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Sid Halley #6
Hands Down
Sid Halley is back and he has a new left hand having had a transplant since his last appearance in Refusal. An ex-jockey trainer friend calls him to ask for his help in finding out who has threatened him but Sid has his own problems of a marital nature, and he puts the friend off for a couple of days. However, the very next morning, the friend’s stable yard is torched, horses killed, and then the friend is found dead. The police think it’s suicide but Sid is not convinced. Sid starts to investigate and soon finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of the integrity of British horse racing. Can Sid get to the bottom of what’s going on before he too becomes a victim, while, at the same time, saving his marriage?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2022
293 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Felix Francis
47 books540 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 14, 2022
I started reading Dick Francis mysteries when I was just a kid and enjoyed them tremendously. Hands Down is the latest installment in Felix Francis' reimagination of his father's legacy. This is probably the last one I'm going to buy. The writing is fine as is the mystery but it has no heart and is overly dry and pedantic. To make it worse, the author uses Sid Halley as his protagonist and it just doesn't work for me. That's not the Sid Halley I know, even if he's older and now has 2 working hands. I'm sad that I didn't like this book more.
September 8, 2023
3/ 5
Glad this book is over, it got very dull and boring and I spaced out between the plot. It was all going smoothly than all of a sudden child SA comes out of now where completely out of the blue and it ruined the mood throughout. It was completely unexpected, but equally confusing I felt like they used too much niche lingo that I struggled to get it grips with it.
I don’t see myself reading this book or the series, wasn’t my cup of tea. I have no intention in spending anymore time in writing a review for a book I won’t be continuing- just wasn’t for me.
Glad this book is over, it got very dull and boring and I spaced out between the plot. It was all going smoothly than all of a sudden child SA comes out of now where completely out of the blue and it ruined the mood throughout. It was completely unexpected, but equally confusing I felt like they used too much niche lingo that I struggled to get it grips with it.
I don’t see myself reading this book or the series, wasn’t my cup of tea. I have no intention in spending anymore time in writing a review for a book I won’t be continuing- just wasn’t for me.
January 26, 2023
Another excellent Felix Francis featuring an old favourite, Sid Halley. Couldn't put this one down
October 15, 2022
Jockey-turned-private eye Sid Halley was last seen in Refusal after losing his left hand in a nasty fight with even nastier opponents; for his troubles, he ended up with a prosthetic hand and a wife who who insisted that he quit his detecting work. Now he's back - decked out with a new but real hand courtesy of a donor that, with the help of anti-rejection drugs, is working better every day. His marriage, on the other hand (pun intended), isn't working quite so well; in fact, his wife Marina has taken their nine-year-old daughter, Saskia, with her to stay with her elderly parents - in part because her father is dying and in part because she needs to get away for a while.
As he's stewing over how to handle the situation, an ex-jockey friend calls to ask for help with a serious issue involving racing. With his mind elsewhere, Sid poo-poos the situation and puts the guy on hold at least for a couple of days. As it turns out, he should have been more fired up; the next day, the guy's stable and a few horses go up in flames - and then, not long after he meets with Sid to explain what's going on, the man himself is found hanged. The police deem it death by suicide, but given what Sid knows, he's not so sure.
At that point - with no resolution of the situation between he and his wife - Sid sets off to investigate what appears to be corruption at the track that involves "dirty" agents, blackmail and race fixing. Needless to say, that takes Sid to a couple of racetracks he once frequented as a jockey and pits him against several heavyweight nasties who would love nothing more than to get rid of him for good. The details, of course, I can't reveal - nor whether he wins back the two loves of his life. Suffice it to say the story held me captive for a few good hours - well written with plenty of action. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy - and keep me in mind when the next one drops. Try it - I think you'll like it too!
As he's stewing over how to handle the situation, an ex-jockey friend calls to ask for help with a serious issue involving racing. With his mind elsewhere, Sid poo-poos the situation and puts the guy on hold at least for a couple of days. As it turns out, he should have been more fired up; the next day, the guy's stable and a few horses go up in flames - and then, not long after he meets with Sid to explain what's going on, the man himself is found hanged. The police deem it death by suicide, but given what Sid knows, he's not so sure.
At that point - with no resolution of the situation between he and his wife - Sid sets off to investigate what appears to be corruption at the track that involves "dirty" agents, blackmail and race fixing. Needless to say, that takes Sid to a couple of racetracks he once frequented as a jockey and pits him against several heavyweight nasties who would love nothing more than to get rid of him for good. The details, of course, I can't reveal - nor whether he wins back the two loves of his life. Suffice it to say the story held me captive for a few good hours - well written with plenty of action. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy - and keep me in mind when the next one drops. Try it - I think you'll like it too!
March 9, 2024
On the whole, I haven't enjoyed Felix's Sid Halley stories as much as I enjoyed his father's, and at first I felt the same about this one. As the pace picked up and the book got into it's stride, though, I found I was enjoying it much more. It began to feel more like the Sid Halley of old.
October 21, 2022
Things should be good for Sid Halley. He's gotten a hand transplant and his new left hand is almost fully functional. He's given up investigating for investing which should eliminate most of the danger in his life. And he's married to his beloved Marina and has a nine-year-old daughter named Saskia who is the center of his existence.
But when Marina expresses discontent in their marriage and takes Saskia to visit her parents because her father is dying, Sid wonders if she'll ever come back. And then he gets a phone call from a man he used to race with who is now a trainer asking for help. Sid's reluctant to get involved since he's so focused on the state of his marriage.
But when he learns that his friend's stables have burned down and he's presumed dead, Sid feels he has no choice but to get involved. Sid meets the friend who is hiding out for fear of villains, but the fear keeps him from telling Sid the whole story. And the villains catch up, murdering the friend and staging it as a suicide.
