Silks — Dick Francis

Geoffrey Mason isn't terribly disappointed when his client Julian Trent is found guilty. Despite being paid handsomely as Trent's defense counsel, he believes Trent needs to be locked up for a good long time. He only wishes it had happened more quickly -- if the trial had ended just a bit earlier, Mason could have made it to the Foxhunter Steeplechase and fulfilled his longtime dream as an amateur jockey.

But not long afterward, Trent is set free when witnesses and jurors start recanting -- under intimidation, Mason suspects. Remembering Trent's threats at the time of his conviction, Mason is none too happy. And things get worse when one of Mason's fellow jockeys is found dead. The suspect, another rider, wants Mason's help, but Mason is reluctant to take it on. Until a note arrives: TAKE THE STEVE MITCHELL CASE -- AND LOSE IT. DO AS YOU ARE TOLD. NEXT TIME, SOMEONE WILL GET BADLY HURT...