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400mom's review against another edition
4.0
I have read almost all of Dick Francis’ books and this one was a little different. You still learn something about horse racing and another occupation but the focus in this story was more about Ben and his relationship with his father. Not as suspenseful as some of the other books but still satisfying. I listened to the audiobook read by Simon Preble and think the British accent and pronunciations added to my enjoyment.
deano_13's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rwarner's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it well enough, though it seemed far-fetched in several places and isn't as gripping as some of his other works. Still, I didn't put it down until I was done, and it kept me guessing most of the way. Solid read.
latas's review against another edition
5.0
Not so much about horses, but it was an enjoyable read. In this book too, we have a very loveable hero. Ben seemed very mature for his age. Though it was repeatedly mentioned that Ben was only 18 years old, the way he behaved, i kept picturing him as at least 30 years old and his father as a 60 + yr old ! George Julliard came across a very selfish person. But Ben was a son any parent would be proud of.
There were interesting details about British politics, horse insurance, some lessons in physics ...
There were interesting details about British politics, horse insurance, some lessons in physics ...
kristenjane's review against another edition
2.0
Uh, okay. So, not to be too harsh, but there was little plot and character development, very little action, and, honestly, it was pretty boring.
ncrabb's review against another edition
3.0
I have yet to read a Dick Francis that disappointed or unsettled me. This one lived up to his excellent reputation.
Ben Juliard is set to become a jockey. He has a job in the industry, and he has the desire and motivation to make it happen. But he is falsely accused of using drugs, and the stable owner summarily cuts him off and fires him despite his protestations and remonstrances.
But there’s perhaps more to the false accusation than he originally believed. It turns out that his dad needed him to help him. Seems dear old dad has political ambitions. He’s sure his son, Ben, can help him get elected. The two swear out a pact that neither one will ever conduct their lives in a way that would embarrass the politician, and young Ben strives mightily to keep the promise.
But a hate-filled member of the press who wants to sabotage Ben’s dad’s job. As a result, the fake news scandals begin, and before the book is done, things will turn deadly.
I enjoyed most the relationship between Ben and his politician father. The two are in some ways distant, but as the dangers mount and the fake news gets increasingly vicious, the two come together in wonderful ways. It’s a relatively short book, and it’s well worth the time investment you put into it.
Ben Juliard is set to become a jockey. He has a job in the industry, and he has the desire and motivation to make it happen. But he is falsely accused of using drugs, and the stable owner summarily cuts him off and fires him despite his protestations and remonstrances.
But there’s perhaps more to the false accusation than he originally believed. It turns out that his dad needed him to help him. Seems dear old dad has political ambitions. He’s sure his son, Ben, can help him get elected. The two swear out a pact that neither one will ever conduct their lives in a way that would embarrass the politician, and young Ben strives mightily to keep the promise.
But a hate-filled member of the press who wants to sabotage Ben’s dad’s job. As a result, the fake news scandals begin, and before the book is done, things will turn deadly.
I enjoyed most the relationship between Ben and his politician father. The two are in some ways distant, but as the dangers mount and the fake news gets increasingly vicious, the two come together in wonderful ways. It’s a relatively short book, and it’s well worth the time investment you put into it.
bookaneer808's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Very enjoyable mystery that, as usual, includes the horseriding world, though this one is mostly centered on English politics.
The protagonist's father is meant to be charismatic and have a magnetic personality, which makes him an ideal politician; personally I found him arrogant, ruthless and cold...so when I was meant to root for him, I hoped he'd come a cropper.
The story clipped along at a fair old rate though and was relentlessly entertaining, so well worth a read.
The protagonist's father is meant to be charismatic and have a magnetic personality, which makes him an ideal politician; personally I found him arrogant, ruthless and cold...so when I was meant to root for him, I hoped he'd come a cropper.
The story clipped along at a fair old rate though and was relentlessly entertaining, so well worth a read.
jk2600's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0