Sid begins to investigate this new threat to the sport he loves. Someone is finding a way to rig horse races for their own financial gain and are blackmailing both jockeys and trainers to further their plot. Sid calls in old friend Chico Barnes to act as his backup and bodyguard. His former father-in-law Charles also has a role to play both as reluctant caretaker for Sid's dog and sounding board for Sid's thoughts.
While I felt that the story started slowly and presented a more introspective Sid than that of earlier stories, the pace did pick up and engaged me in Sid's adventures. Nearing fifty and having much more to lose made Sid a more careful investigator but still a very persistent and intelligent one.
But when Marina expresses discontent in their marriage and takes Saskia to visit her parents because her father is dying, Sid wonders if she'll ever come back. And then he gets a phone call from a man he used to race with who is now a trainer asking for help. Sid's reluctant to get involved since he's so focused on the state of his marriage.
But when he learns that his friend's stables have burned down and he's presumed dead, Sid feels he has no choice but to get involved. Sid meets the friend who is hiding out for fear of villains, but the fear keeps him from telling Sid the whole story. And the villains catch up, murdering the friend and staging it as a suicide.
Sid begins to investigate this new threat to the sport he loves. Someone is finding a way to rig horse races for their own financial gain and are blackmailing both jockeys and trainers to further their plot. Sid calls in old friend Chico Barnes to act as his backup and bodyguard. His former father-in-law Charles also has a role to play both as reluctant caretaker for Sid's dog and sounding board for Sid's thoughts.
While I felt that the story started slowly and presented a more introspective Sid than that of earlier stories, the pace did pick up and engaged me in Sid's adventures. Nearing fifty and having much more to lose made Sid a more careful investigator but still a very persistent and intelligent one.
December 2, 2022
A good, solid mystery, but misses the essential spark, humour and charm of a Dick Francis book.
June 25, 2023
This one features Sid Halle (spelling??), a return appearance for him, which is unusual in the Francis oeuvre, but a fondly looked upon feature of other murder mysteries. Here is what I think--the son is getting better, and maybe his handicap is more that what is acceptable in 2020 is really different from what worked in 1970. That and the bravado of the lead character is no where near as likeable as it was in the last century. The writing is smoother, but there is a lot that is a bit off putting, which adds up to "I might take it off the shelf at the library if it were right in front of me, but I might not" and I certainly am not seeking them out.
September 17, 2022
Hands Down is pure storytelling, wonderfully written, which had me hooked from the opening pages, it is a read which you need to know what is going to happen next and in which direction is the author going to take you.
Having read many of the authors (and his fathers) previous books there is a somewhat familiar style and feel to the book, however, that does not mean that the author has not kept this book feeling fresh, the plot is wonderfully contrived, in its construction it feels as though Sid Halley is leading himself up a blind alley as he tries to do right by all but that in itself presents a conundrum in also getting justice and retribution, for me that added a clever dimension to the plot-line which allowed the book to have many a twist, the suspense and intrigue surrounding this kept me thinking as to where the book would lead. There is a certain gritty realism and feel along with a dark side to the book which the author draws out on the page
The plot centres around a conspiracy one which has you thinking, could this really happen and you get the feeling that the answer is yes, the books flows along wonderfully paced, the tension heightened at just the right times
Having Sid Halley back was so welcome, for the rest the author has a knack for making his characters believable and down to earth, even though you don’t know them there is a familiarity to them, you can relate to each.
It is fair to say that the author knows his subject matter and he brings all this to the fore, so that you know what you are reading is as it is in real life, you are transported into the world of horse racing and not the glamourous side, but the every day hardworking side, you get a glimpse into an up and coming jockeys life, for me it was nice to see northern racecourses featured, with Felix Francis you get a real sense and feel for the locations and within the setting of Middleham you also got a little of a history lesson
Overall this is a highly engaging and enjoyable read, that features many a twist, It keeps you gripped and enthralled in suspense. I was hooked from the opening pages with a need to know how it would end
Having read many of the authors (and his fathers) previous books there is a somewhat familiar style and feel to the book, however, that does not mean that the author has not kept this book feeling fresh, the plot is wonderfully contrived, in its construction it feels as though Sid Halley is leading himself up a blind alley as he tries to do right by all but that in itself presents a conundrum in also getting justice and retribution, for me that added a clever dimension to the plot-line which allowed the book to have many a twist, the suspense and intrigue surrounding this kept me thinking as to where the book would lead. There is a certain gritty realism and feel along with a dark side to the book which the author draws out on the page
The plot centres around a conspiracy one which has you thinking, could this really happen and you get the feeling that the answer is yes, the books flows along wonderfully paced, the tension heightened at just the right times
Having Sid Halley back was so welcome, for the rest the author has a knack for making his characters believable and down to earth, even though you don’t know them there is a familiarity to them, you can relate to each.
It is fair to say that the author knows his subject matter and he brings all this to the fore, so that you know what you are reading is as it is in real life, you are transported into the world of horse racing and not the glamourous side, but the every day hardworking side, you get a glimpse into an up and coming jockeys life, for me it was nice to see northern racecourses featured, with Felix Francis you get a real sense and feel for the locations and within the setting of Middleham you also got a little of a history lesson
Overall this is a highly engaging and enjoyable read, that features many a twist, It keeps you gripped and enthralled in suspense. I was hooked from the opening pages with a need to know how it would end
October 26, 2023
Sid Halley has received a hand transplant. It creeps out his wife Marina so she has left him. There are descriptions of the surgery and the rejection meds he takes.
He receives a call from an old jockey friend, Gary Bremner, who is being threatened. Sid tells him he’s retired and not a detective anymore.
Watching the news the following day, he sees that Bremner’s horse barn has gone up in flames, and several horses have been killed, including, perhaps, Bremner.
