Hot Money

HOT MONEY is one of the best of Dick Francis's novels. Five ex-wives, nine children, their spouses, and assorted grand-children make gold-trader Malcolm Pembroke the perfect candidate for murder. His son, Ian Pembroke has made his way in the world of horses and broke with his father when he married the gold-digger Moria. But Moria ends up face down in potting soil and Malcolm is attacked in his own backyard. Malcom's pride doesn't prevent him from asking his son for help when he enters the Newmarket sales as a potential buyer and Ian sticks around to keep his father alive. Each character is so finely drawn and vividly presented they step off the page and into your life. Read, read and enjoy. Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

ISBN 0449212408 - What is "hot money"? According to page 374: "The bets made by people in the know. People with inside information." Inside information is the key to riddle of who is trying to kill Malcolm Pembroke - and why. The trouble is, the list of suspects includes the three wives of Malcolm's that are still alive and their offspring. And the spouses of the offspring. Pretty much anyone who could hope to inherit if the old man would just die, already. There has been one attempt on his life when he contacts his estranged son, Ian, to ask him to help figure out who is trying to kill him - preferably before they succeed. I found that, even almost 20 years after the book was published, some sentences sounded like they could have been written yesterday. "Since terrorism became a part of life, most sorts of explosives are highly regulated." comes to mind. Buy it, read it, be glad the Pembrokes aren't YOUR family. - AnnaLovesBooks

I don't know why, but this one seemed to have it all. I just couldn't put it down. Suspense, intrigue, mystery, romance... The other reviews are correct. Anything by Dick Francis is good. But I give this one an especially strong recommendation.

For whatever reason this novel has gone out of print. One can hope that the publisher will reprint. The main character, Malcomb Pembroke, has a knack for making money, particularly in investments in gold, and has become very wealthy (by 1987 standards, when the novel was written). The problem is the fact that he doesn't get along with his ex-wives and children. He won't increase allowances set when he was merely rich rather than filthy rich. His first three ex-wives and their seven children seem to hover about like greedy vultures waiting for him to die so they can inherit the estate. This is compounded by sibling rivalries, ex-wives poisoning their childrens' minds, and various mental attitudes. The children are furious when Malcomb starts donating money to charities and spending millions on racehorses.The novel is an interesting whodunit as first Malcomb's fifth wife is murdered, and then attempts are made on his life. There are many people with motives, mainly in the family. His son Ian, the only child he trusts, helps unravel the mystery. The story illustrates how money can corrupt a family. While the reader can make some guesses, the ending is not obvious.

I have always been a fan of Dick Francis and when I read "Hot Money" I was completely enthralled. The story unfolds so smoothly, and the suspense of figuring out the villian completely catches the reader. I could divulge the secret behind this mystery, but then any one who hasn't read this book would be deprived of a fantastic experience.My copy is falling-apart; I have read and reread it so many times. If you are looking for a book for a die-hard mystery enthusiast, this is the one!