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The Edge
"BEWARE. MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM." So proclaims the ad for the Great Transcontinental Mystery Race, a glittering rail junket that promices not only the opportunity to race a thoroughbred on some of the world's great courses but something more: an intriguing mystery to be enacted on board, which passengers will be invited to solve. But Julius Apollo Filmer, one of the most ruthless operators of the racing underworld, hatches a strange plot of his own. For Tor Kelsey, undercover security agent, a scenario of imaginary mayhem is about to explode into a nightmare of real and bloody
murder. . . .
murder. . . .
8 pages, Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1988
502 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Dick Francis
542 books1,258 followersDick Francis, CBE, FRSL (born Richard Stanley Francis) was a popular British horse racing crime writer and retired jockey.
Dick Francis worked on his books with his wife, Mary, before her death. Dick considered his wife to be his co-writer - as he is quoted in the book, "The Dick Francis Companion", released in 2003:
"Mary and I worked as a team. ... I have often said that I would have been happy to have both our names on the cover. Mary's family always called me Richard due to having another Dick in the family. I am Richard, Mary was Mary, and Dick Francis was the two of us together."
Praise for Dick Francis: 'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror '
Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph '
Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. The winner of over 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/1954 and rode for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, most famously on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National.
On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), and the biography of Lester Piggott.
During his lifetime Dick Francis received many awards, amongst them the prestigious Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the genre, and three 'best novel' Edgar Allan Poe awards from The Mystery Writers of America. In 1996 he was named by them as Grand Master for a lifetime's achievement. In 1998 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2000. Dick Francis died in February 2010, at the age of eighty-nine, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.
Series:
* Sid Halley Mystery
* Kit Fielding Mystery
Dick Francis worked on his books with his wife, Mary, before her death. Dick considered his wife to be his co-writer - as he is quoted in the book, "The Dick Francis Companion", released in 2003:
"Mary and I worked as a team. ... I have often said that I would have been happy to have both our names on the cover. Mary's family always called me Richard due to having another Dick in the family. I am Richard, Mary was Mary, and Dick Francis was the two of us together."
Praise for Dick Francis: 'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror '
Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph '
Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. The winner of over 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/1954 and rode for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, most famously on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National.
On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), and the biography of Lester Piggott.
During his lifetime Dick Francis received many awards, amongst them the prestigious Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the genre, and three 'best novel' Edgar Allan Poe awards from The Mystery Writers of America. In 1996 he was named by them as Grand Master for a lifetime's achievement. In 1998 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2000. Dick Francis died in February 2010, at the age of eighty-nine, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.
Series:
* Sid Halley Mystery
* Kit Fielding Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
July 9, 2019
As usual Mr Francis is writing about race horses but this book is a little different in that the horses are crossing Canada on a train! They are accompanied by all the necessary owners, riders and hangers on plus our main character who is a kind of special agent employed by the Jockey Club to keep things on the straight and narrow.
I really enjoyed the whole story particularly the details of the train journey which is one I would like to do. On a safer train though. This one was subject to several deaths and unexpected happenings.
Altogether just what we expect from a Dick Francis' novel - easy to read, interesting characters and lots of crime. Excellent!
I really enjoyed the whole story particularly the details of the train journey which is one I would like to do. On a safer train though. This one was subject to several deaths and unexpected happenings.
Altogether just what we expect from a Dick Francis' novel - easy to read, interesting characters and lots of crime. Excellent!
March 22, 2020
Tor Kelsey is young, single, and independently wealthy, which leaves him free to do virtually whatever he wants. He chooses to work as an undercover agent for the English Jockey Club, ferreting out threats to the English racing world. Kelsey is particularly gifted at disguising himself, blending into whatever circumstances in which he might find himself, and sneaking up on his quarry who never even notice that he's there.
In this case, a thuggish blackmailer named Julius Apollo Filmer has insinuated himself into the world of British racing so cleverly that the Powers That Be have no way of driving him out. Kelsey is assigned to get the needed evidence, which becomes increasingly important when Filmer joins an expedition called the Great Transcontinental Mystery Race.
In this case, the continent in question is North America, and a group of very wealthy and socially prominent owners are taking their horses on a week-long trip across Canada. The trip is designed to promote Canadian horse racing and it will be a very lavish party with some important horse races along the way. Kelsey will join the party on the train masquerading as a waiter, while he attempts to prevent whatever disaster Filmer intends to cause along the way. As always, an attractive woman will enter the picture, and Tor and the woman will do the slow dance leading to romance that is a hallmark of these novels.
The story is okay and will remind the reader in some respects of Agatha Christie's great novel, Murder on the Orient Express. The journey across Canada is interesting, and the scenery along the way is well-described. To my mind, though, this is not among the best of the Dick Francis novels because it lacks the tension that usually exists between the protagonist and the (always) nasty villain. Without giving anything away, the climax of the novel isn't quite up to the author's usual standards and thus this book seems a bit flat compared to many of the others. It's enjoyable, but a three-star read rather than anything more.
In this case, a thuggish blackmailer named Julius Apollo Filmer has insinuated himself into the world of British racing so cleverly that the Powers That Be have no way of driving him out. Kelsey is assigned to get the needed evidence, which becomes increasingly important when Filmer joins an expedition called the Great Transcontinental Mystery Race.
In this case, the continent in question is North America, and a group of very wealthy and socially prominent owners are taking their horses on a week-long trip across Canada. The trip is designed to promote Canadian horse racing and it will be a very lavish party with some important horse races along the way. Kelsey will join the party on the train masquerading as a waiter, while he attempts to prevent whatever disaster Filmer intends to cause along the way. As always, an attractive woman will enter the picture, and Tor and the woman will do the slow dance leading to romance that is a hallmark of these novels.
The story is okay and will remind the reader in some respects of Agatha Christie's great novel, Murder on the Orient Express. The journey across Canada is interesting, and the scenery along the way is well-described. To my mind, though, this is not among the best of the Dick Francis novels because it lacks the tension that usually exists between the protagonist and the (always) nasty villain. Without giving anything away, the climax of the novel isn't quite up to the author's usual standards and thus this book seems a bit flat compared to many of the others. It's enjoyable, but a three-star read rather than anything more.
