Blood Sport

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Tony Britton

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

Gene Hawkins, investigator by trade, was expert at arranging events so that they appeared accidental to all involved. Therefore, when he himself witnessed an ‘accident’ his curiosity flared up bright, and he insisted on looking into what he regarded as a work of art.

A quarter of a million pounds worth of Derby-winning stallion had vanished into the Blue Grass of Kentucky... and a young man and a girl spent a dangerous afternoon in a punt on the River Thames.

From these far-apart but related beginnings, Gene Hawkins found himself trailing lost blood-horses over half of America, until he in turn becomes the prey.

©1967 Dick Francis (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Great storytelling and narration.

I love all Dick Francis books and Tony Britton is my favourite narrator so I admit I'm a bit biased but this really is a great book to buy. Having experienced depression first hand, I can tell you the descriptions and struggles of the lead character are genuinely realistic. The story line is pure Dick Francis and as always it's hard to stop listening once you start! Tony Britton is really one of the best narrators around with different voices for each character and very believable female voices. He definitely adds to rather than distracts from the story.

Blood Sport

dark, intense, deep and extremely well written. another classic from the Francis stable and the best narrator I have ever heard. brings the story and it's characters to life.

Not his best

Disappointing overall Main character is not up to normal standards and story is repetitive and dull

Second tier Francis

Pretty decent Dick Francis book. Hero was a bit annoying but otherwise enjoyed it. Good reader

blood sport

another great book from dick Francis. tense, exicting, and sometimes very sad. very good story.

Depression makes for a depressing story

What becomes clear very early on is that the protagonist suffers from clinical depression. So this interesting tale of tracking down stolen horses in the U.S keeps taking sudden and unexpected downturns as Hawkins contemplates for the nth time whether to top himself. Approaching 40, our depressed hero falls in love with an 18 year old girl who returns his feelings with interest (a bit of wishful thinking on the author's part, I felt). Together with some absurdly good fortune in tracing the thieves, this is a roller-coaster of an uneven ride. By no means one of Dick Francis' best. Good audio quality throughout.

excellent again

What a good story full of twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyed and the recording and narrator were excellent. Thanks Xtine

Average at best

Would you try another book written by Dick Francis or narrated by Tony Britton?

Not as good as other Dick Francis books I have read.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

A slow build up with a weak ending.

What three words best describe Tony Britton’s performance?

Did well considering......

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

Kept waiting for some real action which was short lived.

Nosport

was put off by all the comments of self pity. The story line was predictable. Not one of his best. Narrator good and not so breathy as in past.

One of my favourite Dick Francis novels

A great plot, full of interesting characters and surprisingly emotional intensity. I really loved this, including the ending, with its leading character having an uncertain future but with hope. As always Tony Britton read it superbly.

excellent

really enjoyed this book, less violent, swearing and blasphemy than some D F's books