Twice Shy

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not the way to start your love of Francis..
Review: As a really big Dick Francis fan, I would be really sad if someone heard all these great things about this author, picked up this book, and then never tried another book again. It's not a very good one. The premise is good, the characterizations as usual are very nice, but the plot goes nowhere and stays there from about halfway in until the last, disappointing page. Changing narrators in the book was a nice risk, but it ruins everything. Having the book be about computers and then putting in a 14-year gap was also not the wisest thing. If you want to start off on the right Francis Foot, try PROOF or WILD HORSES or ENQUIRY, and there you're neck-deep in characterization, plot and thrills. Francis is a master, but even masters have an off day.

Rating:
Summary: Francis Never Fails
Review: Dick Francis is one of the finest mystery/thriller writers going. This book, one of the first mysteries I ever read, hooked me to Francis's saddle during my teens. I've enjoyed the ride ever since.

Rating:
Summary: 14 year gaps in books about computers? Try again!
Review: Gotta agree with the other reviewer's comment about mixing 14 year gaps in stories with plots centering about computers. I actually program these silly things for a living, and listening to this book in 2001 was interesting purely from this historical computer languages angle. However, I found myself distracted througout wondering if it was the initial story about Jonathan that was intended to take place in '81 or the second story 14 years later. I don't think I buy it either way: programs don't last 14 years.
My verdict: centering the plot on a computer program? Good.
Breaking the story into two, changing narrators, and setting the 2nd half 14 years later? Good.
Both? Not so good.
Try Whip Hand or In The Frame instead.

Rating:
Summary: 14 year gaps in books about computers? Try again!
Review: Gotta agree with the other reviewer's comment about mixing 14 year gaps in stories with plots centering about computers. I actually program these silly things for a living, and listening to this book in 2001 was interesting purely from this historical computer languages angle. However, I found myself distracted througout wondering if it was the initial story about Jonathan that was intended to take place in '81 or the second story 14 years later. I don't think I buy it either way: programs don't last 14 years.
My verdict: centering the plot on a computer program? Good.
Breaking the story into two, changing narrators, and setting the 2nd half 14 years later? Good.
Both? Not so good.
Try Whip Hand or In The Frame instead.

Rating:
Summary: Not his best - but the villian and ending are haunting.
Review: I have read all his novels, some more than twice... I enjoy hanging out with the author. The two story lines are just a bit distracting in this novel... but if you put the book down for a day between brothers, it is no big matter. And the villian is pretty scary!! shudder