February 13, 2013
This was not one of my favorite Dick Francis novels and it tool me awhile to sort out why. It certainly had all the right components in the protagonist, Tor Kelsey. Orphaned (sort of): check. Average guy with above average talents: check. Instalove with slow build up: check. Clever bad guy: check. Even more clever good guy: check.. So what was missing? For me, it was the lack of a relationship between Tor and the bad guy.
Julius Apollo Filmer (bad guy) doesn't even know Tor exists. Tor works for the Jockey Club as a sort of "invisibles man" who effortlessly wanders race courses in disguise, looking for people breaking the rules. No one knows he exists and the lawbreakers are always stunned when they get caught. Filmer is good at getting other owners to turn their horses over to him. The owners are afraid to tell the Jockey Club why. One owner kills himself, a stable lad who hints at knowing what Filmer is doing turns up dead.
When Filmer joins a Canadian train trip for racehorse owners, the Canadian Jockey Club decides to employ Tor to thwart whatever Filmer is planning. In addition to three horse races along the route, there is also a mystery being played out during the ride. Remember when those staged mysteries were popular? The book was a lot of fun but there was very little tension, as Filmer didn't know of Tor's existence, so he was really never at risk. I generally enjoy Francis' s ability to write an interesting nemesis for our hero to take down, but this one was a little too removed for my taste. It's like if someone tells you about something horrific that happened to a friend of a friend of a friend...just a little too far removed to really kick you in the gut (or maybe that's me being cold blooded). Anyway, not quite enough bang for my buck here.
Julius Apollo Filmer (bad guy) doesn't even know Tor exists. Tor works for the Jockey Club as a sort of "invisibles man" who effortlessly wanders race courses in disguise, looking for people breaking the rules. No one knows he exists and the lawbreakers are always stunned when they get caught. Filmer is good at getting other owners to turn their horses over to him. The owners are afraid to tell the Jockey Club why. One owner kills himself, a stable lad who hints at knowing what Filmer is doing turns up dead.
When Filmer joins a Canadian train trip for racehorse owners, the Canadian Jockey Club decides to employ Tor to thwart whatever Filmer is planning. In addition to three horse races along the route, there is also a mystery being played out during the ride. Remember when those staged mysteries were popular? The book was a lot of fun but there was very little tension, as Filmer didn't know of Tor's existence, so he was really never at risk. I generally enjoy Francis' s ability to write an interesting nemesis for our hero to take down, but this one was a little too removed for my taste. It's like if someone tells you about something horrific that happened to a friend of a friend of a friend...just a little too far removed to really kick you in the gut (or maybe that's me being cold blooded). Anyway, not quite enough bang for my buck here.
September 9, 2025
[9/10]
The train hooted in the distance: one of the most haunting of seductive sounds to a wanderer. That, and the hollow breathy boom of departing ships. If I had any addiction, it was to the setting off, not the arrival.
I have an addiction to Dick Francis mysteries/ racing thrillers. Also one for travels to far away exotic places. Canada, in particular the Rocky Mountains around Lake Louise and Banff National Park, has long been on my bucket list as a photographer.
This might explain why this is the third time I’m reading The Edge and why I gave it such a high rating.
The siren call is heard:
All Aboard!
The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train departs from Toronto on its way to Vancouver, a legendary trip organized by the Jockey Club of Canada to promote national events. Owners and horses from local and international stables are invited to participate in three major races and to enjoy a luxury journey across a whole continent.
Every possible extra luxury would be available if requested in advance, and in addition, for entertainment along the way, an intriguing mystery would be enacted on board and at the stop-overs, which passengers would be invited to solve.
Take care, wanderers. All is not what it seems. There will be actors on board, posing as staff and as guests, hired to entertain. There is a criminal on board, and a sleuth sent from England to foil his evil mastermind plans. There might even be romance in the air, as it always blooms on long, romantic voyages under moonlight and majestic landscapes.
Danger! Murder! Mystery! Romance!
The race is on!
>>><<<>>><<<
‘Never mind about him,’ Millington said. ‘He’s part of the scenery.’
Being invisible is a rare but useful talent in a spy. It’s also a solitary lifestyle for Tor Kelsey, a young man of substantial private means, who feels uneasy about a life of privilege and luxury. Tor prefers to be engaged in useful pursuits, such as acting as the secret eyes and ears for the Jockey Club Security Commission.
He is extremely good at blending in and at camouflage in plain view. I was never noticeable. he remarks early in this first person narrative. His superiors at the Jockey Club are frustrated over their inability to catch a smooth operator named Filmer, accused of several crimes but acquitted after the main witnesses are secretly threatened and bullied. After learning that Filmer has inserted himself among the guests aboard the Canadian Mystery Train, Tor Kelsey is sent to keep an eye on him and to stop Filmer from doing anything to sabotage the journey, if possible.
It was all the wrong way round, I thought: it was more usual to know the crime and seek the criminal, than to know the criminal and seek his crime.
I could describe now the events aboard the train, the main players, the method of blending in chosen by Tor, the theatrical mystery that somehow overlaps with the real mystery and more. But this is the actual meat of the story, and I believe it should be revealed only at the pace set by the author.
Even on a third performance, I still enjoy every moment aboard the train and at the several stop-overs. It’s like watching a favorite theatrical performance or a good movie over and over and having more time now to pay attention to the nuts and bolts of how the story is constructed, what motivations are given to the actors and, why not, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
... what a lark! , Fancy that! and Fascinating, I thought are all exclamations I have extracted from the text. Usually they describe the narrator’s enthusiasm about learning more about trains, about Canada, about horses and racing, about actors and about catering, among other things. This is a manifestation of the curiosity bug that I know had also bitten Dick Francis who, in his later novels, has made a habit of choosing a subject or two outside of the racing world, studying it in detail and somehow use the information for plot construction.
The railroad across Canada, I’d learned, was single track for most of the way. Only in towns and at a few other places could trains going in opposite directions pass.
Dick Francis is also a sure bet because he is predictable. Maybe that’s not the best quality you look for in a mystery writer who is supposed to keep coming up with surprising twists in his stories, but I do enjoy my Dick Francis novels because I know what to expect. First of all, there will always be something about horses in it somewhere, and something said about his love for the animals and for the sport:
I loved to watch them: never grew tired of it. I loved the big beautiful animals with their tiny brains and their overwhelming instincts and I’d always, all over the world, felt at home tending them, riding them and watching them wake up and perform.
