Dick Francis Reading Group discussion

I was prepared not to like this first effort by Felix on his own, but I was pleasantly surprised. Felix has written an exciting mystery which is very reminiscent of those written by his father. The plot, the action, and, most of all, the portrayal of the protagonist, are very close to many books by Dick Francis. I think Felix has come of age and I will be reading more of his mysteries when they come out.

I agree. I thought this was terrific, and hope there are more in the pipeline.

I'm glad to hear your reviews. I just recently reread Under Orders, the first Dick/Felix book, and I was so discouraged by its low quality that I was feeling doubtful about Gamble. I'll be very pleased if it does turn out to be good!

I've slogged through the Felix Francis efforts but honestly they just aren't as good as Francis pere (or should that really be mere). My problem isn't so much with the plot as it is with the language--the vocabulary, the sentence structure, the diction.

I agree -- they are all right, and better when you keep that Dick-Francis-feeling in the back of your mind -- but then the comparison between the two is disheartening. Not to say that I won't keep reading them, cuz I will -- such is my fandom.

Elizabeth, agreed! Because 'such is my fandom.'

Actually, I think it is time for Felix to cut the apron strings and strike out on his own. It is time to close the Dick Francis canon and find his own voice and his own niche.

Our problem, as lovers of Dick Francis, is that we continually compare Felix to his father. Give the guy a break. He will never equal Dick Francis and shouldn't have to. Enjoy the fact that, after Dick Francis is gone, someone is writing novels with the horse-racing theme and they are entertaining. After all, isn't that why we read novels?

I agree!

Clark wrote: "Our problem, as lovers of Dick Francis, is that we continually compare Felix to his father. Give the guy a break. He will never equal Dick Francis and shouldn't have to. Enjoy the fact that, aft..."


If he continues to stick his father's name on his books and trades on his father's name and reputation, then he opens himself up for comparison and criticism.

Clark is right. No one else will ever be able to write like Dick Francis. It's not possible. Each writer brings their own life experiences and skills and sensibilities to the table. The publisher will put Dick's name on the jacket for as long as they can because they know his name sells books.

Here's to finding more great reads.
Kit
horse fiction: www.kitehrman.com