great. Loved it. Very pacy. <br/> "
— Sho, 3/12/2011" I enjoy reading Dick Francis books and this one did not disappoint. It was his usual easy reading, but I loved the mystery of who killed the dad and the twists and turns that ended up going with it. "
— Jodi, 2/15/2011" Despite my dyscalculia I enjoyed the numeric aspects of the story because I could look at the handy sizing chart provided to find the relative direction of change between any two betting odds, which was the relevant point rather than any real value. "
— Nicole, 1/30/2011" I agree that this one still doesn't quite have the old Dick Francis magic but it's tons better than Silks. Ned Talbot is more like Francis' usual hero. "
— Caryn, 1/13/2011" Pretty entertaining, and I liked the 'twist' at the end. Everything nicely wrapped up and all loose ends tied. A nice, easy read. "
— Tuuli, 12/3/2010" It was fun and good-paced book. Interesting twists and a very believable character. Also enjoyable even if you don't know much about horse racing. "
— Mandy, 11/23/2010" Good typical Dick Francis - intriguing read "
— Karen, 10/24/2010" I like Dick Francis--quick reads, interesting facts about horse racing and usually, a good mystery. "
— Sara, 10/19/2010Dick Francis, (1920–2010) a former champion steeplechase jockey, was the author of many bestselling mysteries set in the world of horse racing. The only three-time recipient of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for best novel, his awards include the Gold Dagger, the Cartier Diamond Dagger, the MWA’s Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement, an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tufts University of Boston, and in 2000 he received a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
Geoffrey Howard (a.k.a. Ralph Cosham) was a stage actor and an award-winning narrator. He recorded more than 100 audiobooks in his lifetime and won the prestigious Audio Award for Best Narration and several AudioFile Earphones Awards.