Hot Money

Rating:
Summary: Francis at his Best
Review: A rich patriarch and his estranged son rebuild their relationship while trying to find out which of the family asssortment of ex-wives and offspring is trying to kill them. One of his best books (and they are all good), with the smooth flow, wry wit, sustained tension, and consummate storytelling which are the hallmarks of Dick Francis. Most highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Francis at his Best
Review: A rich patriarch and his estranged son rebuild their relationship while trying to find out which of the family asssortment of ex-wives and offspring is trying to kill them. One of his best books (and they are all good), with the smooth flow, wry wit, sustained tension, and consummate storytelling which are the hallmarks of Dick Francis. Most highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Too much money
Review: For whatever reason this novel has gone out of print. One can hope that the publisher will reprint. The main character, Malcomb Pembroke, has a knack for making money, particularly in investments in gold, and has become very wealthy (by 1987 standards, when the novel was written). The problem is the fact that he doesn't get along with his ex-wives and children. He won't increase allowances set when he was merely rich rather than filthy rich. His first three ex-wives and their seven children seem to hover about like greedy vultures waiting for him to die so they can inherit the estate. This is compounded by sibling rivalries, ex-wives poisoning their childrens' minds, and various mental attitudes. The children are furious when Malcomb starts donating money to charities and spending millions on racehorses.

The novel is an interesting whodunit as first Malcomb's fifth wife is murdered, and then attempts are made on his life. There are many people with motives, mainly in the family. His son Ian, the only child he trusts, helps unravel the mystery. The story illustrates how money can corrupt a family. While the reader can make some guesses, the ending is not obvious.

Rating:
Summary: Too much money
Review: For whatever reason this novel has gone out of print. One can hope that the publisher will reprint. The main character, Malcomb Pembroke, has a knack for making money, particularly in investments in gold, and has become very wealthy (by 1987 standards, when the novel was written). The problem is the fact that he doesn't get along with his ex-wives and children. He won't increase allowances set when he was merely rich rather than filthy rich. His first three ex-wives and their seven children seem to hover about like greedy vultures waiting for him to die so they can inherit the estate. This is compounded by sibling rivalries, ex-wives poisoning their childrens' minds, and various mental attitudes. The children are furious when Malcomb starts donating money to charities and spending millions on racehorses.

The novel is an interesting whodunit as first Malcomb's fifth wife is murdered, and then attempts are made on his life. There are many people with motives, mainly in the family. His son Ian, the only child he trusts, helps unravel the mystery. The story illustrates how money can corrupt a family. While the reader can make some guesses, the ending is not obvious.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: I loved this book it had a very good blend of suspense, but there is jsut enough to make you want to go on to the next page. I couldn't put the book down till the last page was read.

It was on of the better books that i ahve read

Rating:
Summary: Not as hot as other Francis books...
Review: I rank Dick Francis in the top 5 fiction authors writing. He consistently puts out great mysteries with characters devoted to their values and plots interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
"Hot Money" is not one of his best. I found his main character in this novel too willing to compromise on issues that I wouldn't have expected Francis to compromise on. I still recommend this book but with some minor reservations.

Rating:
Summary: Not as hot as other Francis books...
Review: I rank Dick Francis in the top 5 fiction authors writing. He consistently puts out great mysteries with characters devoted to their values and plots interesting enough to keep me coming back for more.
"Hot Money" is not one of his best. I found his main character in this novel too willing to compromise on issues that I wouldn't have expected Francis to compromise on. I still recommend this book but with some minor reservations.