Francis retired from racing, becoming a journalist and author. A best selling author in fact – over 40 of his novels became international best sellers. But we’re really concerned here with Odds Against, which introduced the character of Sid Halley. Like Francis, a former jump jockey, Halley’s retirement is forced after a racing accident sees his hand crushed – and eventually, it’s amputated. His father-in-law (well, ex father-in-law) suggests he take up detective work. Not keen, he’s invited to his father-in-law’s house for a weekend and … let’s just say things start from there.
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