"Odds Against" is the first book in the Sid Halley trilogy. Sid Halley is a former jockey who lost the use of his hand when he had an accident during a race and a horse fell on him. He can no longer ride, so his father-in-law has taken him into his business as a private eye. Although Sid has been with the firm for two years, he has done little work but has observed and absorbed a lot. When he takes on the case of what's happening at Seabury racetrack when a shady property dealer appears on the scene, Sid risks life and limb to find out what is going on and to make sure Seabury is safe.
Francis's mysteries don't usually start off with a fast and furious beginning, but the story builds slowly and steadily with characters being introduced along the way. I can usually never figure out who the culprit is because Francis's writing makes it hard to guess. I like his style of writing that is not hurried and his charactersare so convincing they could be real people.
Published 1987.
Francis's mysteries don't usually start off with a fast and furious beginning, but the story builds slowly and steadily with characters being introduced along the way. I can usually never figure out who the culprit is because Francis's writing makes it hard to guess. I like his style of writing that is not hurried and his charactersare so convincing they could be real people.
Published 1987.
Leah G. (LeahG) reviewed Odds Against (Sid Halley, Bk 1) (Audio CD) (Abridged) on + 320 more book reviews
I loved this book. The characters were interesting, the plot was great, there was pretty of suspence and some romance. What more could you ask for? I had a hard time putting it down. I frequently turn to Dick Francis when I want to be sure I'm going to enjoy a book.
Shirley E. (luvantiques) -
I love Dick Francis and this book is one of his best. It is the continuing story of Sid Halley, a top steepleschase jockey severely injured in his last race. Forced to give up racing, his wife has left him and he's despondent, Sid goes to work for a detective agency. For 2 years he's just been putting in his time, but then his boss gives him a seemingly simple case to check out. As with all Francis' books, there's more to the story than first appears. Sid finds himself dealing with sadistic people bent on covering up their evil deeds. The tension builds with each chapter as Sid digs deeper into the case. If you love a good mystery, Dick Francis can't be beat!!
Susan P. (britnavygirl) -
This was an audio book, and honestly, I didn't like the reader. He sounded different than any of the other books, and too monotone, too fast. He sounded like an old fashioned mystery detective movie. And, it was abridged, WAYYYY too abridged. Not good.
