Dead Ringer

by John Francome

When twelve-year-old David Tredington vanished, his father, one of England’s top breeders, vowed never to give up the search for his son. Now, fifteen years later, David has been found alive and well in County Mayo.

When the charismatic young man returns to the family’s Devonshire estate, he receives a mixed welcome. His elder sister, Lucy, distrusts him from the start. Jason, David’s brother-in-law and David’s cousin, George, are even less pleased to see another heir to the Tredington fortune. But David’s natural skills as a jockey soon attract favourable attention in the steeple-chasing world.

Then a terrifying accident leads to an innocent stable lad’s death, and David suspects that his own life is in danger. Someone knows the truth about his past and wants him to disappear all over again. David must find out who and why before it’s too late…

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Horses, Sports, Fiction

343 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

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

[Suzanne Davey]

I couldn’t put the book down from start to finish.

[Vanessa Hayward]

Breathtaking!

Absolutely loved every plot, twist and turn. Kept me going to the very end on the edge of my seat. Brilliant.

[buttheaditya]

yea sure man whatever

[Clint Griffon]

After fifteen years, Sir Mark Tredington’s missing son David has reappeared, and his return to the family stirs up not only doubts but violence. What really lies in the past of the runaway boy?

This is a very clever and enjoyable thriller, running forward and back unconventionally, almost layering the story rather than simply narrating it. The main character is very convincingly drawn, which makes what is on its face a rather far-fetched story work. If I have a criticism, it is that it just lacks an edge, that spark that really pulls you into the story. But in every department it scores highly.

[Jacqueline]

Extra 1/2 star.

Of the handful of John Francome novels I borrowed from the library years ago, this is the only one that I still remember. So I bought a copy. Enjoyable...though part of the plot still seems to be slightly knotted.

[Helle]

Dead Ringer is a very interesting and enjoyable thriller, although it is a bit too unrealistic at times.

[Lisa]

A very entertaining read.

[Margareth8537]

Still prefer Dick Francis, but Francome actually seems to keep less to a formula - or perhaps I haven't read as many!

[Linda]

Not as well done ads usual. I actually figured out the crime and the "ringer" business very early.