Then, I know there will be a romantic subplot, treated with understated passion and humour and earnest optimism. Some cynical readers like to see in these chapters the gentle guiding hand of the author’s wife, who is supposed to have actually written his best sellers. I like to think of them as a couple who enjoyed working together, had a lot of fun researching and writing the stories and who were really relaxed about credits.
Light-heartedness was a treasure in a world too full of sorrows, a treasure little regarded and widely forfeited to aggression, greed and horrendous tribal rituals.
Last but not least, I read Dick Francis for his moral compass, one that points reliably to the North of compassion and integrity and fair play. You will always know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Look for the self-effacing, quiet but resolute handyman who is good at his job without being assertive or boastful, and then look for the violent bully who thinks he can get away with everything through bluster and violence.
In the context of ten thousand years, I thought, what did Filmer and his sins matter. Yet all we had was here and now, and here and now ... always through time ... was where the struggle towards goodness had to be fought. Towards virtue, morality, uprightness, order: call it what one liked. A long, ever-recurring battle.
‘Why are you bothering?’ he asked.
‘I don’t like frighteners.’
What else can I say about the book without spoilers? It does sometimes feel like a promotional advertisement for the Canadian Bureau of Tourism, but I really want to visit the country myself for real and not through books and picture postcards, so I didn’t mind a bit these parts of the novel.
It is also a bit theatrical, contrived, but this is the whole point of the plot: there is a mystery aboard the train, a play within a play, just like that guy Shakespeare once wrote, and it is finely tuned to the actual events on the trip:
‘The play’s the thing, wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King? Right? Is that what you were up to?’
The title? you might ask. It is open to interpretation, but the patient reader will be offered a racing simile in one of the last chapters:
‘It seems to have been neck and neck now and then,’ Mercer said.
The Brigadier considered it. ‘Maybe. But our runner had the edge.’
The train hooted in the distance: one of the most haunting of seductive sounds to a wanderer. That, and the hollow breathy boom of departing ships. If I had any addiction, it was to the setting off, not the arrival.
I have an addiction to Dick Francis mysteries/ racing thrillers. Also one for travels to far away exotic places. Canada, in particular the Rocky Mountains around Lake Louise and Banff National Park, has long been on my bucket list as a photographer.
This might explain why this is the third time I’m reading The Edge and why I gave it such a high rating.
The siren call is heard:
All Aboard!
The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train departs from Toronto on its way to Vancouver, a legendary trip organized by the Jockey Club of Canada to promote national events. Owners and horses from local and international stables are invited to participate in three major races and to enjoy a luxury journey across a whole continent.
Every possible extra luxury would be available if requested in advance, and in addition, for entertainment along the way, an intriguing mystery would be enacted on board and at the stop-overs, which passengers would be invited to solve.
Take care, wanderers. All is not what it seems. There will be actors on board, posing as staff and as guests, hired to entertain. There is a criminal on board, and a sleuth sent from England to foil his evil mastermind plans. There might even be romance in the air, as it always blooms on long, romantic voyages under moonlight and majestic landscapes.
Danger! Murder! Mystery! Romance!
The race is on!
>>><<<>>><<<
‘Never mind about him,’ Millington said. ‘He’s part of the scenery.’
Being invisible is a rare but useful talent in a spy. It’s also a solitary lifestyle for Tor Kelsey, a young man of substantial private means, who feels uneasy about a life of privilege and luxury. Tor prefers to be engaged in useful pursuits, such as acting as the secret eyes and ears for the Jockey Club Security Commission.
He is extremely good at blending in and at camouflage in plain view. I was never noticeable. he remarks early in this first person narrative. His superiors at the Jockey Club are frustrated over their inability to catch a smooth operator named Filmer, accused of several crimes but acquitted after the main witnesses are secretly threatened and bullied. After learning that Filmer has inserted himself among the guests aboard the Canadian Mystery Train, Tor Kelsey is sent to keep an eye on him and to stop Filmer from doing anything to sabotage the journey, if possible.
It was all the wrong way round, I thought: it was more usual to know the crime and seek the criminal, than to know the criminal and seek his crime.
I could describe now the events aboard the train, the main players, the method of blending in chosen by Tor, the theatrical mystery that somehow overlaps with the real mystery and more. But this is the actual meat of the story, and I believe it should be revealed only at the pace set by the author.
Even on a third performance, I still enjoy every moment aboard the train and at the several stop-overs. It’s like watching a favorite theatrical performance or a good movie over and over and having more time now to pay attention to the nuts and bolts of how the story is constructed, what motivations are given to the actors and, why not, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
... what a lark! , Fancy that! and Fascinating, I thought are all exclamations I have extracted from the text. Usually they describe the narrator’s enthusiasm about learning more about trains, about Canada, about horses and racing, about actors and about catering, among other things. This is a manifestation of the curiosity bug that I know had also bitten Dick Francis who, in his later novels, has made a habit of choosing a subject or two outside of the racing world, studying it in detail and somehow use the information for plot construction.
The railroad across Canada, I’d learned, was single track for most of the way. Only in towns and at a few other places could trains going in opposite directions pass.
Dick Francis is also a sure bet because he is predictable. Maybe that’s not the best quality you look for in a mystery writer who is supposed to keep coming up with surprising twists in his stories, but I do enjoy my Dick Francis novels because I know what to expect. First of all, there will always be something about horses in it somewhere, and something said about his love for the animals and for the sport:
I loved to watch them: never grew tired of it. I loved the big beautiful animals with their tiny brains and their overwhelming instincts and I’d always, all over the world, felt at home tending them, riding them and watching them wake up and perform.
Then, I know there will be a romantic subplot, treated with understated passion and humour and earnest optimism. Some cynical readers like to see in these chapters the gentle guiding hand of the author’s wife, who is supposed to have actually written his best sellers. I like to think of them as a couple who enjoyed working together, had a lot of fun researching and writing the stories and who were really relaxed about credits.
Light-heartedness was a treasure in a world too full of sorrows, a treasure little regarded and widely forfeited to aggression, greed and horrendous tribal rituals.
