Steven Scott is relatively new to horses. A successful, wealthy inventor, he takes up horse racing as a hobby—a hobby that soon brings him winner after winner under the inspired guidance of his trainer, Jody Leeds. Currently both their reputations are wrapped up in a beautiful black hurdler named Energise.
But just when Steven is winning at both women and horses, he discovers deceit in his own stables. Termination of the troublemaker marks Steven for his own termination—and much sooner than he can imagine.
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"Usual quality of Dick Francis books, which I happen to really like when I want to read something that's simply an enjoyable read. Nothing deep, just a nice mix of intrigue, suspense, and an inside look at the world of horse racing. This time there was also a pleasant little romance on the side."
— Carole (4 out of 5 stars)
“[Francis] has the uncanny ability to turn out simply plotted yet charmingly addictive mysteries.”
— Wall Street Journal“The best thriller writer going.”
— Atlantic Monthly“Few things are more convincing than Dick Francis at a full gallop.”
— Chicago Tribune“Dick Francis is a wonder.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer" Interesting account of a toymaker and his introduction to horse racing "
— Jnviani, 2/10/2014" I like these books. They are light and entertaining without a lot of disturbing images. A nice break from the heavy mystery/thrillers I normally read. "
— Jennifer, 2/1/2014" This one was a good quality, fast paced very tense read. I am so glad that Dick Francis was such a good solid and very prolific author as I do find that his books are enjoyable and comforting. Its good to know that the bad guy always either gets caught or does not either profit or prosper. "
— Greg, 10/3/2013" Good writing, characters, plot and plot twists! "
— Kathy, 9/13/2013" A fun horse book. It wasn't outstanding, but it was a quick, fun read. "
— Shelley, 9/5/2013" This is an earlier Dick Francis book. It is a little slow out the gate, but the ending is pretty good. "
— Peggy, 8/10/2013" Ahh, the 70s Francis that I'm used to. A likable protagonist, unannoying romantic plot, likable friends, and a less complicated ending than usual. good vacation reading. "
— Jane, 7/8/2013" Fluff by Francis' standards, but good clean fun nonetheless. "
— Nitin, 7/4/2013" I thought I had read all of DF's books, but I don't remember this one at all. Enjoyable even though you know exactly who the villain(s) are right from the beginning. The main character is just so likeable (as in all his novels, really). "
— Kate, 4/30/2013" When a horse owner finds out his trainer is stealing from him in an ingenious way, he takes all of his horses away from the yard. This ruins the trainer and he plots revenge. A fast paced book that is hard to put down. One of my favorite Francis editions. "
— April, 3/11/2013" Excellent. This is only my second Dick Francis book but won't be my last. Extremely well written with well developed characters. Great narrator "
— JanB, 10/13/2012" Wealthy toy maker takes revenge on trainer who stole his race horse "
— Lorraine, 9/25/2012" as always, such a fun read. francis is really a fall back for me when i just want something quick and entertaining. has never let me down "
— Loralie, 11/6/2011" My favorite Dick Francis book! "
— William, 8/19/2011" So good! Comfortable. "
— Christine, 3/29/2011" A revenge story that lacked lustre. Romance seemed flat. I just couldn't get interested in any of the characters. The horses brought the most to the story. "
— Julie, 10/28/2007" I've loved every other Dick Francis novel I have read. Through most of this book, I had a lot of empathy for the main character - it began to wane with the love scene at the beach, which came back as callous towards his girlfriends feelings of reluctance. "
— Jeanette, 10/5/2007" A a good ready with a clever twist and ending. "
— Cynthia, 12/22/2005" Steven Scott is a horse owner and wealthy inventor who is being taken for a ride by his trainer. Scott soon realizes that revenge is driving the crooked trainer and no one knows how far he is willing to go. "
— woody, 7/19/2005" My favorite of Dick's. "
— Cheryl, 8/26/2002" Another DF re-read. "
— Peregrina651, 2/9/2002" Another interesting mystery that takes place in part at the track (and trainers' farms). This one revolves around an owner who made his money inventing toys - not the kinds of characters I've run into in previous Francis books. Engaging. "
— Jay, 4/5/2001Dick 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.