Twice Shy by Dick Francis [rare books]

Book Summary: 

Twice Shy is a gripping thriller by Dick Francis, first published in 1981. The novel unfolds in two parts, each narrated by one of the Derry brothers, Jonathan and William, who find themselves entangled in a dangerous web involving a stolen horse-racing betting system.The story begins with Jonathan Derry, a physics teacher and skilled marksman, who inadvertently comes into possession of a computer tape containing a foolproof betting system. When his friend Peter Keithly, the creator of the system, is murdered, Jonathan becomes a target for ruthless criminals seeking the valuable tapes. As he navigates threats to his life and his strained marriage, Jonathan must use his intellect and sharpshooting abilities to protect himself and his loved ones .

Fourteen years later, Jonathan's younger brother, William, now a horse trainer in England, becomes embroiled in the aftermath. Angelos, the vengeful antagonist, is released from prison and seeks retribution. William's attempt to resolve the situation by presenting the flawed betting system to Angelos only escalates the danger, leading to a tense and action-packed conclusion .Twice Shy stands out for its dual narrative structure and the interplay between technology and crime. While horse racing provides the backdrop, the novel delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the unforeseen consequences of seemingly innocuous actions.

About the Author: 

Dick Francis (1920–2010) was a British steeplechase jockey and crime writer whose novels center on horse racing in England. After serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, Francis became a full-time jump jockey, winning over 350 races and becoming champion jockey of the British National Hunt. He gained further prominence in 1956 as the jockey to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, riding her horse Devon Loch, which famously fell when close to winning the Grand National.

Following his retirement from racing, Francis transitioned into writing, penning over 40 international bestsellers. His debut novel, Dead Cert (1962), introduced readers to the world of horse racing crime, a theme he would explore in subsequent works. Many of his novels feature protagonists who are drawn into dangerous situations within the racing industry, often highlighting themes of personal integrity and resilience .Francis's writing is characterized by meticulous research and a deep understanding of the racing world, lending authenticity to his thrillers. His works have earned him numerous accolades, including the Edgar Award and the Gold Dagger Award. Even after his passing, his legacy endures through his extensive bibliography and the continued popularity of his novels among crime fiction enthusiasts.