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Sid Halley #5
Dick Francis's Refusal
Dick Francis’s beloved investigator Sid Halley returns in the riveting new mystery by New York Times–bestselling author Felix Francis.
Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game.
He thought wrong. Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing . . . or else.
At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate—and Sid’s own family comes under threat—Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on . . . or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.
Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game.
He thought wrong. Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing . . . or else.
At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate—and Sid’s own family comes under threat—Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on . . . or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.
371 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2013
544 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Felix Francis
47 books538 followersFor over forty years, the London University grad helped father Dick Francis (31 Oct 1920 – 14 Feb 2010), ex-jockey known for horse-racing mysteries. In 2007, after 17 years teaching physics, he took on the job full-time. Experience also as international marksman aided research for Shattered, Under Orders, and Twice Shy. Co-author of NY Times bestsellers Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire.
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October 20, 2013
Book Review
Refusal is Felix's second novel written alone without his father (Gamble being the first). I wonder what this must be like for Felix, to have spent all those years (40 of them) collaborating with his mother and father on the Dick Francis books, and driven by a desire to honor his father's legacy and his mother's inspiration, all those mornings at the breakfast table perspiring on what the actual damage of a bullet might be when entering a human body, what the physics were behind the trajectory of a bullet, sharing his father's love for British horse racing, only to have to do this all alone today with only the memory of his father and mother to inspire him forward? This cannot be easy and only speaks to the fortitude of the son.
Steeplechase horse racing
Gamble, Felix's only previous novel written solo, displays a slight anxiety at being handed the reins to a horse previously ridden only by his father. The prose was slightly more formulaic than his father's prose, not as velvety smooth. Gamble did not yet display the best years of Felix's life. Refusal on the other hand has rapidly accelerated the horse, has circumvented difficult turns on the steeple chase run, and shows Felix's confidence building, growing towards the ideal set by his father. The slight difference in style (remembering this is a family business) is near invisible; the story as true as any returning hero's story should be.
Refusal brings back Sid Halley, retired PI for over 6 years now, into the world of steeplechase horse racing. Engaging a familiar theme developed by his father - evil exists because we let it exist, it is powerless on its own - Felix examines the problem of what to do with a bully. To right a wrong demands risk and witness how Sid Halley weighs each in this, the second of the Felix Francis novels.
Enjoy! I did.
-------------------------------------------------------------
series Review
Felix and Dick Francis
To speak about Felix Francis I must mention Dick Francis, his father. To not do so would be a gross oversight and a complete misrepresentation of the Felix novels. To speak about Felix I would have to mention his family's business: the co-authoring of mystery novels. Craftsmen pass down their knowledge to their children; the Japanese tea ceremony is passed down from generation to generation; but to say that authors of fiction see their art, and their heroes, as a family business is quite out of the ordinary. Authors do not normally share credit for their work and certainly don't see their novels as a family business: literally. And yet, the Francis family sees it just so.
Felix remembers almost 40 years of sitting around the Francis breakfast table where the production of a Francis novel took place: always a mixture of perspiration, inspiration, and more importantly, team work. But it wasn't until Dick's wife, Mary Francis, died that Felix took over all research and co-authoring duties and made the decision to quit his 17 year academic career teaching advanced Physics in 3 schools the last while acting as head of the science department at Bloxom school, Oxfordshire.
Mary and Dick Francis
What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, I have read all 40 of them: twice) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. Although Dick Francis was a horse jockey himself, the heroes in his mystery novels aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world. And to my mind as I read reviews here on GR where heroes are always flawed, or where literary works concentrate on a rather malevolent view of reality reading a Francis novel is like listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons: classical music cleanses me and reaffirms my basic view that the world is good: reading a Francis novel accomplishes much the same.
Felix's partnership, in particular as a knowledgeable resource with his famous father can be seen in Twice Shy where Dick Francis draws upon Felix's knowledge of Physics, or, Felix's past as an international marksman in Shattered or Under Orders.
After the death in 2000 of Mary Francis, his wife of 53 years and a close collaborator on his books, Mr. Francis expressed doubts that he would ever write another novel. “She was the moving force behind my writing,” he said. “I don’t think I shall write again other than letters now. So much of my work was her.”
This is when Felix, the son, stepped into the picture full time to help his devastated father. Regardless, it wasn't until six years later that Dick Francis's last novel as a solo author, Under Orders, would see publication. All novels written after this period featured Felix as the co-author: and for the first time Dead Heat, Silks, and Even Money were published as a collaboration between father and son.
Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while the hero's actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.
Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story. The hero is personable, likable, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would otherwise think of normal persons living in British society.
When Dick Francis passed away at the age of 89 in 2010, Felix Francis did the right thing: he set himself to continuing the saga started by his father: the implicit promise to his father's readers being: "the Francis novels will continue to be published, one each year as has been the tradition of my father." Since his father's death, and in order to honor his father's legacy, Felix continues to publish the novels written solely by him under his father's name with himself as co-author.
I personally deeply mourned the passing of Dick Francis. I grew up with his novels, I came to love the world of Steeple Chase racing because of Dick Francis. I grew a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. I understood the broader implications: that courage and integrity are our hallmark as human beings, that evil can only exist because we let it exist - it is impotent all on its own. I do think that one crucial aspect of art is its ability to portray a world as it ought to be and often lament that not enough is done in this vein outside of science fiction, as opposed to portraying the world as it is. What moves us forward are visions of clarity and hope as encompassed in a world that can be...and if we fail to give readers this vision, we remain in the quagmire of what is.
You, the potential reader, will likely read the books, devouring one after the other. The Francis family has a lot of novels for your reading pleasure and the world is a better place for it.
Thank you, Felix, for continuing your family's saga.
