Under Orders

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time
'The classic Francis mix of excitement, danger and unexpected twists' 5***** Reader Review
'Keeps you engrossed to the end. A must read for any thriller reader' 5***** Reader Review
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Sadly, death at the races is not uncommon. However, three in a single afternoon was sufficiently unusual to raise more than an eyebrow.
It's the third death on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day that really troubles super-sleuth Sid Halley - when jockey Huw Walker reaches the finish line with three .38 rounds in his chest. The same jockey who, only a few hours earlier, had won the coveted Triumph Hurdle.
Just moments before the gruesome discovery, Halley had been called upon by Lord Enstone to make discrete enquiries into why his horses appeared to be on a permanent losing streak.
Are races being fixed? Are bookies taking a cut? And if so, are trainers and jockeys playing a dangerous game with stakes far higher than they realise?
Halley's quest for answers draws him ever deeper into the darker side of the race game, in a life-or-death power play that will push him to his very limits . . .
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Under Orders is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis.
Praise for Dick Francis:
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard
'Still the master' Racing Post