Title: Banker
Author: Dick Francis
First published January 1, 1982
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.1
Overview
Banker by Dick Francis is a thrilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tim Ekaterin has a lot to lose as a banker investing other people’s money.
When he puts £5 million into a champion racing stallion and the resulting foals have birth defects, Tim suspects something is not right at the stables. His suspicions are confirmed when one of the stable hands is murdered.
Now, Tim must risk everything to uncover the truth behind the defects and the murder. Dick Francis’s masterful storytelling will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
Don’t miss out on this suspenseful ride.
About the Author
Dick Francis, a celebrated British author and former jockey, gained fame for his crime novels set in the world of horse racing. He collaborated with his wife Mary on his books until her passing.
In fact, Dick regarded Mary as his co-author, mentioning in “The Dick Francis Companion” that they worked as a team. He even expressed a desire for both their names to appear on the covers of their books.
While Mary’s family referred to him as Richard to avoid confusion with another Dick in the family, he wrote under the name Dick Francis as a nod to their joint efforts.
Editoral Review
Dick Francis’s Banker is a suspenseful novel that explores the world of horse racing, finance, and crime. Published in 1982, the book is a classic example of the mystery genre, which is known for its intricate plot twists, engaging characters, and fast-paced action.
With Banker, Francis has cemented his reputation as one of the best mystery writers of his generation, and the book still enjoys a popular following today. The plot of Banker revolves around a young banker named Tim Ekaterin, who is drawn into the world of horse racing by his boss, the mysterious Mr. Benckendorff.
As Tim becomes more involved in the world of horse racing, he uncovers a web of deceit, fraud, and blackmail that threatens to unravel the entire industry. Along the way, he forms alliances with various characters, both honest and corrupt, who help him navigate the dangerous waters of the racing world.
The book is set in England, and it is clear that Francis draws on his own experiences as a jockey to provide a rich, detailed backdrop for the story. The racing scenes are expertly crafted, and readers will find themselves swept up in the excitement of the track.
This is a book that will appeal to fans of horse racing, crime fiction, and thrillers, but it also has broader appeal, with themes that resonate with readers today. One of the strengths of Banker is the character development.
Tim is a sympathetic protagonist, and readers will root for him as he navigates the treacherous world of racing. He is joined by a cast of memorable characters, including the cunning Mr. Benckendorff, the sultry racing groom Kjell, and the noble trainer Ede.
Each character is fleshed out with care, and readers will find themselves drawn into their stories. The pacing of the book is also excellent.
The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, with each twist and turn adding to the suspense. Francis keeps readers on their toes, never allowing them to get too comfortable.
The plot structure is complex but satisfying, with all loose ends tied up neatly by the end of the book. One of the weaknesses of Banker is the writing style, which can be a bit heavy-handed at times.
Francis is not known for his poetic prose, but he does have a knack for vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing. However, some readers may find the dialogue a bit stilted, and the pacing can be uneven in places.
Overall, Banker is a gripping, suspenseful mystery that will satisfy fans of the genre. The book is a classic example of Dick Francis’s skills as a storyteller, and it still holds up today as a thrilling, engaging read.
Highly recommended for fans of horse racing, crime fiction, and thrillers. Rating: 4/5
