Rate this book

Bloodline, A Dick Francis Novel (2012)

by Felix Francis(Favorite Author)

3.85 of 5 Votes: 4

languge

English

genre

Mystery & Thriller

publisher

Michael Joseph

review 1: Knowledgeable about racing, racetracks, and race commentating, Francis brings the world of English racing to life in this book. I was worried that, with the loss of Dick Francis, Felix might have been forced to move on to other subjects, but he must have absorbed enough racing as he was growing up to continue in his father's footsteps. Either that or he did a great job on the research required. Mark Shillingford starts out as a somewhat wishy-washy character who lets life slide by him without putting in much effort to direct it in any particular way. When his twin sister dies, he begins to change and shift. He never reaches the point that he seems to be choreographing the moves in the investigation, but he does manage to stumble around and discover what is going on. ... moreDick Francis generally had his protagonist reach a point where he planned what was going to happen and it did. Felix didn't do that with Mark, but I found it a rewarding read nevertheless, although I wasn't particularly happy about the death of an innocent bystander.
review 2: So sad. Dick Francis was my favorite author, just someone you could rely on to churn out a great mystery once a year. His books were just enjoyable and you didn't want to put them down. His protagonists were always likable, everyday heroes. No matter their profession (and that was part of the formula; a Francis novel was always based around the hero's work so each novel you would learn about the life of a chemistry teacher, a jockey, a trainer, a painter, a precious gem dealer, etc), the character was always dashing and clever and always endured his beatings stoically until he had outwitted and outmaneuvered the villain in the end. You had the feeling that if you met these characters you would really enjoy their company.After Dick Francis passed away his son Felix Francis took over the franchise and started writing the books solo. Though the formula stayed the same (this one I learned about the profession of racecourse commentator), the thrill is gone. The protagonists have all the charm of a sweaty balding fellow the next cubicle over with food stains on his shirt. There's no hero here, there's just a very ordinary guy bumbling along and almost accidentally discovering who did it in the end. less

Download links for: Bloodline, A Dick Francis Novel

Advertising