This collection by the bestselling author of the Cat Who mysteries features fourteen engaging short stories about adventurous cats. From a brave Siamese tackling a cat burglar to an intuitive feline solving a mystery, these tales are sure to entertain both cat lovers and mystery fans alike.
At his best, Francis can make you feel the hot breath of horses on the back of your neck' Michael Dobbs, Express on SundayDamaging allegations cost young Benedict Juliard his hopes of a career as a steeplechase jockey. Instead he's forced to join ranks alonside his father, a high-flying businessman battling a Dorset by-election for a street level entry into politics. The campaign gets off to a flying start. But this time the obstacles ahead aren't just dangerous - they're lethal. Horses, politics, lies and treachery. They can all carry the maximum 10lb penalty. And, as any jockey knows, a 10lb penalty can be a killer...
Young wine merchant Tony Beach is a professional taster, who can easily distinguish between different wines. When he stumbles across a liquor scam involving substituted wines, he becomes involved in the challenge of tracking down the culprits. However the mastermind has already committed one brutal murder to cover his tracks. Will Tony be the next?
Kipling's epic rendition of the imperial experience in India is also his greatest long work. Two men - Kim, a boy growing into early manhood and the lama, an old ascetic priest - are fired by a quest. Kim is white, a sahib, although born in India. While he wants to play the Great Game of Imperialism, he is also spiritually bound to the lama and he tries to reconcile these opposing strands, while the lama searches for redemption from the Wheel of Life. A celebration of their friendship in an often hostile environment, Kim captures the opulence of India's exotic landscape, overlaid by the uneasy presence of the British Raj.
The unexpected arrival of a new apprentice jockey at his father's racing stables heralds the beginning of a series of dark happenings for Neil Griffon. First his father suffers a grisly accident, and then Neil is brutally assaulted and abducted. The price for his freedom will mean the betrayal and deception of those who trust Griffon most. But he has no choice: a no-compromise crime czar has made an ultimatum--that his own eighteen-year-old son be hired by Griffon's stables to ride the superstar horse, Archangel, in the Derby. And the young man must be trained to win. Or else....
A reissue of a classic mystery from the champion of English storytellers Malcolm Pembroke never expected to make a million pounds without making enemies. Nor did he expect his latest wife to be brutally murdered. All the clues suggest the killer comes from close to home - but after five marriages and nine children, that still leaves the field wide open. When he finds his own life in danger, Pembroke entrusts his safety to his estranged son, Ian, an amateur jockey; and through him discovers a compulsive new outlet for his financial expertise. Soon he's playing the international bloodstock market for incredible stakes. Not the safest bet for a man on the run from avaricious relatives. Particularly when one of them's got a bomb... About The Author: Dick Francis has written forty-one international bestsellers and is widely acclaimed as one of the world's finest thriller writers. His awards include the Crime Writer's Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the crime genre, and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tufts University of Boston. In 1996 Dick Francis was made a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master for a lifetime's achievement and in 2000 he recieved a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
The Transcontinental Race Train takes owners and their horses from all over the world across Canada to take part in a series of horse races. Tor Kelsey, an investigator for the Jockey Club, is on the train and he is watching Julius Filmer very closely indeed.
Vyprávění vzpomínkového charakteru v podání člověka, který má za sebou zajímavý lidský osud i profese. Vzpomíná na Janu Brejchovou, Terezu Brodskou, na akademiky Buriana a Wichterleho, Miloše Formana, Josefa Jíru, Evalda Schorma, Jiřího Šlitra a Dicka Francise a další, k jejichž jménům nebývá třeba dodávat, o koho jde. Ale taky na lidi širší veřejnosti neznáme od příbuzných až k pacientům z oddělení popálenin. Ve všech objevila nevšednost a neobyčejnost. Jaroslava Moserová se totiž uměla dívat a viděné i nakreslit....
Na smrt se nenávidí Allardekové a Fieldingové, dva rody od nepaměti působící v dostihovém světě. Pro manželství jejich "Romea a Julie" - Boba a Holly, má pochopení jedině Hollyino dvojče, slavný překážkový jezdec Kit Fielding. On jediný pomáhá, když jim na základě zprávy v bulvárním plátku hrozí krach podniku. Vystavuje se tak velkému nebezpečí. Ve jménu pochybené rodinné cti opět hrozí vražda
Po třicítce je Tom Lyon na začátku kariéry úspěšného filmového režiséra. V Newmarketu, srdci dostihového světa, natáčí příběh o smrti mladé manželky jednoho trenéra, k níž došlo před šestadvaceti lety a která se nikdy nevysvětlila. Byla to sebevražda nebo vražda? Ani Tomův scénárista, autor románu inspirovaného stejnou událostí, na to neodpověděl. Filmovým divákům však nelze předhodit neznámé příčiny, tím méně neznámého pachatele, a tak Tom začíná pátrat, jak to tehdy bylo, jací byli smutní hrdinové dávného dramatu – a proč ti žijící nemají zájem na tom, aby se minulost oživila. Ke všemu se na film lepí smůla, při exteriérech dojde k atentátu, v novinách se objeví pomluvy, producenti hrozí zastavit přítok peněz. Tomova práce je v ohrožení. A brzy někdo zaútočí i na jeho život.