It turns out Bremner is still alive and Sid travels north to see him. Gary explains how the industry has changed. Jockeys now have agents, who dictate where they race. Some agent is threatening or blackmailing both jockeys and trainers to fix races. Gary’s body is found the next day. The cops think it was suicide.
Sid is approached in a parking lot after a race by two thugs but is rescued by several partying soldiers out for the night.
He keeps gathering evidence. One night he comes home to find two masked men getting ready to torch his house.
He gets the location of the big baddy and approaches him in a Turkish bath. Sid demands the guy back down or he’ll pass all of the information he’s collected to the police and to the British racing authority.
Conversations take too long. Sid’s conversations with his wife, Marina, are interminable. She is whiny, confused, and indecisive.
The last forty pages get better.
This outing is filled with extensive descriptions and the historical background of anything that gets mentioned. It is almost not worth it to continue reading him, but I read all of his father’s books and all of his, despite their flaws.
He receives a call from an old jockey friend, Gary Bremner, who is being threatened. Sid tells him he’s retired and not a detective anymore.
Watching the news the following day, he sees that Bremner’s horse barn has gone up in flames, and several horses have been killed, including, perhaps, Bremner.
It turns out Bremner is still alive and Sid travels north to see him. Gary explains how the industry has changed. Jockeys now have agents, who dictate where they race. Some agent is threatening or blackmailing both jockeys and trainers to fix races. Gary’s body is found the next day. The cops think it was suicide.
Sid is approached in a parking lot after a race by two thugs but is rescued by several partying soldiers out for the night.
He keeps gathering evidence. One night he comes home to find two masked men getting ready to torch his house.
He gets the location of the big baddy and approaches him in a Turkish bath. Sid demands the guy back down or he’ll pass all of the information he’s collected to the police and to the British racing authority.
Conversations take too long. Sid’s conversations with his wife, Marina, are interminable. She is whiny, confused, and indecisive.
The last forty pages get better.
This outing is filled with extensive descriptions and the historical background of anything that gets mentioned. It is almost not worth it to continue reading him, but I read all of his father’s books and all of his, despite their flaws.
November 10, 2022
What a pleasure to find a comfy spot, tell the world to go away for awhile and settle down with the new mystery featuring Sid Halley. No matter if you are a long time fan or if this is your introduction, you are in for a great read. With enough backstory to fill in the blanks and enough twists and turns to keep you saying "just one more chapter", I was in Sid Halley's world and enjoying every page.
Sid no longer has a prosthetic having had a successful hand transplant. Life should be looking good but things start to sour when his wife decides to go home to be with her mother when she finds out that her father is dying. She takes their nine year old daughter with her and Sid fears she will make it permanent. With this occupying his thoughts he isn't in a hurry to become involved with any investigation but the person making the plea is an old racing friend and Sid says yes. What follows is a complex, well-crafted puzzle. Corruption in the racing world isn't new but this scheme to rig races makes for a good story. I'll say no more for fear of spoilers.
Besides spending time with Sid, Chico is back, too, acting as his bodyguard and so is his ex-father-in-law Charles. Put it all together and I came away with less stress than I had when I started the first sentence.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sid no longer has a prosthetic having had a successful hand transplant. Life should be looking good but things start to sour when his wife decides to go home to be with her mother when she finds out that her father is dying. She takes their nine year old daughter with her and Sid fears she will make it permanent. With this occupying his thoughts he isn't in a hurry to become involved with any investigation but the person making the plea is an old racing friend and Sid says yes. What follows is a complex, well-crafted puzzle. Corruption in the racing world isn't new but this scheme to rig races makes for a good story. I'll say no more for fear of spoilers.
Besides spending time with Sid, Chico is back, too, acting as his bodyguard and so is his ex-father-in-law Charles. Put it all together and I came away with less stress than I had when I started the first sentence.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2023
Hands Down is the latest installment in the Sid Halley series of books. Set against the backdrop of horse racing this one has Sid with a new arm to replace the prosthetic one. His marriage in on the rocks and despite giving up investigating, he's drawn into another mystery when one of his friend's stables is burnt down. When his friend turns up dead, apparently by suicide, then he can't resist the urge to investigate, assisted once again by Chicco.
I don't know why I liked the Dick/Felix Francis novels so much. Horse racing leaves me cold, yet I can lose myself in the equine world. The books are easy to read, filled with atmosphere. Each one features part of the world of horse racing that you never knew existed. I've been reading them since the seventies, yet each book opens another insight into horse racing. I don't think I've come across a bad one in all those years.
Felix has done a remarkable job of carrying on the series since the death of his father. The books are still fresh and exciting. The last two, including this one have dealt with mental illness or psychological problems. This one it's how someone reacts to a hand transplant. The last was anxiety. It's been a welcome addition to the books, giving another layer to the story. I have to say I like the current direction.
Hands Down is an enjoyable read from the Francis stable. Highly recommended, even if you don't like horse racing.
I don't know why I liked the Dick/Felix Francis novels so much. Horse racing leaves me cold, yet I can lose myself in the equine world. The books are easy to read, filled with atmosphere. Each one features part of the world of horse racing that you never knew existed. I've been reading them since the seventies, yet each book opens another insight into horse racing. I don't think I've come across a bad one in all those years.
Felix has done a remarkable job of carrying on the series since the death of his father. The books are still fresh and exciting. The last two, including this one have dealt with mental illness or psychological problems. This one it's how someone reacts to a hand transplant. The last was anxiety. It's been a welcome addition to the books, giving another layer to the story. I have to say I like the current direction.
Hands Down is an enjoyable read from the Francis stable. Highly recommended, even if you don't like horse racing.
