Dead Heat Book Review

A horseracing mystery by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

After a successful eleven-year career as a jockey in England (during which he became one of Britain's leading National Hunt jockeys and a champion steeplechaser, riding as jockey to the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth), Dick Francis wrote his first book, an autobiography (The Sports of Queens), which led to a job on a London newspaper as a racing correspondent. In 1982, he published his first mystery book that dealt with crime in the horse-racing world. Through a publishing career of nearly 40 books, Francis’ wife, Mary, was his researcher, proofreader and biggest fan. 

Mary died in 2000 and Dick, heartbroken, virtually gave up writing. Six years later, their son Felix talked his dad into writing again and they collaborated on Dead Heat. Herein, is my review of this book.

Synopsis of Dead Heat

Dead Heat

The main character in Dead Heat is Max Moreton. Max is locally known as a celebrity chef, enjoying success in his horse-racing themed restaurant in Newmarket called The Hay Net. Max also frequently caters special meals at nearby racetracks. His troubles begin when he caters a dinner at Newmarket races where dozens of guests end up with food poisoning. Max cannot figure out what went wrong.

But, that incident was just the beginning of Max’s problems. The very next day, he caters a VIP lunch in one of the special boxes at Newmarket races, and he is nearly killed in an explosion. It suddenly becomes time for Max to start trying to figure out what is going on and why it seems as though someone is trying to kill him. 

Summary

The clever plot of Dead Heat has some interesting and some quirky characters (there is the laughing lawyer for one) and a romantic interest between Max and a beautiful viola player from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London who originally starts out to sue him! In addition, the reader gets to enjoy the ambience of the world of haute cuisine. 

I enjoyed this first collaboration of Dick Francis with his son Felix. The team went on to publish 3 more books together. Since Dick’s death at age 89 in 2010, Felix Francis has continued on in the same vein, writing horse-racing mysteries. 

• Click here for more Books by Francis (Dick & Felix)
• For More Book Reviews, Check Out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of ‘Dead Heat by Dick & Felix Francis was written by Wednesday Elf

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Book Review of Syndicate by Felix Francis

A Dick Francis Novel

Felix Francis returns with another intriguing mystery set in the world of horseracing, just like his father, Dick Francis did. With Felix growing up in the British racing world due to his dad once being a jockey, followed by a long career of writing horseracing mysteries, race horses and the world they inhabit, makes a natural setting for these stories. 

Synopsis of Syndicate

Syndicate (A Dick Francis Novel)

This novel’s main character, Chester Newton, is an organizer and manager of racehorse syndicates.  Being a member of a syndicate allows one to co-own a racehorse and experience the enjoyment found in the racing world without the complete expense involved in buying the horse and paying for its training. The joint enterprise of a syndicate makes owning a racehorse financially feasible for many more fans of the sport. 

Running racehorse syndicates, such as those Chester has done for the past twenty years or so, involves quite a lot of work and can be a high-stakes way of life. The successes of the horses on the racetracks can be filled with high-reward; losses can be disappointing.  But it has never been dangerous, until the evening after a fantastic win at the Epsom Derby when his daughter Amanda disappears from the family party.  

After several frantic and terror-filled hours, Amanda is found safe, but with no memory of what happened to her. Then Chester discovers that someone is trying to take over one of his syndicates by force. He begins to receive threatening calls from someone with a squeaky voice telling him how to run his horses by threats of serious harm to him and his family. Not just Amanda’s life, but also those of his son James and his wife Georgina. 

For the first time, Chester’s life is not just about horse racing or the money at stake, but the lives of his loved ones. 

Summary

As the reader learns about the world of British racehorse syndicates, author Felix Francis leads us on a thrilling race to the end to discover who is behind all the threats. 

Related Reviews of books by Dick & Felix Francis: 

• Book Review of Straight
• Reviews of the First Three Books in the Sid Halley Series
• Continuation of the Sid Halley Book Series
• Crisis by Felix Francis
• No Reserve by Felix Francis
• Iced by Felix Francis

For More Book Reviews, Check Out
ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Syndicate written by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review

I was pleasantly surprised by this Christmas movie.  I liked both of the actors and movie characters.  

