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70th out of 273 books
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Silks
Julian Trent, you have been found guilty by this court of perpetrating a violent and unprovoked attack on an innocent family including a charge of attempted murder. You have shown little or no remorse for your actions and I consider you a danger to society.
When defense lawyer Geoffrey Mason hears the judges ruling at Londons Old Bailey, he quietly hopes that a substa...more
When defense lawyer Geoffrey Mason hears the judges ruling at Londons Old Bailey, he quietly hopes that a substa...more
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
August 26th 2008
by Putnam Adult
(first published 2008)
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SILKS (Unl. Invest-Geoffrey Mason-England-Cont) – VG+
Francis, Dick and Felix Francis – 42nd book
Penguin/Michael Joseph-2008-UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780718154578
First sentence: “Guilty.”
Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as ‘Perry Mason’ by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal. Mason receives ...more
Francis, Dick and Felix Francis – 42nd book
Penguin/Michael Joseph-2008-UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780718154578
First sentence: “Guilty.”
Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as ‘Perry Mason’ by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal. Mason receives ...more
Maybe it's just because it seems like such a LONG time since I've read a new Dick Francis, but I really enjoyed Silks. When Dick Francis retired, I felt very sad that there would never be another new Dick Francis to read. So when he did publish again, I bought an autographed copy, saved it, and savored the knowledge that I once again had a new Dick Francis to read! Now that he appears to be back on his regular yearly publishing schedule, co-writing with his son, it's time for me to get back t...more
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I enjoyed reading Silks for several reasons. I like the English flavor and reflection of life in England. I liked the current references in this book to our time and places. I liked just knowing it was written by Dick Francis because I like his stories and writing. It was interesting to read how the law is interpreted and carried out in their courts. The only drawback to my full enjoyment of this novel was a few incidences of offensive language. I don't remember past Dick Francis novels co...more
Almost but not quite up to vintage Dick Francis - English barrister (despite the explanation I still don't understand the difference between a barrister and a solicitor or just how the English lawyer system works) and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason (nicknamed Perry by his jockey friends, naturally) meets some unscrupulous clients and acquaintances. But, in typical Francis characterization, he stands firm and mostly unafraid and comes out the winner. Doesn't have the depth of some of the Francis...more
I was really sad when Dick Francis stopped writing books when his wife died in 2000. But then, he was 80 and I guess he was tired of writing. I was thrilled when he started writing again, this time collaborating with his youngest son Felix. Silks is his second book with his son and it almost lives up to Francis's other books. I have always loved learning about the world of horse racing, and in addition Francis did a great job delving into the interesting details of various other professions as w...more
As with Dead Heat, the other Francis father/son outing, all the elements are there for a good story, but once again, it doesn't deliver at the level readers of Francis have come to expect. The pacing is just a bit off, son Felix still dump truck loads in the middle of the narrative that slow it down to almost stopping the story, and some characters who could have been used to better advantage are given short shrift making the reader wonder why all the detail had been given about that character....more
Lisa
rated it
Recommends it for:
Aficionados of crime stories, law, and the world of horse racing
Shelves:
mystery
Ever since I read my first Dick Francis mystery back in the late 1980's, his books have been a guilty pleasure...like an exciting quick trip away from everyday concerns. This latest one caught my eye at the library - one I hadn't read yet!
As usual, there is a plot based firmly in his beloved world of steeplechase horse-racing; ever present, yet always uniquely situated. The protagonist in this book is a barrister in the English law system, and it was interesting to learn more ab...more
As usual, there is a plot based firmly in his beloved world of steeplechase horse-racing; ever present, yet always uniquely situated. The protagonist in this book is a barrister in the English law system, and it was interesting to learn more ab...more
As usual with Dick Francis, the plot is interesting and lots of knowledge is imparted. This time, however, great quantities of exposition are ladled out in steaming lumps. This becomes tedious rather quickly. Our barrister hero, a widower, becomes involved in a case that reaches its tentacles deep into the horse-racing world. So far so good.
What made Francis so good was the humanity of his heroes, the depths they had to reach for courage, and the witty dialogue. These attributes must...more
What made Francis so good was the humanity of his heroes, the depths they had to reach for courage, and the witty dialogue. These attributes must...more
Geoffrey 'Perry' Mason is a professional barrister and amateur jockey and these pass times meet when a leading jockey he knows, Steve Mitchell, is accused of killing another jockey. A former client of Mason's threatens that if he doesn't take Mitchell's case and lose his own family will suffer. Mason is torn between doing what he knows is right and doing what will bring him peace in his life.