September 19, 2024
This was pathetic, I'm sorry! I only gave it 3 stars out of respect for his father. As a long time Dick Francis fan, I have kept on with Felix's books (sorry, Felix, I like you and appreciate that you are trying to continue your father's legacy) but it's just not working. Especially with an established character like Sid Halley. We go WAY BACK with him! And I didn't feel like this was him.
Let me start with the opening lines:
"Sid, it's over."
"What's over?"
"Our marriage."
I stared at Marina.
"What on earth do you mean?
"What I say. There are three of us in this relationship and it's too crowded. So I'm leaving."
"But I love you."
"Not as much as you love that!"
Marina pointed to my left hand.
I say 'my left hand' but the reality is that it is someone else's, or at least it was before it was surgically attached to my own forearm below the elbow.
Seriously??? There are three person in this relationship and one of them is your new hand?? Is this Princess Diana?? I'm sorry, but I just lost it with this first page.....
And the rest of the story is a re-run. Truly. It's all been done, same old, same old. It was boring. When Dick first did it, it was exciting. Now? Not so much. It's just TOO similar! We want Dick Francis back, but he has to move with the times, and his writing has to evolve, too.
I'm sorry, it's a loser. Felix needs to stick with his own main guy, Jeff Hinckley, and be his own man now.
Let me start with the opening lines:
"Sid, it's over."
"What's over?"
"Our marriage."
I stared at Marina.
"What on earth do you mean?
"What I say. There are three of us in this relationship and it's too crowded. So I'm leaving."
"But I love you."
"Not as much as you love that!"
Marina pointed to my left hand.
I say 'my left hand' but the reality is that it is someone else's, or at least it was before it was surgically attached to my own forearm below the elbow.
Seriously??? There are three person in this relationship and one of them is your new hand?? Is this Princess Diana?? I'm sorry, but I just lost it with this first page.....
And the rest of the story is a re-run. Truly. It's all been done, same old, same old. It was boring. When Dick first did it, it was exciting. Now? Not so much. It's just TOO similar! We want Dick Francis back, but he has to move with the times, and his writing has to evolve, too.
I'm sorry, it's a loser. Felix needs to stick with his own main guy, Jeff Hinckley, and be his own man now.
August 19, 2023
This is one of the better crime stories by Felix Francis using his late father's characters, particularly Sid Halley and Chico Barnes. Racehorse training, corruption, bullying, and quandaries for young jockeys feature.
Sid Halley has now gained a hand transplant, which sits uneasily with him and others. This aspect is well written, if dwelled upon a little much. Certainly it would make one consider turning down the offer. But he knows he is lucky to have both working hands again.
I have to think that Francis does not know many women, or go to racing often, because almost every character is a man. Sid's wife is absent and their relationship is rocky. The lack of women is the least good, and most outdated, aspect of the story.
I read an ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Sid Halley has now gained a hand transplant, which sits uneasily with him and others. This aspect is well written, if dwelled upon a little much. Certainly it would make one consider turning down the offer. But he knows he is lucky to have both working hands again.
I have to think that Francis does not know many women, or go to racing often, because almost every character is a man. Sid's wife is absent and their relationship is rocky. The lack of women is the least good, and most outdated, aspect of the story.
I read an ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
May 14, 2023
He's just not as good an author. Simple sentences, not enough interesting plot twists, boring characters. Sid was old feeble and scared. And both the horses and the racing were almost completely absent from the story. What racing did show up was dispiritedly about the intricacies of betting, not the excitement and pride of the sport. So disappointing.
February 19, 2023
Alway enjoy these books. Started reading the British racehorse mysteries by father Dick Francis as a young adult in the 1980’s. So cool his son Felix has continued these stories in such fine fashion. Great read during my COVID recovery period.
December 1, 2022
Contrived
Salty not up to his normal standards and using his father's Sid, made it all looked contrived. Not his best buy a 'long shot'
Salty not up to his normal standards and using his father's Sid, made it all looked contrived. Not his best buy a 'long shot'
April 1, 2023
Rewriting a lost review of Hands Down by Felix Francis. I accidentally touched a key that deleted it when I was almost finished. Bah! It happens to me a lot on Facebook and texting, too. I’m one of those techclutzy Baby Boomers😝
Not quite sure if this contains spoilers. It would for anyone who reads the series out of order!
I would rated this a 3 1/2 if given the option. I would have enjoyed this last of the Sid Halley series more if the actual crime involved hadn’t been so similar to that of the previous book—Refusal—which I had just barely finished. It would have been fine if I had put off reading it for awhile. Why? You ask. Because the details of the plot would have had more time to leak out of context from my constantly replenished brain bucket of memories. The drips and drops of details, even entire plots, that had precipitated into my brain would have splished and splashed into even smaller drops to be carried along with the churning river of drips from the thrilling (or not) pages of the hundreds of whodunnits I have read, mixing up the characters, settings, and plots until I wouldn’t be able to distinguish one from the other, or sometimes even forgetting that I had ever read it!
Nevertheless, I had to get closure about Sid and his daunting challenges, especially if and how he would hold up as his once fit and lithe jockey body ages, his precarious mental health teeters, and his personal relationships are threatened—all because of his propensity toward heavy risk-taking. That propensity won him many horse races, but it also threw him off the track prematurely and permanently, something that he can’t quite accept. That’s pretty much why he didn’t wise up and get a safe desk job after that. Instead he landed in the private investigation business, in hot pursuit of the miscreants of the British horse racing world that he can’t stop being a part of.
This is the 5th and final book featuring Sid Halley. The first three were written by Dick Francis, but after a long life and very prolific writing career, he rode off into the sunset. His son Felix took up his father’s pen to give the public more of what made his father so popular. I’m afraid those old shoes were pretty hard to fill, thus my disappointment about the slightly rehashed crime that begs for Sid’s attention and makes him a target of those he tries to thwart. Felix does a good job in these last two Sid novels, and they make for lots of deductive meanderings, nerve-wracking thrills and fishing for clues while steering clear of the red herrings—but I do miss his Dad.
