Customer Reviews

Hot Money

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

ISBN 0449212408 - What is "hot money"? According to page 374: "The bets made by people in the know. People with inside information." Inside information is the key to riddle of who is trying to kill Malcolm Pembroke - and why.

The trouble is, the list of suspects includes the three wives of Malcolm's that are still alive and their offspring. And the spouses of the offspring. Pretty much anyone who could hope to inherit if the old man would just die, already. There has been one attempt on his life when he contacts his estranged son, Ian, to ask him to help figure out who is trying to kill him - preferably before they succeed.

I found that, even almost 20 years after the book was published, some sentences sounded like they could have been written yesterday. "Since terrorism became a part of life, most sorts of explosives are highly regulated." comes to mind. Buy it, read it, be glad the Pembrokes aren't YOUR family.

- AnnaLovesBooks

I have always been a fan of Dick Francis and when I read "Hot Money" I was completely enthralled. The story unfolds so smoothly, and the suspense of figuring out the villian completely catches the reader. I could divulge the secret behind this mystery, but then any one who hasn't read this book would be deprived of a fantastic experience.My copy is falling-apart; I have read and reread it so many times. If you are looking for a book for a die-hard mystery enthusiast, this is the one!

A rich patriarch and his estranged son rebuild their relationship while trying to find out which of the family asssortment of ex-wives and offspring is trying to kill them. One of his best books (and they are all good), with the smooth flow, wry wit, sustained tension, and consummate storytelling which are the hallmarks of Dick Francis. Most highly recommended.

We have read everything Dick Francis has written. Unfortunately we donated our collection to the library book sale, not realizing that our 14 year old grandaughter (a horse lover) might someday want to read them. If memory serves there is no gore or explicit sex in any of his works. Not easy to find these days! This was purchased to start her library.

Dick Francis was especially good at father-son sagas. I really enjoyed this one.

Malcolm Pembroke is the father, a man who's become immensely wealthy buying and selling gold. Lucky in everything but wives, Malcolm has been married five times and produced nine children. When the story opens, wife number five (Moira) has just been murdered in her geranium patch.

The son who narrates the story is Ian Pembroke, thirty-three-year-old amateur jockey. He's a typical likeable Francis hero: resourceful, loyal, cool in a crisis, quietly compassionate.

Members of the weirdly extended Pembroke family have been provided with trust funds and alimony, yet they're simmering with decades-old resentments and obsessed with their anticipated inheritances. All are unhappy, except for Ian.

It falls to Ian to figure out who killed Moira - and to keep his father alive. Someone's trying to kill Malcolm too, perhaps because he's been spending money wildly in defiance of his greedy family.

The plot encompasses lots of warped family dynamics, charming exchanges between Malcolm and Ian, escapist travels (to foil the killer) and exciting scenes at racetracks around the world.

For readers who have trouble dealing with a plethora of characters, there's a list of all the Pembrokes and their relationships in the front of the book. But I found the story so skillfully written that I never had to consult it.

I cheerfully recommend Hot Money, along with every other Dick Francis novel. (Cheerfully because his books always leave me feeling good.)

"Hot Money" is my favorite Dick Francis novel. The main character, Ian, reunites with his father after a three-year estrangement and tries to discover who among his mother, stepmothers and siblings is attempting to kill his father. The story has many colorful angles because of the variety of characters, both within and outside of the family. Francis is a master at describing the difference between possessions, i.e., the "right" house or car, and genuine happiness. Many will be able to relate to the dysfunctional family elements displayed throughout the book. There's plenty of activity to keep you interested, but not so much going on that you are confused. That said, it is helpful to have Ian's siblings and stepmothers listed at the beginning of the book!

I like Dick Frnaics and would have to say that Hot Money is fantastic. The book is full of twists and keeps you guessing to the very end. In fact, I would have to say it is one of his best he has written. The action is great, the buildup is fantastic, and there is never a dull moment. Each character is very well developed. Bottom line is the book will absolutley suck you in. It has Mystery, action, drama and humor what more could you ask for?