To start with, Damon Runyan looks like royalty.  He is totally believable playing the part of a European duke.  It was fun to watch his character develop throughout the movie.  At first, we only see his serious side, but as the movie progresses, we find he actually has a rather playful side that he hides from public view.

Danica McKellar is perfect playing the part of a shop owner who knows her customers and provides more personalized service.  She is very kind, lively and spontaneous.  She can easily pick out clothing that suits the needs and preferences of her regular clientele, but doesn't hesitate to embrace the challenge of a new, all business, customer with classic style preferences.      

Bella Sparks (Danica McKellar) is exactly what Stefan Brown (Damon Runyan) needs in his life. These two make such a cute couple!

 

A Royal Date for Christmas Synopsis

 A Royal Date for ChristmasCheck PriceAfter a delayed flight in London, Stefan William Francis Brown, the Duke of Tangford, arrives in America without his luggage. On the way to his family's estate, he visits Bella Sparks couture shop to purchase a suit with all of the accessories and a "sleep garment".  He is in a hurry, so he gives Bella his tailor's contact information and requests delivery to Snowy Crest on the outskirts of town.  Of course, Bella has no idea who he is.  She simply knows he is a bit abrupt.

Because of his dispassionate attitude, Bella decides to spice up his life with a "fun" sleep garment.  When the duke sees it, even he has to chuckle.  

Stefan returns to Bella Sparks Couture Boutique the following day because his luggage still has not arrived and he needs additional clothing for the week. He ends up making a very unusual request.  Due to his busy schedule, he would like for Bella to act as his personal stylist for his week of luncheons, dinners and meetings.  He also asks her to step in as his "plus one" when needed, "strictly professional, of course".  Coming from anyone else, that "proposition" would sound inappropriate, but his delivery makes it all sound so acceptable, and Bella's business could use the extra funds for a desired expansion.

As they get to know each other, Bella discovers that he is really very nice, simply concerned about protecting his family's reputation publicly and she is happy to help him succeed.

 

 

Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review

The Great American Family Channel (GAC) offers family-friendly programming with movies that pure entertainment without foul language or disturbing scenes. Because I love their movies so much, my husband gave me a subsription to Pure Flix, which is owned my Great American Media, last year for Christmas. It was the perfect gift for me!

Here are some of the GAC Christmas movies that I have previously watched and reviewed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
A really sweet & uplifting movie about 2 people whose sacrifices for others result in significant changes to their lives that lead them to each other

A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.

Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A grandmother sends a text to wrong number & ends up making friends with a woman who replies. A Christmas invite is a chance for fun, family & romance​.

A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.

 

 

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Continuation of the Sid Halley Book Series

 

Sid Halley is a continuing character in a series of six books begun by Dick Francis and continued by his writer son, Felix Francis.  This fictional character became so popular that he has his own page on Wikipedia!

Dick Francis wrote numerous books in the horse-racing mystery genre in conjunction with his wife, Mary. Mary insisted on remaining in the background, but she did a tremendous amount of research for each novel, plus assisting in the development of characters. 

After Mary Francis died in 2000 at age 76, Dick lost interest in writing and virtually retired. Five years later, his son, Felix, agreed to help revive interest in the popular Dick Francis series of books, beginning with a new book featuring the legacy character, Sid Halley. (See Keeping a Legacy Character Alive by Felix Francis). 

Sid Halley Series Continuation by Felix Francis - Synopses

Image Source: Pixabay

Here are brief reviews of the second set of three books, written by Felix Francis, starring Sid Halley.

Under Orders (2006)

Last seen in 1995 in Come to Grief, Sid Halley, former champion jockey turned super-sleuth, returns in a new novel. 

The plot centers around three deaths which occur on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day. Sadly, death at the races isn’t that uncommon; however, finding a jockey who had just won the top race of the day dead from three bullet wounds to the chest is unusual enough to raise more than one question.

