Banker

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Internationally popular Dick Francis packs his equestrian mysteries with as much breath-taking suspense and danger as any neck-and-neck thoroughbred race. In this New York Times best-seller, he combines the hazard of investing in horses with the calculated risk of high finance to create a plot that twists and turns around every corner. It seems a sure thing when young investment banker Tim Ekaterin underwrites a multi-million-dollar loan for a stud farm. The owner plans to purchase the championship racehorse, Sandcastle. But when disaster stalks the famous stallion and his offspring, Tim is plunged headlong into deception and murder. Winner of three Edgar Awards and named a Grand Master, Dick Francis creates extraordinary characters from people who could be your next door neighbors.

©1982 Dick Francis (P)1998 Recorded Books

High Finances, Deception and Murder!

The novel's description by Audible is good. This novel begs the question: Who is trustworthy in the world of big business horse racing, steeple chasing and mouth-dropping stud fees? This story is more about the lengths of deception and even murder that some will go to in order to maintain their status and lifestyles in the world of horse racing. They commit murder, mayhem, trickery, and skullduggery in unthinkable ways. The story held my interest throughout and even though I started to see some of what was coming, I couldn't have predicted what Dick Francis had in mind! A good listen... Recommend highly.

Simon Prebble is an excellent narrator. I haven't heard any of the others that narrate Dick Francis' novels, but I would hope that they are just as good because I intend to listen to all Dick Francis has to offer.

One of Francis' best

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

Certain authors' works seem to come alive more on audio than in print. Dick Francis is one of those. He had a very lean prose style, and that works best in audio because it comes off as 'someone telling you an interesting story' as opposed to books by authors with a more ornate style where it's the construction of words on the page that has the magic. These books are tales told by friends. You can settle in and listen and in doing so hear the thunder of hooves, the cries of the jockeys and the roar of the crowd.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The villain of the piece has a somewhat timeless quality. Even though this novel was written a couple of decades ago, guys like him are everywhere nowadays.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Simon Prebble is perfect for the works of Dick Francis. It was his performance on an earlier edition of BLOOD SPORT that hooked me on both audiobooks and on Dick Francis. Through his narration the individuality and humanity of the characters is evident.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Although I didn't come to tears, the death of one character was deeply moving; and the reading of those scenes was handled in a way that brought the horrors of loss to stinging clarity.

Any additional comments?

I've become hooked on the Simon Prebble versions of Dick Francis...but as a result I also bought his version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

My first Francis

It must have been 25 years ago when I read my first book by Dick Francis -- Banker. Since then I've read them all -- most more than once. And now I'm enjoying them again through Audible. Simon Prebble is an exceptional narrator; as is Simon Vance who narrates many of his books also.

If you enjoy classic mystery, you can't beat Dick Francis.

Audio problems Chapter 23 starting at 4:20 mark

excellent mystery and writing style. I prefer the early books when Mrs. Francis was teamed up with her husband. This book has quite a bit going on. The novel centers around horses, pharmaceuticals, herbs, and banking. The romance is well done and not cringy.

I've come to really appreciate voice actors. I absolutely love Simon Prebble. To be honest, I don't think I realized what went into "voice acting" until I listened to his narration/acting. I've always loved narrators that can do separate voices for each character. Simon Prebble does that but he takes it to a whole new level. His voice acting truly takes you through the emotions. And he makes it seem effortless. He feels what he's reading. This is not a straight reading but a thoroughly well-acted novel. I thoroughly recommend Francis novels and especially the novels narrated by Prebble.

I wish I had read Dick Francis sooner!!!

I have come very late in life to read Dick Francis books. I was convinced I wouldn’t enjoy them as I have no interest in Horse racing.How wrong can you be. His books are great thrillers that encompass so much more than horse racing. Each book delves deeply into another world for example the wine trade,Investment banking or photography. So you always come away learning something.His heroes are likable usually finding themselves thrown in at the deep end. What I really admire is the strong female characters in his books. Always intelligent and independent and contribute to solving the crime or problem. Dick Francis obviously liked women and had great respect for them which is even more admirable when you think that some of his books were written in the 60’s and 70’s when women were not always treated this way by authors. The main thing is the books are gripping and entertaining and Simon Prebble reads them beautifully. So don’t be like me and wait years to start enjoying them!

Brilliant!

An excellent story and mystery. Held my interest to the very end. In fact, I ran my MP3 player out of battery because I couldn't stop listening!! Typical Dick Francis brilliance!

My favorite novel, my favorite protagonist.

I first read this book as a teenager and had a crush on Tim, who was well spoken, kind hearted, heroic and honorable. The book remains my favorite "pop novel".
My only issue with the performance is that the narrator's voice is a bit old and slightly stodgy sounding to be Tim. it was performed with the right amount of angst and emotion and tenderness, and while he is a great narrator for Dick's other books... in this case, I had read the book so many times I'd fleshed out such an idea of who Tim was had he been real that the voice, not being in keeping energy wise with Tim's vitality, kept taking me out of the performance. This is not the narrator's fault... this is merely a reflection of how close the character and the book are to my heart.
But I'm sure I will listen to it a million more times.

Don't Give Up On Listening....

It was a tone down in pace from what I expected from a story that included horseracing, and I was tempted to stop listening and return it. Needless to say, I am of so glad that I stuck with it and didn't give up! It was a thrilling ride to the end!

Not his best

I've read nearly two dozen of Dick Francis's books. This is not one of my favorites. The ending is sad and does not leave the reader feeling as though it reaches his normal degree of closure. The book spans over a considerable time period, and is not nearly as eventful or fast paced as his usual material.

My Favorite Author Shines

I Love Dick Francis, now that he's gone, I look forward to the new Felix Francis novel as a Christmas present. BANKER is a great story which follows the banking industry and the horse racing industry. It's fun learning new information and the drama of the story is engaging. I've read this book 3 times and listening to it is another way to enjoy it.