Decider

Free choice? According to architect, engineer, and jobbing builder Lee Morris, there's no such thing. Choice is preordained by personality, of that the young entrepreneur is sure. Than he becomes involved with Stratton Park racecourse, which faces ruin at the hands of the combative clan that wholly owns it. Connected with but not related to any of the family's warring factions, he nonetheless is drawn into the fray - reluctant, yet attracted by compulsions he does not fully comprehend.

But when the infighting turns violent, Lee finds he is a major player in a supremely dangerous fame. With multi-millions on the line and menace edging closer, he wrestles with the most critical decision of his life. One path leads to safety, the other to disaster, even death. Which is which? And does he really have a choice at all?

Utterly gripping and deeply thoughtful, Dick Francis's Decider is in every way a thoroughbred.

Kristi's Thoughts:

Before telling you what I thought of this book, I thought I would share the story of how I got it. There was a book signing in McLean, VA, during Parent's Weekend at my university. Of course, I had already planned for my parents to bring me out there. We went, and got in line. For about three hours. It wasn't too bad, because my dad and I would take turns standing in line. After the long wait, it was finally my turn. And I was so nervous (btw, I was 19), all I could say was "hi". A very meek hi, I might add. I was lucky enough to get a photo (my brother brought his camera - it's on the first page), and his wife is a sweetie. She's the one who suggested I get behind the table for the picture. This signed book is one of my most treasured possessions.

Now, about the book itself. It reminded me slightly of Hot Money, in the way it dealt with a large cast of family members. Dick Francis truly shines when fleshing out characters, especially when there are so many characters to give life to in this book.