Refusal is Felix's second novel written alone without his father (Gamble being the first). I wonder what this must be like for Felix, to have spent all those years (40 of them) collaborating with his mother and father on the Dick Francis books, and driven by a desire to honor his father's legacy and his mother's inspiration, all those mornings at the breakfast table perspiring on what the actual damage of a bullet might be when entering a human body, what the physics were behind the trajectory of a bullet, sharing his father's love for British horse racing, only to have to do this all alone today with only the memory of his father and mother to inspire him forward? This cannot be easy and only speaks to the fortitude of the son.
Steeplechase horse racing
Gamble, Felix's only previous novel written solo, displays a slight anxiety at being handed the reins to a horse previously ridden only by his father. The prose was slightly more formulaic than his father's prose, not as velvety smooth. Gamble did not yet display the best years of Felix's life. Refusal on the other hand has rapidly accelerated the horse, has circumvented difficult turns on the steeple chase run, and shows Felix's confidence building, growing towards the ideal set by his father. The slight difference in style (remembering this is a family business) is near invisible; the story as true as any returning hero's story should be.
Refusal brings back Sid Halley, retired PI for over 6 years now, into the world of steeplechase horse racing. Engaging a familiar theme developed by his father - evil exists because we let it exist, it is powerless on its own - Felix examines the problem of what to do with a bully. To right a wrong demands risk and witness how Sid Halley weighs each in this, the second of the Felix Francis novels.
Enjoy! I did.
-------------------------------------------------------------
series Review
Felix and Dick Francis
To speak about Felix Francis I must mention Dick Francis, his father. To not do so would be a gross oversight and a complete misrepresentation of the Felix novels. To speak about Felix I would have to mention his family's business: the co-authoring of mystery novels. Craftsmen pass down their knowledge to their children; the Japanese tea ceremony is passed down from generation to generation; but to say that authors of fiction see their art, and their heroes, as a family business is quite out of the ordinary. Authors do not normally share credit for their work and certainly don't see their novels as a family business: literally. And yet, the Francis family sees it just so.
Felix remembers almost 40 years of sitting around the Francis breakfast table where the production of a Francis novel took place: always a mixture of perspiration, inspiration, and more importantly, team work. But it wasn't until Dick's wife, Mary Francis, died that Felix took over all research and co-authoring duties and made the decision to quit his 17 year academic career teaching advanced Physics in 3 schools the last while acting as head of the science department at Bloxom school, Oxfordshire.
Mary and Dick Francis
What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, I have read all 40 of them: twice) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. Although Dick Francis was a horse jockey himself, the heroes in his mystery novels aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world. And to my mind as I read reviews here on GR where heroes are always flawed, or where literary works concentrate on a rather malevolent view of reality reading a Francis novel is like listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons: classical music cleanses me and reaffirms my basic view that the world is good: reading a Francis novel accomplishes much the same.
Felix's partnership, in particular as a knowledgeable resource with his famous father can be seen in Twice Shy where Dick Francis draws upon Felix's knowledge of Physics, or, Felix's past as an international marksman in Shattered or Under Orders.
After the death in 2000 of Mary Francis, his wife of 53 years and a close collaborator on his books, Mr. Francis expressed doubts that he would ever write another novel. “She was the moving force behind my writing,” he said. “I don’t think I shall write again other than letters now. So much of my work was her.”
This is when Felix, the son, stepped into the picture full time to help his devastated father. Regardless, it wasn't until six years later that Dick Francis's last novel as a solo author, Under Orders, would see publication. All novels written after this period featured Felix as the co-author: and for the first time Dead Heat, Silks, and Even Money were published as a collaboration between father and son.
Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while the hero's actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.
Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story. The hero is personable, likable, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would otherwise think of normal persons living in British society.
When Dick Francis passed away at the age of 89 in 2010, Felix Francis did the right thing: he set himself to continuing the saga started by his father: the implicit promise to his father's readers being: "the Francis novels will continue to be published, one each year as has been the tradition of my father." Since his father's death, and in order to honor his father's legacy, Felix continues to publish the novels written solely by him under his father's name with himself as co-author.
I personally deeply mourned the passing of Dick Francis. I grew up with his novels, I came to love the world of Steeple Chase racing because of Dick Francis. I grew a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. I understood the broader implications: that courage and integrity are our hallmark as human beings, that evil can only exist because we let it exist - it is impotent all on its own. I do think that one crucial aspect of art is its ability to portray a world as it ought to be and often lament that not enough is done in this vein outside of science fiction, as opposed to portraying the world as it is. What moves us forward are visions of clarity and hope as encompassed in a world that can be...and if we fail to give readers this vision, we remain in the quagmire of what is.
You, the potential reader, will likely read the books, devouring one after the other. The Francis family has a lot of novels for your reading pleasure and the world is a better place for it.
Thank you, Felix, for continuing your family's saga.
August 24, 2016
Dick Francis’s Refusal, by Felix Francis, falls so seamlessly into the Sid Halley book storyline that you cannot tell the difference between this book and the ones written by Dick himself. The Francis Franchise is alive and well in Felix’s hands. The writing is tight, the mystery first rate, the pacing fast and furious so that there was the feeling that this book probably would have been written by Dick Francis if he were still alive. It makes me so glad that Felix Francis is as talented a writer as his father and to know that I’ll be reading his books for many years to come, and I’m already looking forward to his next novel! Well done!
November 27, 2013
In the classic Dick Francis novel, the villain was a figure of palpable menace and evilness, but the hero took all the villain dished out and kept coming. Although Felix Francis' writing style is different from Dick Francis, he continues to put out interesting mysteries set close to the English racing scene. His villains are also getting more menacing and his books more readable.
Refusal is an able sequel to the Sid Halley mystery line. Halley now married with a young daughter is approached by Sir Richard, a member of racing with a proposal to investigate races that he thinks were fixed. Halley has been out of the private investigating business for years and his wife Marina is not interested in him getting back into it. But he agrees to "look at" the list. But Sir Richard ends up dead, apparently from a suicide.
