Hot Money (Dick Francis Library) [Paperback]

Dick Francis (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dick Francis Library | Publication Date: March 28, 1996

Multi-millionaire Malcolm Pembroke's colourful life has included five wives and nine children. When his fifth wife is murdered, he patches up a quarrel that has been simmering for nearly three years with his favourite son Ian, and asks for help. Ian Pembroke, who detested the fifth wife Moria, agrees to meet his father at Newmarket yearling sales. From here he is instantly whirled into a horrifying race against time to find Moira's murderer before the maniac can strike again. Greed, malice and lethal ploys lie ahead on the rocketing journeyings of father and son as they track the killer remorselessly. Yet they are still able to grab some enjoyment along with the peril as they find time to watch many of the world's top races.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Francis has another winner, as skillfully constructed as his previous bestsellers. This time, amateur British jockey Ian Pembroke tells what happens after the murder of his father Malcolm's fifth wife, Moira. A rapacious, sharp-tongued woman, she has caused a break between Malcolm and Ian, who despised her for marrying his father solely to get her hands on his considerable fortune. But two attempts on the old man's life compel him to ask Ian for help. Although the trusted son isn't fond of his eight half-siblings or their motheror even of his ownhe's loath to suspect them of conspiring to kill Malcolm, which seems to be the case. To protect his father, Ian takes him to America and other countries, where the two attend the glamorous, big-purse horse racesscenes at which the author excelsbefore returning warily to England. The story gains momentum, with extended family members furious over Malcolm's spending spree and blaming Ian for wasting their inheritance. A real spellbinder, the mystery ends when the miscreant plays one trick too many. Reader's Digest Condensed Book selection; Literary Guild dual selection and Mystery Guild alternate.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Amateur jockey Ian Pembroke is the narrator and principal mover in this engaging effort from the veteran British author. Summoned by his fabulously wealthy father, Malcolm, after a three-year estrangement, Ian attempts to discover who murdered Malcolm's money-grubbing fifth wife and who wants Malcolm dead as well. Suspects include the man's three surviving ex-wives, variously vicious or vindictive, and eight children, arrayed in darkening shades of nasty. Hidden gold, house bombs, expensive racehorses, and foreign venues spice up the familial infighting. A best bet. Literary Guild dual main selection; Mystery Guild featured alternate. REK
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Group (March 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718140958
• ISBN-13: 978-0718140953
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,739,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dick Francis was the author of more than forty acclaimed books. Among his numerous awards were three Edgar Awards, the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger, and the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. He died in February 2010.

Felix Francis has assisted with the research of many of the Dick Francis novels and is the coauthor of Dead Heat, Silks, and Even Money. He lives in England.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Too much money, July 11, 2002

By 

Fred Camfield (Vicksburg, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hot Money (Mass Market Paperback)

For whatever reason this novel has gone out of print. One can hope that the publisher will reprint. The main character, Malcomb Pembroke, has a knack for making money, particularly in investments in gold, and has become very wealthy (by 1987 standards, when the novel was written). The problem is the fact that he doesn't get along with his ex-wives and children. He won't increase allowances set when he was merely rich rather than filthy rich. His first three ex-wives and their seven children seem to hover about like greedy vultures waiting for him to die so they can inherit the estate. This is compounded by sibling rivalries, ex-wives poisoning their childrens' minds, and various mental attitudes. The children are furious when Malcomb starts donating money to charities and spending millions on racehorses.

The novel is an interesting whodunit as first Malcomb's fifth wife is murdered, and then attempts are made on his life. There are many people with motives, mainly in the family. His son Ian, the only child he trusts, helps unravel the mystery. The story illustrates how money can corrupt a family. While the reader can make some guesses, the ending is not obvious.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Dick Francis book, August 13, 2005

By 

Mad Max (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Hot Money (Hardcover)

I don't know why, but this one seemed to have it all. I just couldn't put it down.

Suspense, intrigue, mystery, romance... The other reviews are correct. Anything by Dick Francis is good. But I give this one an especially strong recommendation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery Solution Through Observation, November 13, 2007

By 

B. A Libby (Camano Island, Wa United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hot Money (Dick Francis Library) (Paperback)

Reading a Dick Francis mystery is like falling into cool water on a hot and frenzied day. I've read many of his works, and while this one does not live up to his most brilliant, Banker, and Reflex, it is a classic, solid, Francis mystery. His main character falls into the familiar Francis mold; observing the world, not prone to effusiveness. Sentences are generally cut to the bone, replies to questions often phrased in a single word. Ian Pembroke, the young(ish) hero is thoughtful, self-effacing, kind. Around him swirl a family of quirky, dysfunctional relatives who give him plenty to ponder as he sets out to find who, amongst his family members is capable of murder. Of course horse racing figures into the plot. It wouldn't be a Dick Francis book without it, but here it is only tangentially involved, and not the primary focus. I do often laugh at the author's penchant for naming female characters the most preposterous names. Here, the most sympathetic female character is called, (god help us all) Coochie. But I find this just another endearing quirk of the author, not a flaw of his plots. And for those who want to be prodded into thinking of larger issues, the concept of money in a family is explored. Does having a wealthy father lead the children to a sense of entitlement? jealousy? ambition to succeed? disdain or worship of money? These questions are certainly posed, and given some thoughtful discussion, but not enough to be troublesome. One can't help, at the end of the book, to wish all of the characters involved a better journey through life. And Francis makes us believe that the conclusion found in the book will only lead to happier lives for all. A good read.