- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Headline; New Ed edition (1 Mar 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0747266077
- ISBN-13: 978-0747266075
- Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 2.9 x 18 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 43,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Lifeline
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Unlike some jockeys, Tony Byrne has never taken a bung and never ridden a dishonest race. All the same, his career is heading for the rocks, dragged down by weight problems and woman trouble - and too many slow horses. In comparison, Freddy Montague has never been fussy about sticking to the rules, either on the racetrack or in bed with another man's wife. And if there's money on offer to fix races, Freddy's guaranteed to be first on the gravy train. Unfortunately for both men, the guarantees run out once Freddy's train comes off the rails. That's when the gravy turns to blood...
About the Author
Ex-National Hunt Champion Jockey John Francome is a broadcaster on racing for Channel 4. He lives in Berkshire.
Inside This Book
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As an occassional visitor to the racecourse, it had occurred to me that the scope for corruption in racing did exist. This novel did nothing to rid me of this notion. Of course one must separate fact from fiction, but Francome's novel is entirely convincing. The style is quick and absorbing, with many twists and turns both on and off the racecourse. The whodunnit element is obvious when revealed at the end - but it leaves the reader annoyed that he/she did not spot it earlier. Thoroughly enjoyable, this novel stopped me doing anything else for a full day.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Wow. All Francome fans should read this. New format (larger size cover) but needs a more up-to-date photo to remind all fillies (and old grey mares) of his delectable good looks.
This latest offering of John Francome's is so different from all his others that it could have been written by a different person. The credits mention someone called Mike Bailey and it is hard to judge whether he was directly responsible for the change in writing style but whatever contributions he made the effects have been positive. If being footloose and fancyfree again (ie Ms Bailey) means producing work of this calibre then the author should seriously consider joining a monastery. What a transformation.
Subtle examples of the author's dry wit are occasionally found throughout particularly in the first few chapters some of which are very funny indeed. The first third is slow going and reminded me of a field of two-milers settling down and jockeying for position but as the story unfolded and the characters found their places it started to show signs of being a pretty good read. What I can't understand is the author's obsession with the surname James in two consecutive novels.
Like Tip Off, I felt at home again (funny this) because the character Paul share's my eldest's name. Incredibly, Hong Kong and Melbourne are dear to my heart too (although no bearing to this review) as I was due to emigrate to the former and meet up with my youngest son who currently lives and works in the latter, so there goes the storyline for my next book!
The text and style reveals more about the author than any previous publication. Veiled criticisms and barbed comments directed at females give the book a gutsy and emotional feel. The classic comment of the entire novel is the reference to ''The Handcuff Voice'' - the one a woman uses when she's making plans to tie a man down. Don't know about other female readers but I if got the opportunity to tie J Francome down it wouldn't be with a voice... I was concerned, however, about the repeated change in viewpoint character which made the passages murder to read.
It's strange that it can sometimes take 10 or even 15 novels for an author to reveal their true style and if this book is a taste of what's to come on future menus then I shall be first outside the restaurant. (Difficult for me as I'm allergic to wheat and dairy products and stick thin - perhaps I should have been a jockey.)
Francome has finally realised that sex sells and the provocative passages are sensuous, pertinent to the plot and very pleasing to read. Although the poor sex-starved heroine Kate sleeps through the climax she does get her jockey in the end and that is just the way it should be in fiction - a happy ending. Pity life can't be like that...
Highly recommended.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have been a lifelong fan of Dick Francis but of late have found his books boring and samey. Lifeline by John Francome is how Dick Francis used to be. Fast and furious intrigue and murder. Great. Couldn't put it down.
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