Dead Cert

Rating:
Summary: The First Dick Francis Mystery
Review: This is the first Dick Francis mystery and I like it the second best. I like "Nerve" slightly better, but only slightly. This "Dead Cert" contains several impressive scenes. The most impressive is the climax in which the star horse "Admiral" plays an unexpectedly spectacular role. It is definitely THE MOST SPECTACULAR scene in ALL Francis mysteries. Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Out of the Gate Fast
Review: This is the first of Dick Francis' racing novels, although not the first I read. In fact, I was amazed to see it was numero uno. Even Robert Parker, another mystery master, took one novel to get it right. Francis, in racetrack parlance, broke from the gate fast. All the elements are there: A likeable hero who pursues the truth at great personal risk; a sweet but never turn-the-page-torrid romance with a bend in the road; outside knowledge about an interesting field, and an interesting villain one can almost sympathize with on some level. It grabs you right away with the murder of a jockey during a race and never lets go, right to the surprising conclusion -- one, incidentally, which our hero desperately wanted not to be so. Enjoy. It's a great start to a great, long ride. Francis' first and one of his best.

Rating:
Summary: Impressive Cert!
Review: While savoring each page of this book, I found it hard to believe this was Dick's first work. The plotting is complex, airtight and delightful; the characters each distinct and realistic. For some reason, at times I felt like the plot had elements from "The Avengers" (the classic television series, not the dud movie), although done more seriously. The book was as entertaining to read as the series was to watch. Dick builds suspense masterfully. There is one scene in particular, a "cat and mouse" hunt, that Dick draws so skillfully. The reader experiences the slow tension build up, until he or she is almost in a sort of agony, as the scene continues and continues and continues. Dick has a knack for really getting into his characters' heads and the worlds they live in. As a result, the reader is able to identify with the narrator, who gets caught up unexpectedly and deeper in intrigue, in a weirdly engaging film noir-ish style, but not quite as dark. Dick cert makes writing look effortless!