Available:*
Library | Material Type | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library | Adult Mystery Fiction Book Hardback | 120791002652168 | M FRA | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
New York Times bestselling author Dick Francis presents his thrilling newnovel: the story of architect Lee Morris who inherits a partial ownership in the StrattonPark racecourse--and with it, a dangerous position among the warring upper-class familytrying to settle its fate. Morris would like to see the course restored to its formergrandeur, but the various Stratton heirs have plans of their own. When an explosionrocks the grandstands, the disagreement turns violent--and Morris finds himself in a raceto save himself and his family from an unknown culprit.
Reviews (4)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Dick Francis knows horses, but in this deeply satisfying novel of intrigue, he shows that he also has a handle on architecture, construction, even crowd control. Narrator Lee Morris, 35, is an architect/builder specializing in restoring ``ruins'' like his own splendid barn house inhabited by his six sons and his lovely, but increasingly remote, wife. He is also one of few shareholders in Stratton Park racecourse, ownership of which is being hotly contested by the heirs of Lord Stratton. Lee's mother had married and quickly divorced the baron's vicious son Keith. Since part of her divorce settlement included the racecourse stock, Lee (accompanied by his five eldest sons) attends a shareholders meeting. With few exceptions the Strattons are a very nasty crew--cheats, blackmailers, just plain vicious--and during the course of the fight over selling or restoring the track, Lee is beaten, nearly blown up and finally forced to race to save his sons at the excruciating climax. Francis's deft plotting and sharp characterization are, as usual, on the mark: both Lee and his progeny are realistic and appealing. And as usual, he excels in exposing some of England's nastier class habits, meanwhile affirming the morality of his protagonist. BOMC main selection; QPB alternate; Reader's Digest selection; author tour. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus Review
Francis's newest suspenser (his 32nd) is typical not only in its racetrack setting, but in its doubling of the hero's mildly dysfunctional family (he and his diffident wife are held together only by their brood of six sons) with another family of deep-dyed villains. Because his mother Madeline was once married into the fractious Stratton family, owners of the Stratton Park racecourse, architect/ builder Lee Morris, a restorer of ruined houses, owns a small number of voting shares in the course. His long-standing revulsion from Madeline's wife-beating first husband Keith Stratton has kept him away from the family--especially from his half-sister Hannah, a child of marital rape--and, despite the pleas of course manager Roger Gardner, he intends to keep his distance even when Keith's father, Lord William Stratton, dies. But an invitation to a meeting of the shareholders leads to an unexpected request from matriarchal Marjorie Binsham, William's sister--to look into the question of whether the outdated grandstands really need replacing--and while he's poking around along with his five oldest sons, an explosion rocks the stands and nearly kills him. Sabotage, of course; but was the culprit habitual animal- rights picketer Harold Quest, or one of the Stratton heirs--Keith himself, his despised twin Conrad (the new head of the family), their ineffectual brother Ivan--or one of their children--spiteful unwed mother Hannah, sullen jockey Rebecca, insouciant Dart, or troublemaking Forsyth? Francis's biggest coup here is his success in delineating shades and varieties of wickedness in the superbly monstrous Strattons. Despite an unconvincing hint of May-December romance for his fatalistic hero, this is the most elaborate and satisfying of his recent books--a winner from the starting gate to the last hurdle. (Book-of-the-Month Dual Selection)
Booklist Review
The newest entry is this popular series once again features Francis' signature horseracing theme. Architect Lee Morris has been a stockholder in Stratton Park racecourse ever since his mother inherited shares as part of a divorce settlement. When track-owner Lord Stratton dies, he leaves his heirs bitterly divided about the park's future. The younger scions want it razed so big-bucks developers can make their mark (and pay handsomely for the prime real estate). The older relatives want to preserve it intact. The course manager wants it modernized: changing rooms for the female jockeys, elevators, and comfortable seats. Lee finds himself unwillingly drawn into the family dispute when someone blows up the grandstand. Convinced that one of the Strattons is behind the dastardly crime, Lee is determined to find out which one--and save the racetrack for future racing enthusiasts. Francis has created a strong supporting cast of Stratton characters--irresponsible grandson Dart, vindictive son Keith, temperamental Rebecca, and indomitable matriarch Marjorie--set against the intelligent, admirable hero. The plot is entertainingly cunning and effectively paced if not highly original. And there's even some pleasantly, witty Francis-style humor, mostly involving Lee's attempts at parenting. A master manipulator of the formula plot, Francis has created yet another odds on winner. Bet on it. (Reviewed Aug. 1993)0399138714Emily Melton
Library Journal Review
Meet Lee Morris, an architect with six children and a small share in a successful racetrack, Stratton Park. Morris becomes embroiled in the excitement of the racetrack and a fight for its control. This is the last thing he ought to become involved in, especially considering the many skeletons in the Stratton family closets. The personalities in Francis's ( Driving Force , Audio Reviews, LJ 4/1/93; Proof , Audio Reviews, LJ 4/15/93) tale are strong and the action swift. Simon Jones narrates well, and the abridgment is unobtrusive. This will do well in general collections.-- Miriam Kahn, Columbus, Ohio (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.