Moments before  finding the dead jockey, Sid had been asked by Lord Enstone to investigate why his horses suddenly appeared to be on a permanent losing streak. 

Halley sets out to find answers to a darker side of the race game; that of race fixing. Are the bookies involved?  How about the trainers and the jockeys? 

The results of his investigations push Halley to his limits, both professionally and personally.

Dick Francis’ Refusal (2013)

As the story in Refusal begins, we find that Sid Halley has retired from the field of Private Investigator. His work was rather dangerous at times, resulting in him being harassed, beaten and shot. Now Sid is married and has a daughter, so he gave up his former life. He thought nothing would ever lure him back. He thought wrong.

Sid refuses a request from an old friend (Sir Richard) to investigate a series of dodgy races. The next day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Then he receives threats and warnings from a man with an Irish accent of dire consequences if Sid doesn’t deliver a white-washed report to the racing authorities about the suspected race-fixing. 

Sid at first ignores these warnings, but the intimidation escalates, placing  his family under threat. Sid now realizes he must meet his enemy head-on – or pay the ultimate price for his refusal. 

Hands Down (2022)

Felix Francis returns once again with Book number 6 in the Sid Halley series.

As the story begins, we find Sid Halley having had a transplant of a new left hand since his last appearance in Refusal. 

An ex-jockey friend calls Sid for help after receiving death threats, But Sid is busy coping with his own problems of recovering from surgery, plus saving his crumbling marriage.  

 

Then, his friend’s stable yard is torched, horses are killed, and the friend is found dead. Sid now blames himself for not helping sooner. The police think it’s suicide, but Sid is not convinced after his friend’s terrified phone calls. As Sid begins to investigate, he finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy involving the integrity of British horse racing.

Summary

Therein concludes this series of novels featuring popular fictional character, Sid Halley. Will there be more? We will have to wait and see.  Meanwhile, Felix Francis continues to write in a genre fans of Dick Francis enjoyed and has become a successful crime writer in his own right. 

*One interesting side note about the Sid Halley series relates to the time periods they were written.  Dick Francis began the series with Odds Against in 1965. Dick's son Felix began the continuation of the series in 2006. These two authors' styles were similar, but the difference is in technology. In 1965 there were no personal computers, cell phones, or the Internet. All of those things come into play in the second three Sid Halley books written by Felix Francis. If you read all six books in the series back-to-back, you will see how technology changes many things. 

Related Reviews:

• Reviews of the First 3 Books in the Sid Halley Series
• Reviews of other books by Dick Francis
• Reviews of other books by Felix Francis

For more Book Reviews, Check Out

ReviewThisBooks.com

Under Orders (Sid Halley series Book 4)

Dick Francis's Refusal (Sid Halley series Book 5)

Hands Down: A Novel (A Dick Francis Novel)

*Sid Halley Books Part II reviewed by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviews of the First Three Books in the Sid Halley Series

Dick Francis was a well-known British steeple-chase jockey who, after retiring from one profession, became an internationally known author of horse-racing mysteries. 

Dick Francis wrote more than 40 novels, which were mainly stand-alone stories with a single central character. The main characters in each book were not repeated in other books. There was one exception due to one character becoming so popular that Francis’ readers asked for more. Thus, the author began the Sid Halley series.

Character Sid Halley was a steeplechase jockey until an injury left him with a crippled hand. He subsequently became a one-handed private investigator after discovering he had a natural affinity for the work. His specialty, due to his considerable knowledge of the horse racing industry, becomes centered around crimes related to racing. Dick Francis featured him in three novels.

Review of the First Three Novels Featuring Sid Halley

Odds Against (1965)

Former jockey Sid Halley landed a position with a detective agency following a career-ending injury. While setting a trap to catch a penny-ante thug, Sid lets down his guard and ends up getting shot.

While recovering from his bullet wound at the home of his former father-in-law, Charles, he is intrigued to learn that some invited weekend guests are planning a takeover of a famous race course with the intent of selling the land for housing and making a bundle. Charles wants Sid to prevent this from happening, but these criminals are experts and have gotten away with similar situations in the past. 

