Hard to Handle

Richard Graham Mystery #1

by John Welcome

Sir William Bellamy's invitation was unexpected and a little mysterious. But Richard Graham was reluctantly facing the fact that his steeplechasing days were over. But when Sir William asks Richard to find a missing newspaper editor, he is led into mystery and danger.

181 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

John Welcome, a pseudonym, was a lawyer by profession. His real name was John Needham Huggard Brennan.

He was educated at Sedbergh School and Oxford.

'Run for Cover' (1958) was his first novel and his early wrting included three sporting novels while he also edited Best Secret Service Stories and Best Legal Stories.

He wrote and edited 25 books including a number on the history of horse racing.

Gerry Wolstenholme
August 2010

Reviews

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amateur jockey Richard Graham finally realizes it's time to get out of racing. While beginning to adjust to his new reality, Graham is asked to travel to southern France to find a man often dubbed "the next Lawrence" (think Lawrence of Arabia). During WWII, Graham had been involved in some espionage activities and the British powers that be want to utilize his skills.Like many spy novels, there are wheels within wheels and it's hard to know who to trust.

While Richard is moving around France I started to get some vibes similar to The Moon-spinners by Mary Stewart. Some of the tone also reminded me of some Geoffrey Jenkins' novels written around the same time. But I'll admit it's been years since I read any of the others.

I originally read Welcome because he wrote some racing thrillers, but I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. Nothing wrong with it, but I'm in the mood for something else. I may try another of the racing thrillers.