Kit Fielding has worked hard to make a name for himself in the racing circuits. He comes from a long line of horse trainers and is a jockey for some of the best trainers and owners in England. So when his twin sister and her husband fall on hard times, Kit is quick to offer help. Little did he know the trouble he would be stepping into. Will his career and life be put in danger, or will Kit be able to save them all?
Break In is the first book in the Kit Fielding series from Dick Francis, a retied jockey and prolific author. His personal accomplishments on the track included winning multiple races for owners including The Queen Mother. Off the track, his accomplishments included multiple Crime Writer’s Association awards and being named a Royal Society of Literature fellow. While this particular book didn’t win any awards, you can tell the author is in his element – the behind-the-scenes details of the racing world connected with glimpses of being on the royal sidelines were ripped straight from Fielding’s life. Entertaining and suspenseful, this book is the perfect cozy mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat and coming back for more!
I give Break In 4 out of 5 stars. This was the first time I’d read anything from Francis, but it won’t be the last – I really liked this book! With a straight 4.0 rating, scoring 4’s in every category, I can tell you that I think Francis had room to improve his craft, but that he was already well on his way. He was mid-way in his career with this book, releasing it in 1985. There were some plot points that felt forced, but I loved the way Francis wove in not only the multiple aspects of a jockey’s life, but also the multiple aspects of horse racing, including American racing, too. I also like the respectful nature Francis takes with the romantic storyline of this book, too.
With themes of gambling, physical assault, and corporate takeovers, this book may not be the best book for all readers. I would direct this book to more mature audiences over 16. I would also recommend this to readers who have enjoyed authors like Agatha Christie and Richard Laws and to book clubs that focus on cozy mysteries.
I chose Break In for the Read With Lindsey Reading Challenge prompt “about a horse”. This prompt is in honor of the Kentucky Derby this weekend and a book this focused on racing makes a great read for the prompt! Not interested in racing? There are so many other great books about horses that don’t involve racing! What are you reading this week?
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Forget Me Not, Stacy Willingham
- Current audio book: Born in Death, JD Robb
- Book I’m most looking forward to: I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy
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