Second Wind

Rating:
Summary: The master disappoints
Review: I have read almost all of Dick Francis's books. I usually find his mysteries to be well plotted and exciting in a somewhat overcivilized British way. I can also usually count on learning something, usually about the horse racing world, but other things as well. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Second Wind. My main objection is that the main character is so dim that he constantly puts himself in harm's way for the most incredible reasons. This man is supposed to be a physicist and meteorologist, but isn't smart enough to come in out of the rain. The plot strains credulity, and the connection to Francis's usual horse racing milieu is about as tenuous as could be. All in all, a very disappointing outing for a normally reliable author.

Rating:
Summary: Weak for Francis, Not a good representation
Review: This book is certainly not indicative of Francis's style or the caliber of his books. I read several reviews that say that Francis has lost it, and I would say that is far too harsh. Prior to this book, nearly all of his novels centered more around horse racing than this one does here. That is not to say that the books are racing books themselves, but it plays a key role in the backdrop of the story. Furthermore, Francis normally gives a character we can relate to put in extenuating circumstances and we feel more of a connection with the story. In this book, Francis has strayed significantly from the norm. "Second Wind" plays more like a espionage novel rather than a mystery. The book in of itself really isn't that bad, but it definitely falls short of what Francis is capable of and doesn't capture his strength as a writer. So what can you take from this. If you have already read the book and hated it, don't give up, Francis is an excellent story teller. If you loved it, then you should really like what else he has to offer. For those of you considering this book, I offer the following opinion. a. If you are new to Dick Francis read "Whip Hand", "The Danger", "In the Frame", or "Bloodsport". You will appreciate him as a writer more. b. If you are a big Francis fan, be prepared -- this story is definitely different and you shouldn't expect the same type of tale you normally get. By itself the story isn't bad, it's just not what you expect from him.

Rating:
Summary: Big Disappointment!
Review: Having read all the previous novels by Dick Francis I looked forward to his latest. What a disappointment! I'm afraid he was out of his element with meteorology. The only time horses and racing entered the story was as a place to 'exchange' information between the characters. Dick Francis knows horses and racing and should stick to that. But even the style of writing was not the same, boring and wandering.