Edward Lincoln, a seasoned film action star accustomed to cinematic peril—from scaling the Himalayas to enduring sadistic directors—finds his real life taking a dangerous turn. Fresh from his latest on-screen triumph, Lincoln is summoned to South Africa by a dying friend, a horse breeder whose stables are inexplicably underperforming. What begins as a mission of friendship quickly descends into a labyrinth of real-world threats far more dangerous than any movie set. Lincoln faces a near-fatal interview, a terrifying 'accident' in a gold mine, and escalating attempts on his life, each brush with death narrowing his chances. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, the lines between his film roles and the escalating reality blur, culminating in a dramatic confrontation in the Kruger National Park that eerily mirrors his cinematic adventures. Lincoln must leverage every ounce of his screen-honed bravery to uncover the truth and survive the deadly 'smokescreen' engulfing his friend's legacy.
Critical Reception
"Dick Francis's 'Smokescreen' is celebrated as a quintessential example of his meticulously plotted, atmospheric thrillers, offering a unique blend of racing intrigue and real-world danger."