Really good read. I could tell it was his first novel since I have read so many of the others. But as always, Dick Francis creates great interest in steeplechasing and just the entire British thing as well. Everyone who likes a good mystery should try this one out. It is now part of my collection and I am sure I will read it again someday!
From the book: Steeplechaser Alan York knows well the dangers of the sport. But when his best friend and rival, Bill Davidson, takes a fall in the middle of a race and doesn't get up again, Alan discovers that it was no accident. Someone rigged a trip wire to take down the running horse. The more Alan investigates, the more he suspects that there is more to the plot than just murderous horseplay. But even as he approaches the finish line to this mysterious race, those responsible for his friend's death are already planning for Alan to have a fatal accident of his own ...
It is very hard to believe that this is the first fiction novel written by this author. A fast-paced story with an ending chase that snowballed down to the finish line. (Though do keep in mind that the technology is outdated. It was originally published in the early '60s.) Worth a read and almost sure to get you hooked on his novels.
Excellent, Francis at his best
Another excellent horse racing mystery from Dick Francis.
A great thriller where you get pulled in and also very much like the characters. This book was made into a movie in 2005, as well. You get a fascinating glimpse into the steeple chase world, into Britain with never a dull moment. Our main character is smart, intense and goes through a lot and his romance is interesting, too.
Another wonderful book by Dick Francis. You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy them because they cover all kinds of subjects with horses also a part.
As he rode through the thick English fog, jockey Alan York was looking at an all-too-familiar sight: the back of champion rider Bill Davidson astride the great recehorse Admiral. But this was one rece York was destined to win. Bdfore Admiral jumped the last fence, Bill davidson would be dead.
Alan knew racing was a dangerous sport: horses fell, jockeys got hurt. But he also knew this had been no accident.
It was the kind of knowledge that could get a man killed.
I thought this was a great book. Hard to put down. Couldn't wait to find out who done it. Surprise ending. Real shocker.
!975.Steeplechaser Alan York knows well the dangers of the sport. But when his best friend and rival Bill Davidson takes a fall in the middle of a race and doesn't get up again, Alan discovers it was no accident. Someone rigged a tripwire to take down the running horse.
The more Alan investigates, the more he suspects that there is more to the plot than just murderous horseplay. But even as he approaches the finish line to this mysterious race, those responsible for his friend's death are already planning for Alan to have a mysterious accident of his own...
