Dick Francis's Refusal

by Felix Francis Narrated by Martin Jarvis

Overview

Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He' d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game. He thought wrong. Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing . . . or else. At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate-- and Sid' s own family comes under threat-- Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on . . . or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Francis successfully resurrects one of his late father’s most popular creations and only series character—disabled jockey–turned–PI Sid Halley (last seen in 2006’s Under Orders), who has given up detecting as a concession to his wife, Marina. Well-off from investments, Sid leads a happy if placid country life with Marina and their six-year-old daughter. Given his desire to avoid the rough stuff, Sid is reluctant to look into “some corrupt goings-on in racing” when asked to do so by Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the British Horseracing Authority. Sir Richard is sparing with details, providing only a list of recent races, and Sid is careful not to commit. Sid changes his mind after Sir Richard dies while sitting in a running car in a closed garage, an apparent suicide. Of course, his involvement in the case places Sid and those dear to him at risk. Longtime fans will be hard put to tell this gripping thriller from the senior Francis’s work. Agent: Philippa Brophy, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Sept.)

From the Publisher

[Felix Francis] has one priceless advantage. He couldn’t have had a better teacher.”—The Washington Times

"Francis aficionados will hope that Felix chooses to carry on the family tradition on his own.”—Publishers Weekly 

“Francis knows how to control this wild run of a plot and also knows how to create a conflicted character in the midst of crisis. A stunning addition to the family line.”—Booklist
 

Kirkus Reviews

2013-08-15
Francis fils brings back his father's favorite hero for a jaundiced look into a rash of rigged steeplechases. Retired by a crippling injury from his first career as a jockey and retired by fears for his family and his peace of mind from his second as a private eye, Sid Halley just wants to be left alone with his biologist wife, Marina, and their daughter, Saskia, 6. But trouble keeps finding him. First, Sir Richard Stewart, chair of the British Horseracing Authority, urges him to look into a string of nine races he's convinced were fixed; then a mysterious caller with a Belfast accent demands that he sign a report saying that he's conducted an investigation and found nothing to Sir Richard's charges. Readers who know Sid (Under Orders, 2006, etc.) won't be surprised to hear that the prickly, one-handed investigator refuses both commissions. But he has to think twice about the first request when Sir Richard dies the day after his visit in a staged suicide that would fool no one but the police and about the second more peremptory command when Saskia is taken from school and Sid's two guard dogs are captured and released on the M6, 80 miles from home. Sid's tormentor, soon identified as murderous ex-commando Billy McCusker, is obviously implacable, and whether or not Sid puts his name to the whitewash and sends it to BHA security chief Peter Medicos, it's obvious that he'll have no peace of mind until he's dealt decisively with McCusker. Although the jockeys McCusker has intimidated into throwing their races offer little help, Sid burns to go mano a mano with his nemesis, and once he reunites with his ex-colleague Chico Barnes, readers know it's just a matter of time. Not as original as Dick Francis's Bloodline (2012) but still a fast-paced, highly professional evening's entertainment. With all due respect, hasn't Francis earned the right to have his famous father's name removed from the franchise?

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171108533
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	09/03/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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