Dick Francis was a British steeplechase jockey in the 1950's who turned to penning over 40 horse themed mysteries as a second career, the first being Dead Cert in 1962. The last four novels before his death in 2010 were co-authored by his son Felix, who has carried on the theme - published as A Dick Francis Novel, I am guessing for brand recognition as they do with Robert Ludlum or VC Andrews. There is no need, as Felix has written a further 11 novels that stand on their own merit.
Guilty Not Guilty works the enjoyable premise - "the man accused" - adding an eye popping twist of culprit. The Honourable William Herbert Millgate Gordon Russell (Bill) is approached as he volunteers as a honorary steward at the local racetrack by Oxfordshire police constables - his beloved wife has been found strangled to death on the kitchen floor of their home. Horribly shaken, Bill states a solid alibi when it happened, and the only person who Amelia hated was her ne'er-do-well brother Joe. The brother says the only killer could be Bill.
The nightmare begins as investigators collect evidence, piece by piece seeming to point directly to Bill. But what could he gain? Amelia had a history of mental illness, hospitalized several times, and had said openly she wished she were dead, therefore her insurance policy had a no-pay-out clause. Bill is fired from work, and his house defaced, as his family turns away from him blackening the family name.
He is arrested for murder and a court case begins where her mother and brother lay accusations, every fight and cross word inflated.
Joe states Amelia called him that night, and when he arrived she was dead, but she would never invite a brother she hated. Joe had turned her mother against her, and was after the family millions - now Amelia is gone he will inherit all.
Desperate, Bill starts his own investigation showing Joe's abuse of Amelia, and her email responses "Joseph, I hate you, I hate you..."
In a war of evidence and accusation, will the judge find guilt in Bill, or Joe?
Who really killed Amelia?
This features a lot of English legality, but remains fresh. If you are a horse or racing fan, this is a court case novel, with a far off equine sideline of no consequence. Bill has a tough time navigating the case to prove his innocence, especially when (to us) the brother looks so guilty, and the case lacks so much evidence. I thought this was very well balanced and intriguing. It was my first Francis novel and I would read another - I certainly never suspected the twist at the end! Always the sign of a good read.
Again, there is no need to keep stating this is A Dick Francis Novel on the cover.
Felix Francis is sufficient.
2019 / Tradeback / 407 pages
تعليقات