“In The Frame”  By Dick Francis

2011 Book Review #104

Summary From Book Cover

Artist Charles Todd, whose paintings of horses earn him a comfortable living, expects the landscape to be restful when he visits the country home of his cousin, Donald.  But, he arrives on a scene of devastation:  Donald’s house has been ransacked, and the missing valuables include several recently acquired paintings by famous artists.

Much worse, the thieving intruders have murdered Donald’s wife, leaving Donald himself as the chief suspect, according to local police, seemingly, determined to frame him.

Racing to clear his cousin’s name, Charles travels to Australia and New Zealand in pursuit of a gallery of rogues who specialize in forging horsey works of art.

Charles gradually pieces together a lurid picture of their activities,  a masterpiece of arson, larceny…and murder.

My Thoughts:  This book is different from Francis' normal genre in that it’s not about a jockey!  I liked it!  It is a short book that takes about 3 hours to read and holds your interest throughout.