10 Lb. Penalty

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

New York Times bestselling author Dick Francis has been hailed as “a master of understated suspense” (The San Diego Union-Tribune).

With this blockbuster novel, he lives up to his dazzling reputation, delivering the compelling story of a father and son who must work together to defeat a deadly adversary....

Even though Ben Juliard had always dreamt of becoming a jockey, he couldn’t say no when his father—a prominent politician—pulled some strings and got him a job in his campaign for Parliament. Now, Ben needs to do more than smile for the cameras.

With each step up on the ladder of power come new dangers to the aspiring candidate. And as the mysterious attacks grow ever more lethal, Ben discovers that politics can be the most perilous horse race of all....

“[A] smooth, nimbly paced charmer.”—Publishers Weekly

©1997 Dick Francis (P)1998 Recorded Books

OK Not Francis best

The plot of 10 lb. Penalty is quite different and less satisfying than other Francis novels. In this one the plot is strung out, becomes flabby after the main conflict seems solved. It finally ends in a second, unsurprising, climax and resolution to the original problem. But I was ready to be done with it much earlier. Narrator Simon Prebble is excellent, as always.

Simon Prebble’s consummate voice artistry.

Liked the deft psychological characterizations of people in the political give and take seasoned by a rich interweaving of plot lines.

odd story, but still Dick Francis

I, too, hate politics!
The narrator was excellent, and some of Francis' familiar devices were included. Still, an odd story.

Interesting protagonist

The racing element could have been stronger but the characters kept my interest for the most part.

Exciting and Unusual Dick Francis

Over the years I have always enjoyed the horse racing mysteries of Dick Francis, but this was an unexpected view of the author's broad knowledge of British politics and human relations. It was completely absorbing and provided me with a better understanding of the British electoral process-- not generally associated with attempted murder!

Love the story and the narrator

Dick Francis book are always satisfying. Love the lead characters. They always try to do the right thing.

Exciting

Son, Ben has his heart set on becoming a steeplechase jockey, but his father manipulates him into joining him in his parliamentary campaign.
Simon Prebble again gives a great narration.

Father - Son Bonding Moments!

I enjoy Dick Francis' novels and Simon Prebble's narrations. They are easy listening. The Audible description of this story is good. It has mystery, suspense and a little bit of action. Nearly 18 years old, Ben has his heart set on becoming a steeplechase jockey but his father manipulated Ben into joining his parliament campaign as his driver. Ben soon had to become his father's body guard when mysteries, murderous things starts to happen which are aimed at getting the father to quit the race for parliament. Ben's instincts about the protection of his father leads to finding out that his father's car had been tampered with. The plot within the story is believable. Simon Prebble is an excellent narrator.

A warm voice reading a cozy thriller

I'm a Dick Francis fan, reading many times all of his books. I would give this book an A-minus in terms of the canon of his work. It's a real father-son/coming-of-age story, with a political (mild!) thriller and, of course, a horse or two thrown in. I found in Prebble's voice, (which I sometimes find too plummy) a wonderfully warm narrator, friendly to the characters. A likable plot, and a likable narrator! AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

riveting as always

listened to this to make a trip easier. when the book outlasted the trip had to carry it inside to finish the next day. Dick Francis never disapoints.