Product Description

When amateur jockey and pilot Lord Henry Grey launches himself into a career in the bloodstock market, he finds more danger and excitement than he'd ever anticipated. Henry immediately takes to his glittering new world and, when he meets the glamorous Gabriella in Italy, is sure he's hit the good life. That is, until a horse mysteriously dies in transit and a colleague vanishes. Then Grey discovers that both his predecessors went missing in mysterious circumstances and begins to doubt the wisdom of his career change. Either he has to turn detective or his own disappearance could be next ...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6030920 in Books
• Published on: 1979-06
• Format: Large Print
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 444 pages

Review
The best writer in the mystery genre. -- Larry King, USA Today

Review
The best writer in the mystery genre. (Larry King, USA Today)

From the Inside Flap
Henry Grey was considered hard to get along with. But he knew a change of job was all he needed. No more part-time office work/amateur jockey races for him. So he took a new job, air- transporting racehorses to change his luck and see the world. But he saw something quite unexpected in the cargo hold....
"The best thriller writer going."
ATLANTIC MONTHLY

Customer Reviews

A good early Francis novel
This is a novel about another of Francis' lonely heros, caught between social classes and fairly mysterious to most of those who know him. This one ends up having a fairly riveting story, with genuinely unpleasant villains. as with most of Francis' heros, he is deceptively stubborn and survives hideous experiences to bring things to a safe conclusion. This one, however, leaves some loos ends hanging. We are lefft wondering what will happen to his Italian girlfriend (characteristically, for this hero, they are instantly in love but can't speak the same language, so there is a distance between them, as there is with the rest of the hero's family and acquaintances) and what choices he will make about the rest of his life.

Sky High Stakes
Dick Frances never writes the same story twice though he does use a winner take all formula. Henry Grey is the heir to an Earldom and to escape a deadly path ordained by his existence he takes a job flying an airplane that transports horses.
The planes are as elderly as his father and poorly maintained, but when he discovers the true nature of his flights he fights back with all the fearlessness of honor betrayed.
His efforts are hampered by a sadistic goon who uses cruelty to hid his hatred of the different.
The main story takes place high in the sky with "George" flying the plane as Henry fights for his life, the Italian girl he has learned to love and the horses in his care.
A good read from an author who has given us many mysteries of unfailing suspense.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

Never give in!
Excuse my poor English, I am the Ukrainian. I was overjoyed to read this book. The main lesson that man have to learn is how to resist to the deadline and what is the vigour exactly.