Dick Francis is one of my favorite authors. I always enjoy reading one of his books

Share/Like this Review?

Dick Francis has written so many bestselling mysteries, it's mind boggling. He excels in crafting enormously engaging, civilized whodunits, which go down smooth as cognac. Mr. Francis has a habit of introducing elements from the racing world into his novels (for those not in the know, Francis used to be a jockey). Yes, it's true that his heroes all come from the same mold and the stories do contain certain formulaic elements, but I think Francis's magic lies in the humanity and empathic nature with which he cloaks his protagonists. His heroes are all too human, all too flawed, and uniformly unassuming with a British reserve. Yet, without exception, they all have unexpected pluck, hidden strength, and the inner fortitude to do the right thing. In four decades, Mr. Francis has written some of my favorite mysteries: Forfeit, Rat Race, Reflex, Hot Money, The Edge, The Danger, Decider, and To the Hilt. And then there's "Nerve"

Nerve holds a special place in my heart. I first stumbled across Dick Francis's mystery books years ago when I was a kid thumbing thru a Reader's Digest book. That book contained a condensed version of Nerve, which I went thru in a flash. As soon as I could, I went to the public library and borrowed the full-length version and tore thru that one, too. Since then, I've read everything that Dick Francis has ever written and I've enjoyed every one tremendously (even his anthology Field of Thirteen), but, thru the years, I've come back again and again to Nerve and its charismatic hero Rob Finn. It's just such a darn good story.

Nerve, published in 1964, was only Francis's third novel at the time. Yet, even back then, he had what it took to tell a captivating, suspenseful story.

Share/Like this Review?

Beautiful copy. Jockey Rob Finn can't understand why he goes from winning his early races to losing 30 in a row. Plus, his good name and reputation are suffering from the unflattering false rumors that say he has lost his nerve. Other jockeys have been ruined or damaged by the same rumor mill.
Rob is puzzled why his horses have all been sluggish in the races when they had been fine before. His search for reasons lead him to discover a diabolic and very dangerous individual who could take his life as well as his reputation.
Dick Francis is in his best form here. Another page turner, a likeable hero, a great plot -- what more could you want?
I highly recommend this book.

Share/Like this Review?

Excellent.

Share/Like this Review?

A rumor starts that a jockey has lost his nerve, and things continue to go downhill. But he is not the first jockey to be ruined by the rumor mill lately, and he sets out to find the person responsible. As usual, Dick Francis spins a complex web of intrigue, and one that leads to an exciting and suspenseful finish. Definitely worth a read!

Share/Like this Review?