This series follows the journey of a former racing champion whose life takes a turn towards criminal investigation after an injury and a broken marriage. The characters delve into a dark world of fraud and intrigue, where every step could be their last. The protagonist's pursuit of justice leads him to dangerous places where he confronts ruthless adversaries. Readers can expect thrilling stories filled with twists and unexpected revelations.
Ex-champion steeplechase jockey Sid Haley is now a sleuth. As the story opens he has just been shot in the stomach during the course of his duties as a private investigator, working - or rather, idling - in a firm which keeps him employed, thanks tothe old boy network. Convalescing with indecent and painful haste, Sid finds the pace growing steadily hotter as he investigates the cunningly contrived decline of a racecourse, and comes to close and spine-chilling grips with the crooks responsible.
"Challenging....First class." THE BALTIMORE SUN Sid Halley, once a jockey, was now a private invesigator with only one good hand left after a horse fell on the other. His new life, though, could never erase the haunting memories of his past glories. But it was only when the wife of one of England's top trainers came to beg his help in preventing foul play at the race track that Sid Halley began to know what being haunted really was....
Convinced that one of his closest friends, a renowned racer, is behind a series of violent acts, Sid Halley faces the most troubling case of his career and becomes the target of backlashing fans and media representatives.
When Sir Richard Stewart, chair of the horseracing authority, demands ex-investigator Sid Halley examine some suspicious races, he is goven a firm 'no'. Sid retired six years ago - and nothing will make him go back. But he's wrong.
A former top jockey turned detective, Sid Halley navigates the treacherous world of horse racing after a career-ending accident. In "Odds Against," he tackles his first case involving a network of criminals. The sequel, "Whip Hand," sees him investigating the poor performance of racehorses for a trainer's wife, while grappling with his past. In "Come to Grief," Halley's loyalty is tested as he suspects a beloved friend of violent crimes, leading to public backlash and increasing danger. Each installment highlights Halley's resilience and the dark side of the racing industry.
All three Sid Halley novels in one edition, for fans and new readers alike; Odds Against: Champion jockey Sid Halley gave up racing when his hand was smashed. As he soon discovers, life as a private eye could be a lot worse, especially when a ruthless property dealer has plans for Seabury racetrack - plans that set high odds against a novice detective staying alive... 'A plot that goes with the pace of a champion hurdler' Evening Standard Whip Hand: There are two worlds in racing: winning and losing. Sid Halley is on the trail of thugs who aim to win at any price. There's a syndicate of owners with a sideline in violent kidnapping and a bookmaker whose hatred of favourites goes one deathly step too far. Halley must return to winning ways. To lose is to die.. 'Superb...this is Mr Francis's best book. And that's high praise' Sunday Mirror Come To Grief: Sid Halley has uncovered an obnoxious crime committed by a friend. On the first day of the friend's trial, at which Sid is to be as a witness, something happens which leads to days of hard detection and heart-searching torment. Troubled, but courageous, Sid Halley is unwilling to admit defeat... 'Francis is firmly in the saddle, leavi