A Dangerous Fortune

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Michael Page

Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A breathtaking thriller featuring “political and amorous intrigues, cold-blooded murder, and financial crises” (San Francisco Chronicle), from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Column of Fire

In 1866, tragedy strikes the exclusive Windfield School when a young student drowns in a mysterious accident. His death and its aftermath initiate a spiraling circle of treachery that will span three decades and entwine many lives.

From the exclusive men’s clubs and brothels that cater to every dark desire of London’s upper class to the dazzling ballrooms and mahogany-paneled suites of the manipulators of the world’s wealth, one family is splintered by a shared legacy. But greed, fed by the shocking truth of a boy’s death, must be stopped, or the dreams of a nation will die.

©1993 by Ken Follett. (P)1994 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Breathlessly plotted...relentlessly suspenseful." (The New York Times)

"Ken Follett is a matchless storyteller, and this story is tailor-made for audio.... With Follett teamed up with Page, you can't stop listening." (AudioFile)

Long or Short

You always know what you are getting whenever you pick up something from Ken Follet. History, drama, lust and family conflict. I’m looking forward to his newest addition of “Pillars of the Earth,” and I really enjoyed “A Dangerous Fortune.” As I become older, I’m not into action so much. It becomes a big blur on the screen without any purpose. It’s exactly the same in a book. I much rather read about substance than a mindless blood bath. No matter how long or short Follet’s books are, I always know that it will be flooded with materials that make sense.

Brilliant depiction of antisocial personality disorder

Brilliant depiction of antisocial personality disorder with a highly satisfying conclusion! By the middle of the book you hate Augusta almost as much as Cersei Lannister and Mickey Miranda as much as Joffrey. Hugh reminded me of John Snow, upright and honorable to his own detriment, but comes out ahead in the end. And I learned quite a bit about financial politics as well in an enjoyable way. I can’t recommend this book highly enough! Narration was also excellent

Outstanding story.

Outstanding review of 19 century banking and it’s origins in London. Of course, Follett’s insights into the manners, passions, and foibles of the human condition is legendary.

Follett Never Fails Me

I have read & listened to so many of his books including the trilogies & I always love them. The narrators of his books are talented & entertaining. This was a book filled with great characters & family dynamics. I highly recommend this book.

Fantastic story so well written and so well narrated!!

Simply amazing! Don’t miss this story, amazing that one man could come up with this riveting story all by himself, one woul

One of my favorite books of all time!

This book is full of complex characters , whose lives are intertwined. In true Ken Follet fashion, you fall in love with some characters, and despise others. I have to re read this every couple of years.

Good read

Slow start but very engaging thereafter! Follet as usual writes authoritatively on the social history of the times.

Ken Follett is brilliant

I have yet to be disappointed by a Follett book. This is no exception, and while a bit of a sleeper as it’s not a book I had ever had suggested to me, I couldn’t put it down. The weaving together of character’s lives and intersecting conflict made it impossible to stop reading. I will continue backwards through the rest of his books, not looking forward to the day I finish.

Great story

Very engaging. First I thought it was simply a period piece but soon got engaged (ok, totally hooked) on the story. Narration also was excellent

mixed review, a net disappointment for a Follett

I'm a real Follett fan, but I ran tepid and cool on this one. The turn-off for me was all the emphasis on bosoms and sex, crying and tears, women and men, page after page, chapter after chapter, ad nauseum (and I'm a boob man, too). A real soap opera.

Other than that, it was ok with interesting twists and turns although the overall plot was somewhat pedestrian, predictable and quite unbelievable. Descriptions of 19th century London with its brothels, mistresses and royal parties seemed authentic and it gave me a much better feel for the British class system and how it worked. The hierarchy of royal titles and how they are obtained was interesting, too.

Also on the positive side, there were some events depicted and resolved (if a bit tritely) that accurately parallel the horrible financial situation that we're presently experiencing. There's an interesting twist at the end, too.

But, oh yes, this is a book review of a thriller. Not too thrilling, but I did finish it.

The reader was excellent. He altered his voice nicely to represent individual characters, and maintained it throughout the book. This made following the sometimes intricate plot a bit easier.

I'm glad I bought it, but probably wouldn't again.