Customer Reviews

Break in

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As a former bookseller, I soon learned that the annual appearance of a Dick Francis novel was cause for celebration among mystery lovers. "Break In" is certainly one of his strongest books, possibly because it returns readers to the world of horse-racing, the sport which Francis, a former steeplechase jockey, loved fiercely.

Like the author, Kit Fielding is a steeplechase jockey and considered one of England's finest. Like previous Francis heroes, Kit is intelligent, tough-minded and resilient, with a strong moral center. But while many of his fictional predecessors are loners, Kit is inextricably connected to his family by years of racing tradition and by his close, almost telepathic connection with his twin sister, Holly. Recently, Holly has disrupted family harmony by marrying Bobby Allardeck, scion of another racing clan with whom the Fieldings have had a bitter, centuries-old feud.

Entreated by Holly to stop a vicious newspaper campaign seemingly designed to ruin her husband, Kit soon learns that the true target is Maynard Allardeck, a ruthless robber baron who is Bobby's own father. Seeking to harm the father through the son, Maynard's many enemies are prepared to squash whoever stands in their way and their brutal tactics place Kit in deadly peril. But the greatest danger may lie within his own family. . . in the form of a human time bomb who happens to be Kit's brother-in-law.

Francis tells a swiftly paced tale, enhanced by an unexpected ethical dilemma. In extricating his loved ones from difficulties, Kit must employ morally ambiguous methods, one of which skirts perilously close to extortion. Moreover, the reader closes "Break In," feeling a strong sense of unfinished business. Fortunately, Francis seems to have felt the same way and his next mystery, "Bolt" seeks to resolve "Break In"'s loose ends. (The only other Francis hero besides Kit Fielding to make a return engagement i! s Sid Halley). While both novels may be read independently, they provide the most enjoyment when read sequentially, giving readers a fuller picture of the family ties that bind.

Greed, feuding families, assorted acts of violence, fine bloodlines (both horse and human), Romeos and Juliets characterize Dick Francis's novel Break In. For those who suffer under the delusion that Francis is a stodgy Brit that pens plodding, equine-obsessed mystery snoozers, Break In is a perfect remedy. While Francis does not disappoint his loyal readership who appreciates his first-hand, detailed knowledge of the world of steeplechasing, he also will delight any lover of the mystery suspense genre through his tightly woven plot, engaging narrative, and thorough characterization. You would think that someone named Christmas (after his day of birth) would have better luck than Break In's hero enjoys. Steeplechase jockey Christmas "Kit" Fielding manages to survive frequent brushes with danger (both on and off the racecourse), but does so in such an entertaining way that you never stop to worry about the unlikelihood of his continued survival (a hallmark of all good suspense writers, and a particular talent of Francis). The danger stems from his desire to free one Bobby Allardeck from an attack on his reputation that is being waged by newspaper columns insinuating that he is in deep financial trouble. As Bobby's livelihood as a horse trainer depends on his reputation among both his clients and his suppliers, the longer the smear campaign continues, the more likely it will be that the paper's lies will become truth. Why does Kit care, especially since his family enjoys perpetuating a longstanding blood feud with the Allardecks? Enter the aforementioned Romeo and Juliet--Bobby and his wife, Kit's aptly named twin sister, Holly. Despite generations of animosity, but with the full support of Kit, the two have married, and it is Holly who begs Kit to investigate the rumor. Though Bobby's father Maynard Allardeck is quite well-off, Bobby's nuptials have effectively ended any hope of support from that quarter, and it is partially his father's notoriety as a business man that extends public interest in the newspaper report. As Kit, Bobby, and Holly race to discover who has it out for them before the financial damage becomes irreversible, some interesting facts about Maynard's business practices come to light. Tensions mount between the young threesome, as they fight--not always successfully--to keep the feud from destroying the bonds that they have worked to develop between them. Naturally, Kit's resourcefulness and ingenuity help them sort out their troubles to a satisfying conclusion. If you have never read a Dick Francis novel, this book is a perfect place to Break In.

Simon Prebble turns this thrilling Dick Francis novel into aural entertainment for that long boring drive. His reading borders on an art form; done with pace and knowledge when to soften, when to emphasize and when to pause.