Not quite sure if this contains spoilers. It would for anyone who reads the series out of order!
I would rated this a 3 1/2 if given the option. I would have enjoyed this last of the Sid Halley series more if the actual crime involved hadn’t been so similar to that of the previous book—Refusal—which I had just barely finished. It would have been fine if I had put off reading it for awhile. Why? You ask. Because the details of the plot would have had more time to leak out of context from my constantly replenished brain bucket of memories. The drips and drops of details, even entire plots, that had precipitated into my brain would have splished and splashed into even smaller drops to be carried along with the churning river of drips from the thrilling (or not) pages of the hundreds of whodunnits I have read, mixing up the characters, settings, and plots until I wouldn’t be able to distinguish one from the other, or sometimes even forgetting that I had ever read it!
Nevertheless, I had to get closure about Sid and his daunting challenges, especially if and how he would hold up as his once fit and lithe jockey body ages, his precarious mental health teeters, and his personal relationships are threatened—all because of his propensity toward heavy risk-taking. That propensity won him many horse races, but it also threw him off the track prematurely and permanently, something that he can’t quite accept. That’s pretty much why he didn’t wise up and get a safe desk job after that. Instead he landed in the private investigation business, in hot pursuit of the miscreants of the British horse racing world that he can’t stop being a part of.
This is the 5th and final book featuring Sid Halley. The first three were written by Dick Francis, but after a long life and very prolific writing career, he rode off into the sunset. His son Felix took up his father’s pen to give the public more of what made his father so popular. I’m afraid those old shoes were pretty hard to fill, thus my disappointment about the slightly rehashed crime that begs for Sid’s attention and makes him a target of those he tries to thwart. Felix does a good job in these last two Sid novels, and they make for lots of deductive meanderings, nerve-wracking thrills and fishing for clues while steering clear of the red herrings—but I do miss his Dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Felix Francis is showing himself a worthy successor to his father (though some say it was Mom Francis that really wrote for Dick) once again in this Sid Halley mystery that goes into the weeds on betting on and throwing steeplechase horseraces in England and Scotland. Consortia of agents have muscled into the selection of jockeys for races, and they demand fees from the jockeys and the trainers at stables.
This cuts into proceeds and earnings for the riders and the trainers, but on agent outfit gets its claws into both groups through some pretty easily arranged blackmail. There are all too many naive and clueless gents (they *are* all guys) in both groups who either are in financial straits or have been indecorous with questionable female acquaintances. The orders to lose races follow. The bad-guy agents place their bets and rake in the pounds, but somehow the holds they have over their jockeys and trainers never lesson. The vig increases, and so does the professional and personal peril for the unwilling victims.
Sid Halley, former champion jockey who lost a hand to a terrible fall in a race and subsequent additional injury, now has an astonishing real live, and live is the operative adjective, transplanted left hand, which he has to mind carefully but which seems to be a growing cause of estrangement for his wife. The resolution of this subtext story line is rather uplifting, but it seemed a bit forced.
Halley, though, gets involved into sorting out the agent extortion scheme without putting the careers of the jockey victims in jeopardy with the national racing authorities. Sid's investigations put him into situations where he gets beaten up and threatened, leading him to call upon a friend, Chico, as additional muscle on his side. Chico is a repeated deus ex machina as Sid gets into jams as his investigations get closer to finding all the baddies and the evidence necessary for right to carry the day. Rather bloody conclusion, but it was fast-paced. Good entertainment.
This cuts into proceeds and earnings for the riders and the trainers, but on agent outfit gets its claws into both groups through some pretty easily arranged blackmail. There are all too many naive and clueless gents (they *are* all guys) in both groups who either are in financial straits or have been indecorous with questionable female acquaintances. The orders to lose races follow. The bad-guy agents place their bets and rake in the pounds, but somehow the holds they have over their jockeys and trainers never lesson. The vig increases, and so does the professional and personal peril for the unwilling victims.
Sid Halley, former champion jockey who lost a hand to a terrible fall in a race and subsequent additional injury, now has an astonishing real live, and live is the operative adjective, transplanted left hand, which he has to mind carefully but which seems to be a growing cause of estrangement for his wife. The resolution of this subtext story line is rather uplifting, but it seemed a bit forced.
Halley, though, gets involved into sorting out the agent extortion scheme without putting the careers of the jockey victims in jeopardy with the national racing authorities. Sid's investigations put him into situations where he gets beaten up and threatened, leading him to call upon a friend, Chico, as additional muscle on his side. Chico is a repeated deus ex machina as Sid gets into jams as his investigations get closer to finding all the baddies and the evidence necessary for right to carry the day. Rather bloody conclusion, but it was fast-paced. Good entertainment.
April 10, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Hands Down is the 6th mystery featuring Sid Halley, written by Felix Francis around characters originated by his late father, Dick Francis. Released 8th Nov 2022 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2023.
There are only a handful of series, however well written, which keep me coming back for more year after year. The Dick Francis books are wonderful, highly consistent and satisfying reads. They're well constructed mysteries with a touch of humour, and they can generally be picked up and read in any order, as standalones. After the death of the elder Francis, his protege and youngest son Felix took over primary writing duties and continued the legacy with respectable verisimilitude.
I did feel this entry in the series was maybe a trifle more scattered and difficult to follow than most of the others. There were several disparate plot threads and they crossed and intertwined and were sometimes difficult to keep track of.
The language is relatively clean with the occasional 'damn / bloody' or similar' but nothing worse. These books are always worthwhile and a treat to be savored. Spelling and vernacular are UK English, but shouldn't pose any problems in context for readers from North America.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Hands Down is the 6th mystery featuring Sid Halley, written by Felix Francis around characters originated by his late father, Dick Francis. Released 8th Nov 2022 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2023.
