Odds Against (Windsor Selections) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Dick Francis (Author)

Book Description

Series: Windsor Selections | Publication Date: October 2, 1990

When he wakes up in hospital with his stomach shot full of holes, private detective and former steeplechase jockey, Sid Halley has his first case for a longtime. Taken to convalesce at his father-in-law's house, Sid encounters overbearing entrepreneur, Howard Kraye, a man determined to take over Seabury Racecourse - at any price. As Sid delves deeper into Kraye's shady past of violence, fraud and brutality, he finds that a bullet in the gut may turn out to the least of his problems.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[The] master of crime fiction and equine thrills. (Newsday) --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

"One of the greatest living suspense wirters."
CBS RADIO''
After a fall from a racehorse that permanently crippled a hand, Sid Halley joined a detective agency. But it wasn't until some two-bit hoodlum drilled a slug into his side that he was sent out on a case of his own. That was where he met Zanna Martin, a woman who just might make life worth living again. But it was even-money that he'd be killed before she had the chance.... --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Chivers Press; Large type edition edition (October 2, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0862203767
• ISBN-13: 978-0862203764
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

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

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Francis Rides Again, July 23, 2000

By 

Elsie Wilson (Aberystwyth, Cymru) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Odds Against (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars McShane's voice is perfect for this narration, December 2, 2002

By 

Deborah MacGillivray "Author," (US & UK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Odds Against (Audio Cassette)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Career, November 18, 2007

By 

Nash Black "Troubadour" (Jamestown, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Odds Against (Paperback)

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.