Halley has suspicions, but Peter Medeco, the head of the BHA, the regulatory agency for horse racing is dismissive. But then Billy McCusker, an Irish terrorist, with a long history of violent incidences, but no arrests, contacts Halley. McCusker wants Halley to sign a report stating that Sir Robert's death was, in fact, a suicide or else. Halley refuses. When he was a PI, his word was his bond. McCusker, however is not one to idly sit by and Halley finds that his daughter is missing from school the next day. Someone has driven off with her. She is returned unharmed, but its clear that McCusker has a long reach and Halley's wife wants no part of this investigation.
Halley, however is not one to appease a villain and is driven more than ever to investigate. He finds that McCusker is in bed with a bookie operation at the various tracks, and that certain jockeys seem to have been intimidated into throwing races. The betting angle is convincingly explained.
Somehow, McCusker finds out that Halley is still investigating the race fixing angle by talking to jockeys and puts Halley on ice -- by having him arrested on a false charge.
Halley now is more set to find out what is going on with the races. He enlists his old partner Chico Barnes and they set out in the Halley fashion of uncovering the truth. Soon enough events are boiling to a confrontation between McCusker and Halley.
While some of the tactics of McCusker are straight out of the classic Dick Francis playbook, others are wholly those of Felix Francis, but they all do work.
Refusal is a good solid horse racing mystery.
Refusal is an able sequel to the Sid Halley mystery line. Halley now married with a young daughter is approached by Sir Richard, a member of racing with a proposal to investigate races that he thinks were fixed. Halley has been out of the private investigating business for years and his wife Marina is not interested in him getting back into it. But he agrees to "look at" the list. But Sir Richard ends up dead, apparently from a suicide.
Halley has suspicions, but Peter Medeco, the head of the BHA, the regulatory agency for horse racing is dismissive. But then Billy McCusker, an Irish terrorist, with a long history of violent incidences, but no arrests, contacts Halley. McCusker wants Halley to sign a report stating that Sir Robert's death was, in fact, a suicide or else. Halley refuses. When he was a PI, his word was his bond. McCusker, however is not one to idly sit by and Halley finds that his daughter is missing from school the next day. Someone has driven off with her. She is returned unharmed, but its clear that McCusker has a long reach and Halley's wife wants no part of this investigation.
Halley, however is not one to appease a villain and is driven more than ever to investigate. He finds that McCusker is in bed with a bookie operation at the various tracks, and that certain jockeys seem to have been intimidated into throwing races. The betting angle is convincingly explained.
Somehow, McCusker finds out that Halley is still investigating the race fixing angle by talking to jockeys and puts Halley on ice -- by having him arrested on a false charge.
Halley now is more set to find out what is going on with the races. He enlists his old partner Chico Barnes and they set out in the Halley fashion of uncovering the truth. Soon enough events are boiling to a confrontation between McCusker and Halley.
While some of the tactics of McCusker are straight out of the classic Dick Francis playbook, others are wholly those of Felix Francis, but they all do work.
Refusal is a good solid horse racing mystery.
April 27, 2014
First Sentence: “No,” I said.
Sid Halley is married, a father, and six-years retired from doing investigative work. Sir Richard Stewart approaches him asking that Sid look into race results that seem wrong. Although Sid is curious, he refuses but agrees to look over the information. However, the next day Sir Richard is found dead in his car of an apparent suicide and Sid receives a phone call, followed by escalating threats, demanding he sign a report of no wrong-doing…or else.
Having read every book written by Dick Francis, I knew I was starting with a bias. However, even distancing myself from that and trying to view this as a book from a completely different author, it did not help.
There were several major problems with this book. First, the characters. The two best characters were Charles and Chico. Sid’s wife was very poorly written. Even as a mother, worried about her child, she was overly strident and annoying. She did not convey as the type of woman Sid would have married. Sid may have been retired for six years, but he came across as soft and insecure. Francis’ protagonists were known for their determination and doggedness. They didn’t give up, they never whined and they certainly would never have considered asking a policeman to break the law, or committing murder or blackmail.
The dialogue lacked a natural flow and, yes, there was a dreaded portent. I don’t know whether the former was due to this being an “American” version—why do they do that?—rather than U.K, but it was choppy and somewhat painful.
On the plus side, there was fascinating information on the technological advancements in limb replacement, both with mechanical, and now, actual limb transplants. The plot did have some very good twists. Even when you think Francis has made an error, it’s lovely to discover he hasn’t.
“Refusal” isn’t a dreadful book, but it’s just not a very good one either. The biggest mistake was to resurrect Sid Halley, a character so well known and well loved by Dick Francis fans. I suspect that had one not read previous books, one would enjoy this far better than did I. It’s certainly worth giving it a try.
DICK FRANCIS’ REFUSAL (Invest-Sid Halley-England-Contemp) – Poor
Francis, Felix – 2nd solo book
Putnam, 2013
Sid Halley is married, a father, and six-years retired from doing investigative work. Sir Richard Stewart approaches him asking that Sid look into race results that seem wrong. Although Sid is curious, he refuses but agrees to look over the information. However, the next day Sir Richard is found dead in his car of an apparent suicide and Sid receives a phone call, followed by escalating threats, demanding he sign a report of no wrong-doing…or else.
Having read every book written by Dick Francis, I knew I was starting with a bias. However, even distancing myself from that and trying to view this as a book from a completely different author, it did not help.
There were several major problems with this book. First, the characters. The two best characters were Charles and Chico. Sid’s wife was very poorly written. Even as a mother, worried about her child, she was overly strident and annoying. She did not convey as the type of woman Sid would have married. Sid may have been retired for six years, but he came across as soft and insecure. Francis’ protagonists were known for their determination and doggedness. They didn’t give up, they never whined and they certainly would never have considered asking a policeman to break the law, or committing murder or blackmail.
