(one in a series of Dick Francis reviews in which I try and separate all those rather similar titles, and in which I try not to give away plotlines)
The book: Henry Grey is in horse transporting - by air. Because he is a toff the other staff make his life tough - but is that the only reason, or are they trying to distract his attention? When Henry begins looking closer at horses flying to and from the USA and Italy, more trouble ensues. But there is also a handsome Italian girl to distract him... and help him in his investigations into the how, the why, and the who.
The writer:
Dick Francis flew various planes in World War II (a fact that must have inspired some exciting flying scenes in this book!) and was a professional jockey afterwards; he was Champion Jockey, but hung up his professional books and turned to writing thrillers. He died in 2010. This was his fifth thriller, from 1966.
My opinion: one of his best - and that is saying something! Beautiful, taut writing, with believable characters, brilliantly sustained tension, and a love story to blow you out of your socks.
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