If you're looking for fast-paced, exciting action, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, if you're okay with plot taking awhile to develop, and like character-driven stories, and are a fan of intriguing (rather than gruesome) mysteries, you might really like this one.

Personally, I was ready to give up on the book early on. I admit, it's slow. Some of the detail about racing is tedious for a non-racing enthusiast. But I'm glad I kept going because the story picks up momentum, the characters get interesting, and though I'm a little `eh' at the `psychic connection' bit, I still enjoyed the story and trying to guess who was at the bottom of the dastardly plot. Good for a cozy lover, there's a little bit of violent but it's not graphic and most of the mystery is more... intellectual. Just be warned that you're in for a lot of detail and a plot that moseys along.

Dick Francis wrote this in 1986 and followed it with BOLT, both are Kit Fielding mysteries with a pleasant romance thrown in. I only wish he had followed it up with more Kit Fielding stories.

It is a mystery that has Jockey Kit Fielding fighting with newspapers and defending his twin in an old feud. There is romance with a pretty American, undisclosed and disclosed baddies, and a princess.

As usual, his hero is a nice hard working, honest man who is respectful of women, someone you would like to hang out with in real life. He may get beat up, stabbed or shot but he doesn't go out looking to beat up, stab or shoot anyone.

A Dick Francis mystery creeps up on you until you're hopelessly engrossed. Doesn't matter if the villains are unbelievably villainous, or certain plot elements far fetched. The hero is a perfect gentleman and a man of action, and we can't help cheering him on.

Here the story revolves around a feud between two families. The Fieldings and the Allardecks have been fighting each other for centuries like Capulets and Montagues. But Holly Fielding and Bobby Allardeck have dared to defy their ancestors by getting married. Romeo and Juliet all over again.

Holly's twin brother, Kit Fielding, is happy to end hostilities - and love and defend his brother-in-law as needed. And there is a need. Bobby, a racehorse trainer, has gotten a bit overextended because of the yearling sale. A scurrilous newspaper gets hold of this and puts the word out in print that Bobby is bankrupt. Quite false - but lack of confidence could sink Bobby.

Kit, a champion steeplechase jockey, investigates the problem between races. In the process he tangles with some very nasty characters - and meets the woman of his dreams.

This book also introduces Kit's patron Princess Casilia, who reappears later in Bolt. Supremely elegant, she believes that all sorts of trouble can be avoided by observing the proper form. She owns many of the horses Kit rides. One wonders if the Princess is inspired by Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Dick Francis rode the royal horses for years.

Kit, who cultivates a telepathic relationship with horses (and sometimes people), certainly has a bit of the author in him.

I enjoyed Break In - the race scenes and the love scenes were perfect. Generally I'm in favor of reading every book Dick Francis wrote.

When you read a Dick Francis novel you know that you are not only getting a great read but you are also getting a book written by a writer who knows his subject. Dick Francis was one of the world's greatest jockeys. Talk about horses and racing - he knew his subject. He was also Queen Elizabeth's and her mother's rider for many years. A great athlete!

I am searching for large print, hard cover copies by my favorite authors. This book was described accurately, priced reasonably and I am pleased with it.

After 9/ll I would recommend to our readers Dick Francis's BREAK IN and it's companion story BOLT as fictional mysteries to illustrate what Americans did not understand: The overwhelming power of hatred when taught from childhood. These two books still fill the bill -- they are two Francis at the top of his game.
Kit Fielding is a champion rider with strong ties to his family even when his beloved twin, Holly marries Bobby Allardeck the son of their most powerful enemy. Bobby has been taught by his father to hate Fieldings, but love for the lovely Holly transcends a lifetime of brain washing. The obsessive father uses every manipulation device he can command to destroy the marriage and gain his ultimate goal. Kit struggles against the odds, then uses the same tactics to acquire the necessary evidence to prevent his brother-in-law from killing him while destroying Maynard Allardeck ascension to power.
Read this early Francis as an introduction to great mysteries, exciting thrillers, powerful suspense, strong writing, and deep insight into the human psychic. BREAK IN is one of the best.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

One of the better Dick Francis stories. Entertaining and moves at a fast pace. Not as much physical torture of the hero as in his other stories. As usual, the racing scenes are very good.