Last but not least, I read Dick Francis for his moral compass, one that points reliably to the North of compassion and integrity and fair play. You will always know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Look for the self-effacing, quiet but resolute handyman who is good at his job without being assertive or boastful, and then look for the violent bully who thinks he can get away with everything through bluster and violence.
In the context of ten thousand years, I thought, what did Filmer and his sins matter. Yet all we had was here and now, and here and now ... always through time ... was where the struggle towards goodness had to be fought. Towards virtue, morality, uprightness, order: call it what one liked. A long, ever-recurring battle.
‘Why are you bothering?’ he asked.
‘I don’t like frighteners.’
What else can I say about the book without spoilers? It does sometimes feel like a promotional advertisement for the Canadian Bureau of Tourism, but I really want to visit the country myself for real and not through books and picture postcards, so I didn’t mind a bit these parts of the novel.
It is also a bit theatrical, contrived, but this is the whole point of the plot: there is a mystery aboard the train, a play within a play, just like that guy Shakespeare once wrote, and it is finely tuned to the actual events on the trip:
‘The play’s the thing, wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King? Right? Is that what you were up to?’
The title? you might ask. It is open to interpretation, but the patient reader will be offered a racing simile in one of the last chapters:
‘It seems to have been neck and neck now and then,’ Mercer said.
The Brigadier considered it. ‘Maybe. But our runner had the edge.’
October 6, 2022
I enjoyed the story about a villain trying to a train with pedigree race horses traveling across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver. We know early on who is the crook and the invisible man Tor trying to find evidence of his criminality.
The story brought back for me memories of trips to Canada. Toronto, Calgary, Lake Louise and Hells Gate. The details about the train and its mechanics were fascinating. We all know the outcome of the story and Tor lines up all his ducks and Filmer gets his desserts.
The story brought back for me memories of trips to Canada. Toronto, Calgary, Lake Louise and Hells Gate. The details about the train and its mechanics were fascinating. We all know the outcome of the story and Tor lines up all his ducks and Filmer gets his desserts.
August 4, 2012
What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, this review covers all of his books, and yes I've read them all) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. The heroes aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world.
But more than that, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.
Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, like able, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would think of normal persons living in British society.
You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing, you will grow a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. You will read the books, devouring one after the other and trust me Dick Francis has a lot of novels (over 40 by my last count).
There are several series woven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.
Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with a fierce hunger that remains insatiable and I mourn his death.
But more than that, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.
Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, like able, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would think of normal persons living in British society.
You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing, you will grow a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. You will read the books, devouring one after the other and trust me Dick Francis has a lot of novels (over 40 by my last count).
There are several series woven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.
Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with a fierce hunger that remains insatiable and I mourn his death.
August 23, 2018
"Στόχος", εκδόσεις Bell.
Στη βιβλιοθήκη μου έχω πέντε βιβλία του Ντικ Φράνσις (εννοείται όλα αγορασμένα από παλαιοβιβλιοπωλεία μέσα στα προηγούμενα χρόνια), όμως είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα που διαβάζω. Ο Ντικ Φράνσις φημίζεται για τα θρίλερ μυστηρίου που διαδραματίζονται λίγο έως πολύ στον κόσμο των ιπποδρομιών, και το συγκεκριμένο μυθιστόρημα δεν αποτελεί εξαίρεση.
Ο Τζούλιους Απόλλο Φίλμερ αποτελεί το μαύρο πρόβατο των ιπποδρομιών, όντας ένας εγκληματίας που εκβιάζει και απειλεί ιδιοκτήτες αλόγων, εκπαιδευτές και ιππείς, με τους υπεύθυνους ασφαλείας του Τζόκεϊ Κλαμπ να προσπαθούν μάταια να τον πιάσουν στα πράσα. Ο Τορ Κέλσι είναι ένας μυστικός πράκτορας που θα κάνει τα πάντα για να πιάσει τον Φίλμερ τη στιγμή που κάνει ένα έγκλημα. Ίσως στο μεγάλο σιδηροδρομικό ταξίδι κατά πλάτος του Καναδά -ευκαιρία για διακοπές και ωραίους αγώνες ιπποδρομίας για αρκετούς πλούσιους (Καναδούς και μη)-, είναι ο στόχος του Φίλμερ. Ο Κέλσι θα βρεθεί ινκόγκνιτο στο τρένο (ως σερβιτόρος) για να παρακολουθεί τις κινήσεις του Φίλμερ και να αποτρέψει τυχόν δολιοφθορές...
Σαν θρίλερ δεν μπορώ να πω ότι με συγκλόνισε, μου φάνηκε ολίγον τι νερόβραστο και με ελάχιστες στιγμές αγωνίας ή έντασης. Σε αρκετά σημεία βαρέθηκα έως ένα βαθμό, αλλά η γραφή ήταν αν μη τι άλλο ξεκούραστη και ευκολοδιάβαστη, οπότε συνέχιζα την ανάγνωση δίχως τύψεις. Προς το τέλος κάπως ανέβηκαν οι σφυγμοί, αλλά μέχρι εκεί. Πάντως μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ το όλο σέτινγκ του τρένου και του ταξιδιού, καθώς και η ατμόσφαιρα, οπότε έστω και την τελευταία στιγμή θα τσιμπήσει το τέταρτο αστεράκι. Εντέλει, δεν πέρασα και άσχημα!
Στη βιβλιοθήκη μου έχω πέντε βιβλία του Ντικ Φράνσις (εννοείται όλα αγορασμένα από παλαιοβιβλιοπωλεία μέσα στα προηγούμενα χρόνια), όμως είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα που διαβάζω. Ο Ντικ Φράνσις φημίζεται για τα θρίλερ μυστηρίου που διαδραματίζονται λίγο έως πολύ στον κόσμο των ιπποδρομιών, και το συγκεκριμένο μυθιστόρημα δεν αποτελεί εξαίρεση.
