Dick Francis's Refusal
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4.5 • 161 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Six years ago, private investigator Sid Halley retired. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand—enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter, he gave up that life, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game.
He thought wrong.
Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid refuses. Then Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing…or else.
At first Sid ignores these warnings. But as the intimidation tactics escalate—and his own family comes under threat—Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on…or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Francis successfully resurrects one of his late father's most popular creations and only series character disabled jockey turned PI Sid Halley (last seen in 2006's Under Orders), who has given up detecting as a concession to his wife, Marina. Well-off from investments, Sid leads a happy if placid country life with Marina and their six-year-old daughter. Given his desire to avoid the rough stuff, Sid is reluctant to look into "some corrupt goings-on in racing" when asked to do so by Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the British Horseracing Authority. Sir Richard is sparing with details, providing only a list of recent races, and Sid is careful not to commit. Sid changes his mind after Sir Richard dies while sitting in a running car in a closed garage, an apparent suicide. Of course, his involvement in the case places Sid and those dear to him at risk. Longtime fans will be hard put to tell this gripping thriller from the senior Francis's work.
Customer Reviews
Refusal
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Mr. Francis' books. He is my favorite author not only for the pure pleasure of his work but for the new knowledge one receives with each book. This new one was no exception.
Don’t bother
Some amazingly sexist pronouncements. A total lack of planning to safeguard effectively a child’s safety. Obvious handwringing and leading readers through plot points, like a summary.
Disappointed fan
As a long time fan of Every Dick Francis book, I want to like Felis Francis' books. Sadly, each one is slightly disappointing and has creepy unfortunate aspects in his plots. I found this book to have Sid's wife be overly emotional and nagging about how he should handle the potential threats. And Sid is staunchly resolute yet seemingly stupid in his lack of precautions as he stumbles around. Too much angst about his artificial hand and replacement transplant. Usually I reread a Dick Francis book multiple times but sadly, once is enough with this . Refusal isn't only a title- it should have been my choice when it came to buying this one.