I’ve been enjoying the Dick Francis books for years so was excited to read this one by Felix Francis. I really enjoyed it, I love the Sid Halley series, it’s a great mix of horses, racing and investigating. The story was interesting and engaging, it caught my interest right out of the gate. I highly recommend this book, also the whole back catalogue which is excellent. Great story, would definitely purchase for a friend.

This was an unputdownable read for me. I couldn't stop reading the first section about the jockey and the highs and lows she experienced. Then switching to our old friend Sid Halley as he got back into investigation one more time.

Felix Francis is a great writer and he explains things about jump racing and the British justice system which helped the reader understand. And a great surprise ending. Fully loved this book and I want to look for more of this author's books that I might have missed.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

As a long-time fan of Dick Francis, I am thrilled his legacy remains in such capable hands, frankly, once I picked up Dark Horse, I couldn't put it down, it was my favorite book yet in the Francis legacy.

🐎 Felix Francis returns to the racetrack with Dark Horse, a gripping 2025 thriller that gallops through danger, obsession, and resilience. This latest installment in the Sid Halley series blends the pulse of steeplechase racing with the menace of psychological suspense, delivering a story that’s as emotionally charged as it is action-packed.

Imogen Duffy, a rising Irish jockey, bursts onto the scene with a win at the Cheltenham Steeple chasing Festival. But her triumph is shadowed by a former violent, possessive boyfriend—also a jockey—whose jealousy spirals into stalking and assault. Fleeing to England, Imogen seeks refuge and a fresh start, only to find her tormentor has followed her across the sea. When he turns up dead, and the evidence points to Imogen, her father enlists Sid Halley to uncover the truth. What begins as a case of protection quickly entangles Sid in a web of threats, deception, and personal peril.

🎯 - Character Depth: Imogen is a standout protagonist—vulnerable yet fiercely determined. Her emotional arc is compelling, and her struggle for autonomy resonates deeply.

- Sid Halley’s Return: Francis continues to evolve Sid with nuance, balancing his investigative prowess with personal vulnerability.

- Pacing & Suspense: The narrative unfolds with taut momentum. Francis knows how to build tension without sacrificing clarity.

- Atmosphere: The racing world is vividly rendered, from the adrenaline of the track to the quiet menace lurking behind stable doors.

🧩 Themes

- Power and Control: The novel explores the psychological toll of abuse and the fight to reclaim agency.

- Justice vs. Reputation: Sid’s investigation raises questions about truth, perception, and the cost of uncovering secrets.

- Resilience: Imogen and Sid must confront their pasts to protect their futures.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Dark Horse is a mystery as well as a character-driven thriller that tackles real-world trauma with empathy and grit. Francis proves once again that the legacy of Dick Francis is in capable hands, crafting a tale that's thrilling and emotionally resonant.