Další detektivní příběh z dostihového prostředí, tentokrát však bez Eddieho Malloyho, žokeje a amatérského detektiva. Román je psán z perspektivy profesionálních vyšetřovatelů Bezpečnostní služby Jockey Clubu. Možná se v něm zrodil hrdina nové série. Jmenuje se Frankie Houlihan, býval knězem, ale zamiloval se a vyměnil své poslání za nebezpečné povolání. Setkává se v něm s dopováním, únosy koní, nedovolenými pokusy i s vraždami. Barvitost jeho osudu zřejmě zaujme i ty nedostihové příznivce dobrých detektivek.
Gerard Logan finds that when his jockey friend dies following a fall at the Cheltenham races, he is involved in a desperate search for a stolen video tape which embroils him in more life-threatening hazards than does his work as a widely-acclaimed glass-blower.
Hlavní protagonisté příběhu jsou bratři Derryové. Starší Jonathan je středoškolský profesor fyziky. Je ženatý, bezdětný, miluje střelbu a zbraně. Mladší William chodí do výběrové školy, má rád koně a od mládí touží stát se žokejem. Oba jsou velmi skromní, mírumilovní a mají smysl pro fair play. Až do chvíle , kdy jim náhoda postaví do cesty zločin, žijí jako mnoho jiných lidí. Při svém střetu s bezohledností a násilím majitele herny a jeho syna však musí zmobilizovat síly a riskovat skutečně všechno. Svět počítačů, který jim byl donedávna cizí, se pro ně stává nebezpečím s mnoha tvářemi.
In this collection of short stories the settings range from the national Hunt at Cheltenham, where a middle-aged owner falls in love with her jockey, to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, where the demon drink and wilting willpower take their toll.
Steven Scott may have been a successful, wealthy inventor with no experience in horseracing, but with the inspired guidance of his trainer, Jody Leeds, and the prowess of a beautiful black hurdler named Energise, he has brought home several wins. But his winning streak is about to come to a fast end when he discovers trouble in his own stables—trouble that could bring about his own termination if he doesn’t watch his step…
Flying in the eye of a hurricane, a plane carrying TV reporter Perry Stuart crashes in the Caribbean. In this manner Stuart discovers an island of uranium smugglers, a find which puts his life in danger.
A charge of throwing a race for personal profit leaves jockey Kelly Hughes and trainer Dexter Cranfield barred from racing. When Hughes refuses to take the charge lying down, his personal enquiry may leave him lying down, permanently.
Derek Franklin, injured steeplechase jockey, is coming towards the end of his career when he is thrust into chaos following the accidental death of his brother Greville who was an importer of semi-precious stones. He has to rely on all his stamina and endurance to stay alive.
Anglickému dostihovému sportu hrozí nebezpečí dopingu. Mladý australský farmář a majitel dostihové stáje Daniel Roke se sice domnívá, že jeho osoby ani jeho vlasti se to netýká, ale nabídku, aby zkusil vypátrat, co se vypátrat dá, přijme. Vzdává se poklidného života na rodinné farmě a nastupuje nebezpečnou dráhu soukromého detektiva, aby odhalil neznámou gangsterskou organizaci. Netuší však, jakých zločinů se jeho protivník dokáže dopouštět na koních i na lidech, a jak dlouhé a úmorné pátrání, při kterém musí přežít ponižování a nejednou nasadit i vlastní život, ho vlastně čeká....
Book by Francis, Dick
'"I don't think my stepfather much minded dying. That he almost took me with him wasn't really his fault."' Alexander Kinloch, artist, has worked out a good pattern for his life. His home is a small bothy on a remote mountain in Scotland; he paints on commission, from which he derives both pleasure and a decent income; he lives alone and likes it. One day, however, Alexander's peace is violently shattered when he returns home to find a group of strangers waiting for him. After a scuffle, he is left for dead with only the wind and words "Where is it?" ringing in his ears. And the days that follow contain more danger than he could ever have imagined. Once again Dick Francis proves that for sheer narrative pace and ingenuity of plot he is second to none.