Usually when I pick up a new book I do so anticipating an interesting experience: new charact...more
Usually when I pick up a new book I do so anticipating an interesting experience: new charact...more
I have been a Dick francis fan for many years and I was not disappointed in this one. Not only were the characters very human and well-drawn, but I learned several things about the British legal system and an aspect of horse racing with which I had only been partly familiar. Having worked in the American Racing industry, I have some knowledge of racing rules and parameters in the US, but was unaware that a common medical therapy for thoroughbreds here in this country is not allowed in British ...more
This book was written by Dick Francis and his son, Felix. While it wasn't quite on par with his earlier novels, I'm thrilled that he's still writing because I absolutely love Dick Francis. All of his books are set in England and revolve around steeplechase horse racing. They're always very clean, and the main character is always interesting, likable, and not a superhero. I don't think there's a single book of his where the main character doesn't get beat up or tortured, rather badly, by the bad ...more
Dick Francis used to be one of my favorite authors. All his stories take place in England, and are always murder mysteries around horses/stable/racetrack/etc. The main character was an ex-jockey turned PI that only has 1 arm. I looooved them. This however was not one of them.
This is the first Dick Francis book I have read that was a collaboration with his son. It is a new protagonist, but was still the same formula - murder mystery taking place at a racetrack/stable. It just was lack...more
This is the first Dick Francis book I have read that was a collaboration with his son. It is a new protagonist, but was still the same formula - murder mystery taking place at a racetrack/stable. It just was lack...more
The facinating differences in English courts was dealt with as usuall with the Dick Francis thoroughness. I love to learn things from what I read, as well as enjoying an exciting book.
My biggest problem with the book was the plot was the same as a John Francome book titled: Cover Up.
I have since found out that plots are not copywriteable, so there was no plagiarism per se, but it would have been nice to give credit where it was due.
Or if both plots were rela...more
My biggest problem with the book was the plot was the same as a John Francome book titled: Cover Up.
I have since found out that plots are not copywriteable, so there was no plagiarism per se, but it would have been nice to give credit where it was due.
Or if both plots were rela...more
I had forgotten what a good read books by Dick Francis are. I’ve read several of his, but gotten on to other authors. I was recommended “Silks”, picked it up at the library and read it yesterday. It is a wonderful mystery, full of information about horse racing, the British court system and not so coincidentally the background to much of the U S Constitution. The theme of the book deals with the effects of intimidation on those that assure the rule of law prevails over the rule of thugs. Includ...more
Geoffrey Mason, barrister, was more relieved than not that his client was declared guilty. Julian Trent, charming youngster from an ideal family, loves violence. Then Julian's conviction is overturned. Obviously the witnesses against him have been terrorized into reversing their testimony. Geoffrey becomes a target of the released Julian, who lost his case, but there seems to be more going on than revenge. Geoffrey finds himself landed with the nearly hopeless trial of a celebrity jockey.
...more
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Although I have friends who claim that if you read one Dick Francis, you've read them all, I take a particular pleasure in his books and he is one of the few male writers that I truly appreciate. His writing is direct and straight-forward, the research well done so that I learn something new every time, and the horses and racing are extraordinarily exciting, which is mostly why I read them. Up until the last two books, the hero has been so macho that I cannot really identify with him, but the ...more
I read a lot of Dick Francis novels when I was younger, as horses have always held an appeal. And British flat racing and steeplechasing? All the better. This one started slowly for me--but I think it was my head, not the writing. About 1/3 of the way through, the book and I were in sync and it was an enjoyable summer read. I liked how the main character (a full-time barrister, part-time jockey) was forcibly moved by circumstances from one phase of life to another. Francis included his trademark...more
This book was kind of slow for me. I skipped over a few parts and got to the end for the results of the book. This is about an attorney that has a case about a man framed for murder. The attorney receives some threats and has to decide if he's going to be threatened or find out the truth. The language in the book is "English", so some of the terms were foreign to me. I'll have to try one of this authors books that is not written with Felix Francis. I hear they're better. The title...more
The title is a play on words --- referring both the the riding clothing of jockeys and the clothing a barrister wears. The mystery centers around the killing of a jockey and the defense by our hero (Geoffry) of another jockey who has been framed for the murder. Woven throughout is the menace of an out-of-control young thug who intimidates jurors and Geoffry. As always, well researched. Not as always --- this not-so-stalwart hero flinches at the prospect of pain. Geoffry has to solve the mys...more
Things I love about Dick Francis as an author:
His books are self-contained... it's not a series. Every hero is distinct, and the arc of the story ends in a satisfying manner every time.
There are horses in the picture somewhere... a touch of racing, breeding, or something. Usually from an angle that I am not so familiar with... steeplechase racing.
There is generally some other form of profession that can be explored. In this case it is the British system of...more
His books are self-contained... it's not a series. Every hero is distinct, and the arc of the story ends in a satisfying manner every time.
There are horses in the picture somewhere... a touch of racing, breeding, or something. Usually from an angle that I am not so familiar with... steeplechase racing.
