When amateur jockey Archie Best receives a surprise legacy from an old family friend, it proves to have some unwelcome strings attached. The strange bequest points an accusing finger at Clive Drury, an influential and affluent businessman who mixes with cabinet ministers and has his wealthy fingers in every conceivable pie. Helped by his would-be girlfriend, Georgie - and distracted by the rather obvious charms of Drury's daughter, Amanda - Archie sets out to substantiate the extraordinary claims. But only gradually does he discover the extent of the web of corruption, and the deadly nature of his adversary...
Rough Ride
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Product Description
About the Author
Ex-National Hunt Champion Jockey John Francome is a broadcaster on racing for Channel 4 and has established himself as one of the front runners in the racing thriller stakes. He lives in Berkshire.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I picked this book up rather tentatively as I am not a fan of horse racing but I was surprised to find myself hooked after only 10-15 pages. Even though the story is based around the amateur racing circuit it does not alienate those of us who do not have an interest in horses. The plot moves along quite nicely and the characters are likeable and well written. I agree that the ending is slightly predictable but I wouldn't let that put you off. This is a good thriller and will keep you entertained. I'll certainly look out for other John Francome books in the future!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By francofilly
Format:Paperback
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the characters were believable; the settings (mostly around racecourses and stables of course!) were well described without being arduously detailed for the non-racegoer (yes, there are some of us that enjoy books set on race courses for the story without having actually attended a horse race!). The plot was twisty and interesting but in my opinion the ending was predictable
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.3 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Wannabe Only
8 Feb 2004
By Annette C. Nelson
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
From the first page it is clear that "Francome" wants nothing more than to be identified with Dick Francis. Unfortunately, all he manages to turn out is a slavish and sub-par imitation with little to recommend it to anyone, let alone a true fan of the master.
The plot setup is the same as Francis: 30-ish, single guy involved with horses and, oh, by the way, another unrelated hobby. A nasty character unfairly threatens our hero, who must act to protect himself and those he loves, and maybe get a little revenge. All the elements are there for Francome, right down to a couple of eligible young ladies. But where Francis' main characters are brilliant, subtle, strong, brave, self reliant, and above all obsessively honest, Francome's "hero" is incautious, petty, horny, and about as subtle as a jackhammer. He is out for himself, and we don't quite believe that he really cares who will be hurt along the way.
Francome's prose, too, is a very poor imitation. As with so many sub-par authors, he falls prey to "telling" instead of "showing." The characters spout whole improbable paragraphs full of impossible insights into the character and motivation of others, making me feel like I've read a book report and not the book itself.
All in all, the shelf-space they so conveniently share at the bookstore is as close as Francome is likely to come to Francis. Even on a bad day ("Shattered," "10 lb Penalty") Francis shines above the "competition." On a good day ("Odds against," "Whip Hand," "Reflex," "For Kicks," or "In the Frame" which has a similar subplot) there's absolutely no comparison.
The plot setup is the same as Francis: 30-ish, single guy involved with horses and, oh, by the way, another unrelated hobby. A nasty character unfairly threatens our hero, who must act to protect himself and those he loves, and maybe get a little revenge. All the elements are there for Francome, right down to a couple of eligible young ladies. But where Francis' main characters are brilliant, subtle, strong, brave, self reliant, and above all obsessively honest, Francome's "hero" is incautious, petty, horny, and about as subtle as a jackhammer. He is out for himself, and we don't quite believe that he really cares who will be hurt along the way.
Francome's prose, too, is a very poor imitation. As with so many sub-par authors, he falls prey to "telling" instead of "showing." The characters spout whole improbable paragraphs full of impossible insights into the character and motivation of others, making me feel like I've read a book report and not the book itself.
All in all, the shelf-space they so conveniently share at the bookstore is as close as Francome is likely to come to Francis. Even on a bad day ("Shattered," "10 lb Penalty") Francis shines above the "competition." On a good day ("Odds against," "Whip Hand," "Reflex," "For Kicks," or "In the Frame" which has a similar subplot) there's absolutely no comparison.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not one of Francome's best
9 Jan 2013
By Berelis
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Plot seems a bit farfetched in my opinion. Main character weak and undecided., which I found a bit annoying. Good background and characters.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Horse heist
4 Jan 2011
By Caran-dash
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This English hunter mystery by a well-known jockey takes the reader on a joyful gallop of intriguing plot twists, romance, and wit. Mystery fans, anglophiles, and horse lovers will be happily entertained by this well-crafted novel.
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3.3 out of 5 stars
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