The dialogue lacked a natural flow and, yes, there was a dreaded portent. I don’t know whether the former was due to this being an “American” version—why do they do that?—rather than U.K, but it was choppy and somewhat painful.
On the plus side, there was fascinating information on the technological advancements in limb replacement, both with mechanical, and now, actual limb transplants. The plot did have some very good twists. Even when you think Francis has made an error, it’s lovely to discover he hasn’t.
“Refusal” isn’t a dreadful book, but it’s just not a very good one either. The biggest mistake was to resurrect Sid Halley, a character so well known and well loved by Dick Francis fans. I suspect that had one not read previous books, one would enjoy this far better than did I. It’s certainly worth giving it a try.
DICK FRANCIS’ REFUSAL (Invest-Sid Halley-England-Contemp) – Poor
Francis, Felix – 2nd solo book
Putnam, 2013
September 21, 2013
I have to admit I groaned a little bit when I read that Felix Francis was going to do a Sid Halley book. Sid is one of my favorite DF characters (second only to Kit Fielding) and seemed to be about due some "happily ever after" after his third book. So I was somewhat apprehensive about this undertaking.
I was wrong. This is by far the best book by Felix so far. The pacing was excellent, and Sid really seemed liked Sid. Some of the plot was predictable, but there were interesting twists and turns along the way.
If you've been disappointed by any previous Felix Francis novels, this might be the one to change your mind.
I was wrong. This is by far the best book by Felix so far. The pacing was excellent, and Sid really seemed liked Sid. Some of the plot was predictable, but there were interesting twists and turns along the way.
If you've been disappointed by any previous Felix Francis novels, this might be the one to change your mind.
September 17, 2013
Worst book of them all. It breaks my heart to write this. I only kept reading because it was a Sid Halley story.
My guess: Felix didn't like Mrs. Halley. My question: Why would Sid be married to such a shallow, selfish, shouting, blithering idiot? I don't remember feeling that way about her previously. Same thing about the Admiral. He was present in this story, yet not the same guy at all. How could he take a group of previously established characters, likeable characters, and ruin them? The characters had no character.
The story was flat; flat and boring. It's a sad ending for my love affair with the DF series.
My guess: Felix didn't like Mrs. Halley. My question: Why would Sid be married to such a shallow, selfish, shouting, blithering idiot? I don't remember feeling that way about her previously. Same thing about the Admiral. He was present in this story, yet not the same guy at all. How could he take a group of previously established characters, likeable characters, and ruin them? The characters had no character.
The story was flat; flat and boring. It's a sad ending for my love affair with the DF series.
October 19, 2013
3.5 stars Felix Francis has finally come into his own with this book. It was a risk, taking on one of his father's most beloved characters, but it paid off. The story is tight plotted, well-written, fast-paced, and is reminiscent of Dick Francis while being Felix's own work. It was the first solo book by Felix Francis that didn't read as if he were trying to imitate his father's style. He pretty much stays true to Dick's formula but updates it and puts his own spin on it, instead of trying to copy.
Sid is older, married, and life has calmed down for him. That of course doesn't last or we wouldn't have a story. Sid has retired as an investigator but gets dragged back in, to his wife's dismay, by an old racing acquaintance. Events rapidly escalate and Sid has to think on his feet, something he's gotten out of the habit of in recent years. The stakes for Sid and his family are high and the pressure starts to get to them. I'd have liked to know Marina, his wife better, had her fleshed out but she's a sympathetic character. Sid's father in law from a former marriage, the Admiral, is back and just as strong as ever though old age is slowing him down.
There's an exciting development in the story concerning Sid's injured hand that's woven throughout the rest of the story and I very much enjoyed the modern setting and the use of current events and technology into the overall story. I felt as if I were reading classic Dick Francis that had been modernized without losing any of what made it a classic.
With this book Felix Francis has come into his own and I will definitely read his next book.
Sid is older, married, and life has calmed down for him. That of course doesn't last or we wouldn't have a story. Sid has retired as an investigator but gets dragged back in, to his wife's dismay, by an old racing acquaintance. Events rapidly escalate and Sid has to think on his feet, something he's gotten out of the habit of in recent years. The stakes for Sid and his family are high and the pressure starts to get to them. I'd have liked to know Marina, his wife better, had her fleshed out but she's a sympathetic character. Sid's father in law from a former marriage, the Admiral, is back and just as strong as ever though old age is slowing him down.
There's an exciting development in the story concerning Sid's injured hand that's woven throughout the rest of the story and I very much enjoyed the modern setting and the use of current events and technology into the overall story. I felt as if I were reading classic Dick Francis that had been modernized without losing any of what made it a classic.
With this book Felix Francis has come into his own and I will definitely read his next book.
September 19, 2013
Lovely. I think Felix has a real good handle on his father's style and on the character of Sid Halley. The plot made sense and the villain was suitably evil. This just seemed to be a recipe for a bad guy to follow. I could see someone sufficiently callous fixing races this way. Anyway if you're a fan, I think you'll like this one. It was great to see Sid again and to see him having a good life.
April 28, 2020
Too funny:) What a pair of bumbling, clueless Investigators. I sincerely hope Sid & Chico are retired now :)
My how times have changed. One interesting line in this book when referring to the Chinese Restaurant, The Fortune Cookie, “I don’t think they have stir-fried Dog on the menu” ? It surely is now but not advertised! :(
My how times have changed. One interesting line in this book when referring to the Chinese Restaurant, The Fortune Cookie, “I don’t think they have stir-fried Dog on the menu” ? It surely is now but not advertised! :(
March 13, 2014
I so badly wanted to like this novel because I have been a fan of Dick Francis since I read a condensed version of 'Whip hand' when I was about 10 or so. And yes I realise that this is written by his son. I have loved horses my whole life and despite not having owned one for many years now I still love the races.
It was wonderful to see Sid Halley return - he has been a favourite character of mine ever since that first Francis book. But I only wish that this novel had done this wonderfully steadfast and clever character more justice.
