What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, this review covers all of his books, and yes I've read them all) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. The heroes aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world.But more than that, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice. Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, like able, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would think of normal persons living in British society.You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing, you will grow a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. You will read the books, devouring one after the other and trust me Dick Francis has a lot of novels (over 40 by my last count).There are several series woven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with a fierce hunger that remains insatiable and I mourn his death.
I first discovered Dick Francis about eight years ago when I heard a dramatization of his novel Proof on BBC7 (now BBC Radio 4 Extra.) While not a horse racing fan, I was drawn in by the intriguing storyline and the depth of the characters. Since the, I’ve enjoyed many of Francis’ books and Bonecrack is no different.While based around the horse racing industry, the true focus of Bonecrack is two very dysfunctional father-son relationships. Neil Griffon is a financial consultant who steps in to run Rowley Lodge stables after his father Neville is injured in an auto accident. The Griffon’s relationship is strained at best: Neville attitude toward Neil has been and continues to be cold, emotionally distant, and somewhat dictatorial. Despite this (or perhaps in response to it) Neil has become a self-made success as a consultant. While attempting to keep the stable going as Neville recovers in the hospital, Neil is kidnapped by Enso Rivera, a member of the criminal underworld who is accustomed to getting what he wants. What Enso wants is for his spoiled son Alessandro, an “aspiring” jockey, to rid the stable’s top horse in the upcoming Derby and if Neil doesn’t make this happen, Enso threatens to destroy Rowley Lodge.Like all Dick Francis novels, the characters are well-developed and believable, eliciting feelings of sympathy, anger and compassion from the reader. The story is well paced and entertaining and at 288 pages, Bonecrack is a quick, enjoyable read. A great introduction to the world of Dick Frances.
What do You think about Bonecrack (2006)?
I'd tried to read two other Dick Francis novels previously but couldn't get through more than thirty pages of either of them. This one, however, hooked me in from the beginning--like all books worth reading should! It's an older novel, I believe, than the other two I tried to read, so I guess some writers lose "it" with age. Francis does like his adverbs, as though he's afraid of the reader not being able to understand what is going on in context of the scene; and aside from the novel slowing down towards the end, I can't think of much else to complain about. This was a solid read and I guess I'll be checking out some more Francis in the future.
—Stunatra
Audible library ourlineAt midnight Neil Griffon's home is broken into and he is abducted by masked men. When he wakes up, hours later, Neil discovers that 'unless he cooperates' his kidnappers will destroy his father's racing stable, his precious horses and even Neil himself. Neil's father is laid up in hospital after a car crash. So he had come to help out. In the end his father dies and he takes over. He is already a millionaire after selling a build up chain of antique shops. Then he was part
—John Marsh
[7/10]I didn't much care for this one in the beginning. It felt a bit too predictable, too much like a typical Dick Francis thriller: here's the quiet but determined bystander, here is the bully villain without conscience or remorse, add some love interest and place everything in or around Newmarket. I felt like i read it all before and I'm on autopilot.I'm glad I've sticked with it, because the story soes pick up in the second half, and the main actors get enough depth to make me invested in their fate. Also, compared to other books by the author, this one really goes to the races, and is not putting the spotlight on flying or banking or other alternate pursuits.Dick Francis may be predictable, but he has the knack of wrenching those heartstrings time and time again. I know I will get back to his books soon.
—Algernon