Halley goes up against them, and finds the odds are against him succeeding, or even surviving. 

Whip Hand (1979)

Sid Halley, ex-jockey turned detective, returns in the second book in the Sid Halley series. Sid lost his left hand due to an earlier racing accident and subsequent beating by thugs. Now he is spending his time working as an investigator, specializing in racing crimes, helped by fellow detective Chico Barnes. 

Sid & Chico suddenly find themselves in the middle of investigating three different horse racing problems at the same time. 

First, a trainer’s wife wants them to look into problems in her husband’s racing stables involving horses whose 2-year-old form are failing as 3-year-olds.

Then, Charles, Sid’s ex-father-in-law, asks Sid to find a man who has conned Sid’s ex-wife Jenny and left her in police trouble over a fake charity.

Finally, Sid & Chico are approached by both a racehorse owner and Lucas Wainwright, head of the Jockey Club’s security service, to look into certain syndicates which should not have gotten through the checking process. 

A fascinating Dick Francis thriller.

Come to Grief (1995)

Sid Halley returns in book #3 in the series.

Still continuing to work as a private investigator, Sid goes to help solve the problem of who could have maimed a pony belonging to a little girl suffering from leukemia. While investigating, Sid discovers that there have been several shocking violent acts against horses left unattended overnight in fields. 

Sid eventually becomes convinced that the perpetrator is one of racing’s most beloved figures - and a personal close friend. The case thus becomes the most troubling of his career.

Summary

These first three books in the Sid Halley series set the stage for a continuation of the series by Dick Francis’ son Felix. The rest of the series will be found in another review coming soon.

Odds Against

Whip Hand

Come to Grief (Sid Halley series Book 3)

*The Sid Halley series of book reviews is written by Wednesday Elf

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

No Reserve by Felix Francis – Book Review

 

A Dick Francis Novel

Author Felix Francis continues following in his father's footsteps with the series of books which are always placed in the horse racing world in Great Britain.  Each main character in these books written first by Dick Francis, and then continued on by his son, Felix Francis, is related in some way to horse racing.  The character may be a jockey, a horse trainer or owner, or in some way work in a related field. 

In this latest book, No Reserve, the reader gets to follow the actions and adventures of an auctioneer in Newmarket at the bloodstock yearling sales.

Synopsis of No Reserve

The higher the stakes, the greater the risk.... 

No Reserve (A Dick Francis Novel)

Theo Jennings has been working for a bloodstock sales company these past three years, hoping to continue climbing the ladder in his chosen field. On Day 1 of the Newmarket October sales he makes his first-ever multimillion-dollar sale of a yearling colt. A few days after the sale, Theo finds out that the colt has died. After having accidentally overhearing a conversation about that colt and insurance, he becomes suspicious that foul play was involved. 

Theo begins to investigate the death of the colt, with the help of a young woman friend who works in the accounting department of the sales company. But no one really wants to talk to him or answer any questions. Then a person's body is found in the same stable where the colt was found dead. 

Suddenly, Theo finds fingers pointed at him and his world turns upside down with the accusations. The only way to clear his name is to find the real murderer. 

Summary

Another exciting adventure in the English world of race horses by mystery writer, Felix Francis. A thoroughbred thriller for sure! 

Related Links:

• Straight, a Horse Racing Mystery
• Crisis
• Iced

*Book Review of No Reserve written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Mary Willis Library in Washington, Georgia

Travel Review of an historic library landmark

In 2016, as Hurricane Matthew was approaching the coast of Georgia near where I lived just 10 miles from the ocean outside Savannah, GA, I evacuated to my friends' house in Washington, Georgia, a small town located 190 miles inland. If you live in a coastal area, hurricane evacuations are often mandatory and almost always a wise move. 

As it turned out, my area was without electricity for five days and suffered severe tree and structural damage, along with flooding. So I was safe & sound for the duration in charming little Washington, Georgia. 

The town of Washington, located about 100 miles east of Atlanta, has a population of only a bit over 3500 people, yet it is a delightful town with much to offer visitors, even those who had to arrive, as I did, on an unplanned expedition. 

