Twice Shy

Two brothers, one a teacher, the other a horseman, dealing with a computer program for handicapping races. Like all of his books, this one is character driven.
Could have more horses in it.

Interesting one that I read to start with, revolving around a computer prediction program. Little did I know at the time about what reading about computer programs to predict horse racing would lead to. Definitely a good yarn, this one, certainly would recommend it to others that like this sort of story.

I have read all his novels, some more than twice... I enjoy hanging out with the author. The two story lines are just a bit distracting in this novel... but if you put the book down for a day between brothers, it is no big matter. And the villian is pretty scary!! shudder

Gotta agree with the other reviewer's comment about mixing 14 year gaps in stories with plots centering about computers. I actually program these silly things for a living, and listening to this book in 2001 was interesting purely from this historical computer languages angle. However, I found myself distracted througout wondering if it was the initial story about Jonathan that was intended to take place in '81 or the second story 14 years later. I don't think I buy it either way: programs don't last 14 years.
My verdict: centering the plot on a computer program? Good.
Breaking the story into two, changing narrators, and setting the 2nd half 14 years later? Good.
Both? Not so good.
Try Whip Hand or In The Frame instead.

Dick Francis is one of the finest mystery/thriller writers going. This book, one of the first mysteries I ever read, hooked me to Francis's saddle during my teens. I've enjoyed the ride ever since.