Ο Τζούλιους Απόλλο Φίλμερ αποτελεί το μαύρο πρόβατο των ιπποδρομιών, όντας ένας εγκληματίας που εκβιάζει και απειλεί ιδιοκτήτες αλόγων, εκπαιδευτές και ιππείς, με τους υπεύθυνους ασφαλείας του Τζόκεϊ Κλαμπ να προσπαθούν μάταια να τον πιάσουν στα πράσα. Ο Τορ Κέλσι είναι ένας μυστικός πράκτορας που θα κάνει τα πάντα για να πιάσει τον Φίλμερ τη στιγμή που κάνει ένα έγκλημα. Ίσως στο μεγάλο σιδηροδρομικό ταξίδι κατά πλάτος του Καναδά -ευκαιρία για διακοπές και ωραίους αγώνες ιπποδρομίας για αρκετούς πλούσιους (Καναδούς και μη)-, είναι ο στόχος του Φίλμερ. Ο Κέλσι θα βρεθεί ινκόγκνιτο στο τρένο (ως σερβιτόρος) για να παρακολουθεί τις κινήσεις του Φίλμερ και να αποτρέψει τυχόν δολιοφθορές...
Σαν θρίλερ δεν μπορώ να πω ότι με συγκλόνισε, μου φάνηκε ολίγον τι νερόβραστο και με ελάχιστες στιγμές αγωνίας ή έντασης. Σε αρκετά σημεία βαρέθηκα έως ένα βαθμό, αλλά η γραφή ήταν αν μη τι άλλο ξεκούραστη και ευκολοδιάβαστη, οπότε συνέχιζα την ανάγνωση δίχως τύψεις. Προς το τέλος κάπως ανέβηκαν οι σφυγμοί, αλλά μέχρι εκεί. Πάντως μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ το όλο σέτινγκ του τρένου και του ταξιδιού, καθώς και η ατμόσφαιρα, οπότε έστω και την τελευταία στιγμή θα τσιμπήσει το τέταρτο αστεράκι. Εντέλει, δεν πέρασα και άσχημα!
July 23, 2025
Dick Francis writes about the world of horse racing with crisp plots and tightly drawn characters that are a delight to experience. The Edge is mostly set on a train in Canada which is bringing horse owners from race to race as part of celebration of the Canadian horse racing industry. It’s a delightful setting and serves Francis well as his hero, Tor Kelsey, attempts to figure out A) how bad guy Julius Apollo Filmer plans to disrupt the event, and B) how he (Tor) is going to stop him from doing so. Along the way we meet a cast of colorful characters and Francis writes the most convincing romance of his career.
This one is running neck and neck for the title of best Dick Francis novel with other greats such as Hot Money and Straight.
This one is running neck and neck for the title of best Dick Francis novel with other greats such as Hot Money and Straight.
January 24, 2016
4.5 stars. As others have said, more eloquently than I, much of Dick Francis' heroes are of the same base. Having said that, I enjoyed the buildup, the action and the writing of this book. Due to the way the book played out, there was (it could be argued) two climaxes, both of which were rather delicious, with the second one being a lot more satisfying. I was a little disappointed at the resolution being so short.
September 26, 2007
All of his books are great. The hero is always someone who is modest, intelligent and clever, but human. The bad guy is always clearly bad, but the world he paints (usually to do with steeplechase horse racing) is magical. I'd read any one of his books and often do reread them for comfort.
November 1, 2023
Another amazing mystery by Dick Francis. We are on familiar turf (horse racing), yet the setting is far away, on the `The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train.'' in Canada. Notice the words 'Mystery' and 'Race'?
The train from Toronto to Vancouver carrying racing horses, their owners, race enthusiasts and actors who stage a mystery onboard.
The setting alone deserves 10 *.
Ironically the Hero Tor Kelsey stands out as a perfect undercover detective as he can blend unobtrusively with the surrounding.
Here, the crime hasn't yet happened. He is there to stop bad man from doing any mischief.
The book was published in 1988, so obviously the technology and communication methods are dated. But it was fascinating to read how cumbersome the communication modes were. For eg, how do you communicate between 2 trains moving on the same track? How does the detective on board the train convey his findings to his boss who is on another continent?
Dick Francis deserves all the praises for coming up with unique mysteries even though they have a common thread of horse- racing. We learn new information in every book. He doesn't even repeat his heroes, though they have very similar endearing traits. That's what I like about stand alone books. Pick up any book without bothering about how the characters evloved.
Dck Francis is now firmly on the top of my Favorite Authors list. I was never interested in horse racing (still I am not), I have always enjoyed these thrillers.
The train from Toronto to Vancouver carrying racing horses, their owners, race enthusiasts and actors who stage a mystery onboard.
The setting alone deserves 10 *.
Ironically the Hero Tor Kelsey stands out as a perfect undercover detective as he can blend unobtrusively with the surrounding.
Here, the crime hasn't yet happened. He is there to stop bad man from doing any mischief.
The book was published in 1988, so obviously the technology and communication methods are dated. But it was fascinating to read how cumbersome the communication modes were. For eg, how do you communicate between 2 trains moving on the same track? How does the detective on board the train convey his findings to his boss who is on another continent?
Dick Francis deserves all the praises for coming up with unique mysteries even though they have a common thread of horse- racing. We learn new information in every book. He doesn't even repeat his heroes, though they have very similar endearing traits. That's what I like about stand alone books. Pick up any book without bothering about how the characters evloved.
Dck Francis is now firmly on the top of my Favorite Authors list. I was never interested in horse racing (still I am not), I have always enjoyed these thrillers.
August 28, 2018
This book took a little while to get going, with our hero undercover on a Jockey Club Train right across Canada, and as many characters as an Agatha Christie country house mystery, but the tension built up well the nearer the train got to Vancouver. Usual reliable stuff from Dick Francis
February 17, 2013
Unlike most of Francis' works, this one takes place on a train. Like most, this one also revolves around horses.
The Canadians are trying to set themselves up as the next big thing in race-horsing and to advertise their racing season, they've decided to feature special races and also organize for a traveling jaunt across the country for owners and racegoers by a special train. The cross country experience offers splendid meals on wheels, a 'live' mystery put on by special actors and an opportunity for those interested in horses and horse-racing to get together and experience the many joys of the Canadian horse-racing scene.
Enter Julius Apollo Filmer - a man whom the British racing world widely knows to be a thorn in the flesh for the Stewards and other senior officials in British racing because of his penchant for causing trouble. Julius' racing history is chequered, his deals shady and he has been implicated in the death of atleast one stable lad while being suspected of causing the suicide of a well known trainer. However, the charges levied against him remain unproven as the key witnesses backed out at the last moment and the man has continued to remain an eyesore no one in the racing world can do much about. Julius also carries a grudge against the racing establishment and will be traveling on the Canadian race train - to what ends and for what purpose, one can only guess but suffice it to say that the Canadian racing establishment is worried enough to request for help from their British counterparts.
Enter Tor Kelsey - mild mannered, unassuming, quiet - a man so in the shadows that most people never know he is there. Known for his ability to literally 'melt into the crowd', he is one of the best investigators in the British racing security team and he too, will be traveling on the Canadian race train. What he learns, sees and foils is what follows by way of a riveting plot that, though occasionally slow, picks up most satisfactorily and promises an all round enjoyable tale.
Other characters are nuanced, well written and play their parts admirably. The Edge is perhaps not as fast paced as a lot of Dick Francis' other mysteries but it is a story not to be missed if you like a good, quiet, suspenseful book for a Sunday afternoon read.
The Canadians are trying to set themselves up as the next big thing in race-horsing and to advertise their racing season, they've decided to feature special races and also organize for a traveling jaunt across the country for owners and racegoers by a special train. The cross country experience offers splendid meals on wheels, a 'live' mystery put on by special actors and an opportunity for those interested in horses and horse-racing to get together and experience the many joys of the Canadian horse-racing scene.
Enter Julius Apollo Filmer - a man whom the British racing world widely knows to be a thorn in the flesh for the Stewards and other senior officials in British racing because of his penchant for causing trouble. Julius' racing history is chequered, his deals shady and he has been implicated in the death of atleast one stable lad while being suspected of causing the suicide of a well known trainer. However, the charges levied against him remain unproven as the key witnesses backed out at the last moment and the man has continued to remain an eyesore no one in the racing world can do much about. Julius also carries a grudge against the racing establishment and will be traveling on the Canadian race train - to what ends and for what purpose, one can only guess but suffice it to say that the Canadian racing establishment is worried enough to request for help from their British counterparts.
Enter Tor Kelsey - mild mannered, unassuming, quiet - a man so in the shadows that most people never know he is there. Known for his ability to literally 'melt into the crowd', he is one of the best investigators in the British racing security team and he too, will be traveling on the Canadian race train. What he learns, sees and foils is what follows by way of a riveting plot that, though occasionally slow, picks up most satisfactorily and promises an all round enjoyable tale.
Other characters are nuanced, well written and play their parts admirably. The Edge is perhaps not as fast paced as a lot of Dick Francis' other mysteries but it is a story not to be missed if you like a good, quiet, suspenseful book for a Sunday afternoon read.
January 20, 2022
Good entertaining, light mystery. Nice distraction.
May 31, 2024
Really not his strongest, but quite enjoyable. 2.5?
December 3, 2018
I would say this is second-rate Francis, but even second-rate Francis is pretty darn good. Tor Kelsey is a rich young man with no remaining family who grew up in the racing world. He takes a job with the Jockey Club doing security (more like intelligence) work because he is an “invisible man” able to blend in anywhere and observe. And then they put him on a Mystery Race Train across Canada to keep an eye on a villain who has escaped before.
The book is just a bit overstuffed: there’s the train, racing, AND the actors playing out a mystery for the passengers’ entertainment. Plus a cross-Canada travelogue. I felt the research was more obviously dumped in here than is always the case with Francis (but maybe I just noticed it more because the setting is somewhat familiar—I haven’t taken the train across Canada, but my parents have). Some of the details of working on the train crew are fun, but did I need to know the measurements of Union Station in Toronto or how many km/miles it is across Canada? No, I did not.
Still there is lots to enjoy here. Tor is the usual unassuming, intelligent and decent Francis hero, uncertain if he’ll be able to rise to physical heroism when called on (he does, of course). And there are some interesting supporting characters, including Mrs Baudelaire, an elderly lady who acts as his messenger system when he’s on the train, and his boss, Brigadier Catto. Others seem more like caricatures.
My reading experience was enlivened by the library patron who had scribbled caustic comments in the margins. S/he is right that I’ve never heard a Canadian say “eh?” as much as George the conductor (but he’s great) and that some of the privileged characters are let off the hook for their bad behavior. I can’t say I share this reader’s annoyance with Francis heroes, though, even if they are a little too good to be true. Tempted to award a 4th star for the fun this person added to my reading, even if you really should not deface library books.
The book is just a bit overstuffed: there’s the train, racing, AND the actors playing out a mystery for the passengers’ entertainment. Plus a cross-Canada travelogue. I felt the research was more obviously dumped in here than is always the case with Francis (but maybe I just noticed it more because the setting is somewhat familiar—I haven’t taken the train across Canada, but my parents have). Some of the details of working on the train crew are fun, but did I need to know the measurements of Union Station in Toronto or how many km/miles it is across Canada? No, I did not.
Still there is lots to enjoy here. Tor is the usual unassuming, intelligent and decent Francis hero, uncertain if he’ll be able to rise to physical heroism when called on (he does, of course). And there are some interesting supporting characters, including Mrs Baudelaire, an elderly lady who acts as his messenger system when he’s on the train, and his boss, Brigadier Catto. Others seem more like caricatures.
My reading experience was enlivened by the library patron who had scribbled caustic comments in the margins. S/he is right that I’ve never heard a Canadian say “eh?” as much as George the conductor (but he’s great) and that some of the privileged characters are let off the hook for their bad behavior. I can’t say I share this reader’s annoyance with Francis heroes, though, even if they are a little too good to be true. Tempted to award a 4th star for the fun this person added to my reading, even if you really should not deface library books.
February 16, 2017
Haven't read Dick Francis for probably 15 years - very fun to find one I hadn't read. This is a complicated but really good mystery - horses, of course - setting in Canada - involving owners, criminals, disturbed personalities, and a most satisfying conclusion, not without angst, romance, a troupe of actors and train personnel on the side of good.
February 23, 2020
Yes, five stars for what this is--a good, entertaining listen while I worked around the house. Every cosy mystery writer worth their salt tries their hand at train mystery at some point, and Francis is no exception. James Bond meets Agatha Christie as Our Hero goes undercover to ensure that Canadian racing is kept safe from a British Baddy, while falling in like with a travel agent and befriending a bedridden old lady without ever taking off his disguise. No sex, please--we're British, upstanding and practically perfect in every way. Simon Prebble made this a joy to listen to as always.
