Customer Reviews

Odds Against

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Francis' third book, written back in the mid-Sixties, though still a great read (curious reference to The Beatles is the only jarring reminder of its time), and a wonderful example of how quickly Francis picked up his new craft. If he was as fluent, smooth, and skillful jockey as he is writer he must, indeed, have been great. This book first introduces Sid Halley, one of Francis' two recurring heroes, the jockey-turned-detective with a damaged left hand. Halley has been drifting through life since his career-ending injury; a further injury (caused by a bullet) and the not so subtle intervention of his father-in-law bring a change to his attitude, a radically different outlook, and a desire to work effectively and properly at his new job. He is badly frightened, and physically damaged ~ two things Francis excells at writing, his fear, especially, is thoroughly convincing ~ but succeeds in both defeating the baddies and renewing his life.

I give ***** to the verson read by Ian McShane (avoid the other readers). I enjoyed McShane's read voice. Some actor/readers, try to act took much when they read - I mean males doing higher voices for females are such a pain. McShane give the right tone, a narrator and is it an enjoyed voice that carries you vividly into the world of ex-jockey Sid Halley. Injured in a riding accident, he now is a Enquiry agent/security expert that is looking into the strange accidents happening and Seabury Race Course.

Dick Francis' writing, quite naturally, is excellent, though it is McShane excellent narration that has me listening to this tape again and again. I have given it several times and gifts and recommended it to friends. All have thanked me for the enjoy listen.

A 38 slug enters Sid Haley's side and he is jerked out of a deep depression as he has watched his arm, his career and marriage ground under flashing hooves. Thus Dick Frances introduces one of his most popular characters in ODDS AGAINST.
Sid is working in a detective agency at the instigation of his ex-father-in-law, while trying to put his life of steeplechasing behind him. A small set up goes haywire and Sid is pitched into the world of racing from the outside of the rail. A job he thinks he hates until it is almost destroyed.
Fast action, great prose, tense drama, and the reader enters Sid's world. Mystery fiction at its best, told by a master of the genre.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

This is one of the author's early novels and the first one in the series about ex-jockey turned PI Sid Halley. This novel introduces the character, his past, his father-in-law, his work associates, etc. The first three novels about Halley, Odds Against, Whip Hand, and Come to Grief, can also be found in the combined omnibus edition, Win, Place, or Show. The novel is very good and has survived the test of time, i.e., it is still an interesting plot 40 years after it was written.

Sid Halley came from an impoverished background and had to leave school as a teenager. He was apprenticed as a jockey and by the time he was 18 her was a success. He made good investments and is also moderately wealthy. An accident ended his career as a jockey, and he has been employed, more or less, in a PI firm. Events lead him into a case involving an unscrupulous businessman who is trying to acquire racetrack property for personal profit. Like many businesses, the assets (in this case land) are undervalued in relation to the stock price, making a racetrack a takeover target.

There are some surprises as the story progresses. The novel deals with adult situations. There is little sexual content, mostly by reference, but considerable violence.

Dick Francis is wonderful. "Odds Against" is the first introduction to ex-jockey turned private investigator Sid Halley. I found this book to be enthralling. Dick Francis paints pictures with words! Simply the best! A must read.

I enjoyed this book--it was IMHO a fun read. As usual, DF has an indestructible hero who seems to court trouble but with impeccable morality. It's easy to root for him. The criminals are despicable yet the hero doesn't hate them. DF IMHO manages to keep the reader interested throughout the novel. Of Francis >40 books, this is the 1st in an, at present, series of 4 starring Sid Halley. Halley often has interestingly different relationships with women--in this book with Zanna. Though there is no continuity to later books for the women (except Halley's ex-wife). This book lacks the funny, very creative dialog of some of Francis' later works such as: Halley's description of reporter India Cathcart--"They said she kept a penknife handy for sharpening her ball-points...She trailed me behind her like a comet's tail (Halley's Comet?) while introducing me to no one...The serial reputation-slasher".

p.s. Francis has written 4 Sid Halley novels so far: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, & Under Orders--in that order. The 1st 3 have been anthologized: "Win, Place, or Show" 042519972X, "The Sid Halley Omnibus" 033049242X, & "3 Titles by Dick Francis" B000MN3WV4. Enjoy!

This was the first book I have read by Dick Francis , and all I can say is......wow. Everything about this book was great: characters, plot, action.... I can't wait to read the next one and then all the rest of them. I especially like the fact that the hero is not some superman who is always one step ahead of a dim-witted criminal adversary, but just an ordinary joe thrust into a very bad situation. the horse racing angle is also an interesting backround. you can't miss with this one!!

We received the book Odds Agains by Dick Francis on time in great condition. It is a wonderful addition to our Dick Francis collection. Thank you so much.

I have searched high and low for this book for years before I finally found it online - for some reason it seems to have gone out of print and every copy at the library is always checked out! It's the beginning to his Sid Halley trilogy - the only trilogy ever done by Dick Francis. Great book, although I do believe he re-used some of the elements in other books - or I read the book a long, long time ago and don't remember. As always, Francis leaves you guessing until the end! He is one of the few authors I have found that I cannot always predict who did it and why - the reasons are almost as great as the person who did it! Definitely recommend it, as I do with all of his books - and this series just gets better!

Champion jumping jockey Sid Halley lost the use of one hand in a terrible fall - and with it his career. His marriage is over as well. When we meet him, he's been on the payroll of a detective agency for two years, and has just been shot in the gut by a small time crook. Loveless, crippled and injured, Sid has lost his enthusiasm for life.

Despite the failed marriage, Sid's father-in-law, retired Rear Admiral Charles Roland, still likes and respects Sid. Charles invites him to convalesce at his country home - and there unveils a challenge that he hopes will shake Sid out of his apathy.

A rich investor is plotting a hostile takeover of Seabury Racecourse, so it can be torn down and the land sold to developers. How would Sid like to save this grand old institution? He'll have to investigate its recent spell of bad luck that has everyone convinced the place is jinxed. Sabotage may be a factor.

Overnight Sid is transformed from a lethargic employee to a dynamo of detection. The resourceful, observant strategist who once won race after race is back.

If you're feeling a bit low or having a bad day, this is the book to read. Sid's resilience in the face of all kinds of loss is an inspiration.