A Review

Hot Money by Dick Francis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of my favourite Dick Francis novels. It has all his trademark touches, the tight writing, excellent characters and dialogue, and a great plot.

Someone is trying to kill Malcolm Pembroke, has already murdered his wife. But Malcolm, the man with the golden touch and millions, five ex-wives, nine children has a stubborn wish to live. The problem is that the police are getting nowhere and Malcolm is scared, so he approaches his estranged son, Ian, the jockey and racehorse trainer for help. And it soon becomes obvious that it is one of the family trying to kill Malcolm.

One of the joys of a Dick Francis is the characters who are 3D, 'real' people and when they speak it is quite clear who is who. Ian is an interesting character as is his father. The rest of the family come alive, warts, problems and all, as Ian investigates. We see the foibles and follies of a group of people who want their father's money - well some of it - right now. And the ending is sad but it is also a reminder of what obsessions can do to people.

The book was published in 1987. It is still relevant and a cracking good read.



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