Francis was prolific, writing about 40 mystery novels set in the world of horse-racing, usually, as in this case, in first person, and only six of the novels featured recurring characters. Part of why Francis' novels wear well is that instead of having some amateur stumble into murder after murder a la Marple or Fletcher, instead the novels feature different characters involved in disperate aspects of racing--not just jockeys but breeders, transporters, grooms, reporters, bloodstock agents, trainers, etc.
Francis was himself a champion jockey (one of the owners he raced for was the Queen Mum) and horse racing newspaper correspondent, so he knew the world in which he sets his novels intimately. This novel centers on ex-jockey Freddie Croft, who owns a racing horse transport business. I loved how Francis details Croft's world. It's rare in fiction I get a feeling for what it's like to own a business or get a glimpse of an industry such as horse racing.
There's also something engaging about Croft and the voice Francis creates for him. I enjoyed this greatly; it was a pleasure to read.
