Damage
Damage book cover

Damage

Hardcover – International Edition, September 30, 2014

Price
$5.61
Format
Hardcover
Pages
416
Publisher
Michael Joseph
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0718178826
Dimensions
6.25 x 1.4 x 9.5 inches
Weight
1.6 pounds

Description

Felix Francis is the younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, with whom he co-wrote the four most recent Dick Francis Novels, Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire, with Felix taking an increasingly greater role in the writing. Sadly Dick died in February 2010 but his work will live on through Felix. Damage is Felix's fourth solo Dick Francis novel. Felix trained as a physicist and spent seventeen years teaching A-level physics before taking on the role as manager to his father, and then as author. He lives in Oxfordshire.

Features & Highlights

  • The stakes are higher than ever in Damage, the fourth solo novel from Top Ten bestseller Felix Francis. Jeff Hinkley, undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, is looking into the shady activities of a racehorse trainer. But as he's tailing his quarry through the Cheltenham Racing Festival, the last thing he expects to witness is a gruesome murder. Could it have something to do with the reason the trainer was banned in the first place - the administration of illegal drugs to his horses? Days later, it's discovered that many more horses test positive for prohibited stimulants, a scandal that could throw horse-racing into disrepute. It's no surprise when the BHA receives a demand - pay up or face the consequences. In order to limit the damage to the sport, it's critical that Jeff find the perpetrator . . . but he'll soon learn he's up against someone who will stop at nothing to prevail . . . Praise for Dick Francis and Felix Francis: 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life Felix Francis is the younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, with whom he co-wrote the four most recent Dick Francis Novels, Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire, with Felix taking an increasingly greater role in the writing. Sadly Dick died in February 2010 but his work will live on through Felix. Damage is Felix's fourth solo Dick Francis novel. Felix trained as a physicist and spent seventeen years teaching A-level physics before taking on the role as manager to his father, and then as author. He lives in Oxfordshire.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(691)
★★★★
25%
(576)
★★★
15%
(345)
★★
7%
(161)
23%
(529)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Quick read - keeps your attention

Felix Francis follows the "formula" used by his father. Mainly the book will have the following:

1. Horseracing (usually British) is a solid part.
2. It is told in the 1st person from the viewpoint of the protagonist; usually a man around 30ish trying to make his way
3. The protagonist has a highly developed sense of integrity, is persistent, is someone with quite a few admirable qualities, yet also has some flaws.

In this case, Jeff Hinkley works for the BHA (British Horseracing Authority), comes across a interesting man in the right age group who is ex-military, very honest, and a solid undercover guy who puts his well-being at risk. Sounds admirable. His flaw - he has trouble committing to a relationship with a woman. While the novel is set in the venue of horse racing, it's more trying to dig through the people who are often in conflict and figure out the twists, turns, and how to stop the villain. It was a good read, starts off fast - with someone Jeff is following stabbing someone to death. By after about half-way through, I found it hard to put down. Francis would end chapters with a teaser to keep you going. My only downside is that the culprit wasn't as 3-dimensional as I'd like - I wasn't quite sure what differentiated him from several others, and a sub-plot didn't get closed. The main story was excellent, though - and an enjoyable way to spend a couple evenings.
3 people found this helpful
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Great read!

Felix is filling his late father's shoes with another great tale. Writing style is just enough different to know he's not his dad but keeps the flavor, action, and plot moving and eminently readable. Love this guy!
1 people found this helpful
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Perfect

Perfect
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Another great story!

Never a disappointment in any Francis book, whether written by Dick or Felix. I expected research to slip wen Mary dies, but that, too, continues to be excellent.