There is generally some other form of profession that can be explored. In this case it is the British system of...more
Another good read by Dick Francis. An amateur jump jockey and lawyer is attacked and he must figure out why. He ends up having to defend a very disagreeable man who is innocent of a killing, but he and his family and friends are in harms way if he does not lose the case. The background on barristers and the workings of the British law system are part of the fun of this story... lots of class clashes. Add to this a love interest... nicely done with a smart, strong woman veterinarian and ou...more
I was glad to read this book. While I agree, maybe the father-son team isn't quite as strong as Dick Francis alone in his prime, it is still fun to read. I felt I had been banished from steeplechase when I thought Francis had retired. Now I hope that Felix will continue "assisting" his father as long as possible and take over when no longer possible. I enjoy the characters, wince at their brutal injuries and rejoice when they find happiness at last or grieve for them when they canno...more
This was my first Dick Francis/Felix Francis collaboration that I have read, and while I enjoyed it, it didn't quite hit the mark of a classic Dick Francis thriller. Still, that being said, I'll definitely give his other collaborations with his son a go.
Aside from lengthy explanations, I found this hero unlike most of the other Dick Francis pantheon - I found him a bit whiny and too emotional for my own taste.
Dick Francis was one of my favorite authors as a pre-teen and...more
Aside from lengthy explanations, I found this hero unlike most of the other Dick Francis pantheon - I found him a bit whiny and too emotional for my own taste.
Dick Francis was one of my favorite authors as a pre-teen and...more
I wonder how much of this is Dick Francis' writing and how much is his son? The father is (as my mom reminded me) in his mid 80s. Either way, I really liked it. The last father/son duo book was about a chef and I loved the story line but this one seemed to have more adventure and suspense in it. I enjoyed very much the legal aspect to this - kind of like an episode of "Law and Order" but heavy on the horse racing too. I was a bit worried that the ending was going to be too close to the...more
THis is the second book attributed to the duo (and the photo on the back depicts a frail looking father, and is the same as the first book), and it is good--not great but good, and that is probably good enough. THe protagonist is more middle aged and less of a jockey, more of a reluctant hero, who is initially reluctant to get involved with bad guys, even though they have harmed him, and while slow to anger, rises to the task of defying the bad guys, and does so methodically and thoroughly. A ...more
Suzanne
rated it
Geoffrey Mason is a very clever attorney (barrister)! His detective work in Steve Mitchell’s case not only cleared his client, but exposed the murderer of the victim’s sister as well. Millie Barlow was thought to have committed suicide over a love affair gone wrong, but turns out she was silenced to stop blackmailing (another crime uncovered thanks to Mason).
Geoffrey is also a jumper jockey and while defending his client, he was severely injured during a race. Although the injury ...more
Geoffrey is also a jumper jockey and while defending his client, he was severely injured during a race. Although the injury ...more
Pity one can't give a 0 stars rating to a book and have it register. I couldn't even finish this one - taking it back to the library after reading fewer than 50 pages.
It looks like the elder Mr. Francis has given over writing duties completely to his son. I knew from the first page (no exaggeration) that they weren't his words any more. Pulled one of his earlier books from my shelf and compared its first page with the leaden prose of the opening paragraphs of "Silks" - n...more
It looks like the elder Mr. Francis has given over writing duties completely to his son. I knew from the first page (no exaggeration) that they weren't his words any more. Pulled one of his earlier books from my shelf and compared its first page with the leaden prose of the opening paragraphs of "Silks" - n...more
Not his best. I didn't get into this one until about half-way through. I did enjoy the last half, though.
My major quibble is that Dick Francis' protagonists always drive me nuts. They are all brave and clever. They are also staggeringly un-common-sensical. (I know, that's not a word.)
In this one, a barrister by day, jockey by weekend, is attacked one evening on his way home from work by a man he had prosecuted and put in jail previously. The bad guy attacks him with...more
My major quibble is that Dick Francis' protagonists always drive me nuts. They are all brave and clever. They are also staggeringly un-common-sensical. (I know, that's not a word.)
In this one, a barrister by day, jockey by weekend, is attacked one evening on his way home from work by a man he had prosecuted and put in jail previously. The bad guy attacks him with...more
This was my first and last Dick Francis novel. I knew at the start, it was no great work of literature, yet some of the plot resolutions felt incredibly forced and amaturish. I found the central character unsympathetic and only continued to read in hopes of a satisfying resolve. DIDN'T HAPPEN. Not only was it NOT satidfying, it was offensive. THe book might have earned a 3 for the brief insights into the judicail system, but the last two paragraphs lowered it to a one.
Since reading my first Dick Francis novel in 1982, he’s been at the top of my favorites list, and I took it badly when his wife, Mary, died in 2000. He’d never hidden how essential she was to his work – she was his primary editor and researcher – and declared that, without her, his writing days were over. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case – he returned with a fourth Sid Halley tale in 2006’s Under Orders – and now son Felix is helping him turn out his classic tales. The latest entry is Silks, ...more
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Dick Francis CBE (born Richard Stanley Francis) was a popular British horse racing crime writer and retired jockey.
Series:
* Sid Halley Mystery
* Kit Fielding Mystery
More about Dick Francis...
Series:
* Sid Halley Mystery
* Kit Fielding Mystery
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