The story explores typical themes of female friendships, failed parties, and the longing for a boy to impress, alongside the complexities of romantic relationships and the emotional turmoil of a boy's serious injury. These elements are set against the backdrop of a family that upholds certain principles embraced by all its members. The narrative also reflects on the social barriers present in contemporary English society, which the younger generation struggles to overcome.
Jonah Dereham, un homme d'affaires prospère dans le domaine des chevaux, refuse de rejoindre un groupe de commerçants qui exigent des commissions élevées des propriétaires pour des ventes avantageuses. Dereham devient la cible d'actes de violence : il perd un cheval qu'il vient d'acheter, un autre cheval précieux disparaît mystérieusement, puis son écurie prend feu, et il échappe de justesse à la mort. Plusieurs amis lui conseillent de se plier à la loi du plus fort, mais Jonah refuse toute suggestion et devient l'ennemi juré du chef de la bande ainsi que de son conseiller mystérieux. Dans un monde où l'intégrité est mise à l'épreuve, Dereham lutte pour défendre ses principes face à une menace grandissante, révélant ainsi les dangers qui guettent ceux qui osent s'opposer à la corruption.
Gene Hawkins takes on the job of locating a missing priceless stud. But he gets more action than he bargained for from a group of horse thieves who want to put Hawkins out to pasture--permanently. Reissue.
Ex-steeplechaser Randall Drew finds himself in pre-Olympic Moscow, reluctantly fulfilling a royal favor. Tasked with addressing safety and scandal concerns surrounding a blue blood athlete, Drew, who speaks no Russian, is meant to locate a contact named Alyosha. Instead, he becomes entangled with the KGB and a terrorist plot, realizing that returning home may not be an option—unless he survives the ordeal. Dick Francis, a champion jockey turned bestselling author, is celebrated for his gripping narratives and meticulous research. His writing captivates readers from the first page to the last, with a brisk pace and engaging plots. Francis, who won over 350 races and was champion jockey in 1953/1954, transitioned to writing after retiring from the saddle. He authored forty-three novels and received numerous accolades, including the Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger and three Edgar Allan Poe awards. In recognition of his contributions to literature, he was named Grand Master for lifetime achievement and elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Francis passed away in February 2010, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.
From "the best writer in the mystery genre" (Larry King) comes the story of a jockey who discovers that his losing streak is caused by something sinister. Reissue.
Convinced that one of his closest friends, a renowned racer, is behind a series of violent acts, Sid Halley faces the most troubling case of his career and becomes the target of backlashing fans and media representatives.
A newly reissued edition of this classic novel from the Champion Storyteller
Andrew Douglas, working as a partner in the firm of Liberty Market Ltd, is used to kidnappers. But he is placed in danger when he becomes involved in the seizing of a victim which embroils the racing world from Italy to England to the United States.
Steeplechase jockey Christmas "Kit" Fielding has had more than his share of close calls both on and off the course. But trouble hits close to home when a grudge between his family and his sister's in-laws turns into a blood feud.
A classic mystery from Dick Francis, the champion of English storytellers. Edward Lincoln has scaled the Himalayas, survived deadly car chases and defeated scores of assassins. As a movie action man he's even suffered stoically at the hands of sadistic directors. After finishing his latest film, he's asked to visit South Africa to discover why a dying friend's horses are suddenly failing on the race track. Unfortunately, Lincoln's attempt to help a friend soon puts him in harm's way. From a nearly fatal interview to a dangerous accident in a gold mine, it seems only luck is keeping him alive. And in life, unlike the big-screen, there's no coming back from dead . . .
"In this chilling novel of vice and vengeance, a man suspects that his best friend was murdered— and joins a manhunt in which he himself is the quarry." --
Valentine, a blind, confused and dying old man, seeking his peace with God, makes his last confession to a visiting friend, Thomas Lyon, mistaking him for a priest. This puts Thomas in a moral dilemma. Wild horses wouldn’t drag from a priest the secrets of the confessional—but then Thomas is not a priest. Thomas is engaged in directing a film concerned with racing when he unexpectedly finds himself facing the old wild-horses dilemma. Should he tell what he knows from the confession—or not. He discovers that the solution to his quandary could mean the difference between life and death. His life. His death. Either way, he is in trouble. Accustomed as he is to making difficult choices and decisions, he needs to call on extreme courage and cunning to sort through the chaos and keep himself alive.
People who ride racehorses love the speed, the excitement, the danger - and winning the race. Philip Nore has been riding for many years and he always wants to win - but sometimes he is told to lose. Why? And what is the mystery about the photographer, George Millace, who has just died in a car crash? Philip Nore knows the answer to the first question, and he wants to find out the answer to the second. But as he begins to learn George Millace's secrets, he realises that his own life is in danger.
