Under Orders, released in September, re-introduces the reader to Sid Halley (He was last seen in Francis' 1995 novel, Come to Grief), a former prize-winning British jockey who retired after losing his left arm in an accident and is now a well-reguarded private investigator. Halley's main hunting grounds are still the racetracks surrounding London and this is where we find him in the opening pages.
Three Deaths in a Day
The race in question is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races on the British racing circuit. The day starts strait-forward enough, but the crowd's mood is quickley dampened by the fatal heart attack of one of the spectators. His death is closely followed by the nation's favorite mount, "Oven Cleaner," dropping dead, just after winning the Gold Cup. Finally, jockey Huw Walker, is found dead, shot three times. To make matters more interesting, Walker has left two phone messages for Halley, pleading for help in protecting him. Rumors are flying about race fixing and a possible Internet betting scam.
Halley Investigates
Shortly after Walker's death, his stable's trainer and Halley's friend, Bill Burton, is arrested for murder. Suspicions abound that Walker was resisting Burton's orders to lay off of races and was sleeping with Burton's wife. That's enough motive for the local constablary. When Burton is released the next day, he is found shot, an a apparent suicide. Or is it?
In Danger
Halley is convinced that the suicide is a set-up and sets out to find the real killer, but not before putting himself and those closest to him in peril. Under Orders is a fast-paced, enjoyable read, consistent with Francis' past novels. It's a fun peak into British racing with likeable characters and unexpected plot twists. Consider yourself "Under Orders" to pick this new mystery novel up.
About Dick Francis
Dick Francis is the author of over 40 mystery novels. He is a three-time Edgar winner and has been awarded the Crime Writers Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the Crime Fiction genre. Francis was awarded the CBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2000. He lives in London and the Caribbean.
