High Stakes
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Product Description
Product Description
A newly reissued edition of this classic novel from the Champion Storyteller
Book Description
With a glass of champagne in one hand and binoculars in the other, the world of racing could seem a very cosy and civilized hobby. Especially when your horse has just sprinted past the winning post. But the pleasure of a day at Sandown is spoiled for Steven Scott when he sacks the trainer of his horses, a man he once thought of as a friend. For although on the surface Jody Leeds is a bright young workaholic, Scott suspects he's a crook. Racing may have its rewards but, as Scott finds out to his own cost, not all of them are innocent... or legal.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"High Stakes" stands out,
By Semioticghost "Semioticghost" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: High Stakes (Paperback)
A fine thriller, craftsmanly done, with Francis's usual amount of twists and a wealth of brief but strong characterisations. I realise this can be said about nearly all of his novels, but "High Stakes" stands out through the central character's unusual background -he's a toy-designer- and his astute perceptions of the racing world through the eyes of someone who's not part of it. Horses actually come under 'also ran...' on this occasion, in a novel focussed on human interaction, emotion and intrigue more than anything else.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent - one of Francis' best!,
By H. Beentje "Henk Beentje" (Kew, England) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 50 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: High Stakes (Paperback)
Plot synopsis: Horse owner Stephen Scott (grown rich though designing toys) ditches his trainer, for fixing races in cahoots with his bookie. The papers and the public turn against him for firing such a nice man. The underdog Scott develops some strange friendships, and there is a lovely romance, too.
Expertly written and with vivid real-life characters, this must be one of Dick Francis' best, ranking up there with the Sid Halley stories. And believe me, thrillers don't get better than that! Francis writes very well, the dialogue is believable, the characters are three-dimensional and believable. These books are as taut as they come, with nary a spare word, and very well-done drawn-out tension scenes. There are some good bits, too, about interaction with horses; th different types of trainers; and the class hierarchy, including the short-cuts in between. These books are perfect fodder for when you're ill or sorry for yourself: the philosophy is take what comes, and deal with it. There is nothing to beat a good Francis, and this is as good as they come.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully well crafted,
By
This review is from: High Stakes (Paperback)
Trainer Jody Leeds, father Quintin Leeds, Jockey Club member, is fleecing owner Steven Scott, when his horse Energise wins unexpectedly Steven is sure of his trainer's guilt and complicity with Ganser Mays, bookmaker in ringing (subsitituting identical horses, 'dead ringers', for the horses supposed to be running). Steven has made a fortune making beautiful toys. Friend is Charlie Canterfield, merchant banker. Steven has workshop in house and assistant come butler is Owen Idris. Love interest beautiful intelligent American Alexandra Ward (Allie). Steven realises Engerise has been swopped and decides to get him back, gets badly beaten but gets Energise back with a ringer scam of his own.
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