Bolt

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

The privileged world of horse racing, filled with sleek thoroughbreds, burnished leather, and the silken sheen of jockeys’ colors, is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Let bestselling, internationally popular author Dick Francis take you to the immaculate stables of the de Brescou estate, where dark forces are lurking.

Someone is killing the de Brescou racehorses with a “bolt” gun, shooting them silently, leaving no clues. Before the noble family, which includes his fiancée, is torn apart, jockey Kit Fielding must find the assassin.

There are higher stakes than the horses, though. The de Brescous could lose control of their family business as well.

Bolt spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. From regal countesses to dapper racing officials, it puts you in the company of truly intriguing characters.

“The plot races along wonderfully well, right up to a jolting twist at the end.”—Publishers Weekly

©1986 Dick Francis (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

Excellent writing and excellent narrator.

Break In and Bolt are the two Dick Francis books that tell the story of Kit Fielding, his life as a racing jockey, and crimes involving the world of racing. Each can stand alone, but are richer if read in order.

Break In introduces Kit, his racing background and, most important, his character as an honorable man. Bolt concludes our peek into his racing and personal life. Both are so well written the reader has no trouble feeling they are in the stable yard or at the racecourse.

I started reading Dick Francis in my early 20's. I am almost 70 and his writing has stood the test of time. He, along with PD James, are masterful contemporary crime writers who can tell stories that pull readers back to their books again and again.

Simon Preeble is outstanding, as usual. I have all his narrations in the Dick Francis collection available at this time. I'm looking forward to adding the other narrators in due time.

Always reliable

Good story. Hangs together. Characters just quirky enough to be interesting. And nice twist at the end. What's not to like?

Another Pleasant Whodunit by a British Jockey

Bolt by Dick Francis is a pleasantly paced Whodunit with the intelligent British style that makes reading or listening a pleasure. It fascinates me that a Welch writer who quit school at 15 can write so much better than many American writers who have forced themselves through various graduate degrees. One wonders if it is the water, the latitude, or the educational system.

Dick Francis' Bolt

Dick Francis was a master story teller and as usual he delivers a masterpiece with "BOLT". A gripping page turner this story holds one's attention to the end.

The best book he has written!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bolt to be better than the print version?

I always enjoy the audio more. I have read many of Dick Francis books before getting my
I-Pod. The readers accent helps me stay in England throughout the book.

What did you like best about this story?

It held me from beginning to end. I went back after listening and started at the beginning, and that is rare for me!

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Simon Prebble was able to emulate the various characters so it was not confusing who was speaking. His voice and accent were enjoyable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The love of horses and their jobs and care.

Great story but even more outstanding narration!

First book I've read on horses since Black Beauty & what a pleasant surprise it was. The story is a superb blend of - for me - an introduction to the world of horse racing & it's many facets along with drama & suspension. Tradition is subtly evident but the real gem throughout is the remarkable vocal fluency & dexterity of the narrator. That alone makes for great enjoyment!

Fabulous book.

Love the book. Simon is the BEST narrator. He brings the story to life. I'll be reading more by Dick Francis.

A Good Story by A Great Mystery Writer

What made the experience of listening to Bolt the most enjoyable?

I love Disk Francis Mysteries. He was a truly good writer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bolt?

The twist in the story who was killing the horses was revealed. I didn't expect it, I thought he was thrown in to the story to get you off focus.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have listened to a few of Mr. Prebble's narratives. I have enjoyed his reading, he helps bring the books to life.

Fun follow-up to Break In

It was fun to spend another few hours with Kit Fielding and his horses, though I did like the first book in the pair better. This one has Kit figuring out how to save the princess and her husband from a scheming business partner. He's still the same well-mannered, clever dude he was in the first book, but this one stretches a bit too far in how it has too many people relying on Kit too heavily when there were plenty of smarter, less intrusive solutions for the incredibly wealthy princess. Still, it was an enjoyable listen and I'm looking forward to more from Dick Francis.

Bolt and Break In are favorites by Dick Francis!!!

I loved Simon Prebble’s reading! Bolt has suspense and mystery. One thing I love about Dick Francis’s writing is that he usually has two or more storylines and Bolt does as well. I have re-listened to this book several times.