Rating: 
Summary: Francis exhibits maturity in writing as he finishes career
Review: In 10 lb. Penalty, Dick Francis continues to develop his themes of father/son relationships and the changing vagaries of life. For the die-hard fans of Mr. Francis's early books, this could be a disapointment: his tough-for-toughness-sake heroes are gone. In their stead are characters with limitations, with spoken sorrows but (thank heaven) the same unquenchable honor and good sense. Perhaps his novels change because Mr. Francis, himself, is not the person he was 40 years ago. This will please some, not others. However, it is a respectable effort with thought-out motivations expressed in the author's clean prose. I understand this may be the final Dick Francis mystery. If so, pick out a stack of your favorites and read them all again in tribute but start with this last one. It's nice to look back on the course right after you've crossed the finish line.
Rating: 
Summary: If you haven't read Francis, don't start with this one.
Review: It's an insult to Dick Francis's talent to claim as some reviewers have that 10-lb Penalty is up to his usual standard. All you need to do is reread some of his earliest books (For Kicks, maybe, or In the Frame) to see how far it falls short. The plot is weak, the characters generally flat and uninteresting, the villain's motives unclear. And to any Briton with a background in politics, the political scene is hopelessly unconvincing. A generous, honourable man with no previous experience of -- or apparent interest in -- politics is elected to Parliament and becomes a junior minister almost instantly, with none of the usual bag-carrying apprenticeships? I don't think so. It's a shame. But hey, no-one's perfect. Dick Francis has come up with duds before (Slay Ride, anyone?), but they are far outnumbered by a stream of gripping, tightly plotted thrillers. If you haven't read Francis before, don't start with this one -- pick almost any of his earliest titles.
Rating:
Summary: Francis finally lays an egg.
Review: My favorite author has written a boring book. Dick Francis usually writes novels with firm straight forward plots. This book's plot is a swamp in which the reader flounders. There is a great dichotomy of opinion about this book, you only have to look at the range of reader's rating. My Mother and I disagree on 10Lb Penalty. If Dick writes another book I will read the reviews before purchase.
Rating:
Summary: Francis doesn't dissappoint
Review: My favorite Christmas gift each year is the latest Dick Francis novel. It is a tradition started by my mother-in-law several years ago, when she would buy the latest, read it first and then give to me as a present. We got on famously. While Mom is gone, Pop continues the tradition and the latest from Mr. Francis, 10 Lb. Penalty, is his usual good mix of story, detail and suspense. The villain may be identified early, but the plot builds nicely to its climax. With Francis, the fun is how--not who. While this book may not have Sid Halley, Ben Juliard is quite competent and enjoyable. Francis rarely dissappoints, and this is no exception. Another good read.
Rating:
Summary: HORSE RACING AND POLITICS
Review: Okay, So francis continues to wander farther and farther from the horse races, this one puts the races on the back burner, is that what all the crying is about? Francis's 10lb penalty was actually quite intruiging, maybe a little less gore and action that used to be associated with him, but still a nice easy read as always, this lates book deals with politics, and revolves around the son of a political candidate, it was quite interesting and taught me some things to. i recomend it to anybody
Rating:
Summary: Why Is everybody Whining?
Review: Okay, So francis continues to wander farther and farther from the horse races, this one puts the races on the back burner, is that what all the crying is about? Francis's 10lb penalty was actually quite intruiging, maybe a little less gore and action that used to be associated with him, but still a nice easy read as always, this lates book deals with politics, and revolves around the son of a political candidate, it was quite interesting and taught me some things to. i recomend it to anybody
Rating: 
Summary: Not Francis' best effort.
Review: Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Francis' books. 10 lb penalty seemed like two separate books. I very much enjoyed the first half of the book which took place over a period of a few months. However, the second half almost seemed like the outline of a story. Francis has always done a great job of describing the little details of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. In the first half of this book, he again succeeds in this regard. The second half, which takes place over an extended period of time is missing the rich characterization which is the hallmark of a Francis book. The conclusion to the story was far too simple and convenient. In the end, this book was a disappointment to me.
Rating:
Summary: HORSE RACING AND POLITICS
Review: Review by Nina Coombs Pykare, author of DEATH COMES FOR DESDEMONA. Another story of horse racing, only this one includes a look at British politics. A thoroughly sensible (and likeable) hero and a cast of fascinating minor characters makes for a strong story. There's not as much horse racing shenanigans in this one. But that's all right by me.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Reading from an authour that never disappoints you
Review: The book starts off with the usual "unusual happenings". It builds to a high that you hate to put the book down when it is finished. I read it within 24 hours. A must read for Dick Francis Fans
Rating:
Summary: Vintage Francis: A stand-up guy hero, wicked foes, horses.
Review: The hero of Dick Francis' new thriller is a bit younger than his usual -- he's just 17 when the novel opens. Otherwise, the author sticks with his winning formula: incorruptible and modest hero, wicked foes trying to smear his reputation, beautiful horses to ride. Like most Francis heroes, Benedict Juliard has had an unusual childhood with an absentee parent. His father George summons Ben shortly before his 18th birthday to help him campaign for a seat in Parliament. But George quickly makes enemies, who become ever more jealous and violent as his political star rises. Benedict, feeling like a true son to his father for the first time, is determined to protect him as he seeks the job of prime minister.The good guys may be a bit too flawless in this book, and if you don't understand the British political system, it could be tough going. Otherwise, dive in and hang on! I read it in five hours.
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