A mystery featuring Sid Halley, a former jockey who after an accident that ended his racing career became a private detective. He is asked to find out who mutilated a number of ponies and discovers that the culprit is a well liked former jockey, a friend. Ellis Quint then attempts to discredit Halley who is maligned by several newspapers. ( )

A very good book I find hard to forget. ( )

Sid Halley is a series character for Dick Francis. He is a former jocky who lost a hand and can no longer race. So he has taken up investigation to earn a living. In this case, Halley finds out and has to prove that someone he considers a dear friend, one of the most popular men in England, is responsible for some hideous crimes. The characterization is absolutely outstanding, and the plot is good as well. ( )

Sid Halley had his life ruined by press while finding the culpret cutting off colts feet. The individual was loved by all and therefore all hated Sid Halley for his efforts to condem. At the end, Ellis died, leaving a 2 page letter @ the hospital for Sid confessing all. Sid became a martyre and kept the letter to himself. Terrible ending. ( )

This is my favorite Sid Halley book. It's really sad since Sid discovers that a friend and popular media man is behind a string of grotesque crimes and Sid gets brutalized in the media for claiming it was him. ( )