Dead Cert [Paperback]

Dick Francis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1976

This thriller set in the world of jockeys is written by the former National Hunt jockey, Dick Francis.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Fresh and exciting... very lively' Sunday Times 'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true, nowadays, of his crime writing' Daily Mirror --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Dick Francis, a former jockey, brings his experience of racing and life around the racetrack to his mysteries. (And so far Francis is a three-time winner of the Edgar Award for writing the best mystery of the year.) This horse racing background is appealing to my market area of Southern California. Racing is a popular sport amongst Southlanders.

--Nanci Andersen, Ballantine Sales --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Pan Books (March 19, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330246216
• ISBN-13: 978-0330246217
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,598,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dick Francis Does It Again, For the First Time, July 19, 2006

By 

JOHN VANDENOEVER "www.johnvano.com" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dead Cert (Paperback)

I was amazed to learn after reading this one that it was Dick Francis' first novel. Francis was a very successful jockey--racing for the Queen Mother in the 1950's--and after a career-ending injury, he penned his memoirs. Following that success, he developed and incredibly successful second act as a novelist.

I discovered Francis' work last summer--and I have plans to read everything he's done. In the 3 books I've read, his heroes are all gentleman sleuths--full of character, empathy, and wits. In Dead Cert, the trend continues with Alan York, a young amateur jockey trying to uncover the mystery of why a copper wire was intentionally hung to trip his fellow jockey. York is on his own resolving this caper, having failed to fully convince the police that this was anything more than an accidental death.

The writing is of a high caliber, the characters are wonderfully drawn, and I always learn a thing or two about horses--and England--when I read Dick Francis. There's also something quaint about reading a book set in an age before computers, cell phones, and DNA evidence. Grade: A-

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With this novel..., July 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Dead Cert (Paperback)

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!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dead Certain to please mystery lovers..., February 13, 2002

By 

J. Kane "AbleKane" (Balad, Iraq) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dead Cert (Paperback)

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!