Customer Reviews

Flying Finish

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a novel about another of Francis' lonely heros, caught between social classes and fairly mysterious to most of those who know him. This one ends up having a fairly riveting story, with genuinely unpleasant villains. as with most of Francis' heros, he is deceptively stubborn and survives hideous experiences to bring things to a safe conclusion. This one, however, leaves some loos ends hanging. We are lefft wondering what will happen to his Italian girlfriend (characteristically, for this hero, they are instantly in love but can't speak the same language, so there is a distance between them, as there is with the rest of the hero's family and acquaintances) and what choices he will make about the rest of his life.

Excuse my poor English, I am the Ukrainian. I was overjoyed to read this book. The main lesson that man have to learn is how to resist to the deadline and what is the vigour exactly.

I've read almost all of Dick Francis' books, and I enjoyed this one, but I do feel it was slower than most of them, and just didn't hold my interest as much as the others do.

Henry Grey is the heir to an earldom, and he hates it. He doesn't believe anyone likes him for himself, and so he rarely makes a friend. Tidy, methodical, controlled and secretive, he's a man of the fewest possible words.

He's also a man of many talents - a quite good amateur steeplechase jockey - and an even better amateur pilot. His acquaintances in the racing world have no idea he can fly, and his acquaintances at the flying club have no clue he races.

His family desperately wants him to marry a rich girl to shore up the family fortunes. And one day he rebels. Quitting his respectable desk job, he becomes the head groom for a company that transports horses - at considerable loss of pay and prestige. This is the final humiliation for his family.

Henry likes his new job, which still leaves him free days for racing and flying. Unfortunately, he's landed at a company that's not what it seems. Even more unfortunately, he's entirely too observant and begins to notice suspicious goings on.

How Henry gets in and out of trouble is the substance of the plot, which also allows for a hot romance with a charming young woman in Milan. First published in l966, the book is a bit dated politically, but I enjoyed this window into the past.

As things heat up for Henry, it's a pleasure watching him gain confidence and take a few chances on friendship and love. He is now one of my favorite Dick Francis heroes.

I found myself getting angry when the book was about to end. I wanted more! I envy the reader who is at page one. You have a great story to look forward to.

I have been reading a lot of Dick Francis lately as sickness has meant a lot of time in bed. His books are always very easy to read and crack on at a great pace. I particularly enjoyed this book and in fact liked the more open ending - unusual for Francis who usually wraps up very neatly.

RIP Dick Francis - you will be missed.

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!

This is one of the earliest of Dick Francis' many wonderful novels. Henry Grey, the hero of Flying Finish, is not only a viscount, but he rides as an amateur steeplechase jockey. He is mysterious to his friends and family and refuses to knuckle under to anyone, not even to his matchmaking mama who wants to marry him off to a rich heiress who will restore the family fortunes. Henry works for a company that transports horses by air, thus combining two of his loves--horses and flying. He takes flying lessons when he is not traveling as a groom. Despite his busy life, Henry is closed off and lonely, an introvert who is sleepwalking through life making the easy choices. I couldn't help but wonder how a person with so many walls between him and the world could fall in love so quickly with an Italian woman with whom he seems to have little in common.

Nevertheless, Francis has done a fine job with the plot and the action. Villains scheme to smuggle, cheat, and murder. By the time Henry works out what is going on, his girlfriend may be dead and he is in danger of being shot. After a chilling encounter with a sociopathic killer, Henry escapes and manages to save a friend as well as the horses aboard the plane.

I have only one complaint about this book and that is the abruptness of the ending. I would have liked another page or two to have the loose ends wrapped up.

Dick Frances never writes the same story twice though he does use a winner take all formula. Henry Grey is the heir to an Earldom and to escape a deadly path ordained by his existence he takes a job flying an airplane that transports horses.

The planes are as elderly as his father and poorly maintained, but when he discovers the true nature of his flights he fights back with all the fearlessness of honor betrayed.

His efforts are hampered by a sadistic goon who uses cruelty to hid his hatred of the different.

The main story takes place high in the sky with "George" flying the plane as Henry fights for his life, the Italian girl he has learned to love and the horses in his care.

A good read from an author who has given us many mysteries of unfailing suspense.

Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

I loved this book, exciting from beginning to end, and thought the villains were particularly well-done!

I've read most of Francis' stories and have enjoyed almost all of them. Flying Finish is the exception. All Francis books require the reader to suspend belief. But this one is far-fetched and totally unbelievable. A very disappointing read.