I did wonder how Mercer got to be such a rich man while being quite such a softy. I don't know of many multi-millionaires who see the good in everyone; that wouldn't work in the cutthroat world of big business. OK, so he inherited his first millions, but we're meant to believe he's a sharp businessman--and yet he likes everyone and bumbles around not understanding what's happening half the time. Then there's the not-so-endearing trait of sending his problem child off to boarding school in England; I've seen parents do that in my own city and it never helps. I also wondered how a train, even one going at 35 MPH, could slam on the brakes without being heard by someone outside, but let's not get picky. I enjoyed listening to Prebble's superlative reading more than the print book I read many years ago.
Suspense in small doses, nothing severe, and fortunately no scene of Our Hero being tortured or left to freeze, drown or starve. Not really a whodunit this time--more of a "let's make sure no one gets done." Light, crisp mental popcorn.
I did wonder how Mercer got to be such a rich man while being quite such a softy. I don't know of many multi-millionaires who see the good in everyone; that wouldn't work in the cutthroat world of big business. OK, so he inherited his first millions, but we're meant to believe he's a sharp businessman--and yet he likes everyone and bumbles around not understanding what's happening half the time. Then there's the not-so-endearing trait of sending his problem child off to boarding school in England; I've seen parents do that in my own city and it never helps. I also wondered how a train, even one going at 35 MPH, could slam on the brakes without being heard by someone outside, but let's not get picky. I enjoyed listening to Prebble's superlative reading more than the print book I read many years ago.
Suspense in small doses, nothing severe, and fortunately no scene of Our Hero being tortured or left to freeze, drown or starve. Not really a whodunit this time--more of a "let's make sure no one gets done." Light, crisp mental popcorn.
September 13, 2008
THE EDGE - G+
Francis, Dick - 27th book
A Great Transcontinental Mystery Race, a glittering rail junket that not only promises the opportunity to race a thoroughbred on some of the world's great courses, but something more: an intriguing mystery to be enacted on board, which passengers will be invited to solve. But included on the guest list is one Julius Apollo Filmer, justifiably reputed to be the most ruthless operator lurking in the racing underworld, and he's planning a strange plot of his own. For Tor Kelsey, undercover security agent for the British Jockey Club, a scenario of imaginary mayhem is about to explode into a nightmare of real and bloody murder.
Francis creates a strong sense of place and I loved the setting of the Candian Transcontinental Railroad, but the story didn't captivate me as much as others have. I also believe this, a number of future books, was where Francis' writing lost a bit of it's edge.
Francis, Dick - 27th book
A Great Transcontinental Mystery Race, a glittering rail junket that not only promises the opportunity to race a thoroughbred on some of the world's great courses, but something more: an intriguing mystery to be enacted on board, which passengers will be invited to solve. But included on the guest list is one Julius Apollo Filmer, justifiably reputed to be the most ruthless operator lurking in the racing underworld, and he's planning a strange plot of his own. For Tor Kelsey, undercover security agent for the British Jockey Club, a scenario of imaginary mayhem is about to explode into a nightmare of real and bloody murder.
Francis creates a strong sense of place and I loved the setting of the Candian Transcontinental Railroad, but the story didn't captivate me as much as others have. I also believe this, a number of future books, was where Francis' writing lost a bit of it's edge.
July 22, 2024
One of my favorite Francis books. Francis trades the typical setting of the English world for the Canadian countryside, as seen by rail. The hero is, as usual, quietly competent and prone to form sudden and inexplicable romantic connections. The bad guy is nefarious, to be sure, but not quite to psychopathic villain that plagues so many of Francis' other books. The mystery here is rather backwards, as well--the hero and his employers know full well who the bad guy is, and they spend the bulk of the book figuring out what exactly he is up to, how to prove it, and how to put a stop to his crimes. As is often the case with Francis' works, I find thinking that it would have made a pretty compelling movie. Definitely a worthwhile way to kill a few hours.
July 4, 2016
"Racing related thrillers - Tor Kelsey, undercover security operative for the British Jockey Club is on the case. Tor poses as waiter on a the Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train. The train is mystery adventure across Canada where there are actors posing as horse owners and passengers and people are not what they seem. Their are various stops along the way where the owners will stop to watch their horses race. Tor has been installed to spy upon Julius Appollo Filmer, who is suspected of murder and blackmail in Britain. But attempted murder and blackmail are happening on the train, right under Tor's nose. All Tor has to do is to get evidence to hold Filmer accountable and convince the others on the train Filmer is not the wholesome character he seems. "
November 29, 2018
I own all of Dick Francis' books, & recently re-read them all.
The Edge sticks in my mind as one of my favourites - but when I read a few of the other reviews, I agreed with many of the points other reviewers made about why this is not one of their favourites. Thinking on it further, the train journey and the scenery described are a big part of why I enjoy this book more than some of his others - I have long hoped to do that trip through the Rockies, one day. I also enjoyed the many details of the mini-world on the train; the staff, the actors staging the mystery, and other passenger interactions.
The Edge sticks in my mind as one of my favourites - but when I read a few of the other reviews, I agreed with many of the points other reviewers made about why this is not one of their favourites. Thinking on it further, the train journey and the scenery described are a big part of why I enjoy this book more than some of his others - I have long hoped to do that trip through the Rockies, one day. I also enjoyed the many details of the mini-world on the train; the staff, the actors staging the mystery, and other passenger interactions.
April 13, 2020
This book manages the neat trick of being very well written and also incredibly dull. It is mostly set on a luxury train crossing Canada, and most of the narrative involves a description of life on the train. There is very little of the detective work and heroic action that usually features in Francis' books, and very little horsey stuff either. The impression it gives is that Francis was offered a free ride across Canada provided he gave the train a good write up. If so, he certainly fulfilled his brief, and good luck to him. I wish I could get a deal like that.
June 2, 2013
So much fun to read! A creative and engaging mystery with a unique twist-you know who the villain is from the start, but you are trying to figure out what he's going to do next. Also loved the setting.
October 26, 2023
Back in the 80s and early 90s, I read a lot of Dick Francis. He writes to a formula. The protagonist is a young or youngish single man who has some kind of expertise. Said protagonist is embroiled in some kind of mystery. In the early books it was horseracing, or something to do with horses. Later on, he branched out into flying, computers, photography, what have you.
In The Edge, Tor Kelsey is a race course detective, working for the British Jockey Club to keep bad actors away from the turf. His bosses send him to Canada to track down a particularly villainous villain, a British racehorse owner who has the habit of scaring the people who cross him almost to death. He also blackmails race horse owners into selling or giving him their horses. The bad guy, Julius Apollo Filmer, was tried for conspiring to murder a stable boy who had revealed that he, the stable boy, knew things about Filmer that would get Filmer chucked out of racing. The stable boy was found dead two days later. All the witnesses either disappeared or recanted. Filmer was acquitted.
Canadian racing has sponsored a cross country race train, to endless hoopla, that will carry the owners of racehorses, with their horses, and other racing devotees, across Canada, running three races along the way and luxuriating in Canada's wonderful scenery. Filmer is on the train, and because Tor Kelsey's bosses think he'll pull something, so is Tor.
Throw in a murder mystery play that unfolds as the train speeds past beautiful Canadian scenery, and you've got some drama.
In The Edge, Tor Kelsey is a race course detective, working for the British Jockey Club to keep bad actors away from the turf. His bosses send him to Canada to track down a particularly villainous villain, a British racehorse owner who has the habit of scaring the people who cross him almost to death. He also blackmails race horse owners into selling or giving him their horses. The bad guy, Julius Apollo Filmer, was tried for conspiring to murder a stable boy who had revealed that he, the stable boy, knew things about Filmer that would get Filmer chucked out of racing. The stable boy was found dead two days later. All the witnesses either disappeared or recanted. Filmer was acquitted.
Canadian racing has sponsored a cross country race train, to endless hoopla, that will carry the owners of racehorses, with their horses, and other racing devotees, across Canada, running three races along the way and luxuriating in Canada's wonderful scenery. Filmer is on the train, and because Tor Kelsey's bosses think he'll pull something, so is Tor.
Throw in a murder mystery play that unfolds as the train speeds past beautiful Canadian scenery, and you've got some drama.
February 2, 2023
I have always loved Dick Francis' books so I was happy to find one that I hadn't read yet. The bonus was that it takes place mainly in Canada.
The Canadian Jockey Club hoping to promote Canadian racing arranged for a VIA rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver for race horse owners and their horses. It includes races in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver as well a stop in Calgary for a trip to Lake Louise. All familiar territory for me.
But one owner Julius Filmer is a ruthless operator who has recently acquired ownership of several horses under extremely suspect circumstances. Undercover for the British Jockey Club Tor Kelsey is posing as part of the trains staff hoping to ward off any trouble and trying to uncover just what Filmer is up to. It is a trip with plenty of bumps on the rails and a finish that is pure Dick Francis.
The Canadian Jockey Club hoping to promote Canadian racing arranged for a VIA rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver for race horse owners and their horses. It includes races in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver as well a stop in Calgary for a trip to Lake Louise. All familiar territory for me.
But one owner Julius Filmer is a ruthless operator who has recently acquired ownership of several horses under extremely suspect circumstances. Undercover for the British Jockey Club Tor Kelsey is posing as part of the trains staff hoping to ward off any trouble and trying to uncover just what Filmer is up to. It is a trip with plenty of bumps on the rails and a finish that is pure Dick Francis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2017
One of my favorite Dick Francis heroes, Tor knows how to be invisible in plain sight. As such he is invaluable to the Jockey Club's security branch. But can he ride the Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train all the way across Canada with the rich sociopath Julius Filmer, without Filmer noticing him? It's the only way anyone can think of to stop Filmer from sabotaging the train. The show must go on as normal, because the press is ballyhooing the train full of rich horse owners.
Read 5 times
Read 5 times
July 6, 2020
Not your usual Dick Francis mystery!
Tor is an undercover investigator for the British racing authority. Independently wealthy, he pursues his career because of a love of horses and a need to be occupied. He is sent to Canada to try to catch a despicable character who has wrangled his way onto an exclusive train set to take an excursion across Canada. This is no ordinary excursion, as the train carries horses, owners, and high rollers, and there will be stops along the way to participate in very high-powered races.
Lots of good characters, a tidy puzzle, and (of course) gorgeous horses.
Nicely done, Mr. Francis.
Tor is an undercover investigator for the British racing authority. Independently wealthy, he pursues his career because of a love of horses and a need to be occupied. He is sent to Canada to try to catch a despicable character who has wrangled his way onto an exclusive train set to take an excursion across Canada. This is no ordinary excursion, as the train carries horses, owners, and high rollers, and there will be stops along the way to participate in very high-powered races.
Lots of good characters, a tidy puzzle, and (of course) gorgeous horses.
Nicely done, Mr. Francis.
September 18, 2018
I seldom give a Dick Francis book less than 4-Stars and this is no exception. A very interesting theme (The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train) with a good plot and lots of extraneous information regarding railroads and trains.
I did learn something reading this book that I never knew before. I have always used the term "Lion's Share" when referring to someone who got the largest portion of something, but I never considered where it came from. I learned that, in the jungle, the females (lionesses) do the hunting in packs, while the male lion sits by watching and then comes in for the "lion's share" of the kill.
Never know what you're going to learn reading Dick Francis.
I did learn something reading this book that I never knew before. I have always used the term "Lion's Share" when referring to someone who got the largest portion of something, but I never considered where it came from. I learned that, in the jungle, the females (lionesses) do the hunting in packs, while the male lion sits by watching and then comes in for the "lion's share" of the kill.
Never know what you're going to learn reading Dick Francis.
March 27, 2021
2021 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge-a book you meant to read last year.
Not your typical Whodunit as we know who the bad guy is from the beginning. More of a what and how? No less the enjoyable because of that. As usual horses and horseracing play a large part, but a mystery train takes center stage.
Not your typical Whodunit as we know who the bad guy is from the beginning. More of a what and how? No less the enjoyable because of that. As usual horses and horseracing play a large part, but a mystery train takes center stage.
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