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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.
jakewritesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I've been meaning to try a Dick Francis novel for years. After a few false starts, I finished this on vacation as part of a summer reading challenge. Francis is a competent writer and this was a competent book. I know little and care less about English horse racing so that affected my feelings towards the book, as did the mediocre characterization. The mystery was somewhat interesting but I was ready to be done long before the resolution Glad I tried a Francis novel, don't need to do it again.
lasairfiona's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of Dick Francis' best. Kit Fielding is a great character, a steeplechase jockey (where the horses jump rather than run on a flat course) who has a strong will and a touch of telepathy. The plot has something new and interesting on every page, from a romance to falls to near murder experiences to a long run blood feud (most certainly not in that order).
This being popcorn, you shouldn't expect a Great Work of Fiction. However, it is a great read. Easy on the eyes (the edition I have has nice spacing which makes the reading go faster) and mostly easy on the brain. Francis does have a slight problem with keeping some of his characters in character, but he does it to move the plot along rather than showing what I think the character would have done. Also, the bad guys are bad but the good guys aren't always good (but you always like them). Francis also uses the technique of having the main character find a big piece of the puzzle but the only telling you the character's reaction rather than exactly what they found. Of course the information is revealed later, when it is more dramatic, but that can get a bit irritating.
There are a lot of plot points that are touched on so it feels as if the main character is well rounded even though everything is touched on lightly (making it a easy, quick read and therefore popcorn). But I always enjoy Francis' writing and I intend to read more of his stuff. Francis' books may all be popcorn and always involve horse racing, but the stories are all different and enjoyable.
This being popcorn, you shouldn't expect a Great Work of Fiction. However, it is a great read. Easy on the eyes (the edition I have has nice spacing which makes the reading go faster) and mostly easy on the brain. Francis does have a slight problem with keeping some of his characters in character, but he does it to move the plot along rather than showing what I think the character would have done. Also, the bad guys are bad but the good guys aren't always good (but you always like them). Francis also uses the technique of having the main character find a big piece of the puzzle but the only telling you the character's reaction rather than exactly what they found. Of course the information is revealed later, when it is more dramatic, but that can get a bit irritating.
There are a lot of plot points that are touched on so it feels as if the main character is well rounded even though everything is touched on lightly (making it a easy, quick read and therefore popcorn). But I always enjoy Francis' writing and I intend to read more of his stuff. Francis' books may all be popcorn and always involve horse racing, but the stories are all different and enjoyable.
yi_shun_lai's review against another edition
3.0
fun, fast reading. nothing overly thoughtful; incredibly likeable protagonist, equally likeable girlfriend-of-protagonist. what's not to like? it's dick francis!!!
jazzlioness's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessschira's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite Dick Francis books, and it is also the first he ever wrote. Kit Fielding is a lovable MC with a good heart. He is surrounded by an equally wonderful cast of supporting characters and is embroiled in an unusual mystery. If anyone hasn't read Break In they really need to right away.
ninotchka's review against another edition
4.0
Dick Francis is a master of the genre. I can't believe it took me so long to start reading his mysteries. This one has a bit of danger, a bit of romance, a heavy dose of British class commentary and a fascinating education about both steeplechase racing and the news industry. If you love British "drawing room" mysteries then read Francis.
alarra's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed Break In, where Kit the successful jump jockey - who, of course, is also super smart at reading people and navigating tricky waters - has to jump through all sorts of hoops off the race course to save his twin Holly from the threat of bankruptcy and blackmail. Great female characters throughout, smart and good at their jobs and interesting - Rose Quince, the Princess, and her niece (and love interest) Danielle.
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