Under Orders by Dick Francis

A Book Review

Oct 15, 2006 Sandy Mitchell

"Under Orders" is the latest release from prolific British mystery novelist, Dick Francis, best known for his mysteries that center around the racing world.

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.

The copyright of the article Under Orders by Dick Francis in Mystery/Crime Fiction is owned by Sandy Mitchell. Permission to republish Under Orders by Dick Francis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dick Francis

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Comments

Oct 17, 2006 6:45 AM

Brent Sedo :

Hi - I've long been a racing fan, and by extension a big Dick Francis fan. I've probably read about 35 of them. Just wondering what you think - Francis' wife passed away a few years ago, and I believe this is his first new novel since then. At the time there was some speculation that it was in fact Mary Francis who wrote the books. Dick did the research and provided the expert insight into the racing world, but Mary came up with the plot and put pen to paper. Which is why the books stopped coming when she passed away.

So does this new book dispel all rumours? Any chance Mr. Francis has found a new ghost writer? Or is the speculation just a load of horse manure?

Oct 18, 2006 3:51 AM

Sandy Mitchell :

Hi Brent!
Thanks an interesting rumor; I hadn't heard about it. I'd say the book leaves open the possibility that it might be true. I found "Under Orders" a little lighter, less intense than Francis' earlier work, but that sometimes happens as mystery writers mature.

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