There are only a handful of series, however well written, which keep me coming back for more year after year. The Dick Francis books are wonderful, highly consistent and satisfying reads. They're well constructed mysteries with a touch of humour, and they can generally be picked up and read in any order, as standalones. After the death of the elder Francis, his protege and youngest son Felix took over primary writing duties and continued the legacy with respectable verisimilitude.
I did feel this entry in the series was maybe a trifle more scattered and difficult to follow than most of the others. There were several disparate plot threads and they crossed and intertwined and were sometimes difficult to keep track of.
The language is relatively clean with the occasional 'damn / bloody' or similar' but nothing worse. These books are always worthwhile and a treat to be savored. Spelling and vernacular are UK English, but shouldn't pose any problems in context for readers from North America.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 28, 2023
4 Stars
Hands Down is the sixth book in the Sid Halley series by Dick Francis/Felix Francis. This follows Jockey turned PI, Sid Halley who is pulled into danger when a friend asks for his help. Then when that friend turns up dead, with his horses slaughtered, and his property set alight- Sid find himself wading through conspiracies, agendas, secrets, and plots to find out what had happened and uncover the culprit/s. Things aren't going to be easy, especially with his marriage woes added to the equation. With danger, high stakes, crime & investigation, mystery, suspense, horse racing, intensity, and dramatic developments- this makes for an intriguing read.
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
Dick Francis novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his books. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written. I remember every time my mother read one of his books, she'd tell me about him and how he'd gone from being an RAF pilot to being the Queen Mother's favourite jockey, before retiring to become a journalist/writer.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally. I decided to make reading her entire collection a part of my reading challenge for the next couple of years (she has a HUGE collection), as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
Hands Down is the sixth book in the Sid Halley series by Dick Francis/Felix Francis. This follows Jockey turned PI, Sid Halley who is pulled into danger when a friend asks for his help. Then when that friend turns up dead, with his horses slaughtered, and his property set alight- Sid find himself wading through conspiracies, agendas, secrets, and plots to find out what had happened and uncover the culprit/s. Things aren't going to be easy, especially with his marriage woes added to the equation. With danger, high stakes, crime & investigation, mystery, suspense, horse racing, intensity, and dramatic developments- this makes for an intriguing read.
->2023 Reading Challenge.
->Glennie's Collection
Dick Francis novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his books. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I explored at the time, and over the years I have read everything he’s written. I remember every time my mother read one of his books, she'd tell me about him and how he'd gone from being an RAF pilot to being the Queen Mother's favourite jockey, before retiring to become a journalist/writer.
Since my mother passed away over a year ago, I have been making my way through her book collection, finally. I decided to make reading her entire collection a part of my reading challenge for the next couple of years (she has a HUGE collection), as well as a way to pay tribute to my mum, who was such a voracious reader..... Reading her collection of books has stirred up a lot of memories, mostly of our shared love of reading. I am forever grateful that she passed on her love of reading to me. 🥰🙏💗📚📖
This one's for you Glennie 🥰🙏💗📚📖
August 20, 2025
Hands Down is the latest installment in the Sid Halley series of books. Set against the backdrop of horse racing this one has Sid with a new arm to replace the prosthetic one. His marriage in on the rocks and despite giving up investigating, he's drawn into another mystery when one of his friend's stables is burnt down. When his friend turns up dead, apparently by suicide, then he can't resist the urge to investigate, assisted once again by Chicco.
I don't know why I liked the Dick/Felix Francis novels so much. Horse racing leaves me cold, yet I can lose myself in the equine world. The books are easy to read, filled with atmosphere. Each one features part of the world of horse racing that you never knew existed. I've been reading them since the seventies, yet each book opens another insight into horse racing. I don't think I've come across a bad one in all those years.
Felix has done a remarkable job of carrying on the series since the death of his father. The books are still fresh and exciting. The last two, including this one have dealt with mental illness or psychological problems. This one it's how someone reacts to a hand transplant. The last was anxiety. It's been a welcome addition to the books, giving another layer to the story. I have to say I like the current direction.
Hands Down is an enjoyable read from the Francis stable. Highly recommended, even if you don't like horse racing.
I don't know why I liked the Dick/Felix Francis novels so much. Horse racing leaves me cold, yet I can lose myself in the equine world. The books are easy to read, filled with atmosphere. Each one features part of the world of horse racing that you never knew existed. I've been reading them since the seventies, yet each book opens another insight into horse racing. I don't think I've come across a bad one in all those years.
Felix has done a remarkable job of carrying on the series since the death of his father. The books are still fresh and exciting. The last two, including this one have dealt with mental illness or psychological problems. This one it's how someone reacts to a hand transplant. The last was anxiety. It's been a welcome addition to the books, giving another layer to the story. I have to say I like the current direction.
Hands Down is an enjoyable read from the Francis stable. Highly recommended, even if you don't like horse racing.
September 2, 2022
Sid Halley, former jump jockey champion and private detective is not having a good day. Devastated by his wife Marina’s decision to leave him he takes a call from an old friend Gary Bremner, ex- jockey trainer. He is being threatened and wants Sid to investigate. The next morning he has disappeared, his stables torched and horses killed.
Sid starts to investigate and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of racing and then even closer to home.
Sid Halley is back! I remember reading him of old, pinching my mums old Dick Francis paperbacks and tucking myself away somewhere to read them. So I leapt at the chance to meet him again.
These Francis books are just so easy to read, absorbing, gripping and fast paced. Sid is an easy character to love and its a bit like catching up with an old friend.
‘Could it really be the case that someone was trying to manipulate all of British racing for their own greedy ends?’