I am very disappointed. I have never been a fan of co-written novels because they just seem to lack something to me. I've not read one yet that I've liked. So I hadn't attempted to read the last few offerings in the Francis stable (pun intended) of books because Dead Heat left me feeling the same way.
I thought I would give this one a go because with the sad passing of Mr Francis Sr a few years ago this novel would not be co-written and might be better.
It wasn't. There wasn't anything really wrong with it but it just wasn't quite right. Sid seemed almost insipid and a bit lost in a situation that in previous novels wouldn't have fazed him at all. I guess he is older now and wiser and has a lot more to lose but he just didn't seem like the hard-bitten character I know and love.
The story was also just a little 'light' for my taste. There weren't any of the usual twists and turns - it was entirely too predictable. And the end was just way, way, waaaay too neat and tidy for my liking. And far too convenient.
I did like this - it was an entertaining and unchallenging read. It was also really great to see Sid again but overall I am not sure I will continue with Felix as the author.
Unless Sid is featured again which is highly probable given that he is one of his fathers most successful and well loved characters.
It was wonderful to see Sid Halley return - he has been a favourite character of mine ever since that first Francis book. But I only wish that this novel had done this wonderfully steadfast and clever character more justice.
I am very disappointed. I have never been a fan of co-written novels because they just seem to lack something to me. I've not read one yet that I've liked. So I hadn't attempted to read the last few offerings in the Francis stable (pun intended) of books because Dead Heat left me feeling the same way.
I thought I would give this one a go because with the sad passing of Mr Francis Sr a few years ago this novel would not be co-written and might be better.
It wasn't. There wasn't anything really wrong with it but it just wasn't quite right. Sid seemed almost insipid and a bit lost in a situation that in previous novels wouldn't have fazed him at all. I guess he is older now and wiser and has a lot more to lose but he just didn't seem like the hard-bitten character I know and love.
The story was also just a little 'light' for my taste. There weren't any of the usual twists and turns - it was entirely too predictable. And the end was just way, way, waaaay too neat and tidy for my liking. And far too convenient.
I did like this - it was an entertaining and unchallenging read. It was also really great to see Sid again but overall I am not sure I will continue with Felix as the author.
Unless Sid is featured again which is highly probable given that he is one of his fathers most successful and well loved characters.
September 5, 2013
Oh, it is just so good to be able to read a really excellent Sid Halley book again! This polished presentation of Sid's life and adventures six years after we left him in Under Orders journeys from a gentle re-introduction of my favorite ex-jockey to several spine-jarring plot twists and a villain so, well, villainous, it's almost impossible to comprehend. (Just TRY not getting emotionally involved in this one!) And the ending is both tremendously satisfying and a bit cliff-hangerish (leaving me hoping and longing for more time with Sid one day). Several new characters in Sid's world are beautifully presented and I was pleased to find old favorites as well.
One of the most charming aspects of this story, as with all Francis books, is to be able to follow the main character's thoughts throughout; little random touches like an unexpected conversation with a psychiatrist or amusing observations of fellow passengers on a train are far from ordinary. And lovely slices of Sid's new life and the British racing scene are interspersed with surprises that will literally take your breath away. If I were British I'd call this book smashing and brilliant. In fact, I think I'll call it that anyway. Why not? Felix Francis and Dick Francis fans should be delighted with REFUSAL.
One of the most charming aspects of this story, as with all Francis books, is to be able to follow the main character's thoughts throughout; little random touches like an unexpected conversation with a psychiatrist or amusing observations of fellow passengers on a train are far from ordinary. And lovely slices of Sid's new life and the British racing scene are interspersed with surprises that will literally take your breath away. If I were British I'd call this book smashing and brilliant. In fact, I think I'll call it that anyway. Why not? Felix Francis and Dick Francis fans should be delighted with REFUSAL.
September 30, 2013
Sid Halley, first created by Dick Francis, is found 6 years later, married, and out of the investigation game. When he's asked to investigate race fixing, he refuses. After the man who brought him his suspicions is found dead from an apparent suicide, Sid decides that the case and the death might be related. After he receives a threatening phone call saying he should sign off on a report of no fixing, he realizes that there's a lot more to the story than he thought.
As the threats escalate and involve danger to his wife, daughter, and even the family pets, Sid gets into full gear to find out what's really going on at the race track. As he makes progress, he's then framed and accused of child molestation.
There's a lot going on in the book, but sadly it came across as rather flat. I really didn't like his wife. Instead of being sympathetic, she is beyond bitchy and one-dimensional. The villain was more thug than mastermind.
All in all, it was a bit of a disappointment. Of course, it could be that my expectations were just too high for a new Sid Halley novel. Felix is not his father and it might be better if he just wrote his own characters instead of resurrecting older ones.
As the threats escalate and involve danger to his wife, daughter, and even the family pets, Sid gets into full gear to find out what's really going on at the race track. As he makes progress, he's then framed and accused of child molestation.
There's a lot going on in the book, but sadly it came across as rather flat. I really didn't like his wife. Instead of being sympathetic, she is beyond bitchy and one-dimensional. The villain was more thug than mastermind.
All in all, it was a bit of a disappointment. Of course, it could be that my expectations were just too high for a new Sid Halley novel. Felix is not his father and it might be better if he just wrote his own characters instead of resurrecting older ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2013
I feel for Felix Frances, I really do. It can't be easy trying to carry on the franchise of a beloved writer father.
Maybe it's time to stop trying. Because if you're going to present a book as belonging in part to another writer, if you're going to use that other writer's name in the title, if you're going to use that other writer's characters, you need to make sure your plot and characters and writing are up to that other writer's level.
