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ashley_crookham's review against another edition
"they glanced at each other, searching each other's reactions, and in their private language apparently decided not to turn down the offer"
I love that line because it reminds me so much of my husband and me. People laugh when we "talk" without talking in front of them.
I love that line because it reminds me so much of my husband and me. People laugh when we "talk" without talking in front of them.
shellystilger's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this way more than I expected. A just-plain good story.
char_722's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lorimichelekelley's review against another edition
4.0
Audible edition: How have I missed this author all these years?? This one was published in 1985 and is going to go down as one of my all time faves! It has mystery, family dynamics, a bit of romance, horse racing!, and character development, and all done with a main character who has honesty, integrity, and good manners! And notably is without a grisly murder or rape or child abduction. The only thing I've rolled my eyes at a bit is that he does kiss the cheeks of women he didn't know well (just no!) and has issue with female jockeys, as they can't roll with it like men can, but beyond that, my goodness! I've enjoyed this one! And with that confidence, I purchased three more titles by the author. I'm now in love with the narrator, Simon Prebble, and he will rival Ralph Cosham as my favorite male narrator. His voices are some of the best I've heard. Not only that, but in looking at titles for this author and listening to the samples, I have found that Ralph Cosham also recorded under the name of Geoffrey Howard! Woohoo! New titles to line my Audible shelves for bedtime stories for years to come!
paulataua's review against another edition
4.0
Dick Francis is always a great go to author when you want a solid no nonsense hero to resolve a mystery with both dashing and good manners. This is the first in the Kit fielding two part series and it is just a totally entertaining read. I am no horse racing fan, but I loved the descriptions of his races. Apologies to GR friends who have been singing his praises. I have been slow to get around to him, but I am on board now.
dana_naylor's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Book holds up well even though it was published in 1986. Some slight misogyny, but it is mentioned as a failing in Kit’s view (he doesn’t like racing female jockeys since he doesn’t like the idea of a woman being hurt). Having the internet available makes rereading Dick Francis more fun too, since I can watch a hurdle race on YouTube! Enjoyed it.
piperkitty81's review against another edition
5.0
I accidentally listened to the sequel before listening to this first book, but both work well as stand alones. I really like this character. Great mystery!
latas's review against another edition
4.0
A mystery where no one is murdered, not even horses ?! Only Dick Francis could have pulled this off and he does it and how!!
Once again Dick Francis comes up with a unique plot, with interesting characters and a Hero to root for.
I don't think I have ever met a gentleman (in real life or in fiction) like any of Francis's Heroes. Kit (Christmas) Fielding has tons of patience, clever, resilient, charming and wins almost every race he rides in!
Along with horse racing, we get to know how media works - print and TV, how TV news are edited and aired. These might be obsolete technology, and may not even be accurate in the 80s, but it was still fun.
I am not giving full 5*, because the way Kit easily gets incriminating evidence against the Villain was a bit far-fetched.
The audible narration by Tony Britton was a treat to listen to.
Once again Dick Francis comes up with a unique plot, with interesting characters and a Hero to root for.
I don't think I have ever met a gentleman (in real life or in fiction) like any of Francis's Heroes. Kit (Christmas) Fielding has tons of patience, clever, resilient, charming and wins almost every race he rides in!
Along with horse racing, we get to know how media works - print and TV, how TV news are edited and aired. These might be obsolete technology, and may not even be accurate in the 80s, but it was still fun.
I am not giving full 5*, because the way Kit easily gets incriminating evidence against the Villain was a bit far-fetched.
The audible narration by Tony Britton was a treat to listen to.
govmarley's review against another edition
3.0
Another winner by Dick Francis. He never lets me down.
This one introduces us to Kit Fielding, champion steeplechase jockey. He's a fantastic everyman, like Francis writes so well. A good man who loves horses, justice, and his friends and family. He's brave (not to a fault like my boy Sid Halley, but still brave) and doesn't hesitate to do what needs to be done for his sister. While I am a bit lukewarm on Danielle, I love the Princess and understand why Kit is so taken with her. She's fantastic.
Read this one before you read book 2, naturally, or you won't care as much about what is happening in Kit's life. I wish Francis had written more about Kit, but sadly we only get 2 books. A good mystery and good racing. 3.5 stars.
This one introduces us to Kit Fielding, champion steeplechase jockey. He's a fantastic everyman, like Francis writes so well. A good man who loves horses, justice, and his friends and family. He's brave (not to a fault like my boy Sid Halley, but still brave) and doesn't hesitate to do what needs to be done for his sister. While I am a bit lukewarm on Danielle, I love the Princess and understand why Kit is so taken with her. She's fantastic.
Read this one before you read book 2, naturally, or you won't care as much about what is happening in Kit's life. I wish Francis had written more about Kit, but sadly we only get 2 books. A good mystery and good racing. 3.5 stars.