Dick Francis Reading Group discussion

I started reading Dick Francis many many years ago, what I need to know is the title of one of his early(I think) books. All I can remember about it is the hero is, I believe a journalist, he has a bottle of whisky, or some such spirit, forced down him and is left on side of road, and the villian likes to visit saunas or massage parlours. Can any one help with title?
Thankyou
Roger

If the hero was fooling around on his invalid wife, the book you're thinking of is "Forfeit". I know that one was about a journalist and it won an Edgar award. It wasn't one of my favorites though and I don't remember if someone forced liquor on the hero or not?

The plot of Forfeit was something about a computer program, if I recall correctly. It did feature a journalist (not the main character) falling over either dead or drunk on the street.

However, the 'main character left on the side of the road' reminds me of the one about the guy who designs toys--High Stakes, I think, where the bad guys give the main character alcohol via an IV and dump him totally drunk on the side of the road.

Roland wrote: "If the hero was fooling around on his invalid wife, the book you're thinking of is "Forfeit". I know that one was about a journalist and it won an Edgar award. It wasn't one of my favorites thoug..."

i think that this the one as the "fooling around on invalid wife " rings a bell.
Thankyou

Hoyland wrote: "The plot of Forfeit was something about a computer program, if I recall correctly. It did feature a journalist (not the main character) falling over either dead or drunk on the street.

However, th..."

Twice Shy was the book about the computer programme a teacher being the main character and you are quite right about the toy maker in High Stakes being fed alcohol intraveniously but neither is the book I am thinking of.
Thankyou for yiur interest anyway.
Roger

You're welcome Roger. Funny that High Stakes came up in this thread, as it's the DF book with my favorite ending!