In this case, they aren't. The writing is full of extraneous adjectives and sentiments, and maybe I wouldn't have minded them quite as much if I didn't have Dick Francis's voice clear in my head. Way too many times I found myself thinking, "He would never have left this line in," or "He would never have written such a sentence." It's a mistake to think plot drove Dick Francis's books, though it was always part of the appeal. For me a greater part of the appeal was the protagonist, always an interesting and surprising version of the same one, of course, but no less interesting for that.
The characters in this book simply don't measure up, especially the main character. The plot was dull--so dull, in fact, that I quit reading halfway through, something I rarely do.
Maybe it's time to stop trying. Because if you're going to present a book as belonging in part to another writer, if you're going to use that other writer's name in the title, if you're going to use that other writer's characters, you need to make sure your plot and characters and writing are up to that other writer's level.
In this case, they aren't. The writing is full of extraneous adjectives and sentiments, and maybe I wouldn't have minded them quite as much if I didn't have Dick Francis's voice clear in my head. Way too many times I found myself thinking, "He would never have left this line in," or "He would never have written such a sentence." It's a mistake to think plot drove Dick Francis's books, though it was always part of the appeal. For me a greater part of the appeal was the protagonist, always an interesting and surprising version of the same one, of course, but no less interesting for that.
The characters in this book simply don't measure up, especially the main character. The plot was dull--so dull, in fact, that I quit reading halfway through, something I rarely do.
November 4, 2013
I've enjoyed many of Dick Francis' books and even some of the collaborations with his son, but this book was just so poorly written it was laughable. Where was his editor? Plot - Sid does not behave like the Sid we have come to know. The author has to tell us what to think because he does not portray the character, create believable scenes or pull us into the story. He makes statements that are redundant and superficial without giving us anything to believe in. Character - Sid himself is flat, and Marina, his wife, is hysterical and not believable. When Chico rejoins them, the book comes alive a little bit, but remains stilted. There are no interesting twists and the moments that could have been engaging fell short because they were written so poorly. I really wondered about the editing - are they just selling on Dick Francis' name and ignoring the quality completely? Seems like it to me.
June 30, 2017
I have to admit that Sid is one of my favorite Dick Francis characters and seemed to be due some "happily ever after" after his third book. This is by far the best book by Felix so far. The pacing was excellent, and Sid really seemed liked Sid. Some of the plot was predictable, but there were interesting twists and turns along the way.
If you've been disappointed by any previous Felix Francis novels, this might be the one to change your mind. He's done a really good job of hopping into his Dad's shoes. They work seamlessly together. I really like the Felix books. In some ways he seems to have a little more fire in his writing, and I really like them. Charles has been a force for good, being Sid's father in law after he was no longer married to his wife. Getting a new hand and arm really was cool and this helped create some excitement and the plot moved in a very interesting direction. Good book. Enjoyed it more the second time. Recommend.
If you've been disappointed by any previous Felix Francis novels, this might be the one to change your mind. He's done a really good job of hopping into his Dad's shoes. They work seamlessly together. I really like the Felix books. In some ways he seems to have a little more fire in his writing, and I really like them. Charles has been a force for good, being Sid's father in law after he was no longer married to his wife. Getting a new hand and arm really was cool and this helped create some excitement and the plot moved in a very interesting direction. Good book. Enjoyed it more the second time. Recommend.
February 10, 2014
What can I say about this horribly written book? Sid Halley is a character created by the author Dick Francis. Apparently Felix Francis did research and helped his father while his father was alive. Then when Dick Francis died his son took over writing the books in his father's name. Well, I wish he would have read the previous Sid Halley books before writing this one. The character was completely off. He had Sid dithering throughout the whole book. And my goodness, this man cannot write a genuine female character to save his life. All the women were shrews who shouted a lot. At one point, one female character blamed her shouting on "being hormonal" because her period was about to start. I will not be reading anything from Felix Francis in the future and I feel that Dick Francis must be rolling in his grave due to what has been done to his good name.
October 9, 2019
Sid Halley is back and let's be honest don't mess up with that man :-)
Too stubborn for letting go and too headstrong to give up... All the same, Felix smoothly stepped into the legacy of his Dad and this book is the proof.
The story, as usual, is about horse racing and all the troubles which could go-round, with all the old heroes like Sid, Charled and Chico and new stars as Marina, Sassy and Bill McClusker. What did I like? That even though you know somehow that good will win you still have your doubts how it will really end.
What I didn't like? hmm, don't think there is any...oh, I have one question what's next for Sid? :D
Enjoy, it's worth it
Too stubborn for letting go and too headstrong to give up... All the same, Felix smoothly stepped into the legacy of his Dad and this book is the proof.
The story, as usual, is about horse racing and all the troubles which could go-round, with all the old heroes like Sid, Charled and Chico and new stars as Marina, Sassy and Bill McClusker. What did I like? That even though you know somehow that good will win you still have your doubts how it will really end.
What I didn't like? hmm, don't think there is any...oh, I have one question what's next for Sid? :D
Enjoy, it's worth it
January 25, 2019
I was thrilled to discover another Sid Halley book. I was even more appalled to learn what Felix had done to one of Dick Francis most memorable and beloved characters. This story line is something Sir Dick Francis would never have done to one of his characters.
It is a disgrace that Felix is writing these books and using his fathers name to pander his own works that Dick Francis had nothing to do with. He died tow years before this book was ever written, and three years before this book was released.
It is a disgrace that Felix is writing these books and using his fathers name to pander his own works that Dick Francis had nothing to do with. He died tow years before this book was ever written, and three years before this book was released.
September 11, 2021
I loved all of Dick Francis ´ books and I was a bit wary of his son carrying on. Sadly ,I was right. The writing´s childish,the author assumes the reader is dumb, the plot was uninteresting, Halley is a shadow of the great character he once was in Dick´s hands. Marina is insufferable.To top it all,there´s cruelty to animals, something his father never, ever depicted and which I can´t stand.
I´ll remember the good times I had with his father, and wish he´d let it be.
