Member Reviews
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb - instead I will recommend that you read this for yourself!
I read all the novels by Dick Francis, and have read several by his son - Felix Francis - who ably stepped up to the plate following the sad demise of his father.
As ever, this was an enjoyable read with a very well-researched plot. Like his father before him, Felix passes on nuggets of information about racing and what goes on behind the scenes, and the blend of fact and fiction works really well. The characters are very believable, though some are not very pleasant, and Theo's girlfriend's entire family sounds a nightmare!
I guessed how the murder(s) were executed (I read a lot of crime novels) but not who was responsible, so I was quite pleased about that.
Highly recommended. I'm already looking forward to the next book by Felix Francis!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
With thanks to the author and publisher for this advanced copy to review. This is the latest book from Felix Francis son of the late great Dick Francis. Theo is an auctioneer at the bloodstock sales at Newmarket when he makes a sale of monumental value. We follow him as he tries to unravel the facts behind this particular sale. This is truly a page turner. There are a number of suspects in the events that follow and it is quite easy to guess who the possible villains are but that does not detract from the pleasure of reading this book. I've long been a fan of Dick Francis and Felix is equally good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries particularly when it involves horses. Felix Francis does a good job of explaining the different aspects of horse sales and the history of some of the races. Altogether a very enjoyable .read.
I do like this series of books by the author. Set in the racing industry, and all with very similar plot lines. The characterisation is good and there were some exciting parts of the plot. I did figure out the bad guys but it just failed to set my heart racing. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the new offering from Felix Francis. I have read all the Dick Francis racing novels and all those in collaboration with Felix and again now that Felix writes on his own. I must say I think this is by far the best Felix Francis book by several furlongs.........I really enjoyed it and with out going through the entire synopsis I can only say I highly recommend it !!
As expected from Felix Francis (and his father before him) an intricate and detailed novel that goes in-depth into horse auctions. The back ground of his stories is always well developed and although based on horse racing educates the reader into all sorts of different things. One learns without realising it but it doesn't detract from the storyline.
I have been reading Dick Francis novels since I was a young boy. I'm now in my 60's and get the same thrill now that Felix has taken over the mantle. Thrilling read that makes you want to read the next chapter even though it's late and time for bed.
Having read all the books in this writing legacy this one did not disappoint. A book the phrase "page turner" was invented for. Great characters, well researched as always. Highly recommend. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
It's always a pleasure to read a Francis novel, whether it be the original Dick or the son Felix. Both have a wonderful grasp on what it takes to craft a novel that's highly readable. As regular as clockwork, one drops each year and every year I look forward to reading what area the novel will be based in. No Reserve is the latest and lifts the hood on equine auctions.
Theo Jennings is the main protagonist. An auctioneer in Newmarket, the home of horse racing, Theo has more world experience than many. When he sells a horse for three million pounds, he suspects something isn't right. An overheard conversation in the toilets confirms his fears that there is fraud being committed. When the next day the horse dies, he reports this to the head of the auctioneers. The response isn't quite what he thought it might be. Theo sets out to find the truth.
As with all Francis novels, the book is meticulously researched. Not only do you see the world behind auctions, but you also get to discover the joys of VAT and the vagaries of employment law. It's a well told story that is first rate without really stretching its legs. That's not to say it's disappointing. Like all Francis tales it keeps you turning those pages. It's like returning home after a cold day and basking in the heat of the fire. I think this is not the first time the auctioneers have been the backdrop to a Dick Francis thriller, but I may be wrong
All in all, a first class read that is well worth a read.
No Reserve is the annual racing based thriller from Felix Francis and if you enjoy a high paced, page turning thriller then this is definitely the book for you.
Felix who “inherited” the series from his father Dick knows how to write an interesting story and No Reserve definitely hits the spot.
Highly recommended.
This is the latest in a long line of racing thrillers that began with Dick Francis and is now continued by his son, Felix. The plot concerns criminal activity at the Newmarket sales where the lead character is an auctioneer. Although there are some thrilling moments which I enjoyed and which kept me reading, the stories are increasingly formulaic to the extent, I was waiting for the moment when the main character/narrator was attacked by the bad guys . I quickly worked out who the villains were and, as ever, how the romantic liaison would end. I have read the whole series and will continue to read each new book but I hope that the author may vary the formula for his next outing.
I absolutely loved this book got to be one of his best novels since he took over writing on his own since the death of his father I cannot recommend this highly enough
Another great story,this time set in and around an auctioneers. A tricky mystery to be solved with plenty of twists.