Library's review
One of the reasons I've always enjoyed Dick Francis is the glimpse he gives into another world — in this case that of merchant banking. (I think the equivalent US term is investment banking, though there may be subtle differences between the two that I'm unaware of.) And on the horse side, we get a look at how a stud farm works — or in other words where all those lovely racehorses featured in other Francis books come from.
And as always with Francis, the characters are perhaps even more compelling than the mystery. Oliver Knowles, the stud farm owner, and his teenage daughter, Ginnie, are sympathetic characters who are easy to root for. And the range of secondary characters are unique enough to have fully formed personas for the reader, even if we don't spend a lot of time with them. Tim himself is the usual Francis prototype protagonist: Stoic, practical, mostly unemotional in that stereotypical "stiff upper lip" British way. And true to form for Francis, our hero is put into great physical danger and does not come out unscathed.
Just as in real life, Francis never guarantees a happy ending, though most readers will find it more than satisfactory. Even knowing who the villain was, I never get bored re-reading this book because the characters and the world-building are first-rate. Many thanks to Karen for choosing this as our first read of the year.
Genres
Collections
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Internationally popular Dick Francis packs his equestrian mysteries with as much breath-taking suspense and danger as any neck-and-neck thoroughbred race. In this New York Times best-seller, he combines the hazard of investing in horses with the calculated risk of high finance to create a plot that twists and turns around every corner. It seems a sure thing when young investment banker Tim Ekaterin underwrites a multi-million-dollar loan for a stud farm. The owner plans to purchase the championship racehorse, Sandcastle. But when disaster stalks the famous stallion and his offspring, Tim is plunged headlong into deception and murder. Winner of three Edgar Awards and named a Grand Master, Dick Francis creates extraordinary characters from people who could be your next door neighbors. Narrator Simon Prebble's authentic accents and expert pacing will hold you spellbound as this exciting thriller races from the absorbing first chapter to the startling finish.… (more)