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Dead Cert [Hardcover]

Dick Francis (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)


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Leather Bound --  
Hardcover, December 1989 --  
Paperback $7.99  
Mass Market Paperback --  
Audio, CD, Abridged, Audiobook $11.66  
Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged $23.95 or Free with Audible 30-day free trial

Book Description

December 1989

In this masterpiece, Dick Francis, the bestselling master of mystery and suspense, takes you into the shocking world of horse racing—where one man must bring his friends' killers into the light, or else risk death himself . . .

Steeplechaser Alan York knows well the dangers of the sport. But when his best friend and rival, Bill Davidson, takes a fall in the middle of a race and doesn't get up again, Alan discovers that it was no accident. Someone rigged a trip wire to take down the running horse. The more Alan investigates, the more he suspects that there is more to the plot than just murderous horseplay. But even as he approaches the finish line to this mysterious race, those responsible for his friend's death are already planning for Alan to have a fatal accident of his own . . .

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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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.

Product Details

  • Hardcover
  • Publisher: Armchair Detective Library (December 1989)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0922890072
  • ISBN-13: 978-0922890071
  • Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,893,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

19 Reviews
5 star:
 (16)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Dick Francis Does It Again, For the First Time, July 19, 2006
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-
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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!

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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Dead Certain to please mystery lovers..., February 13, 2002
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!

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
THE MINGLED SMELLS of hot horse and cold river mist filled my nostrils. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
weighing room, parade ring, race glasses, dead cert, yellow shields, last fence, fifty quid
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Uncle George, Aunt Deb, Major Davidson, Joe Nantwich, Forlorn Hope, Clifford Tudor, Bill Davidson, Inspector Lodge, Heavens Above, Clerk of the Course, Miss Ellery-Penn, Alan York, Claud Thiveridge, Blue Duck, Pete Gregory, Inspector Wakefield, Pavilion Plaza, Sandy Mason, Sir Creswell Stampe, Champion Hurdle, Chichen Itza, National Hunt Committee, George Penn, Olde Oake Café, Senior Steward
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