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5.0 out of 5 stars
Another fantastic novel by Dick Francis., 12 Sep 2000
This review is from: To The Hilt (Mass Market Paperback)
He's done it again he has written a brilliant novel "To The Hilt" is non stop action weather its in Scotland or London, Mr Francis seems to captivate you into the book from the time you pick the book up from the time you put it down you are swept away. A top Novel "To The Hilt" is a must read novel, Dick Francis portarays his characters brilliant whether it be Alexander Kinloch or the Earl of Kinloch he seems to give them an extra edge a must read book
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4.0 out of 5 stars
An artist turned hero tackles the sudden loss of family wealth, 25 Aug 2011
This review is from: To The Hilt (Mass Market Paperback)
Alexander Kinloh finds his need for peace, quiet, open spaces and artistic inspiration met by the remote bothy he lives in on his uncle's remote Scottish estate. When his peace is invaded by four men who know how to use their fists, searching for a treasure they will not name, he finds himself engaging once more with the outside world. At the same time he learns of his stepfather's illness and so travels to London to support his mother. The two story lines intertwine, and this becomes a classic Dick Francis book sporting an acitve, intelligent, unconventional hero who knows his own mind and proves remarkably good at hiding things people do not wish to be found and untangling mysteries. As always with Francis books horses/racing feature as a key element of the book. I have just read this book for a second time, after living in Scotland - and it has made me truly appreciate the knowledge of Scotland - people, passions, wild places and history - that Francis has interweaved into his telling. I also really appreciaed his descriptions of the creation and impact of art and the value of solitude and the natural landscape for artistic inspiration/soul food.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Solid Francis thriller on painting, treasure and torture, 10 Oct 2010
This review is from: To The Hilt (Mass Market Paperback)
(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: Alexander Kinloch is a painter - living alone in a bothy in the Scottish Highlands, and considered slightly mad by his relatives. When thugs threaten him to find about hidden treasure; when fraud strikes in southern England; and when he has to hide another treasure, a very large one, he needs all the allies he can get to succeed; let alone survive.
A book about the agonies of painting, treasure in its various shapes, decency, pride and loyalty. About fraud, murder and racehorses. And about feelings, and about not expressing all of them.
The writer:
Dick Francis served in the RAF in World War II (because the cavalry refused him!) and was a professional jockey afterwards; he was Champion Jockey, but hung up his professional boots and turned to writing thrillers. He died in 2010. This was his thirty-fifth thriller, from 1996.
My opinion: excellent: tense, puzzling, good on personalities without dissecting them. The usual powerful writing style: to-the-point, no-nonsense, clear and crafty; and very, very good on feelings, especially if not everything is put into words. Quite moving in places, too, and has you rooting for the hero completely and utterly. Francis is a consummate craftsman.
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