The underbelly of the racing world is exposed here, cartels of jockeys agents, holding trainers and jockeys and owners to ransom effectively running racing, who wins, who loses, it’s juicy! This one gallops apace, the excellent Chico Barnes makes an appearance too and I simply raced through it and couldn’t put it down.
Another great read from the Francis stable
Sid starts to investigate and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of racing and then even closer to home.
Sid Halley is back! I remember reading him of old, pinching my mums old Dick Francis paperbacks and tucking myself away somewhere to read them. So I leapt at the chance to meet him again.
These Francis books are just so easy to read, absorbing, gripping and fast paced. Sid is an easy character to love and its a bit like catching up with an old friend.
‘Could it really be the case that someone was trying to manipulate all of British racing for their own greedy ends?’
The underbelly of the racing world is exposed here, cartels of jockeys agents, holding trainers and jockeys and owners to ransom effectively running racing, who wins, who loses, it’s juicy! This one gallops apace, the excellent Chico Barnes makes an appearance too and I simply raced through it and couldn’t put it down.
Another great read from the Francis stable
August 6, 2022
Sid Halley is back and he has a new left hand having had a transplant since his last appearance in Refusal. An ex-jockey trainer friend calls him to ask for his help in finding out who has threatened him but Sid has his own problems of a marital nature, and he puts the friend off for a couple of days. However, the very next morning, the friend’s stable yard is torched, horses killed, and then the friend is found dead. The police think it’s suicide but Sid is not convinced. Sid starts to investigate and soon finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of the integrity of British horse racing. Can Sid get to the bottom of what’s going on before he too becomes a victim, while, at the same time, saving his marriage?
This had a decent plot and a number of interesting characters but unfortunately they failed to gel into a good read, somehow I was completely disengaged and quite honestly it was boring. Other than the occasional flash the old Dick Francis/Sid Halley magic was missing.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This had a decent plot and a number of interesting characters but unfortunately they failed to gel into a good read, somehow I was completely disengaged and quite honestly it was boring. Other than the occasional flash the old Dick Francis/Sid Halley magic was missing.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
Former British jump racing champion and ex private eye Sid Halley is back. Things don’t seem to be going great for him, when his wife Marina tell’s him she is leaving him, her father is dying so she is going over to be with her mum and to spend some time with her dad before he passes away, taking their nine year old daughter Saskia with her. Sid hadn’t even realised there was a problem with their marriage. It seems that Sam’s hand transplant is part of the problem. Or is there another person involved?. Sid is devastated and will do whatever it takes to win his wife back.
An ex jockey friend Gary Bremner contacts Sid and begs him to drive to his stables as he feels his life is in danger, but Sid tells him he can’t that if he needs him he should drive to him. But the following morning on the news Bremner’s stables have been burnt down and Gary is missing.
It’s not long before Sid finds himself looking into a conspiracy that is trying to rig races. I have read other books by Felix Francis but this is the first time I have met Sid Halley, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was one of those books I couldn’t put down which was just what I needed. The pace is fast which for me I know is always a winner, the characters are well drawn, they are believable, three dimensional, I like the camaraderie between Sid’s ex Father in law Charles and Sis, and also his relationship with his friend Chico who is there for him when he needs help. Sid was missing his wife and daughter, but he also felt duty bound to sort out who was doing what to rig races. Who was behind it all? He managed to get one name but it was someone he hadn’t heard of, anyone who was involved was reluctant to talk through fear of what would happen.
This was an engaging read, full of suspense, fast paced, gripping, looking at the underbelly of the racing world, but how are these masterminds controlling things without being caught? perfect for curling up on a chilly autumn evening and reading it will definitely keep you guessing and completely engrossed from start to finish. I may have to find some of the earlier books with Sid in. How will Sid and Marina’s marriage fair? Can they make a go of it or is it over for good?
For me this is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, if you like your crimes fast paced then grab a copy of this. It’s an easy book to read as a stand-alone.
An ex jockey friend Gary Bremner contacts Sid and begs him to drive to his stables as he feels his life is in danger, but Sid tells him he can’t that if he needs him he should drive to him. But the following morning on the news Bremner’s stables have been burnt down and Gary is missing.
It’s not long before Sid finds himself looking into a conspiracy that is trying to rig races. I have read other books by Felix Francis but this is the first time I have met Sid Halley, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was one of those books I couldn’t put down which was just what I needed. The pace is fast which for me I know is always a winner, the characters are well drawn, they are believable, three dimensional, I like the camaraderie between Sid’s ex Father in law Charles and Sis, and also his relationship with his friend Chico who is there for him when he needs help. Sid was missing his wife and daughter, but he also felt duty bound to sort out who was doing what to rig races. Who was behind it all? He managed to get one name but it was someone he hadn’t heard of, anyone who was involved was reluctant to talk through fear of what would happen.
This was an engaging read, full of suspense, fast paced, gripping, looking at the underbelly of the racing world, but how are these masterminds controlling things without being caught? perfect for curling up on a chilly autumn evening and reading it will definitely keep you guessing and completely engrossed from start to finish. I may have to find some of the earlier books with Sid in. How will Sid and Marina’s marriage fair? Can they make a go of it or is it over for good?
For me this is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, if you like your crimes fast paced then grab a copy of this. It’s an easy book to read as a stand-alone.
July 23, 2025
I am a longtime fan of the Dick Francis racing mysteries, going back to the 1980s when my husband and I first started reading them. The earliest books are the ones I love the most. Both Dick Francis, a former champion jump jockey in the UK and his wife Mary, who worked with him and edited the books, have passed away. One of their sons, Felix Francis is carrying on, because he was told that if he can produce a new book every year, he can assure his father's legacy. All the older titles will remain in print, and the royalties will support charitable causes.
That said, the latest title Hands Down is not one of F Francis' better efforts. And maybe the public has had enough of the character Sid Halley, introduced in the wonderful book "Odds Against." (This is I think the 4th book featuring Sid- and not of them are as good as the first one. Also F Francis is not as good a writer as his father; competent but the flair is missing.
