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Silks | 
 enlarge | Authors: Dick Francis, Felix Francis
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Category: Book
List Price: £18.99
Buy New: £11.09
You Save: £7.90 (42%)
New (28) Used (3) Collectible (2) from £10.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 2206
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 368
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4
ISBN: 0718154576
EAN: 9780718154578
ASIN: 0718154576
Publication Date: September 4, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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Amazon.co.uk Review
There are few thriller writers who have had such long and distinguished careers as Dick Francis, and his lengthy series of books (with their zesty recreations of the racing world) are among many readers' favourite novels in the genre. Recently, ill-health seemed to threaten the author's reliable productivity, and the death of his wife (who had long been a behind-the-scenes collaborator on his books) made it appear that the golden days of the Dick Francis racing thriller were firmly in the past. However, here is Silks, the result of a collaboration between Dick Francis and his son Felix -- and it will be a welcome arrival for the legions of Francis admirers. Julian Trent is found guilty of a violent unprovoked attack on an innocent family and a charge of attempted murder. He is accused by the judge of showing no remorse for his actions, but receives a remarkably light sentence. Surprisingly, this news is not welcome to his defence barrister, Geoffrey Mason, who was secretly hoping for a more severe judgement against his client, whom he does not like. Mason is a part-time jockey (this is a novel with Dick Francis's name on the jacket, after all), and when Mason dons his racing silks and travels to Sandown to follow his real passion -- riding a thoroughbred in a heated steeplechase -- he finds that he cannot leave the violence that is often the bread and butter of his profession behind him A fellow rider is savagely killed by a pitchfork driven through the chest, and there is a persuasive amount of evidence against champion jockey Steve Mitchell as the killer, but Mason becomes involved -- and finds all the various aspects of his life coalescing in a lethal fashion. Dick Francis has 41 novels under his belt, and remains the consummate thriller practitioner. Felix, his son, had helped with the research on his father's novels over the last 40 years (notably Twice Shy, Shattered and Under Orders). Silks is their second full collaboration after Dead Heat, and should provides Francis aficionados with all the elements they've grown accustomed to. --Barry Forshaw
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
Don't stop before the end! December 14, 2008
A different type of Dick Francis story with racing only appearing to be in the background. However as the saga progresses racing, horses and all things connected with them become very important. At first the dialogue seems to plod, with just the statutory nasty events to keep one interested, towards the second half of the book things hot up in good style keeping my nose glued to the pages until it reached an excellent dramatic ending. As usual the hero starts the book single and living alone, thus giving good scope for some romantic interest. Very enjoyable, I remain a firm Dick Frances fan.
The Francis formula works again December 9, 2008
Dick Francis is thankfully continuing his collaboration with his son to produce more of the same successful Francis that we have grown to know and love. Here there is a good mixture of racing and another ingredient (this time Law, last time catering), which for me, as a fan of the horse bits, works well. The usual elements: first person narrator hero threatened by nasty villains; new love interest; a bit of violence against our hero; eventual victory by the hero, who also gets the girl, all combine for a satisfying if undemanding read. Even if I guessed the identity of the main villain somewhere around the time of the first clue, the ending was not spoiled in any way for me.
To those who criticise this book for excessive violence, I don't think it is any more violent than many of Dick Francis's early books. The difference here is whodunnnit (trying not to spoil the book for those who haven't read it yet) and there is a certain justification given for it, even if you don't ultimately agree with the act.
All in all, I think the Francis team is developing well and hope they go on to produce more books together. Keep the racing for the racing fans, but blend with other backgrounds to stop the formula getting stale.
Although, one point in the otherwise thorough research I must pick up on ... King John only sealed Magna Carta: he never signed it (probably because he couldn't!).
 Lacking and lacklustre December 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been a Dick Francis fan for 25 years and have read and re-read everything he's written with glee and delight: even when the basic plots and what happened to the hero seem formulaic, the background research and the sparkling dialogue, and the quick way in which the author taught you about the new area of knowledge the book was dealing with always shone out against much less accomplished writers.
Sadly, the recent efforts lack that polish and clarity and Silks is even more longwinded than Dead Heat was. Perhaps some of the fault lies in the main character, a rather staid and straight-laced barrister who takes most of the book to be jolted out of his rather complacent life, but the dialogue seemed stilted, whole pages were devoted to complex backstory that previous books would have dashed off in a few succinct paragraphs, and overall I felt what was needed most was a good editor.
Once the story got going I did enjoy it, but getting to that point was a chore, no devouring page after page with gusto as in previous works.
Its great that Dick Francis is still writing, and I'm glad his son Felix is able to work with him but I suspect what we're really lacking here is the fine and sure touch of his wife Mary; it must be hard to change a writing team that had honed its skills to perfection. This is readable, and somewhat fun, but I hope the next book sees Dick and Felix getting into their stride.
Not one I'll be re-reading, sad to say and three stars mainly because even a poor Dick Francis is still a Dick Francis
 Best from Francis in a long time November 6, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First sentence: "Guilty."
Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as `Perry Mason' by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal.
Mason receives a call from fellow jockey, Steve Mitchell. Steve has been arrested for the murder of another jockey, the hatred between the two of known was well known. Mason first receives a warning and then a beating, instructing him to lose the trial and ensure Mitchell is convicted. Mason realizes his only option is to stand up to Trent, but a at the risk of his life and those he loves.
Even though this was written by Dick and Felix Francis, I'm going to refer to them as singular. Francis has such a wonderful voice. He has a way of drawing you into the story, a way of explaining things that make the information fascinating and an excellent ear for dialogue. I appreciated his including information on English law.
Francis creates great characters. His protagonist isn't particularly brave and strong, but he is stubborn and determined, and his villains are about as villainous as they come. I liked that he made the point about not understanding how hard it is to stand up against violence and intimidation. It was nice to see the hero actually get the girl in this story.
The story was similar to a horse race in that it milled out a bit in the beginning giving you background information, took off with sudden action and built in pace and suspense up to the end. Even the courtroom scenes, which were so well done, had an element of suspense.
Portents are something I normally hate and the one early in the book wasn't necessary. I also don't usually like when authors hold information back from the reader, but here it worked. Thinking back, I probably could have anticipated many of the turns in the plot, but I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't take the time to analyze as I read. And that's what makes Francis, Francis; you jump on and go to the end. The ending is violent and bothers some people; however, I felt he addressed the age-old question of legality versus justice.
This was definitely the best Francis book I've read in a long time.
rehash?? October 16, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this book (as with almost all Dick Francis books) but this is a rehashed plot --- as a 'horsey' person I recognised what was going on immediately --- just as I did the first time ( TV film about 1978? -- am I the only person to remember this ????) (won't say any more, mustn't spoil it for others) --- come on Felix you 'must try harder' (though I would forgive your lovely Dad anything) I'm very much looking forward to the next book.(and I agree with another reviewer, I would prefer more horses --- though I don't mind the violence --- except to the horses -- I couldn't bear 'Come to Grief' !)
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