I´ll remember the good times I had with his father, and wish he´d let it be.
December 26, 2021
Het derde boek wat Felix, zoon van .., alleen schrijft, en eerlijk is eerlijk het viel me helemaal niet tegen. Het einde is misschien niet de knaller die we gewend zijn van Dick Francis, maar het hele verhaal ademt dezelfde sfeer. Slimme zet om Sid Halley weer ten tonele te voeren, is sympathieke held!
January 9, 2019
The fifth book featuring Sid Halley and now-retired investigator. Perhaps because this book featured the Halley character, I thought this Felix Francis book was as good as his father would have written. A race fixing conspiracy with a menacing adversary was a traditional Francis-style plot but the pace and momentum was excellent - I virtually read it in one sitting despite the length
October 4, 2023
Even though not written by Dick Francis himself, the storyline still smells of the genius himself. Felix has done a great job of imitating the style and the mystery of his father. Well done.
February 16, 2018
I love the Sid Halley stories, and this one does not fail to entertain.
September 14, 2013
Sid Halley retired from being a private investigator and is now living near his ex-father-in-law with his wife and six-year-old daughter. He is working as an investor and telling himself that his life if satisfying. When someone high in command of British horse racing asks Sid to investigate what looks like race fixing, Sid refuses. When that person is found dead of an apparent suicide the next day, Sid is interested but still unwilling to be involved.
It takes a threatening phone call that demands Sid sign off on a report indicating that nothing is going one and the kidnapping of his young daughter before Sid gets involved. Luckily, Saskia is home almost before Sid knew she was missing but the threat is very clear. Sid isn't the type to let threats keep him from doing what he knows is right but threats to the safety of his wife and child do give him pause.
When Sid starts to investigate, the villain throws more trouble Sid's way. This time Sid is accused of abusing his child and taking pornographic pictures which were found in his garden shed. While that does cause a lot of trouble including the loss of his computer and cell phone and the necessity of moving to the Admiral's house, Sid perseveres. He feels that the only way his family will ever be safe is for him to get rid of the villain who is causing all the trouble.
Many of Sid's old colleagues are no longer available to assist him but Chico Barnes still is. Chico is a great character and very helpful to Sid. Together the two of them investigate and come up with a plan to end the threat to Sid's life and family.
Also in this story, Sid learns of hand and arm transplants and sees an opportunity to finally get rid of the prosthesis that has been a part of his life for fourteen years. He has always hated it and is willing to take the risk of the surgery for the possibility of having a flesh and blood left arm.
The story was exciting, the villain looked to be invincible, and Sid Halley was as courageous and stubborn as always in this book. I recommend it to fans of mysteries and especially to those who have read the other books about Sid Halley by Dick Francis.
It takes a threatening phone call that demands Sid sign off on a report indicating that nothing is going one and the kidnapping of his young daughter before Sid gets involved. Luckily, Saskia is home almost before Sid knew she was missing but the threat is very clear. Sid isn't the type to let threats keep him from doing what he knows is right but threats to the safety of his wife and child do give him pause.
When Sid starts to investigate, the villain throws more trouble Sid's way. This time Sid is accused of abusing his child and taking pornographic pictures which were found in his garden shed. While that does cause a lot of trouble including the loss of his computer and cell phone and the necessity of moving to the Admiral's house, Sid perseveres. He feels that the only way his family will ever be safe is for him to get rid of the villain who is causing all the trouble.
Many of Sid's old colleagues are no longer available to assist him but Chico Barnes still is. Chico is a great character and very helpful to Sid. Together the two of them investigate and come up with a plan to end the threat to Sid's life and family.
Also in this story, Sid learns of hand and arm transplants and sees an opportunity to finally get rid of the prosthesis that has been a part of his life for fourteen years. He has always hated it and is willing to take the risk of the surgery for the possibility of having a flesh and blood left arm.
The story was exciting, the villain looked to be invincible, and Sid Halley was as courageous and stubborn as always in this book. I recommend it to fans of mysteries and especially to those who have read the other books about Sid Halley by Dick Francis.
July 27, 2016
In the classic Dick Francis novel, the villain was a figure of palpable menace and evilness, but the hero took all the villain dished out and kept coming. Although Felix Francis' writing style is somewhat different from Dick Francis, he continues to put out interesting mysteries set close to the English racing scene. His villains are also getting more menacing and his books more readable. I was quite enthralled, through to the end, in this novel.
Dick Francis’s Refusal, by Felix Francis, falls quite seamlessly into the Sid Halley book storyline. If you are familiar with Dick Francis' writing, you almost cannot tell the difference between this book and the ones written by Dick himself. I believe the Francis Franchise is alive and well in Felix’s hands. The writing is tight, the mystery first rate, the pacing fast and furious so that there was the feeling that this book probably would have been written by Dick Francis if he were still alive. While some of the tactics of McCusker are straight out of the classic Dick Francis playbook, others are wholly those of Felix Francis, but they all do work.
Also, Refusal is a good solid horse racing mystery. Every once in a while I need to get away from all the gloom and doom of other novels, and just read about a rational hero, a good man, and an author that instills a love in me and a knowledge of something: in this case horse racing. Art, the world as it ought to be. It makes me so glad that Felix Francis is as talented a writer as his father and to know that I’ll be reading his books for many years to come, and I’m already looking forward to his next novel. His talent is directly inherited from his father, and is *almost* just as refreshing as his father's works are; like an ice cold drink on a hot summer's day. Good job Felix, 4 stars.
January 2, 2015
I've loved Dick Francis' books since I was in high school, and own a complete collection of his novels.
To say that the son does not live up to his father's writing would be understating the obvious. I've been trying to read through his books. I powered through Silks, and Gamble... but the fire that marked Dick Francis' work as an expert in his craft.. it's just not there.
