Francis pulls back the curtain on the glamorous world of horse racing, exposing the dark underbelly of corruption and deceit. From doping scandals to ruthless syndicates, the novel unveils the lengths some will go to for wealth and victory, even if it means jeopardizing the lives of horses and riders. We see this through the suspicious underperformance of trainer George Casper’s horses and the rumors of powerful syndicates operating outside the law.

Sid Halley, despite facing personal challenges and constant threats, remains unyielding in his pursuit of justice. He embodies the struggle of maintaining integrity in a world rife with corruption. His determination to uncover the truth, even when facing down threats against his remaining hand, highlights the personal cost of doing what's right.

A recurring theme in Francis's work, "Whip Hand" emphasizes resilience and adaptability. Sid Halley, despite losing his hand and facing numerous setbacks, has reinvented himself as a successful investigator. He utilizes his unique knowledge of the racing world and his sharp intellect to overcome obstacles and confront those who believe they are above the law. This resonates with the determination he needed in his former career as a jockey.