Jockey Freddie Croft discovers a high-stakes conspiracy that exposes the seedy underside of horse racing--and faces even deadlier odds of survival than in any steeplechase run.
A surefire computerized betting system draws desperate men who will do anything to gain control of it.
When young investment banker Tim Ekaterin becomes involved in the cutthroat world of thoroughbred racing, he finds his life in business blown to smithereens. For suddenly the multimillion dollar loan he arranges to finance the purchase of a champion racehorse is threatened by an apparent defect in the animal. Then, as Tim desperately searches for answers, he falls headlong into a deadly deal of violence and murder. . . .
Aware of her husband's dalliance with an alluring business associate involved with him in an important real estate deal, Sybil Harlan asks Perry Mason to help her sour the deal and win back her errant spouse
Autentický příběh mladé Američanky, která chtěla s několika přáteli v malém letadle přeletět pohoří Sierra Nevada. Stroj se však nárazem o hradbu skal zřítil a ona jediná zůstala naživu. V této knize líčí svoji strastiplnou cestu zpět k lidem.
Henry Grey is a reserved young man whose greatest problem is his mother's match-making plots and whose greatest joy is to ride as an amateur steeplechase jockey. But on a sudden impulse, he throws in his respectable desk job to join a firm which transports racehorses all over the world.
A classic mystery unfolds as Charles Todd, a successful horse painter, visits his cousin Donald's home, only to discover a shocking scene: police everywhere, Donald arrested for murder, and his wife brutally killed. Unlike the police, Charles believes Donald's account of a burglary gone awry and embarks on a quest for the truth. His investigation takes him from England to Australia, uncovering a sinister plot involving fraud and murder. However, Charles soon realizes that someone is tracking him, determined to ensure he doesn't survive long enough to save Donald. Dick Francis, a champion jockey turned bestselling author, is celebrated for his gripping storytelling. His ability to captivate readers from the very first page is widely praised, with critics noting the brisk narrative and meticulous research that enhance the reading experience. Over his career, Francis wrote forty-three novels, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger and multiple Edgar Allan Poe awards. He was named Grand Master for lifetime achievement and became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Francis passed away in February 2010 at the age of eighty-nine, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest thriller writers in history.
In England to interview a successful racehorse trainer, writer of travel guides and survival expert John Kendall begins digging for the truth and encounters danger. By the author of Straight.
Architect Lee Morris has plans to restore the Stratton Park racecourse to itsformer grandeur. But the combative Stratton heirs have violent plans of theirown. Reissue.
A certified public accountant and amateur steeplechase rider gets his chance to ride a famous horse in a top race and jumps into an obstacle-strewn course of trouble and danger.
With his 30th novel, Dick Francis proves without a doubt that he is one of the superstars among mystery-thriller writers.--Los Angeles Times Book Review. A globe-hopping diplomat comes face to face with a case of fatal corruption in Francis's new thoroughbred thriller.
Break In: When steeplechase jockey Kit Fielding comes to the aid of his twin sister and her husband Bobby Allardeck, death threatens. A vicious newspaper campaign jeopardizes Bobby's career as a racehorse trainer. Combining investigations with riding winners for his patron, Princess Casilia, Kit makes some startling discoveries. But some powerful people think a jockey should mind his own business and are prepared to use violence to make sure he does.... Bolt: Princess Casilia is in trouble. Her invalid husband is being threatened by a business partner andall her best runners are being wantonly destroyed-shot with a bolt. The only person she can turn to is Kit, but he has problems of his own. His fianc Danielle appears to have changed her mind. And the old Fielding-Allerdeck feud has once again violently intensified. Wherever he goes, the champion jockey seems to attract bloodshed....
Horace Rumpole is the lovable, irreverent, claret-swigging, poetry-spouting criminal lawyer immortalized on TV. By the author of "Rumpole and the Golden Thread" and "In Character".
Patnáctiletá Helena vypráví o své rodině, škole, problémech s nadbytečnými centimetry, o životě v basketbalovém oddíle, ze kterého musí ze zdravotních důvodů odejít.
Společné vydání Motiv koní + Risk V prvním příběhu Motiv koní se Charles Todd, malíř portrétů dostihových koní, utká se skupinou padělatelů významných malířských děl s motivem koní. Hrdinou druhého příběhu Risk je účetní a spolumajitel revizní kanceláře Roland Britten, amatérský jezdec, který odhalil finanční a daňové machinace. 27-011-81
Bert Checkov, a racing correspondent, drunkenly confesses to fellow Fleet Street hack James Tyrone that he's been giving his readers bum tips for years. Five minutes later, Checkov's fallen out a seventh floor window. Tyrone has a nose for a story and he's convinced there's more to his friend's death than meets the eye.