To drag poor old Sid Halley back up simply adds insult to injury. The protagonists in the previous novels have at least been mildly interesting. This Sid Halley was a shadow of his former self, a sad parody of a legendary character. The first time I read one of these knock-offs, I desperately wanted to edit the book and return the manuscript to the writer. With this book, there was one scene in particular that just had me shaking my head. In the first discussion with Paddy, the dialogue reads exactly as if Sid were recounting the conversation later. It felt so wrong, so very out of place, to read Halley's words coming from Paddy. It was as if someone were trying to emulate the great Mr. Francis, but wasn't quite up to the task.
I'm afraid that, as much as I have loved Dick's books for the past two decades, that the time has come to accept that there will be no more thrilling roller coaster rides from my favorite author's efforts. His final race has been run, to the sorrow of his fans.
I wish Felix good luck in perfecting his craft and honing his efforts. I hope he will do so by striking out on his own and producing work that reflects his own voice, rather than trying to cling to the coattails of his father. His original writing certainly has potential. Attempting to copy his father's style only stifles whatever promise he's shown, and it's an unkindness to both father and son.
To say that the son does not live up to his father's writing would be understating the obvious. I've been trying to read through his books. I powered through Silks, and Gamble... but the fire that marked Dick Francis' work as an expert in his craft.. it's just not there.
To drag poor old Sid Halley back up simply adds insult to injury. The protagonists in the previous novels have at least been mildly interesting. This Sid Halley was a shadow of his former self, a sad parody of a legendary character. The first time I read one of these knock-offs, I desperately wanted to edit the book and return the manuscript to the writer. With this book, there was one scene in particular that just had me shaking my head. In the first discussion with Paddy, the dialogue reads exactly as if Sid were recounting the conversation later. It felt so wrong, so very out of place, to read Halley's words coming from Paddy. It was as if someone were trying to emulate the great Mr. Francis, but wasn't quite up to the task.
I'm afraid that, as much as I have loved Dick's books for the past two decades, that the time has come to accept that there will be no more thrilling roller coaster rides from my favorite author's efforts. His final race has been run, to the sorrow of his fans.
I wish Felix good luck in perfecting his craft and honing his efforts. I hope he will do so by striking out on his own and producing work that reflects his own voice, rather than trying to cling to the coattails of his father. His original writing certainly has potential. Attempting to copy his father's style only stifles whatever promise he's shown, and it's an unkindness to both father and son.
October 5, 2013
The apple does not fall far from the tree and in this case that is a good thing.
While Sid Halley was not my favourite of Francis's characters ever, I really think that the continuation of his story through Felix Francis's pen has made the character stronger and more interesting.
Share a secret with everyone?...I love it when I can hate a character so much that I want to jump into the pages and strangle them. In my opinion, books are meant to make us experience a variety of emotions. I hated Marina so much by the time I was at the half-way point of this book that I found myself clenching my fists whenever her character would make an appearance.
The mystery in this novel is multi-layered and complex and yet the book was still fun and made me laugh numerous times. I liked the voice of Halley. His internal thoughts often matched my own on the various situations
The resolution at the end of the book to all of the various questions was handled neatly, leaving me satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book relating to the missing dogs.
This review is based on a first reads advance copy. my opinions are my own.
While Sid Halley was not my favourite of Francis's characters ever, I really think that the continuation of his story through Felix Francis's pen has made the character stronger and more interesting.
Share a secret with everyone?...I love it when I can hate a character so much that I want to jump into the pages and strangle them. In my opinion, books are meant to make us experience a variety of emotions. I hated Marina so much by the time I was at the half-way point of this book that I found myself clenching my fists whenever her character would make an appearance.
The mystery in this novel is multi-layered and complex and yet the book was still fun and made me laugh numerous times. I liked the voice of Halley. His internal thoughts often matched my own on the various situations
The resolution at the end of the book to all of the various questions was handled neatly, leaving me satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book relating to the missing dogs.
This review is based on a first reads advance copy. my opinions are my own.
October 10, 2013
There have been a few authors’ that have died and their sons have tried to carry on the writing without success. I am happy to say that Felix Francis has done a fairly good job. When Dick Francis’s wife died the books lacked the polish she gave it as a master of the English language. This is the second book that Felix has written alone, and he has brought back his Father’s character Sid Halley. Sid is now retired from being a detective, is married with a 6 year old girl and is working on his investments. The head of the British racing as him to help solve a problem with someone fixing the races but he declines. Then the man is dead and a man with a Northern Ireland accent is threatening Sid. The story takes off from here with action, suspense, and humor. I like the stories with more racing action but Sid is no longer racing. I read this as an audio book. Martin Jarvis does a good job with the narration. If you are a Dick Francis fan you will not be disappointed.
October 14, 2013
Sid Halley was one of Dick Francis's most endearing characters; particularly in Come to Grief where his compassionate relationship with a dying child was a tour de force. His enduring relationship with his ex-father in law was another quirky pleasure.
Felix Francis has successfully managed the passing of the baton in the continuation of the Dick Francis genre. There are however moments when I wish for the moments of insight that his father brought to his writing. In a couple of sentences Francis Snr could make you understand fear or courage with his sharp observational skills.
In this novel Chico Barnes, an amusing assistant to Sid in previous novels, returns as a middle-aged roué and is less convincing a character than before. The Admiral too seems less familiar to Felix than his father and more querulous than I expected.
The novel is enjoyable but there are fewer cameo moments to treasure.
Felix Francis has successfully managed the passing of the baton in the continuation of the Dick Francis genre. There are however moments when I wish for the moments of insight that his father brought to his writing. In a couple of sentences Francis Snr could make you understand fear or courage with his sharp observational skills.
In this novel Chico Barnes, an amusing assistant to Sid in previous novels, returns as a middle-aged roué and is less convincing a character than before. The Admiral too seems less familiar to Felix than his father and more querulous than I expected.
The novel is enjoyable but there are fewer cameo moments to treasure.
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