As usual there is well-researched information about racing in Britain- I had no idea that jockeys are now mostly represented by agents who book their rides- act as paid middlemen between the riders, the trainers, and the race courses. This is the basis for the mystery. But I was bored by all the sentimental stuff- Sid's marital woes:-- his wife has temporarily? left him to visit family in Norway; apparently she's been so unhappy of late she may not be coming back. And she's taken their cherished daughter with her. Will she return to their happy home in the countryside or won't she? Frankly I don't care since the personality of the wife does not appeal to me.
My review: 3 stars.
PS Once again the Goodreads website starts me off with the kindle edition, when I actually read the hardcover I borrowed from the library. And "change the edition" does not save my review.
My husband started the book but put it down when he got to the (boring) part about the history of the old castle - said it might as well have been copied word for word froma Wikipedia article.
That said, the latest title Hands Down is not one of F Francis' better efforts. And maybe the public has had enough of the character Sid Halley, introduced in the wonderful book "Odds Against." (This is I think the 4th book featuring Sid- and not of them are as good as the first one. Also F Francis is not as good a writer as his father; competent but the flair is missing.
As usual there is well-researched information about racing in Britain- I had no idea that jockeys are now mostly represented by agents who book their rides- act as paid middlemen between the riders, the trainers, and the race courses. This is the basis for the mystery. But I was bored by all the sentimental stuff- Sid's marital woes:-- his wife has temporarily? left him to visit family in Norway; apparently she's been so unhappy of late she may not be coming back. And she's taken their cherished daughter with her. Will she return to their happy home in the countryside or won't she? Frankly I don't care since the personality of the wife does not appeal to me.
My review: 3 stars.
PS Once again the Goodreads website starts me off with the kindle edition, when I actually read the hardcover I borrowed from the library. And "change the edition" does not save my review.
My husband started the book but put it down when he got to the (boring) part about the history of the old castle - said it might as well have been copied word for word froma Wikipedia article.
November 3, 2025
Fun title, connecting the slang, meaning “definitely” or “without a doubt,” with its origin from horse racing, where a winning jockey would relax their hold on the reins by letting their hands drop to their sides before the finish line, signifying an easy victory. But figuring out who is blackmailing jockeys and trainers and how jockey agents are involved is not so easy. Nor is it easy for Sid Halley, a favorite character from previous novels, to mend his marriage, a concern that parallels his investigation into corruption in the horse racing world. The title is also a fun connection to the fact that Sid Halley has now gotten a hand transplant and is learning how to get used to it, to accept it. There have been lots of variations of Sid dealing with his hand in several books with the loss of the use of his hand (in a racing fall), threats to his hands, a bionic hand, and now a transplant. And lots of interesting comparisons between how racing used to be when Sid was a jockey with how it currently is run, and jockey agents is just one of them.
November 4, 2022
Don't worry if you, like me have forgotten the details of Sid Halley's life and, notably, how he lost his hand because yes, it has been a while and more importantly, Francis does a good job of catching you up, making this both a good addition to the series and a fine standalone. I've not read another novel, where the intrepid investigator has had a hand transplant so I'll note I learned a few things about that along the path to a solution to what happened to Sid's friend Gary. Sid can't help himself- he's supposed to be out of the investigations game, his wife Marina has left him, taking their child with her, and he's alone with the dog when Gary asks for help. And then he dies and Sid doesn't agree that it's suicide. It's an interesting look at corruption in the horse racing industry. Sid's pal Chico and his father in law Charles make for good foils. This has good twists, a few turns and a nice surprise or two along the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.
April 19, 2023
I’m a huge fan of Felix Francis books and his fathers, Dick Francis. This book features Sid Halley, an ex jockey, who lost his hand by having it trampled on by another horse, when his own horse fell during a race. He now occasionally investigates fraud in racing. This book centres on a fraudster who offers jockeys cash to “stop” a horse from winning. The jockey is drawn in by knowing that this particular horse is an outsider anyway, so he takes the cash. Later on, the same fraudster orders the jockey to “stop” a favourite, telling the jockey he filmed the original bribe. This happens several times. In a nutshell, Sid Halley is asked, by a trainer, to investigate. The book romps along at a good pace. I won’t spoil it by saying any more. Suffice to say it’s a great read, with a good insight into the hard life of an up and coming jockey. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s great to have Sid Halley back - he originally featuring in the early Dick Francis books.
November 1, 2022
I’ve got to hand it to you.
In 1996 I left Australia fr the first time, arrived in London and had to stay in accommodation for one night before moving to Sydenham for my course the following afternoon. I was at a bit of a loss, after a long walk to check out the sights, went to the lounge room which had a bookcase and looked for something to read. Nothing really appealed and I am not into horse racing, but I found a copy of Whip Hand and started reading. I found Dick’s writing style easy to read and finished the book in one sitting. I have read every one of his novels including those written jointly and all of the novels written by Felix.
It was good to revisit Sid Halley again, and I enjoyed the story, and the good memories of many books over more than 25 years. Thanks for keeping the stories coming Felix!
In 1996 I left Australia fr the first time, arrived in London and had to stay in accommodation for one night before moving to Sydenham for my course the following afternoon. I was at a bit of a loss, after a long walk to check out the sights, went to the lounge room which had a bookcase and looked for something to read. Nothing really appealed and I am not into horse racing, but I found a copy of Whip Hand and started reading. I found Dick’s writing style easy to read and finished the book in one sitting. I have read every one of his novels including those written jointly and all of the novels written by Felix.
It was good to revisit Sid Halley again, and I enjoyed the story, and the good memories of many books over more than 25 years. Thanks for keeping the stories coming Felix!
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