Longshot - Dick Francis

This is a really interesting novel from Francis as it doesn't seem to follow the tried and tested formula of his others books and is certainly none the worse for that. Francis always tries to investigate an industry or talent/skill/hobby other than his own and in this book it is survival. Our hero is a travel writer who an expert on how to survive in the wild. His travel company specialise in holidays of an extreme nature, and he tests them all out and writes the guides before they are sold. He is obviously very useful to his hosts in this book as they are lost in a forest, stuck in the snow and escaping from murderers (not necessarily in ...

I thought that this was an excellent book. In my opinion, this book is one of the best that Francis has written, though all are fairly good. I particularly liked the way the lead characters are slightly flawed but you still tend to admire them anyway. John Kendall as the main character in this book is very commanding. When he is seriously injured in a bizarre manner towards the climax of the book, the way Francis describes it is so chilling and accurate that you can picture it with the greatest of ease. I would definitely recommend this book ...

I loved this book. In my opinion, this book and Forfeit are the two best books Francis has written, though all are excellent. I love the way the lead characters are slightly flawed but you love them anyway. John Kendall the main character in this book is so likeable you actually feel his pain. When he is seriously injured in a bizarre manner towards the climax of the book, the way Francis describes it is so chilling and accurate you almost pass out yourself. I hope Mr. Francis brings John Kendall back again in another novel as he has done with such success with a couple of other lead characters. This book is thoroughly recommended with relish. ...