Under Orders

July 31, 2006
Beloved series character Sid Halley, a champion jockey, makes a welcome return in the latest fast-paced crime novel from bestseller Francis (Come to Grief
). When a crippling injury forces Halley into retirement, he begins a second career as a PI. Thanks to his doggedness and integrity, he attracts many clients, including a mysterious government figure who asks him to assess the unintended consequences of Britain's legalization of Internet gambling, and others who wish him to unravel the nest of puzzles surrounding the murder of a jockey, Huw Walker, suspected of throwing races. This time, the sinister forces arrayed against him have an unexpected weapon—threats of violence against Halley's new significant other. The writing and action are as crisp as ever, though longtime Francis fans may find the plot a little familiar. BOMC and Mystery Guild main selection.

September 1, 2006
Jockey-turned-P.I. Sid Halley, Francis's beloved one-armed protagonist who last appeared in 1995's "Come to" "Grief", makes a welcome return here. This book begins on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day with three deaths, one of which involves a jockey being shot three times in the chest. While the police investigate the jockey's killing, Sid, hired to investigate Internet gambling and the possibility of race fixing, believes his investigation and the murder might be connected. Stimulating characters -including Sid's ex-wife, her husband, Sid's new girlfriend, and of course, the bad guys -people this mystery, which, despite violence, death, and greed aplenty, is never depressing. The human frailty of Francis's believable characters, who are not without a bit of humor, are what stand out here. The plot and ending are plausible, too, and may inspire new fans to join the already large Francis fan club. Highly recommended for all public libraries." -Patsy E. Gray, Huntsville P.L., AL"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2006
After an absence of six years, Dick Francis comes thundering up the track with a thriller that resoundingly demonstrates that the acclaimed author, if anything, may have gained a few steps. Francis re-summons his most popular protagonist, Sid Halley, a champion jockey turned sleuth, whose racing career was shattered when a horse fell on him and then an adversary mangled his left hand. Last seen in " Come To Grief" (1995), Halley, who brings racing knowledge, spirit, and resilience to whatever case he tackles, remains one of the most exquisitely developed characters in crime fiction. This adventure starts with Cheltenham Gold Cup day, during which one racegoer drops dead, a horse collapses after a stirring win, and the victorious jockey is discovered shot to death in the parking lot. Juggling several sleuthing assignments, Halley finds himself working not only for the father of the slain jockey but also for a Lord who wants to know if the races his horses run in are being fixed. The plot keeps delivering shocks as Halley's investigation is derailed by threats and violence against his new love. And Francis once again proves himself a master of detail, seamlessly incorporating fascinating facts about DNA technology, myoelectric hands, Internet gambling, and even stitches. Wow. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)