HANDS DOWN THE BEST READ AT CHRISTMAS

Felix Francis - Hands Down reviewed by Graham Buddry

ON September 14, renowned thriller writer, Felix Francis, launched his own 16th book in the long running Dick Francis

series.

“Hands Down” sees the long awaited return of Sid Halley, now making his sixth appearance following his debut way back in 1965.

A former champion jump jockey before a serious injury curtailed his riding career, Sid found another niche as a private detective of resolute determination and success. In later years, to appease his wife, Marina, he gave that up to deal privately in stocks and shares.

Marina has now decided she needs time out of their marriage to think about the future, taking their daughter, Saskia, with her and Sid is devastated.

Soon afterwards a very frightened friend from his past, an ex-jockey turned trainer, Gary Bremner, phones asking him for help as he is being threatened by someone in the racing world. The next morning Sid discovers Gary’s stable has been burned down, three horses killed and Gary has disappeared.

Determined to uncover the truth and help his friend, Sid starts to investigate and soon finds that Gary is not alone in being threatened, quickly finding himself embroiled in a massive conspiracy that threatens the very integrity of British horse racing.

Danger comes ever closer as Sid digs deeper but can he get to the bottom of what’s going on while still battling to save his own marriage?

This is another exciting thriller set in the racing world which draws you ever further into its clutches in the time honoured “can’t-put-it-down” manner.

While speaking to Felix (a regular reader of Racing Ahead magazine) on Wednesday he told me he’d got the idea for the villainy involved in “Hands Down” after reading one of the articles in the magazine… an honour indeed.

Incidentally, Felix, if you’re still reading, the Dick Francis series haven’t covered farriers yet. Perhaps a former stable farrier has to re-plate a runner before the start of a race and discovers the horse he knows always wears an unusual three-quarters plate now isn’t. Food for thought?

Either which way, “Hands Down” is yet another winner from this eternally successful stable and a must for any Christmas present… if you can wait that long.