Straight [Paperback]

Dick Francis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2006

A jockey becomes the sole inheritor of his late brother's business, horse, mistress, and enemies.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

By now, regular readers of Francis's novels know exactly what to expect: a carefully plotted mystery woven through the world of horseracing, with a few twists and a hero who can be depended upon to do the right thing. On those counts, his 28th novel neither surprises nor disappoints. When Derek Franklin, a steeplechase jockey nursing a shattered ankle from a bad spill, learns of the death of his older, long-estranged brother Greville, he's stunned to find himself named as both executor of the will and sole heir. But in rapid succession, Derek is mugged, his brother's gemology firm is robbed, and Derek himself is assaulted in another robbery attempt; understandably, he comes to suspect that Greville's death may not have been an accident. The complications that follow involve diamond trading, a horse named Dozen Roses and secret computer passwords that are discovered with such consistent good luck that credibility suffers. So does Derek--by story's end, he has rebroken his ankle and been involved in two shootings and a car wreck. Thanks to a clever finale, however, he emerges as intact as the author's reputation. Reader's Digest Condensed Books selection; Mysterious Book Club main selection; BOMC featured dividend selection.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Absolutely one of his best. (Associated Press) Terrific...From the wonderful opening paragraph to the end, Francis propels you forward at a nearly breathless pace. (Detroit Free Press) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (February 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042520846X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425208465
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #997,980 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

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touched me, November 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Straight (Mass Market Paperback)

What I especially loved about this book was the portrayal of Derek's discovery of all that he lost once he found out what type of man his brother was. It was a more reflective book, more emotional than many of the other "stiff upper lip" books by Francis. As a psychologist, I was drawn to this aspect Straight. My favorite Dick Francis book yet.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Walk in My Brother's Shoes . . . ., May 26, 2000

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 108,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Straight (Mass Market Paperback)

Straight builds on a very neat piece of psychology. Derek Franklin, injured steeplechase jockey, unexpectedly has to carry on for his much older brother (18 years to be exact) after the brother dies from an accident. I am sure we all have wondered what it would be like to be one of our siblings. The experience for Derek is very literal.

Derek's brother is in the diamond trade, and a fortune in diamonds are missing. That sounds like the source of the mystery, but that is actually launched by getting mugged in the parking lot after leaving his brother's bed in the hospital as the beginning of a nonstop tale of intrigue. In the course of unraveling the mystery and fighting for his life, Derek also learns a lot about his brother . . . and himself. This is a great novel for anyone who likes to think about "what if?".

The only quibble some will have is that this book has relatively little about horse raising in it, compared to the other Dick Francis novels. Be open minded though, for the change is good for you, the reader.

Get Straight to it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful, June 18, 2001

By 

Martha E. Nelson (Watertown, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Straight (Mass Market Paperback)

This is my favorite Dick Francis novel, given to me by a good friend who also loves Francis. It is a book that sticks with me always. Wonderful story, action when you need it (which is a hallmark of Franics novels) but not overshadowing the relationships in this story. The hero is put in a situation where he has to feel his way along and learn his brother's business and life while simultaneously dealing with the loss of his brother and an emptiness in his life. I found it very moving. It is one of the few books that I have read where I have wondered what happens to the characters afterwords--as if they are real people. (Actually, Dick Francis is one of the few authors who has that effect on me. I also have that reaction to the three novels about Sid Halley.)

I strongly recommend this book, even to those who are not primarily mystery readers.