When an honest jockey is accused of cheating, where can he turn when no one listens to his protests? Deciding to investigate himself is possibly one of his worst decisions, leading him into mortal danger. A page-turner in true Dick Francis style. ( )

 All you need is love by Marie Force
The first book in the Green Mountain series. Marie sets the tone for the series in All You Need Is Love. It's a delightful story about the big city girl and the small-town guy. You are introduced to large loving family, which sets the stage for many books to come in this series. ( )

We learn through flashbacks that narrator Kelly Hughes and trainer Dexter Cranfield have just lost their licenses; an enquiry panel was of the opinion that Kelly had held back his odds-on favorite and let another Cranfield-trained horse win. However, there was enough inconsistent behavior exhibited by the panel that Kelly believes he was set up.

This book is a study in social class at all levels. Kelly’s family, poor farm workers in the mountains of Wales belief he ‘deserved’ to lose his license because ‘The Lord’ Steward said so just as much as the Steward who was a ‘Lord’ believed he had the right to take it away. Wealthy trainer Canfield felt the ruling had more impact on him because of his social position than it did on his workers who he laid off for something which they had no responsibility. Roberta Canfield exposed only to her parents views acts the same way and wonders why she is treated as she is by ‘Hughes,’ as she refers to Kelly. Like father, like 19 year old daughter.

In addition to social levels determined by birth and wealth, Francis throws in behaviour towards deviant sexual practices and mental illness. It is rare that a person is looked at for themselves and then have their circumstances are accessed before behaviour or standing is judged.

Reviewed
2021-2-16

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ( )

I needed some Dick Francis. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich is too heavy (literally and mentally?) for the train.

***

There seemed to be even less action/intruige than a usual DF mystery. A full half of the book passed before the hero was actually threatened by anyone.

Also, the social commentary on S&M (and confusion with physical abuse) was a little strange/unexpected. Oh, the 60s. And a lot of parts of the country now, I guess. ( )

Another fun, engaging read by Dick Francis. I am enjoying his quick, horse-racing thrillers. Not only do they have likeable characters, the main protagonists use their brains instead of violence to clean their names, there is always a touch of romance and a decent crime. Overall, a satisfying, fast-paced story. ( )