(see copy 2; re-read 2014-08-05) ( )

This was a very enjoyable mystery. Instead of focusing on horse racing, like the other books I have read by Dick Francis, "Longshot "was set in the world of books, writing and literature, although the Vickers family were British horse-racing royalty. As usual, the hero, this time John Kendal, was quiet, resourceful, intelligent and very likeable. I also liked the local inspector Doone, with the Berkshire lilt, who was determined to solve the murders which were occurring in his area and Gareth, Tremayne Vickers' 15-year-old son. Both brought some humour to the novel. With a tight plot which included plenty of twists and an unexpected ending, "Longshot "was a fun whodunnit. ( )

writer becomes embroiled in murder, shot w. arrow

This book is one of Dick Francis' best, and I have read a lot of his! It's about a writer, John Kendall, who is freezing and rationing food as he works on his second novel in someone's attic. He just happens to go to his agent when a racehorse trainer is also there trying to find someone to write his biography. John agrees out of desperation and gets quickly involved in this man's life and family. This is hard to put down and as always, excellent character development. You care about John and about so many of the other people in the story. I did figure out who the killer was as John was struggling to survive but even the very last sentence is gripping!! ( )

I really enjoy mysteries written by Dick Francis. They are always interesting and have fully developed characters, most of whom are likable, who are challenged to extend themselves. So far as I have read, there is always a tie-in to the British horse-racing scene. This is no different. A writer of survival travel guides accepts a commission to write a biography of a respected horse trainer. There's been a recent death by less-than-natural means. And there is the missing Angela, who once worked as a stable lad for a horse that was perhaps doped by feeding him chocolate.

In some ways the book's theme can be summed up by this passage: Through Nolan I began to understand how much more there was to riding races than fearlessness and being able to stay in the saddle. More than tactics, more than experience, more than ambition. Winning races, like survival, began in the mind.

If you like well-written mysteries, you will probably like this book. If you like horse racing or eventing and mysteries, this should be on your shelf! ( )