Hands Down by Felix Francis

HANDS DOWN by Felix Francis is another mystery story set in the world of British horse racing and featuring the character, Sid Halley, who was first introduced in Odds Against by Dick Francis. He subsequently wrote several books about Sid Halley, including the award winning Whip Hand. And his son, Felix, eventually reprised the character in Refusal. Halley is a former jockey with numerous contacts in the racing world. In the latest mystery, he returns to sleuthing when another former jockey turned trainer is found dead. Halley suspects murder and makes multiple trips to racecourses and stables to investigate motive and opportunity. Along the way, he uncovers an extortion and blackmail scheme that appears to be impacting race outcomes. There’s a delicate balance with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the betting public, and future racing careers of young jockeys who idolized Sid Halley’s championship form. In addition, Sid is struggling in his personal life as his second wife, Marina, takes their 9 year old daughter to The Netherlands. He is also adjusting to life with two hands, having been given a transplant just a few years ago. There is plenty of suspense and danger as well as a real sense of community. Readers will warmly welcome the return of Sid Halley and Francis’ writing style which artfully weaves in details about British history, horseracing, and even the COVID pandemic. HANDS DOWN received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.