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Refusal

A Dick Francis Novel

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About this listen

Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He’d been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game. He thought wrong.

Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing...or else.

At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate - and Sid’s own family comes under threat - Sid realises he must meet his enemy head-on...or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.

©2013 Felix Francis (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Detective Exciting

Critic reviews

"This is fascinating reading on every level, from the neatly calibrated plot, moving from suspense to terror, to all the details of the racing world Francis provides. Halley is now, as before, an utterly complex, interest-holding character. And the final, moral turn that Francis makes of “refusal” is brilliant. A heroic return for Sid Halley." ( Booklist)
"Francis successfully resurrects one of his late father’s most popular creations and only series character—disabled jockey–turned–PI Sid Halley... Longtime fans will be hard put to tell this gripping thriller from the senior Francis’s work." ( Publishers Weekly)
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This story was entertaining and exciting. It was not quite as good as an original Dick Francis novel

exciting and entertaining

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It is generally a rather unpleasant story all round. Well read, though some of the characters all sound the same.

Dark and nasty

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Excellent story building up to nail biting finish Looking forward to the follow up. Dick Francis lives on.

Felix is as good as his dad

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Excellent book. It was a gripping story by Felix Francis and very well read by Martin Jarvis.

Much enjoyed the book

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I can't agree with some of the previous reviewers. I felt it was a thoroughly good Sid Haley story. Kept the pace up, well narrated and an exciting build up towards the final scene of the plot.
Maybe the last sentence was predictable and weak but it left no loose ends

Throughly enjoyed

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