Being a voracious reader, I told my friend I would love to be able to get a library book or two to read during my stay, so she took me to her town library. Turns out, Washington's library is more than just a public library; it is an historical site and a most charming place to visit. 

The Mary Willis Library

The Mary Willis Library was opened in 1889 and became the very first free public library in the state of Georgia. It was founded by Dr. Francis T. Willis in memory of his daughter Mary and as a gift to the people of his hometown. It was designed by Atlanta architect Edmund Lind and constructed with bricks in the picturesque profile of the high-Victorian style of Queen Anne. 

The interior has high beams and tall Tiffany stained-glass windows, with the central window commemorating Mary Willis. The original furnishings of the library are still in use.

In addition to the collection of current library materials, Mary Willis Library has an invaluable core collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history, books by local authors, family memorabilia and Washington newspapers

In 1972, the Mary Willis Library was listed with the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A well-deserved recognition, as it is a most charming building and a delight to visit, not only for your reading pleasure, but for the history and beauty of this 100-plus year building. 

Summary

In addition to a lovely visit with my friends, who were kind enough to shelter me during my hurricane evacuation, having access to this library and books to read helped fill the anxious hours until I was able to return home. Discovering the beautiful and historic Mary Willis Library was a delightful bonus. 

Image by Jud McCranie, CC 4.0 on Wikipedia

*Travel Review by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

ICED by Felix Francis – Book Review

ICED is the latest horseracing mystery by Felix Francis, son of the British crime writer Dick Francis.

Synopsis

Miles Pussett grew up wanting more than anything to be a championship steeplechase jockey like his father. He loved riding horses and dreamed of following in his father's footsteps.

When his dad is killed in an automobile accident when Miles is 12, he devotes himself to learning to ride like his famous father. He is given his first opportunity while still in his teens to compete in a point-to-point event, his first horse race, albeit as an amateur. When his mother dies, he becomes a jockey for a training stable.

Although Miles tries his best, he endures many setbacks as he pursues his dream. He is treated badly by fellow jockeys as they all think he is only given rides in horse races because of who is father was. Therefore he has no friends. He wins a few races, but 'being the best' eludes him as there are more losses than wins and his confidence level gets lower and lower.

Miles ends up drinking as a way to 'forget' his failures and eventually he hits rock-bottom. With the help of the trainer's wife, who sees the problem and wants to help Miles, he ends up seeing a psychiatrist. Turns out that Miles has been suffering from PTSD going back to his childhood. He always thought that PTSD was only a veteran's condition. Not so. Anyone can suffer from it given enough trauma that has gone unrecognized. 

Until the psychiatrist explains it to him, Miles had no idea that his dad's death had affected him so strongly (because 12-year-old Miles was in the car with his dad the day of the accident). And his mother's death when he was only 17 was due to suicide and Miles blamed himself. All this trauma before he ever grew up with no one helping him understand it led to his PTSD. 

Now it is 7 years later and Miles has left the horse racing world and is doing fine. Instead, he enjoys riding headfirst down the Cresta Run, a three-quarter-mile Swiss ice chute, reaching speeds of up to eighty miles per hour. 

While at St. Moritz for the Cresta Run, Miles discovers it is the same weekend as the White Turf – an event featuring high-class horseracing taking place on a frozen lake.  Against his better judgment, he gets talked into helping out with the horses. But then he discovers something suspicious going on at the races.

Miles begins to search for answers, because the 'something suspicious' many have a profound impact on his future. But someone is adamant about stopping him – and they will go to any lengths to do it.

Summary

The horseracing mystery involved in ICED is, as always, an interesting read for fans of the Dick Frances and Felix Francis stories. But it is also a look into how Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) can affect not only those who have fought in wars, but anyone who has had to endure a series of traumas in their life.  

Available on Amazon

Related Links:

• Crisis by Felix Francis
• Straight - a Horseracing Mystery by Dick Francis

*Iced, a horseracing mystery by Felix Francis reviewed by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: