Dick Francis mystery. Charter flight, multiple guys fighting in the aisles. Probably 1980s or later.

[Lorna]

I'm sure it was a Dick Francis. Towards the end of the story, the main character is on a charter plane. He's fighting with one guy, then a second goon joins in, and then a third and maybe a fourth person get triangled in. And they're all tussling with each other, and *then*, a previously unseen, elegant older gentleman stands up and says to the effect of, "Fellows, is this **really** necessary?" So what's that from? Thanks in advance.

[Marcella]

Not sure but have a look at Rat Race. Has a pilot who flies charters as the main character.

[Lorna]

I don't think I've read that at all. But it's so hard to tell with DF titles!

[Bargle]

Ain't that the truth. Link for the book Rat Race by Dick Francis.

I've read all his mysteries, but trying to remember which title goes with which plot ain't happening.

[Bargle]

I found a translated title list that gives "Rat Race" as "Air-Taxi ins Jenseits" which sounds promising.

[Sarah]

Had a flick through my copy of Rat Race and can't find any such scene.

I was really into Dick Francis's work back in the 80s and don't remember this scene in any of his books. Of course, it's been a while so I could be wrong, but I think this might be a different author.

[Sarah]

OK, had another think... In 'Flying Finish', there's a scene where two men tie up the protagonist against a hay bale in the aisle of a plane, prepartory to hurting him to get the pilot to change course, and a third person who's with them stands up and says 'Is this sort of thing really necessary?' Maybe you remembered that scene plus a similar one from a different book?

Flying Finish

[Kris]

Google Books preview of Flying Finish by Dick Francis - Sarah's suggestion:

- https://www.google.com/books/edition/...
- There are different cover images.