‘Sid Halley returns in Dark Horse, his seventh outing over the years’
[ About Dark Horse ]
Imogen Duffy is a young Irish jockey, whose fledgling career is given a huge boost when she wins a prestigious horse race at the Cheltenham Steeplechasing Festival. But all is not well in her life. She has a violent and controlling boyfriend, also a jockey, and he becomes increasingly jealous of her success. As a result, she tries to break off their relationship, but he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He attacks her, and claims that he’d rather kill her than allow her to leave him.
Imogen flees her home in Ireland, coming to England to get away from him, and to continue her riding career at a racing stable in Lambourn, where she finds increasing success. But the abusive boyfriend follows her across the Irish Sea, stalks her, steals from her, attacks her again, and then tries to ruin both her career and her reputation.
Imogen’s desperate father turns to Sid Halley for help, and Sid reluctantly agrees to investigate, but then finds that he is also being stalked and threatened. Can Sid find out what the hell is going on, and before it is too late?
[ My Review ]
Dark Horse by Felix Francis published September 25th with Bonnier and is described as one that ‘will have readers racing to the end as they are plunged into the dangerous and gripping world of horse racing.’ Earlier in September I shared an extract from Dark Horse so today I am sharing my review with you all.
Irish jockey, Imogen Duffy, is central to this tale as she embarks on a successful career as a jockey. A natural on the saddle, it’s not long before she is headhunted by a stable owner in the UK who has plans for her. Imogen has just come out of a very fractious relationship. Although only in her early twenties, she has already been through the wringer, so this opportunity in Lambourn offers her a much-needed escape. Imogen’s ex was extremely coercive during their relationship but when she calls time on it he increases the level of threats. Imogen is rightfully in fear but, as he is also a jockey with commitments, she feels confident that her move across the sea will give her a much needed break to concentrate on her career.
Initially Imogen’s star continues to shine and word has it that she has a stellar career ahead of her. But her ex is jealous and within a short space of time he follows her to England, intimidating her and causing her anxiety levels to spiral. Imogen soon finds herself in very challenging situation so her father seeks the assistance of Sid Halley, ex-jockey and renowned investigator. Sid is very slow to accept this case but, with his back against the wall, he tentatively embarks on his inquiries. Can he help Imogen Duffy? Or is it too late?
I have never read a Dick Francis novel so I was intrigued as to what Dark Horse would be like. Heavy on horse-riding terminology, I have to admit to being slightly out of my depth in places. There is a mystery element to this novel but it almost felt incidental in many ways with elaborate descriptions of racing, weigh-ins, horses etc. Sid Halley is more or less retired so I expect this was his last rodeo so to speak, as it very much felt like a platform for a last hurrah. There is no question that many aspects of this book are very authentic. Felix Francis spent time sitting in at a trial in Reading Crown Court and also did a huge amount of additional research into the similarities and differences in Irish and English horse-racing. Themes of abuse, stalking and mental health are all touched upon. Felix Francis was determined to explore the impact of certain actions and behaviour within the world of jockeying and horse-racing in general, with many themes relevant across all society.
Dark Horse is a novel quite light in thrills. It was not quite what I had expected but I’m sure there will be many Dick Francis fans who will be happy to see Sid Halley make a return (albeit in quite a minor investigative role so do be prepared).
[ Thank you to Ransom PR for a copy in exchange for my honest review ]
[ Bio ]
Felix Francis is a Sunday Times and New York Times international bestselling author and has sold almost a million copies of his books. He was born in Oxford and graduated from London University. His initial career led him into physics, where he was a successful teacher, and he went onto a second successful career as a bestselling author. His other accomplishments include being an outdoorsman, marksman and pilot. Felix Francis lives in Oxfordshire with his wife, Debbie, their family and two Irish Setters and a Cavapoo.
