To the Hilt

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Featuring the gripping plot, dramatic settings and believable characters that listeners have come to expect from Dick Francis, To the Hilt displays the master at the top of his form.

Alexander Kinloch is definitely the black sheep of his noble family, choosing the precarious life of a painter over a lucrative job in his stepfather’s brewery. But when a trusted assistant disappears with millions of pounds, Alexander is reluctantly thrust into a foreign world of bankers and auditors. Brutal thugs and jealous relatives stand in his way as he labors to save the business and protect the family treasures. In the face of adversity, Alexander must defend himself and his family’s honor to the hilt.

After three dozen novels, Dick Francis maintains his reputation as one of the most popular mystery writers of our time. Both suspenseful and poignant, To the Hilt is a wild ride through a perilous adventure.

©1996 Dick Francis (P)1997 Recorded Books

Another winner

Great plot though difficult to follow sometimes because of the accent and items and places challenging to the American ear, which of course is all part of the charm. I still can't rectify the 50-ish sounding narrator, though he has a flawless performance (well, maybe not some of the female characters). The story to me indicates the main character is in his 30's, yet the narrator sounds 50-ish++. Nothing against older people (I'm one of 'em), but voices need to fit the part I would think.

as always Mr. Francis delivers

Enough suspense and action to offset more technical financial matters. Little emphasis on horse racing for a Francis book. Nice forays into history and painting. Appealing characters. Even more than 2-dimensional villains. The voice actor is perfect.

Pretty Darn good!

...listen to many DF... really enoyed the story... good naration... art genre interesting as well...

Relaxed Entertainment

Dick Francis novels are not only entertaining, but we also learn a little bit about horse racing and the world of horse racing along with what some people will do in the name of winning the trophy and greed for money. The main characters are always someone to be admired for their courage, integrity and their loyalty to family and friends.

The Publisher's Summary gives a good description of this story. Dick Francis mysteries may not be for everybody. If you want an interesting story performed by an excellent narrator, then you may love these novels performed by Simon Prebble. His voice suits the pace and energy of these novels. Most times, I don't want to hear fast talking narrators. I want a chance to absorb who the major and minor players are and what the story is about without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Prebble and other excellent narrators, makes you feel that you are a part of the story as opposed to being read a story.

This one is a must for Dick Francis followers and mystery lovers in general.

Worth revisiting again and again

I read To The Hilt when it first came out in print. Later I discovered the audio book. Simon Prebble's narration added to my enjoyment. Now I wait a couple of years to allow the details to dim in my memory and enjoy it all over again.

What a ripping story

It was a very different experience to listen to the story rather than read it, as I have multiple times.
I thought Simon Prebble did an awesome job as a narrator, but he did not sound like a 29 year old man.
And as I see he is 81, it makes sense.
Still enjoyable and well done

My Favorite

I love Dick Francis.. but To the Hilt is my favorite. I read it for the first time nearly 20 years ago and longed to read it again. Simon Prebble's narration made the book even better the second time around. If you like Dick Francis this one is a must listen.. and if you haven't read any of his books give this one a try first. I can guarantee you wont be disappointed. Fantastic!

To the Hilt

I've always loved Dick Francis. I can't believe I never had read this particular book. The story was engrossing.

One of my all-time favorites.

Dick Francis - still love his stories. I have listened to this one so many times.

Number one in order of best to worst

Probably the best of Dick Francis' novels. It has very little to do with racing. However, it has a smashing great mystery.