Straight

By Dick Francis

Book Overview

In this mystery from New York Times bestselling author Dick Francis, a jockey becomes the sole inheritor of his late brother's business, horse, mistress, and enemies. Steeplechase jockey Derek... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399134700
• ISBN13: 9780399134708
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 323 Pages
• Weight: 1.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.3" x 0.9" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Another gem from Francis

A reader knows what they are getting with a Dick Francis book. The mystery will be well plotted, the hero (usually a jockey or former jockey) will bravely face whatever trials that face him overcoming his troubled past and/or secret sorrow and the action will center around the some part of the racing world. Every once in awhile though a surprise pops up, this time the jockey is thrust into the totally alien world of gems. Jockey Derek Franklin has been sidelined by a broken ankle, shortly after his brother Grenville is murdered. As Derek tries to settle the estate he finds himself drawn more and more into his brother's world of finance, gems and quirky little gadgets. Gradually he begins to sort out the mysteries surrounding Grenville's life and death but soon discovers that there are others who are determined to keep him from the answers. In the end, of course all is revealed. This is a well plotted and clever mystery. The clues are all there for the reader to follow. The characters are well written, and draw the reader into the story.

Absolutely wonderful

This is my favorite Dick Francis novel, given to me by a good friend who also loves Francis. It is a book that sticks with me always. Wonderful story, action when you need it (which is a hallmark of Franics novels) but not overshadowing the relationships in this story. The hero is put in a situation where he has to feel his way along and learn his brother's business and life while simultaneously dealing with the loss of his brother and an emptiness in his life. I found it very moving. It is one of the few books that I have read where I have wondered what happens to the characters afterwords--as if they are real people. (Actually, Dick Francis is one of the few authors who has that effect on me. I also have that reaction to the three novels about Sid Halley.) I strongly recommend this book, even to those who are not primarily mystery readers.

To Walk in My Brother's Shoes . . . .

Straight builds on a very neat piece of psychology. Derek Franklin, injured steeplechase jockey, unexpectedly has to carry on for his much older brother (18 years to be exact) after the brother dies from an accident. I am sure we all have wondered what it would be like to be one of our siblings. The experience for Derek is very literal. Derek's brother is in the diamond trade, and a fortune in diamonds are missing. That sounds like the source of the mystery, but that is actually launched by getting mugged in the parking lot after leaving his brother's bed in the hospital as the beginning of a nonstop tale of intrigue. In the course of unraveling the mystery and fighting for his life, Derek also learns a lot about his brother . . . and himself. This is a great novel for anyone who likes to think about "what if?".The only quibble some will have is that this book has relatively little about horse raising in it, compared to the other Dick Francis novels. Be open minded though, for the change is good for you, the reader.Get Straight to it!

Touched me

What I especially loved about this book was the portrayal of Derek's discovery of all that he lost once he found out what type of man his brother was. It was a more reflective book, more emotional than many of the other "stiff upper lip" books by Francis. As a psychologist, I was drawn to this aspect Straight. My favorite Dick Francis book yet.

Great vintage Francis

It is almost impossible to stop reading this book once you start. The characters come to life in the movie-screen of the mind and, like a movie, keeps you enthralled. As Derek comes to grips with his brothers' death and tries to keep the gem business that he just inherited afloat, he has to deal with many unfamiliar situations. Like trying to find out where the missing diamonds are located, why is someone out to get him and what really happened to his brother. This is one of my favorite Dick Francis novels and one I would highly recommend to any mystery reader, or for that matter, someone that just wants to read an excellent book.