This was fairly good but not my favorite Francis. I had a couple of huh? moments with some of the horse stuff. One of the things I enjoy about Dick Francis' work is that I know the horse stuff will be done right. Were these huh? moments because this was more than likely mainly written by Felix? I hope that this isn't going to be a problem if Felix continues to write these books.

The story mostly felt the same as the Francis novels I have come to love over the years. The voice is basically the same, the level of detail and research the same high quality. There were parts that were very well done on the getting of information although some of the machinations were not as convoluted as in other Francis novels. The main character was manly and mostly a loner as usual. There wasn't a bout of fisticuffs which is usually but not always included. It did feel similar in plot to many others of Francis' books. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, at least the familiar is well loved and comfortable. The army stuff was good and the British slant on it all was interesting.

The part I disliked the most was the ending, what the main character decides to do with his life in the future. It 100% didn't ring true. I went "you're kidding me?" You'll see when you get there. ( )

I've read nearly everything Dick Francis has wrote, including the collaborations he and his son Felix have done. I found them solid, very interesting, and a very good read, though you can always tell who's voice it telling what part of the story. Dick's gentlemanly ways shine through, no matter the story line, or words.
Felix is a newer generation of author, and quite a good one, actually. I, too, am betting that Felix wrote most of this book, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I had been wondering through their collaborations if I would care for Felix's voice, and style of writing; and I couldn't be happier.
Felix really comes through with this novel, and was able to make such a thrilling, tightly wound storyline that I literally could NOT wait to get home and finish it, after dropping the kids off at school, so I could see how it ended. This is after staying up until 3 am, just to read "one more page".. I am quite tired, but very happy.
It's thoroughly researched, quite gripping, and totally in the style of Dick's works, but in a new, younger voice. I am hooked, and I want more! :D ( )

Tom, the son of a horse trainer and a stable owner, returns home after 15 years of military service and lost his foot following a bombing in Afghanistan. He is not received with open arms and soon realizes that his mother is being blackmailed, that the racing team's finances are catastrophic and that his mother is making her good racehorses sick with food so they will not win. Tom decides to get to the bottom of everything and catch the culprit without the police being involved.
Very exciting written and it was a great reading pleasure. ( )

Die ersten 100 Seiten waren todlangweilig und danach wurde es auch nicht viel besser. Weiterhin hat mich der ständige Bezug auf das Militär gestört. ( )

Injured, having no where else to go Tom goes back to his estranged family. Using his army skills he uncovers the blackmailer and helps his mother. ( )