Dick Francis: Under Orders...

[fajrdrako]

I always love the first sentence of a Dick Francis novel. This latest, Under Orders, begins: "Sadly, death at the races is not uncommon." This has a nice Dorothy Dunnett-like ring to it.

It's another novel about Sid Halley, who is, as far as I can recall, the only protagonist Francis has used more than once - the jockey who lost one hand and became a private investigator. No problem there: I like Sid Halley, though he isn't the sexiest of Dick Francis heroes. I'm not sure why I find his heroes so attractive. There's something about them, or something about his style - the books are to thrilling to be comfort reads, but they're close to it. And of course I love the first person narration.

This time, even the women were interesting - and that's unusual with Francis. I loved the meeting of Sid's first wife with his current girlfriend - the way he feared it would go, and the way it did go. The villain was suitably horrible but not excessively obvious from the beginning. Another good read.

Comments

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

I love his books, too. I haven't bought this one yet, but plan to get it soon.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend it! I don't know if it's as good as his best, but it certainly kept me reading happily this afternoon.

Love, absolutely love, your icon.

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

I've never been disappointed by a Dick Francis book. Some, of course, are much better than others, but even his 'potboilers' are readable and fun.

>>>Love, absolutely love, your icon.

Thanks!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It's true, they're all good. And some better than others. I never remember his heroes by name (except Sid Halley!) and they vary in memorability, but they are by and large - wonderful.

[tavella.livejournal.com]

You know, I'm beginning to think you are my super sekrit clone. Because we have frighteningly similiar interests and tastes!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Doesn't that just mean we both have really good taste?

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

I just read that one last night. I agree that it was a good read.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes, wasn't it fun?

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

Definitely, but I probably should have stopped without finishing it last night. Getting up this morning didn't feel too good after staying up reading until 2:30 AM.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Oh dear - sounds as if you didn't get much sleep at all! Hope you feel okay.

[khavrinen.livejournal.com]

Sid Halley, who is, as far as I can recall, the only protagonist Francis has used more than once

There is one other -- Kit Fielding is in both Break In and Bolt, in both of which he has problems with his twin sister's father-in-law Maynard Allerdeck.

The somewhat unfortunate after-effect of Under Orders, for me at least, is that his books are more addictive than potato chips -- once I start, I can't stop until I've finished them all. This leads to too many consecutive nights of insufficient sleep...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I can certainly understand a Dick Francis addiction. That's good stuff. I've done the marathon read a time or two myself.

I'd forgotten about Kit Fielding! yes, he was good too. Must reread. (Uh-oh...)

[msilverstar]

I like Francis but I wish he'd vary his formula more. Protagonist gets captured and put in dire peril and must escape in every damn book :-/ But it's been a while so I may give this one a try. From the library.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

True enough - though I like the formula, so as long as I don't read the books too closely together, it doesn't bother me in the least.

[elebridith]

Oooh, Dick Francis!! The new one is not out in paperback yet here in Germany, I'm waiting!!!
As for his protagonists, I actually made me a list with the title and the protagonist. I tend to confuse his titles, so with this list I can check easily when I fill up my backlist:-)
My favourite ones are "Reflex" (the one with the photographer, I hope that's also the english title) and "To the hilt". But I agree -even his less good books are still pretty good.
Yes, he always has the same formula, but I love how he always put in an additional theme besides horses - photography, painting, survival training, diamonds... that's one hell of a research!

Dick Francis

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I've been slow to answer this! I love Dick Francis novels, and miss the days when we could count on a new one every year. I should make a protagonist list too - I'm hopeless with his titles, even when they're my favourites. I do remember In the Frame, though - that's the one I got his autograph on! A treasured thing.

I love Reflex too - I like Sid Haley. I think my favourite is Dead Cert, but I may have the title mixed up with another one. (Opps.)

I like his research, his characters, the way he builds tension, his style - I don't care that there isn't a lot of variation in the pacing. They're good!
And the variation in career, setting and background gives each of the books an individual feel.