The Edge

Rating:
Summary: All Aboard
Review: An enjoyable, almost lighthearted tale which makes a very pleasant read. A good assortment of characters, and a minimum of violence. Those who have taken long train journeys will enjoy it even more. As always with Francis, the story, though interesting, is less important than his exceptional skill in telling it. This may not be his best work, but it is still far superior to most other writers of this genre.

Rating:
Summary: The concept was promising.
Review: At this point I have 30 or so Francis novels, and though some are better than others, this was the first to truly let me down. The premise is wonderful, but really goes nowhere, and soon the novel is awash with unintresting bit players whos outlines are very vague. The protaginist, Tor Kelsy, is intresting at first, but he to becomes leaden and unintresting for much of the novel. I would have given this title even less than 3 stars had the concept not been so fresh, and the burgeoning romance between Tor and his leading lady not been so touching. A mystery set on a train, given that the story must fit a certain schedule, should race along. This novel starts fast, then becomes mired in boing and unreal plot developments. If you are an ardent Francis fan, then you need this for your collection. If lookong for a mystery as a passing fancy, Mr.Francis has 40 or so better novels to help pass your time

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding as book on tape
Review: Great stuff, keeps me looking forward to being stuck in traffic so I can listen longer! Narrator does an excellent job. The plot and characters and twists and turns keep things moving -- in the unabridged version! Enough description to set scenes but not enough to bog things down.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding as book on tape
Review: Great stuff, keeps me looking forward to being stuck in traffic so I can listen longer! Narrator does an excellent job. The plot and characters and twists and turns keep things moving -- in the unabridged version! Enough description to set scenes but not enough to bog things down.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read
Review: I enjoyed this one more than any other Francis I've read. The horses are not the focus this time, but the romance and suspense of a train ride make for a terrific mystery setting. As always, the lead character is immensely likeable.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite Dick Francis -- and I've read 'em all
Review: I've read "The Edge" at least a dozen times since it was published and my enjoyment never diminishes. The lead character, Tor Kelsey, is full of charm, wit, and plenty of humility -- his self-effacing ways lead one to wonder how it is he doesn't realize his own attractive nature. The romantic relationship in this book was one of the most realistic ones Mr. Francis has ever written, possibly because the two involved spend enough time together to develop a real rapport (unlike some of his other "romances", where the man and woman meet and suddenly have deep feelings for one another). While "The Edge" is less of a mystery than other books -- we know Julius Apollo Filmer's a bad guy from the start -- the characters are incredibly well-written and the book becomes more about seeing why Filmer does what he does and how he's going to get caught. The Lorrimore family especially was very well-crafted, from the needy and petulant daughter Xanthe to screwed-up teenage son Sheridan to the "money can't buy you everything" father Mercer. On top of everything else, Mr. Francis captures the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the excitement of traveling by train. I know that before I die I will have to take a train trip across Canada, and that's due to this book.

Rating:
Summary: One of His Best!
Review: If you ever wanted to know what it's like as an undercover operative, this is an excellent example. The main charactor is very convincing in both his means and his methods. That's all. Just give it try and see if you agree.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Almost Perfect
Review: This book was wonderful, it had all the twists and turns of any of Francis's best, I loved every aspect of this book, from the main character Tor Kelsy, to the evil villian Julius Apollo Filmer. the only thing that lost the one star is Francis's over use of the quintessential Canadian term "Eh", he implied that there are some Canadians (Like The Conductor), who use this after every sentence eh, I am a Canadian proud and true eh, and the over use of this word was painful to my mind eh, so much so, that I considered not finishing the book eh, but when the book was finished i was glad I had read through the tough parts eh. If you think i used eh too much, well better get used to it, because there was dialogue between Tor and the conductor which would litterally go on for a page like that.

Rating:
Summary: Dont take reading too seriously!
Review: This is an easier read than most of Francis' works. This book uses an interesting premise and location for a horse mystery (on a train). I think you'll like it if you suspend your "serious" reader side for a bit!


Rating:
Summary: The Edge - Is it a railroad or horse racing mystery?
Review: While Dick Francis is best known for his easy-going mysteries involving horse racing, this book can be called one of the better railroad mystery novels. It may not be in the same class as Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, but most of the action does take place either on board a train or at a race track.

Like most railroad mystery novels, the setting and details are at least partially contrived. Imagine crossing Canada on a private train known as The Great Transcontinental Mystery Race Train which transports racegoers, horse owners and their horses while making stops for horse races. Railfans will find a lot of interest here including a private car, schedules, dispatching, switching, flagging, white flags, and even rail sabotage.

Our hero, Tor Kelsey from the English Jockey Club, comes on board the train in disguise to watch a British horse owner suspected of murder and extortion. Tor immediately gets involved with the crew and with train activities. Particularly noteworthy is the mystery within a mystery as actors present an on-board mystery as the train (and story) progresses.

Unusual for Francis, there is also a romantic theme. Our hero meets and becomes interested in a young lady, and this also develops as the train speeds on. This novel is not a nail-biter but moves along at the typical Francis leisurely but entertaining pace. He does a masterful job of interweaving so many different themes (horse racing, railroading, sabotage, romance, and a mystery play) into one great story,