by Dick Francis
First published 1980
Sid Halley lost his hand in a racing accident, but he kept his sharp eye for trouble. The former jockey now works as a private detective, and three cases land on his desk at once. Thoroughbred trainer George Casper hires him to investigate why his winning horses suddenly fail on race day. Someone is doping the animals, but proving it means stepping on dangerous toes. Meanwhile, Sid's ex-wife Jenny faces prison time after a conman used her name for a fake charity scheme. The Jockey Club adds a third problem by asking Sid to probe powerful racing syndicates operating outside the law. Each investigation draws threats from people who want Sid to back off. When someone promises to remove his remaining good hand, Sid realizes all three cases connect in ways that could destroy him. He must choose between his safety and the truth about corruption in the sport he loves.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: corruption, investigation, mystery
Hardcover · Ulverscroft