Knockdown

I'm generally a fan of the novels of Dick Francis, most of which are set in the world of British horse racing. This one, though, was something of a disappointment. It fits the mold of most Francis novels: the protagonist is in his mid-thirties--a man who has been damaged but who is tough, determined......more

Better than average Dick Frances novel The last two or three Dick Francis novels I've read reminded me how lucky I am to live in a place where a person can arm himself against threats. Jonah can't do that but, as usual in Dick Frances novels, by luck and determination, he prevails. Prevails at some c......more

This is an uncommonly aggressive novel for Dick Francis. His books always have a mystery which his hero reluctantly discovers he must solve in order to come through the problems confronting him intact. But in Knock Down, Jonah Dereham fights back in an atypical way for Dick Francis. Jonah is a blood......more

What I love about Dick Francis novels: - horse racing features in all of them in some way*. - his heroes are all human, fallible, and flawed - his characters are all vivid and rounded - his plots are involving, complex, and interesting - his writing is excellent, both in art and in craft - almost without......more