Hot Money (A Dick Francis Novel)

Amateur Jockey Ian Pembroke starts protecting his super-rich, and partly estranged, father as it appears that somebody is trying to kill him; almost all of his ex-wives and their children seem to have sufficient motive and insufficient alibis.It’s a cross between a family drama and a thriller and as usual, it’s written with ease and style. DF’s heroes tend to be a bit too saint-like sometimes; no matter how badly they are treated, they always try to see the other one’s point of view, they never swear, they feel never vindictive of hateful, even if by human standards they got every reason to. Aside from that, the family feuds (a theme found often in DF novels) are well described. The plot is o.k. too, although the ending lacks the suspense of the top DF books. All in all, a reasonably enjoyable read. 3,5 stars.

I have been a fan of Dick Francis for many years. I thought I had read all of his books but obviously I had missed this one. I am glad I found it, it is worth the read. The story is gripping and keeps the readers’ interest. I don’t give away spoilers, so if you want them go elsewhere. My descriptions are that the characters were well defined, the storyline went along in reasonable time and the story itself was not so far fetched it was unbelievable. Definitely put it on your list.

Dick Francis was especially good at father-son sagas. I really enjoyed this one.Malcolm Pembroke is the father, a man who's become immensely wealthy buying and selling gold. Lucky in everything but wives, Malcolm has been married five times and produced nine children. When the story opens, wife number five (Moira) has just been murdered in her geranium patch.The son who narrates the story is Ian Pembroke, thirty-three-year-old amateur jockey. He's a typical likeable Francis hero: resourceful, loyal, cool in a crisis, quietly compassionate.Members of the weirdly extended Pembroke family have been provided with trust funds and alimony, yet they're simmering with decades-old resentments and obsessed with their anticipated inheritances. All are unhappy, except for Ian.It falls to Ian to figure out who killed Moira - and to keep his father alive. Someone's trying to kill Malcolm too, perhaps because he's been spending money wildly in defiance of his greedy family.The plot encompasses lots of warped family dynamics, charming exchanges between Malcolm and Ian, escapist travels (to foil the killer) and exciting scenes at racetracks around the world.For readers who have trouble dealing with a plethora of characters, there's a list of all the Pembrokes and their relationships in the front of the book. But I found the story so skillfully written that I never had to consult it.I cheerfully recommend Hot Money, along with every other Dick Francis novel. (Cheerfully because his books always leave me feeling good.)

The fourth book that I have now read of his. So far, this is my favorite. Like two of the other ones, I immediately got into it after a couple of pages.His characters are very likable and a bit funny. You never know how it is going to end. The other one I especially like was “Straight,” but I gave up on “The Edge” after 109 pages.

For whatever reason this novel has gone out of print. One can hope that the publisher will reprint. The main character, Malcomb Pembroke, has a knack for making money, particularly in investments in gold, and has become very wealthy (by 1987 standards, when the novel was written). The problem is the fact that he doesn't get along with his ex-wives and children. He won't increase allowances set when he was merely rich rather than filthy rich. His first three ex-wives and their seven children seem to hover about like greedy vultures waiting for him to die so they can inherit the estate. This is compounded by sibling rivalries, ex-wives poisoning their childrens' minds, and various mental attitudes. The children are furious when Malcomb starts donating money to charities and spending millions on racehorses.The novel is an interesting whodunit as first Malcomb's fifth wife is murdered, and then attempts are made on his life. There are many people with motives, mainly in the family. His son Ian, the only child he trusts, helps unravel the mystery. The story illustrates how money can corrupt a family. While the reader can make some guesses, the ending is not obvious.

This is one of the best if not THE best whodunit Dick Francis ever wrote. There are seven children (all grown), their spouses and three ex-wives any one of whom could be the murderer of their dad's most current wife. Ian, one of his sons must get to knowis half brothers and sisters to find out whodunit. What is remarkable is that the reader really has no problem keeping track ofall these people. They each have very distinctive personalities and . . . problems. A great read.

Francis’ character development and compassionate look at family relationships makes this tense mystery a satisfying page-turner. It is Seamless and believable.

This was one of Dick Francis’ best books. Well drawn characters and a satisfying ending. As a horse person I enjoyed that part of the story.

Dick does it again, a romping good read, one for a damp day or a beach day. This time we're taken into the world of the super rich in the company of a fabulously dysfunctional family entwined with jealousy, desperation and mental instability, while the trill of the race isn't ignored it is left to quietly rumble in the background, a constant tread laced with our hero the jockey and his father's new found passion for the hoof. The book it is behind the time technically, a mobile phone would have made life a great detail easier for the main character's but for those of us who remember those times a trip down memory lane and for those too young for that knowledge an insight in to resent history, regardless the story is unaffected by being of its time. Go ahead treat yourself.

Gripping couldn’t put it down. Even learnt a lot about racing and as a result was able to answer some quiz questionsHighly recommended

Gripping to the e😀nd i couldn't put it down. I have read nearly all notebooks but this is one of the best.

This is one of my favourite Francis novels The story zips along at a fast pace with lots of characters coming in to play definitely recommend

Interested in horse/racing but like a mystery? this is the book for you. Murder within a fractured family. who did it? All the family have equal opportunity and motive the hero must make sure who really did it if the family is to have any chance of enjoying their wealth. Some fascinating psychological profiling is needed. As in all Dick Francis Books there is a semi-hidden reference to a specific place character or horse in the racing world. Can you find it though? This one is fairly easy Enjoy