Sid knows the perils of racing all too well, but in his day jockeys didn't usually cross the finish line with three .38 rounds in the chest-which is how he found Huw Walker, the winner of a coveted race only a few hours earlier. Now Halley's quest for answers will push him to his very limits-both on and off the track.
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"Not bad! My friend Stephanie is completely obsessed with Dick Francis, and on her recommendation I read his latest book. The main character, former-jockey-turned-investigator Sid Halley, spends this book trying to slueth out who murdered a jockey and a horse trainer. I thought the story was clever and well written, and I read it pretty quickly. It's set in and around London, and the writing style reflects a certain pomp that I associate with the Brits -- but I enjoyed the tone, and would certainly recommended this book."
— Bridget (4 out of 5 stars)
" Was happy to see that Francis had come out of retirement for one more book. "
— Annelaurie, 2/20/2014" I listened to this book on CD. It was a little disconnected. The reason for the drama, the race fixing, was kind of lost in all the twists and schemes that were hatched to stop Sid Hailey from finding out about the race fixing. The drama took on a life of it's own and I kind of forgot what the first of the book was about. Not his best...or maybe listening to it, just slows me down so much that I'm disconnected because I can't listen for a long enough period of time. I started the first 5 CD's on Nov 11-12th on vacation, then when we got back, Gary had to finish it in his car and I just got back to it at the end of Nov. That could have been the problem. "
— April, 2/9/2014" This wasn't my favorite Dick Francis novel, but I never thought he would write again after the death of his wife. It's just a treat to have him writing. Now I'll have to try the novels he has written with his son. "
— Jan, 2/1/2014" Not my favorite, but an okay read. (Sid Halley as protagonist.) "
— Christie, 1/25/2014" If you love murder mysteries, this book is delicious! "
— Sarah, 1/23/2014" I love Dick Francis. I really do. I think I've read nearly all of his books. Why? Because he's a British guy who always writes about horses and mysteries. How can it get any better? This newest audiobook by Francis is about Sid Halley, the likable ex-steeple horse jockey turned private investigator. Halley is a respectable gentleman who always solves the crime. This time his lovely girlfriend is threatened, but Halley pulls through and solves the case "
— Carol, 1/20/2014" This is not the best example of Dick Francis's writing, but it's still spellbinding and one of those you just can't put down. It has all the Dick Francis elements that I love, but parts of it faltered. I'd still recommend it! "
— Kate, 1/17/2014" not alot different from his other work, maybe a little less well constructed, but still good "
— Catherine, 12/15/2013" Very cool! I really like racing and horses, and a bit of detective story mixed in! "
— Astrid, 11/27/2013" Sid Halley #4 - very good. "
— Lorraine, 11/15/2013" This book was the usual Francis - characters interesting if not fully rounded, as much about horse racing as you'd care to know, and a pleasant murder mystery that could only be solved by an ex-jockey.... Fans will love it, others will long for Agatha. "
— Jeannette, 11/13/2013" Good mystery, I always enjoy Dick Francis, but nothing spectacular. "
— Jess, 10/26/2013" One of the best Sid-Halley-Novels, very satisfying ending to Francis's mini-series about one-handed former jockey and PI Sid. "
— Feliz, 5/30/2013" It was great to read about Sid again. "
— Julie, 5/13/2013" Interesting book. Pacy read. Nothing exceptional as such. Quite a human detective with neither brain nor brwan beyond normal. "
— Karthik, 12/23/2012" Not as good as the previous Sid Halley books, but still a winning thriller. "
— Julie, 11/2/2012" I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Dick Francis' books. "
— Kathy, 7/6/2012" Rusted with Age. I liked these better when I first read them. The writing doesn't hold up. Light fun things, I will probably re-read more, when and if I have the time, on a long flight, etc. "
— Hayes, 1/26/2012" Always love Dick Francis books. Screwed up families drive people to do outrageous things!! Hope I didn't scare my boys! "
— Carol, 1/20/2012" Sid Halley investigates the murder of a jockey and the apparent suicide of a trainer. As he closes in on the truth his Sid's life is put in jeopardy. Good book, maybe even 3 1/2 stars "
— woody, 12/26/2011" Brings back Sid Halley, but the book isn't as good as the others. It is a stretch to stay interested at times. Usual plot, too, and the murderer/monster is kinda familiar, along with the settings, etc. "
— Tessa, 12/14/2011" Select Editions Vol. 2, 2007 "
— Cactuskid2, 10/22/2011" Up to his usual standard. "
— Toastlover, 5/24/2011" first one I've read that was by Dick Francis only, I think--Sid Halley was a really likable character. There was much reference to previous violence to his character, so I was relieved that this wasn't scary or gory. Good mystery. "
— Amy, 5/15/2011" Audio Book. Ex-jockey turned gumshoe Sid Halley solves a murder mystery after the police are too busy with other more important cases to care. He prevails even after his fiance is shot as a warning for him to stop digging. I enjoyed the book. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" havn't read francis in a while. good quick entertaining read. ijust picked up another of his "comeback" hope i enjoy as much. "
— Tom, 4/28/2011" Select Editions Vol. 2, 2007 "
— Cactuskid2, 4/10/2011" Typical. This is a good, fast read. "
— Gay, 4/1/2011" Pretty good, they all contain the same, come suspence, mystery blonde a lot of good luck and fortune, but hey who would have it any different! "
— Greg, 10/17/2010" A typical good read by Dick Francis! "
— Ceciliahill55, 10/6/2010" I love every one of Dick Francis' books and have read almost all of them. Each one is unique and interesting; I love the "insider" look at horse racing and the different twist of each tale-all about the same topic. "
— Juli, 9/14/2010" Dick Francis never disappoints. His mysteries always seem gentle but deadly. The horses play a huge part in making an interesting plot. His one handed hero, Sid Halley, a former jockey, keeps moving the investigations smoothly along. "
— Naomi, 9/4/2010" Nice to catch up with Sid Halley again...one of my favorites. "
— Kathy, 8/31/2010" Meh. <br/>I have a bunch of books to read that were given to me. This had, at least, a couple of redeeming qualities "
— Bill, 8/6/2010" One of the best Sid-Halley-Novels, very satisfying ending to Francis's mini-series about one-handed former jockey and PI Sid. "
— Feliz, 8/3/2010" I enjoyed the characters very much and am looking forward to reading the older titles with Sid Halley. Despite flaws, this was a great vicarious trip to London and a good audiobook to while away the miles. "
— Rebecca, 8/2/2010" My first read that actually got finished. I don't usually read books but rather like short reads, magazines and text books. It took a good book and a holiday to keep me coming back to this book to, yeah read. I do not even like horse racing, but the plot is excellent. "
— Moman, 8/2/2010Dick 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).
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.