Movie star Edward Link gets caught up in the world of racehorses by way of a favor to a dying friend whose horses are mysteriously becoming exhausted halfway through their races. 2 cassettes.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Smokescreen
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From Library Journal
Smokescreen is a nonstop international thriller that pits dashing movie actor Edward Lincoln against more than big-screen villains. After finishing his latest film, Lincoln is asked to visit Johannesburg to discover why a friend's horses are suddenly doing so badly on the race track. Unfortunately, this attempt to help a friend will soon put Lincoln in harm's way. From a nearly fatal interview to a dangerous mishap in a gold mine, it seems only luck is keeping him alive. But fate has more in store. When the scene in the Kruger wildlife park begins to resemble Lincoln's latest big-screen adventure, even he will wonder what comes next. Ably performed by Geoffrey Howard, this audiobook will be a welcome addition for mystery fans. Recommended for all public libraries.ATheresa Connors, Arkansas Technical Univ., Russellville
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
Edward Lincoln had scaled the Himalayas, survived deadly car chases, defeated scores of assassins. As a film action man he’d even suffered stoically at the hands of sadistic directors.
After finishing his latest film, he’s asked to visit South Africa to discover why a dying friend’s horses are suddenly doing so badly on the race track. Unfortunately, this attempt to help a friend soon puts Lincoln in harm’s way. From a nearly fatal interview to a dangerous mishap in a gold mine, it seems only luck is keeping him alive.
But fate has more in store. When the scene in the Kruger wildlife park begins to resemble Lincoln’s latest big-screen adventure, even he will wonder what comes next...
‘A wonderfully vivid and sinister conclusion in the Kruger National Park’ Sunday Times
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Elsie Wilson
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Francis offers his usual fare: The same protagonist with a new name; a plot of investigation, discovery, physical pain and mental exercises; a supporting cast of believable characters who act in supportable, self-interested, and logical ways. All of which is not to say anything bad; i love to read Francis, and do so when looking for a vicarious thrill and a light read. The protagonist in this one is Edward "Link" Lincoln, an action picture actor ~ the sort who might star in movies made of Francis' books ~ who goes to South Africa for a little off-set investigation. At least, he thinks that's why he's gone there; he's actually gone to be killed. In a post-Apartheid world the picture of South Africa is rather sweet; i would guess Francis had some coöperation from the government in return for his portrayal of the country.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By hrladyship
Format:Audio Cassette
Smokescreen is one of those Dick Francis mysteries that take the reader to a country other than England. In this case, two countries, Spain and South Africa, are the sites of the action. The protagonist, Edward Lincoln, is an actor, in his thirties, and when the story opens, he's starring in a movie being made in Spain: Man in a Car. Talk about foreshadowing. But like most of Francis' heroes, "Linc" has lots of experience with horses. As a young man, he worked in a stable; in his early movie career he was a stuntman, specializing in horses.
Given his early experience, it is only natural that a good friend should ask Linc to go to South Africa and find out why her stable of horses is doing so badly in their races after promising beginnings. His friend, it turns out, is dying. The horses are to go to her nephew in her will. And she doesn't want to leave him the horses if they aren't any good.
Shortly after his arrival in Johannesburg, Linc is nearly injured in an accident. If it weren't for the fact that a female TV reporter was seriously injured, he could believe that the publicist for the movie distributor had staged it. The next accident proves that there's no joking around.
Francis' prose is always clean and direct. His characters are straight forward and believable. In the abridged edition, however, much is lost of the nuances of story that are always so enjoyable. If you like Francis, read or listen to the full version. It will be worth the extra time.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Among the Best of Dick Francis
April 23 2007
By Deborah Chester
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is vintage Francis,a fine example of why Dick Francis' books are so very good. The hero is not a jockey, but an actor. As usual, Francis avoids stereotypes and gives his protagonist some complexity, best shown here in a poignant depiction of family life. Like all Francis protagonists, he's observant, wily, tough, determined, and a guy capable of thinking "outside the box." Technology and politics are dated, of course, but the plot can still hold me gripped from cover to cover, each time I reread it.
There are a handful or so of Francis books that are not set in England. Of those, SMOKESCREEN (set in South Africa) and BLOOD SPORT (in the US) rank among my favorites.
The torture section of this book is absolutely harrowing. You will never forget it.
There are a handful or so of Francis books that are not set in England. Of those, SMOKESCREEN (set in South Africa) and BLOOD SPORT (in the US) rank among my favorites.
The torture section of this book is absolutely harrowing. You will never forget it.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
a GREAT read!
May 22 2006
By T. Fabrizio
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is one of Francis' best books - be prepared to stay up all night! I am a huge Francis fan and have read all of his books, and this definately qualifies among the top three. Hope you enjoy it as much as i did!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dick Francis is always good, but . . .
Feb 16 2004
By hrladyship
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Audio Cassette
Smokescreen is one of those Dick Francis mysteries that take the reader to a country other than England. In this case, two countries, Spain and South Africa, are the sites of the action. The protagonist, Edward Lincoln, is an actor, in his thirties, and when the story opens, he's starring in a movie being made in Spain: Man in a Car. Talk about foreshadowing. But like most of Francis' heroes, "Linc" has lots of experience with horses. As a young man, he worked in a stable; in his early movie career he was a stuntman, specializing in horses.
Given his early experience, it is only natural that a good friend should ask Linc to go to South Africa and find out why her stable of horses is doing so badly in their races after promising beginnings. His friend, it turns out, is dying. The horses are to go to her nephew in her will. And she doesn't want to leave him the horses if they aren't any good.
Shortly after his arrival in Johannesburg, Linc is nearly injured in an accident. If it weren't for the fact that a female TV reporter was seriously injured, he could believe that the publicist for the movie distributor had staged it. The next accident proves that there's no joking around.
Francis' prose is always clean and direct. His characters are straight forward and believable. In the abridged edition, however, much is lost of the nuances of story that are always so enjoyable. If you like Francis, read or listen to the full version. It will be worth the extra time.
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 22 reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
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