Dick Francis Reading Group discussion

I just added "Crossfire" to the group shelves. It doesn't have a cover picture yet, but I just couldn't wait. It's coming out in the US in August. You can add it to your own TBR shelf, if you like: Crossfire

Thanks for the update.

You can pre-order your copy of Crossfire now. AND there is a cover picture:

Wow, a tri colored horse on the cover, not really a horse racing type, makes me even more curious, or have they gotten an artist (although it looks like the same horse as in the past) who does not know, or a different theme?
Bonnie

Bonnie, I think it's because the main character is a soldier in the army. I don't think they are depicting the colors of a real horse.

I sent a comment that told that I read the blurb and yes it is his camoflauge outfit. I guess it went the way of the yahooties!
Bonnie

Well, I'm glad you asked because I hadn't even looked at the cover that closely until then. My eyes were drawn to the target on the rider's back.

Is everyone getting ready for Crossfire?? Just ten more days!

Crossfire came today! I guess they bumped up the publish date. I'm anxious to read it and yet I also want to save it.

I have to disagree with many of you other Dick Francis fans. I was all set to be disappointed because this was the first book after Dick Francis' death. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was very good and similar to other Dick Francis plots, plus some of the quotes and witticisms in the book were excellent. Only weakness was that the protagonist was not as well developed as I was used to with Mr. Francis. I give Felix 4 stars on his first solo writing effort.

Clark, from what I understand, this wasn't the first solo writing effort for Felix. I think the writing was mostly, if not all, done before Dick Francis passed away. It's the next book, should there be one, that will be the solo effort by Felix.

I just posted my review, if anyone would like to read it.

I just started reading this one - I'm about a third into it. I'm loving it. I was a bit worried too whether I would like this one. I think I've been a little hesitant about the new ones ever since Dead Heat, for some reason I really didn't like that one. But this one is great - always great to learn about new things - army + taxes. An interesting combination.

Dead Heat is the one book I haven't read yet. I'll read it one of these days, but for now I savor the fact that I still have one "new" DF book in my future.

I am really disappointed with "Crossfire". I have read and loved every single one of Dick Francis' books, and was really looking forward to this one! I feel like it is a poor copy of the others. The characters seem weak, the plot is like a mish-mash of some of his other books, and it feels like the story is rushed, and not properly thought through. I would be interested to know if anyone agrees with me...or am I on my own with this opinion?

Lucy, hi. I have not read CROSS FIRE because I have always felt that Felix is no match for his father.
Sasscer Hill

i believe crossfire is the first book since dick f.'s death, though it's credited to both dick and felix. he and dick co-wrote 4 books. felix has never authored a book alone, so how can you prefer dick to felix?maybe you mean you dont like the 3 co-authored books you've read, and therefore will not be reading their final effort???

Hi, Joan. For me, and it is totally subjective, I felt that all the co-authored books had a different style and feel that just didn't work as well for me, and I can't help but believe that is due to the addition of Felix.

I am pleased to see that many, many people love all the co-authored books, and that Felix will have a following. That is a good thing. Best to you and bye for now, Sasscer.