Dead Weight

by John Francome

Following a terrifying fall, jump jockey Phil Nicholas is beset by flashbacks and nightmares upon returning to the sport, but when a colleague is viciously attacked, he must somehow overcome his fears to save the sport and the woman he loves. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Horses, Racing

353 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2002

About the author

Ex-National Hunt Champion Jockey John Francome is a broadcaster on racing for Channel 4. He lives in Berkshire.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fra...

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood]

DNF

If I'd known that the beginning would be about a drunk father killing his son's pets, I never would've attempted this book. It was completely unnecessary, just violence porn.

No stars.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you would expect given that Francome is an ex-professional jockey himself Francome knows about horses and racing but can he write a thriller?

As you would expect the horse-racing sections are very knowledgable and feel authentic but otherwise I found the remainder of the book rather tame. The story is told at a good pace and I felt that the characters of Phil and Julia were well drawn but also that some of the support characters were a bit thin. I also thought that the ending was somewhat predictable and perhaps a little rushed.

I found this book an easy read which required little inside knowledge of horse-racing but overall for me it was only so-so. I like to follow the horses and have read several of Dick Francis's books generally enjoying them but this was not quite up to that quality IMHO. However, that said I am willing to give him another go to see if this is his usual standard or just a little bit below par.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not accustomed to reading books on crime or murder but really loved this one because of its background in horse racing. It follows the lives of those in the racing world, the racing stables, stable lasses and lads and jockeys and how they are caught up in the horrible imaginations of a man, Keith Jeffries, also known as the 'beast' or 'Bernie the Bolt' and how the whole racing world is united as one family against this man who believes he has a score to settle with the racing world and perhaps his own childhood abuse. The book follows the fortunes of top racing jockey, Phil Nicholas and his loss of confidence due to a racing accident and his turbulent marriage with Julia. It also gives us a view into the world of a racing journalist through the eyes of Hugh Pimlott and his newspaper, the Racing Beacon. A good fast-paced read.

[Brian Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Weight

An enthralling read full of twists and turns. A must for any racing fan. Not quite up to the standard of Dick Francis,but it's a close run thing

[Keith Barraclough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this racing thriller as I always do with this writer.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“After a crashing fall, champion rider Phil Nicholas returns to racing, but though his body has healed, his mind has not. Flashbacks of his accident invade his dreams, rob him of his sleep – and freeze him in the saddle. While Phil is battling to overcome his fear, his weighing-room colleague Adrian Moore is viciously attacked after losing a race he should have won. It’s the start of a vendetta by someone determined to hurt those who break the rules of racing. If Phil wants to save the sport – and the woman he loves – it’s time for him to recover his nerve…”


So this probably wouldn’t have been a book that I would have picked upon my own, however it was in a box of books that I had bid on through ebay. You never know what you will get when you recieve your box of books. So with that being said, ….

I liked the book. It was a bit slow in the begininng and at times I was a big confused. It’s an english author so some wordage was different for me, and I don’t follow horse racing/jumping was new for me as well. But building up to the end, I was turning page by page as quickly as I could to learn the outcome of the story.

I have some more books by this author in that box of mine, and yes, I will probably read them in time.

[Alisonpaddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dick Francis is one of my all-time favorite writers and I was a bit insulted on his behalf when one of the review quotes said "move over Dick Francis" John Francome had arrived. But since I love the racing theme, I gave Mr. Francome a try. The plot was interesting and complex, the characters were individuals with flaws and inner strength - plenty of challenges with which to deal. While I will always morn the loss of Mr. Francis, John Francome writes an exciting book set amongst horse people and I'll look for more by him.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover of my copy of this book states "(Dick) Francis fans will certainly want to give Francome a try. I am a Dick Francis fan and I was disappointed with this book. True, it is about horse racing and the life of the track and the people who frequent it but the character and plot development have far to go in order to reach the level found in Dick Francis' writings. Still the tale was exciting and it did serve to carry me though to the end.

[Tiina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok in the sense that I was able to finish it. What I did not like, though, was that there were too many "main characters" who were either weak, almost or completely criminal, or irritating. Not the kind of people that I like to hang out with. Even the most ok character did some idiotic things. All in all, a slight disappointment.

[Kathy Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah one of the good ones by John Francome. A tad violent in places, I suspect I was grimacing whilst reading it on our antiques stall yesterday, but I still enjoyed it, and it was lovely to read something familiar again.

[Nick 2E0NAQ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book quite slow in places but it could just be me. After finishing the book I dont think I will read any more of John Francome books.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved the Francis books but this is the first one I've read by this former British jockey--well constructed story and I would readn another one

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked Dick Francis, you'll like this author.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some really good books by john Francome but this did not meet up to his usual standard. The story was predictable and a bit flat.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery from the viewpoints of the jockeys.

[Christopher S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow start, very good middle, tailed off a bit in the end. Story was OK, pacing was above average, characters lacked depth. Much better than I was expecting but not quite all that I had hoped for.