Dead Cert

Rating:
Summary: With this novel...
Review: Dick Francis didn't save the best for last. I have read all the DF novels except Blood Sport, which I have ordered and expect it anyday. I have loved every single one, but Dead Cert is my favorite, although Bonecrack and Whip Hand are close favorites.

Dick Francis is an excellent author because he is a master at combining three elements into his novels. Horses:), danger and mystery, and romance. If anybody reading this reveiw has never read a DF novel, please do so, you won't regret it!

Rating:
Summary: I'm Now a Dick Francis Reader!
Review: I don't usually care for mystery novels, I am normally a Stephen King/Dean Koontz/Horror fan. So when a co-worker loaned me Dead Cert, I wasn't really that eager to begin a mystery, much less one that centered around horse racing! (I mean the closest I have ever come to anything horse related was watching Mr. Ed reruns on TV) So I started the book earlier this week, and was immediately swept up in this exciting, page turner! I couldn't read fast enough as the clues were uncovered, the girl courted, and the menace coming from several directions.....well, needless to say, this may have been the first Dick Francis novel I have read, but it won't be the last. And it was a nice surprise to learn that this was the first Francis novel to boot!

Rating:
Summary: Dead Certain to please mystery lovers...
Review: In yet another gripping story of mystery, murder and British steeplechasing, Dick Francis continues his amazing streak of hit novels.

His real appeal is not racing or mystery however, it is his ability to create characters who are admirable, honorable and self-reliant. If you're looking for troubled, self-loathers who "somehow" overcome their weakness and become unwilling and unwitting heroes, don't look here. Francis' heroes revel in their abilities to withstand evil, overcome it, and end up smiling in spite of it all.

Kudos once again for Dick Francis and Dead Cert!

Rating:
Summary: The First Dick Francis Mystery
Review: This is the first Dick Francis mystery and I like it the second best. I like "Nerve" slightly better, but only slightly. This "Dead Cert" contains several impressive scenes. The most impressive is the climax in which the star horse "Admiral" plays an unexpectedly spectacular role. It is definitely THE MOST SPECTACULAR scene in ALL Francis mysteries. Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The First Dick Francis Mystery
Review: This is the first Dick Francis mystery and I like it the second best. I like "Nerve" slightly better, but only slightly. This "Dead Cert" contains several impressive scenes. The most impressive is the climax in which the star horse "Admiral" plays an unexpectedly spectacular role. It is definitely THE MOST SPECTACULAR scene in ALL Francis mysteries. Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: With this novel...
Review: This is the first of Dick Francis' racing novels, although not the first I read. In fact, I was amazed to see it was numero uno. Even Robert Parker, another mystery master, took one novel to get it right. Francis, in racetrack parlance, broke from the gate fast. All the elements are there: A likeable hero who pursues the truth at great personal risk; a sweet but never turn-the-page-torrid romance with a bend in the road; outside knowledge about an interesting field, and an interesting villain one can almost sympathize with on some level. It grabs you right away with the murder of a jockey during a race and never lets go, right to the surprising conclusion -- one, incidentally, which our hero desperately wanted not to be so. Enjoy. It's a great start to a great, long ride. Francis' first and one of his best.