Never one to disappoint, Francis couples equine mystery and white collar fraud in the Banker. The story spans three years. Timothy Ekaterin is a banker at the Paul Ekaterin Merchant Bank Ltd, great grandson of the founder. He is met with the ludicrous sight of his sensible boss Gordon Michael, ‘one of the steadiest banking brains in London’ - standing in his pinstripe suit (what's wrong with that?) - in a fountain in the forecourt. As he helps the delirious man out of the watery abode, Gordon keeps mumbling something about the people with white faces who need to be standing alongside him in the fountain. A bewildered Tim drives him home, where his wife Judith discloses the fact that Gordon is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.
And so begins Tim’s sojourn with decision making and risk taking on behalf of his indisposed boss. He starts by approving the loan for five million pounds for the purchase of a thoroughbred champion called Sandcastle. The bank is in trouble and he must ensure that the reputation the family has built over generations is not at stake, despite the risks stacked up against him, in this case, the prospect of profits is equally high. He consults with top breeders who vouch for Sandcastle’s champion genes.
Trouble begins when the horse, which is put out to stud, fathers foals that are malformed. On the personal front, he feels a growing camaraderie with the horse’s owner - Oliver Knowles and his daughter, Ginnie. His investigation leads him into the world of genetic altering drugs and subterfuge. Also, Oliver stands to lose everything as the value of his investment in Sandcastle plummets. An equally devious subplot is taking form as a serial murderer and rapist is on the rampage, and his victims are young women from neighboring stud farms. The horse’s owner’s daughter is found murdered, her mangled remains dumped by the fence, a bottle of dog shampoo found on her person.
Although the plot develops over three years, Francis is able to make the journey smooth for the reader, and one does not feel the weight of the years. Timothy is the quintessential Francis hero - dependable and principled, gifted with great presence of mind. There is also the undercurrent of Tim’s feelings for Judith, his boss’s wife, who is also strongly attracted to him, but the two never once cross the line and make advances towards one another. The highlight of the story is also Francis’s treatment of women characters in the novel - they are strong, lovable, with shades of human nature to make them more believable. Judith Michael - his love interest, Pen Warren - a respected pharmacist, Ursula Young - a bloodstock agent - all women with separate energies in Tim’s life.
The characters are all a real picture of the many we see all around us - some straightforward, others dark. Himself a jockey, Dick Francis has amazing insight into the world of horseracing and horses - especially the dark underbelly of money and violence that plague the beloved animals and their fates. Herbal healers, evil veterinarians, shady business deals, insider information being leaked - all add to the milieu of the story as it progresses over the rather longish period of time.
+-+Authored+by+Dick+Francis,+about+a+murder+and+a+banker.JPG "Banker (Published in 1982) - Authored by Dick Francis, about a murder and a banker")
And so begins Tim’s sojourn with decision making and risk taking on behalf of his indisposed boss. He starts by approving the loan for five million pounds for the purchase of a thoroughbred champion called Sandcastle. The bank is in trouble and he must ensure that the reputation the family has built over generations is not at stake, despite the risks stacked up against him, in this case, the prospect of profits is equally high. He consults with top breeders who vouch for Sandcastle’s champion genes.
Trouble begins when the horse, which is put out to stud, fathers foals that are malformed. On the personal front, he feels a growing camaraderie with the horse’s owner - Oliver Knowles and his daughter, Ginnie. His investigation leads him into the world of genetic altering drugs and subterfuge. Also, Oliver stands to lose everything as the value of his investment in Sandcastle plummets. An equally devious subplot is taking form as a serial murderer and rapist is on the rampage, and his victims are young women from neighboring stud farms. The horse’s owner’s daughter is found murdered, her mangled remains dumped by the fence, a bottle of dog shampoo found on her person.
Although the plot develops over three years, Francis is able to make the journey smooth for the reader, and one does not feel the weight of the years. Timothy is the quintessential Francis hero - dependable and principled, gifted with great presence of mind. There is also the undercurrent of Tim’s feelings for Judith, his boss’s wife, who is also strongly attracted to him, but the two never once cross the line and make advances towards one another. The highlight of the story is also Francis’s treatment of women characters in the novel - they are strong, lovable, with shades of human nature to make them more believable. Judith Michael - his love interest, Pen Warren - a respected pharmacist, Ursula Young - a bloodstock agent - all women with separate energies in Tim’s life.
The characters are all a real picture of the many we see all around us - some straightforward, others dark. Himself a jockey, Dick Francis has amazing insight into the world of horseracing and horses - especially the dark underbelly of money and violence that plague the beloved animals and their fates. Herbal healers, evil veterinarians, shady business deals, insider information being leaked - all add to the milieu of the story as it progresses over the rather longish period of time.
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