In another review of a Dick Francis book I described how they all follow the same general pattern, and I've had no reason to change my mind about that. Until this came along which really made me feel there was something different. Some things are the same: Lone guy, excelling at his occupation, nice girl and all that, but there is also a slightly depressed (the mood, not the physical phenomena) blanket over the book. If I were to guess, I would guess that Dick Francis was going through some kind of hard time when writing Rat Race.

So is it good? All considered it's about the same as expected. If you like Dick Francis books, you will like this one as well. If you do not like them, then this is unlikely to change your mind. If you do not know, then give it a try. Like all his books Rat Race is bite sized, and can quickly be swallowed even if the taste isn't perfect.

For the record:

Occupation: Pilot
Horse Race relationship: Flies jockeys and trainers between courses
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A very interesting novel about small plane pilots, and their jobs being taxis. I loved the change of pace, and all the characters! ( )

Matt Shore is a private pilot whose career has slid slowly downwards due to circumstances beyond his control. He’s now working for a very small, struggling commuter airline that often ferries jockeys, owners and other horse racing aficionados between racetracks.

Some near-fatal incidents, including a bomb on the plane while it is on the ground, alert Matt that something is badly amiss. But who is the target? The popular jockey who can coax wins out of unlikely horses? The trainer and owner who are known to fix races to win money betting? Someone out of Matt’s own slightly checkered past?

The horses themselves take a more minor role in this novel than in many of Francis’s other books. I did enjoy the details of flying an aircraft, which, since it is also one of Francis’s loves is full of authentic details. For me, that’s the allure of the Francis books: the details, especially the horse details ring true. That along with a protagonist who truly is trying to do the right thing make these comfort reads for me. ( )

Matt Shore is a good pilot who’s had some bad breaks. His current gig is flying an air taxi service, and his passengers are often employed in the horse racing industry. A couple of near misses leave him wondering who and what is behind them, and most importantly of all, why it’s happening. Pilots don’t have much room for error.

The mystery plot isn’t as strong in this book as in some of Francis’s other books, but other aspects of the book made up for it somewhat. I really liked most of the characters in the book, especially the younger Matthew, nephew of the Duke of Wessex. I also liked the flying theme, although the technical details in a couple of passages were over my head. It was obvious to me that the accident insurance had to be the motive behind everything as soon as this element was introduced in the plot since it didn’t make financial sense. And someone needs to introduce Chanter to Honey. ( )

In this book, the horseracing plays only a marginal role, rather it is about flying.
Matt Shore is a pilot and flies trainers, racehorse owners and jockeys to the horse races. Already on the return flight of his first working day, his plane is blown up by a bomb. Luckily, no one hurt. Of course he has the commission of inquiry on the neck. Nobody can explain how the bomb came on the plane. At a later date, the plane of Colin Ross' sister is manipulated. She can land safely with a spectacular rescue operation.
Who is behind all this? Matt finds all the pieces of the puzzle with time, can he convict the villain before the next assassination?
Very exciting written. ( )