Scan barcode
r_lind's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It was slow to get going, then picked up and was entertaining.
thayerbowen's review
3.75
Solid classic Dick Francis circa 1991. Veterinary practice but the main character is from the diplomatic corps. Otherwise follows the usual dependable Francis.
cords_books's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cmbohn's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this one. Peter Darwin in a diplomat recently posted back home to England after several years in Japan. He makes the acquaintance of some fellow Brits who are mugged.They are both pretty shaken and are glad for his help when they make it to England. But the troubles are only beginning. Darwin is soon involved in sorting out some malicious mischief at a vet's surgery. I liked this one a lot.
sdownsy's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this funny little book -- part coming home novel, part classic detective novel, part spy thriller, part country vet chronical, but all in a funny combination that makes it unique and its own. A pleasant, if not phenomenally memorable read.
donnaj71's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was a good book even though it took me a bit to get used to the different British lingo. I guess I haven't watched enough BBC TV. Peter Darwin works for the Civil Service and is given a new assignment in Gloucestershire, England where he lived as a child. His mother worked as a secretary at the horse races then so he grew up around them and had wanted to race himself one day. He is interested in seeing his old neighborhood again. He befriends a man named Ken there that is a local Vet and surgeon to the racehorses. He confides in Peter that he is worried about his reputation because recently several horses have died unexpectedly. As Peter begins to learn more about this mystery he is also recognizing names and places from when he was a child. Things begin to get more serious when part of the Vet clinic burns and a body is found inside. More horses die mysteriously and Peter has to figure something out fast before there is nothing left of Ken's career.
muninnherself's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The best of the three DF novels I've read this week, with an interestingly complex story about vets and horses dying unexpectedly, with a good cast of supporting characters, plenty of suspects, and a story where the protagonist's past plays an unexpected role.
julieputty's review
4.0
I'm giving this one credit for a good hero and interesting story even if the mystery plot went way askew and never got its feet back under it.
More...