ARC Review: Dark Horse by Felix Francis

Dark Horse
Author: Felix Francis
Series: A Dick Francis Novel
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (September 23, 2025)

Description: Sid Halley is brought in to investigate a stalking turned murder case in this thrilling addition to the Dick Francis novels, perfect for fans of Harlan Coben.

Imogen Duffy is an up-and-coming Irish jump jockey making her mark in steeplechase racing. But not all is well in Imogen's life. Jealous of her success, Imogen’s controlling boyfriend Liam is stalking her and when she tries to break it off with him, he turns violent. Fleeing to England, Imogen hopes to leave Liam behind. But Liam vehemently refuses to let her go–until he’s found dead, stabbed with a knife bearing Imogen’s fingerprints.

Imogen’s father, convinced of her innocence, seeks out Sid Halley to ask for his help uncovering the truth and Sid reluctantly agrees to investigate. The case becomes all too personal soon after, when Sid realizes he is being stalked and threatened – is it the killer? With his life and reputation on the line, Sid races to solve the case before someone else ends up dead.

This pulse–pounding addition to the beloved series will enthrall readers, turning pages at a gallop to discover what the truth is–and who to trust.

My Thoughts: Imogen Duffy is an Irish jump jockey just beginning to make her mark on racing. She is also a young woman who has left an abusive boyfriend who isn't taking her defection well. Liam Carson is also a jockey but not a remarkable one. He invaded her parents' home and was beating Imogen when her father arrived home. The police don't seem to be taking her case seriously. Apparently, she wasn't hurt badly enough for filing an assault charge. 

Imogen wins a big race which makes her name known but loses her job with her trainer who happens to be Liam's father and has her reputation ruined by Liam's accusations that she is promiscuous. Luckily, she gets a call from an English trainer who wants her to ride for him. Imogen looks at the move to England as a chance to get away from Liam. 

She is still terrorized but tries to set that aside to build a new life. But Liam follows her to England and continues his stalking and harassment. He even tries to injure her when he is entered into the same race that she is riding in. The Stewards call her in for an inquiry where Liam lies his head off about his conduct in the race. 

Then Liam forces his way into her cottage in England and Imogen is only saved from another beating when a handyman comes to install a security chain on her door. She was in the middle of threatening Liam with a kitchen knife when the handyman arrives. Her new trainer takes her to the police to report Liam's home invasion, but it is Imogen who gets the caution for threatening Liam with a knife. 

She is arrested on way back to Ireland to spend some time with her parents while she is suspended from racing for a couple of days. Liam Carson has been found dead, and she is accused of murdering him by stabbing him with one of her kitchen knives. 

Part 2 has Imogen's father coming to Sid Halley to find out who killed Liam and to prove that his daughter didn't. Sid has long been out of the investigating business, but Imogen's father calls in a debt. Some years earlier he had saved Sid's wife's life.

Sid quicky finds out that all the evidence against Imogen is circumstantial. He also learns that her court appointed lawyers are eager for her to take a plea deal since they aren't at all sure that she is innocent. Sid looks into things and coaches her lawyers on their strategy.

Then things get twisty.

This was an enjoyable mystery. I liked catching up with Sid Halley. I was on the edge of my seat as Imogen was being stalked and terrified by Liam. I did feel that ending came rather quicky after the detailed build-up.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.