The Edge

Rating:
Summary: One of His Best!
Review: If you ever wanted to know what it's like as an undercover operative, this is an excellent example. The main charactor is very convincing in both his means and his methods. That's all. Just give it try and see if you agree.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Almost Perfect
Review: This book was wonderful, it had all the twists and turns of any of Francis's best, I loved every aspect of this book, from the main character Tor Kelsy, to the evil villian Julius Apollo Filmer. the only thing that lost the one star is Francis's over use of the quintessential Canadian term "Eh", he implied that there are some Canadians (Like The Conductor), who use this after every sentence eh, I am a Canadian proud and true eh, and the over use of this word was painful to my mind eh, so much so, that I considered not finishing the book eh, but when the book was finished i was glad I had read through the tough parts eh. If you think i used eh too much, well better get used to it, because there was dialogue between Tor and the conductor which would litterally go on for a page like that.

Rating:
Summary: Dont take reading too seriously!
Review: This is an easier read than most of Francis' works. This book uses an interesting premise and location for a horse mystery (on a train). I think you'll like it if you suspend your "serious" reader side for a bit!


Rating:
Summary: Francis good even when not at his best
Review: This was the least cohesive of any book that dick francis has written, but he gets away with it by providing his usual great characters in believable and entertaining action

Rating:
Summary: The Edge - Is it a railroad or horse racing mystery?
Review: While Dick Francis is best known for his easy-going mysteries involving horse racing, this book can be called one of the better railroad mystery novels. It may not be in the same class as Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, but most of the action does take place either on board a train or at a race track.

Like most railroad mystery novels, the setting and details are at least partially contrived. Imagine crossing Canada on a private train known as The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train which transports racegoers, horse owners and their horses while making stops for horse races. Railfans will find a lot of interest here including a private car, schedules, dispatching, switching, flagging, white flags, and even rail sabotage.

Our hero, Tor Kelsey from the English Jockey Club, comes on board the train in disguise to watch a British horse owner suspected of murder and extortion. Tor immediately gets involved with the crew and with train activities. Particularly noteworthy is the mystery within a mystery as actors present an on-board mystery as the train (and story) progresses.

Unusual for Francis, there is also a romantic theme. Our hero meets and becomes interested in a young lady, and this also develops as the train speeds on. This novel is not a nail-biter but moves along at the typical Francis leisurely but entertaining pace. He does a masterful job of interweaving so many different themes (horse racing, railroading, sabotage, romance, and a mystery play) into one great story,