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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Weirdly Connected Story on the Familiar Francis Turf, 8 May 2004
Review Summary: Only the most dedicated Dick Francis fans will find the story in Shattered to be one they enjoy. Weird juxtapositions of bumbling baddies create one of the most far-fetched mystery stories you or I have ever read. Steeplechase racing is dragged into the main mystery kicking and neighing in a most unsatisfying way. Those who always wanted to learn more about creating artistic glass will feel most rewarded by the book. They will probably grade the book a three or four star effort. On the positive side, Shattered offers one of Mr. Francis's best romances. Those who like love stories in their mysteries will also like this better than most.Review: Gerald Logan is the friend of a steeplechase jockey, Martin Stukely, who dies in a fall while racing. After the race, Stukely's valet hands Logan something that the jockey had told the valet to convey. In the midst of feeling sad for his lost friend and trying to cheer up his dead friend's bereaved family, Logan doesn't pay much attention to the package . . . until it is taken in an unexpected robbery. Suddenly, looming goons are threatening Logan with many varieties of mayhem. What's it all about? Logan doesn't know, and he would prefer to get back to his business of making and selling fine crystal objects. Most of the book's plot complications revolve around Logan's having lost his driver's license from speeding once too often. As a result, it's not easy for him to get from place to place. His connections to the plot are made through these travel arrangements. That device is the story's strength. The background on making fine glass will interest many who have admired such artistic pieces. Mr. Francis did a good job on his research, and explains what he learned well. The mystery itself will leave most people scratching their heads due to its many far-fetched elements. I simply didn't find many elements of it believable. Perhaps you have a better imagination than I do. If you do, you will like this book better than I did. I also like to read about horse racing in Mr. Francis's books. This one could have used more of that element, or he could have eliminated it altogether. The connection is does make was unsatisfying to me. Logan could have gotten the package in an airport from a porter, and the mystery would have been about the same. Mr. Francis's prose itself was clear, friendly, and direct . . . as usual. If he wasn't such a smooth writer, a book like this would be a painful experience. After you finish enjoying this book (if you do), I hope you will think about how we can each make our work more relevant to those who use it. What are our readers (or customers) looking for? What's the best way to provide that benefit? What should we avoid doing? Race to overcome obstacles for all those you serve!
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