Rating: 
Summary: Oh for the Francis of old
Review: As a long time reader of Francis, and one of his greatest admirers, I always look forward to each of his new offerings. Unfortunately, 10 Lb Penalty is a HUGE disappointment. Sadly, this does not come as a great surprise. For the past 5-6 years there has been an enormous decline in the quality of his work. At times, I became suspicious that due to his advancing years, ands change in style, a "ghost writer" was being employed. I became more certain of it several years ago. While waiting for a plane in the Seattle airport I saw Francis and two associates exit the plane I was about to board. My initial excitement gave way to sadness, as his physical and mental condition had clearly deteriorated to a point that constant help and attention was clearly required. It was then that I felt certain that editor's were playing a larger role in his declining novels. I have since re-read several of his earlier works, and enjoyed them immensely. He should be remembered for the brilliant Bonecrack (and so many others), not his recent "works" from the current publishing house.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but not the usual quality from Mr. Francis
Review: As someone who has read all of Mr. Francis' books, I truthfully have to say that 10 LB Penalty is not his best work. I enjoyed reading it and like all of his other books left me with a strong desire to visit England and hopefully meet some of the wonderful characters who live in his imagination. As I was reading the other reviews, I also wonder if a "ghost writer" is being used. The tone of this book is Dick Francis, but it is a little off, not up to his standards.
Rating:
Summary: A fine read
Review: Dick Francis has changed the tone of his books of late, but this is not a bad thing. Although I am very fond of all of his books, the ones since "Decider" turned a corner to become more character oriented. This is along the same lines. It is still Dick Francis, it is still fun he has just smoothed out the sometimes sado-masochism of his previous lead characters.
Rating: 
Summary: I didn't care who won.
Review: Dick Francis is one of my favourite writers - but this is NOT one of his best. He has a typical Francis hero - underestimated, honourable, tenacious - the only difference this time being that this hero, Benedict, is a teenager in the shadow of an energetic, charismatic father, George Juliard. When writing one of his books Francis often decides to explore a particular profession or occupation- for example film direction in "Wild Horses" or aviation in "Rat Race". In "10lb Penalty" he tackles politics,and Benedict's father is standing for parliament. I was looking forward to seeing whether Francis got the details right about elections and campaigning. He was fairly accurate with his details, but he didn't convey the flavour of campaigning- to political activists, elections can be just as exciting as the Grand National, but you wouldn't guess that from this book. What bothered me more was that I didn't really care who won the election. George Juliard is just too flawless to be interesting. Although politics are supposed to be his whole life, we never get a clue as to what his beliefs are. In fact we don't even get told which party he belongs to - although he almost certainly is a Conservative , and his main opponent Paul Bethune probably a Liberal Democrat. Actually, the Bethune family are more interesting that the Juliards. The unfaithful but witty husband, the wife who hates being dragged into politics and the grunting teenager sons make up a more realistic political family . Oh yes, there's a murder plot. But it wasn't very believable.
Rating:
Summary: A very disappointing book from a usually reliable author.
Review: Dick Francis's 10 lb. Penalty is a very disappointing mystery from a usually reliable author. The plot is almost non-existant, the villains are obvious, and the narrator is unbelievable. Francis ignores some exciting plot possibilities (insurance fraud,handicapping systems) for a tired rework of a boy's relationship with his father. Francis is also still using his "er-" to indicate deep thought in character speeches, and it doesn't work any better than it ever did. I'm asking for my money back.
Rating: 
Summary: Francis is still great
Review: Don't listen to the grumblers. I have read most of these reviews, and I must disagree with the naysayers. Francis is my favorite mystery author and in my eyes the man could write no dribble. 10 Lb. Penalty is NOT dribble as some of you seem to think. It is just more character oriented. The mystery wasn't quite mysterious in the traditional sense but the character development is so fascinating one doesn't care if it's different. I feel one of the things that makes Francis great is his ability to create a different idea or take on racing in every book he writes. Yes, his characters are honorable and strong, but they are not all superheroes. It's great to read about people who are ordinary and then something extraordinary comes along and changes their lives forever. I come away from his books wanting to better myself and feeling like I too have the inner strength to stand up to life's curveballs. His characters range from jockey to painter to truck driver to pilot to teacher to detective to etc. This character is yet another twist on racing. He's the 17-year-old son of a politician with big dreams. The son just wants to be a jockey but that's not all life has in store for him. One of my favorite elements in this book is the relationship between father and son. It's so beautiful yet painful. The love is so deep and complicated. It reminded me of my relationship with my parents and gave me insight. I'm not forgeting the mystery which is as always interesting. Who's trying to sabotage his father? Everyone's suspect. While one may figure it out before the end most of the fun's reading about how the characters figure it out and what they're gonna do about it. But then, that's always the fun part.
Rating: 
Summary: Saddened
Review: Each year my husband and I vie to purchase the next Dick Francis books in hardcover first and read it before the other one. This year we were both very disappointed. The villain is obvious and I can't quite buy a 17 year old quite that self-sufficient. Also isn't it about time for a romantic plot for one of the heroes?
Rating:
Summary: excellent read as always
Review: Few writers have as keen an insight into what motivates people as Dick Francis. And he creates a story that is hard to put down, if for no other reason than you want to see if you have figured out the "bad" guy's motivations. What a shame that this is his last book! He has taught us so much about how people work, the meaning of honor and courage, and captured such wonderful sippets of life. I've been honored to share in his learning experiences and travels. Thank you, sir, for your wonderful tales!
Rating:
Summary: Francis at his worst so far.
Review: Having read this book, I have come to the sad conclusion that perhaps Dick Francis has finally written one book too many. Certainly he is far off the form that produced such winners as the Sid Halley books, Bonecrack, or The Danger, to mention just a few. In this one, the plot is weak and obvious, the characters poorly developed (except for the clothes they wear, their looks, and their inevitable purity or villainy), and the outcome entirely predictable. I felt with some dismay that it's probably time for Francis to retire from his second profession, although I will miss him as will his many other devoted readers. But this would be a far better choice than to watch his high-energy thoroughbred writing style become that of a mere hack.
Rating:
Summary: Marvelous British adventure/mystery...regretfully the last!
Review: I believe that I have read all of Dick Francis' works, most of which centered around various horse racing venues in England. Although his central characters in all his works had different names and somewhat different occupations, they were all in someway related to horseracing. And all could seemingly leap tall buildings, etc., and, of course, solve these crimes! This is a great escape for a few hours into a "can do" world, where the bad guys ultimately get caught, and the good guy in some way, shape, or form, gets the girl. This is Mr Francis' last book, regretfully.
|
