Steven Scott's nine racehorses are his pride and joy and he insists on having them trained by this great friend, Jody Leeds. Then, gradually, unwillingly, Steven learns that Jody has been systematically cheating him of very large sums of money. Notunnaturally he removes the horses from Jody's care, but this simple act unleashes a chain of unpredictable consequences. Overnight, Steven's peaceful existence erupts into a fierce and accelerating struggle to retain his good name and, eventually, his life. HIGH STAKES takes a look at several plausible fiddles and frauds, some of them funny, some vicious, but all of them expensive for the fall guy.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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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.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
From the Back Cover
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. 'An unfailing supply of well-managed twists' Sunday Times
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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
By Jo Bennie
VINE™ VOICE
Format: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.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A. Kinsella
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Again Dick Francis comes up with new and interesting characters. How he comes up with the background and depth to his characters never ceases to amaze me. This book is about a race horse owner who is a toy maker by trade. He owns a number of race horses and finds out his trainer has been defrauding him. He seeks retribution but this never works out as clean as he imagines. As always with Dick Francis the characters have depth and character traits that we can relate to. In addition most of his characters have courage and strength that most of us would aspire to!
By Jennie
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Yet again another thrilling novel by this ex champion jockey. I was riveted from start to finish.
I would recommend it to anyone with a love of horseracing.
I would recommend it to anyone with a love of horseracing.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By M. Chiverton
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
As I stated above, I do not write reviews, I have arthritis in my hands and find it too painful. Sorry I cannot help.
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Kez
Format:Paperback
This item arrived in New Condition as described and was posted very quickly. Would recommend this seller.
4 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
fantastic book, it really makes you understand the crimes that sometimes go on in the horseworld, that u are completely unaware of. I would definatly recommend it to people of all ages, and especially if u like racing and horses.
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