Crossfire

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

An exhilarating new novel from The New York Times best-selling authors.

Shell-shocked and missing a foot-lost to an IED during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, Captain Tom Forsyth has been sent "home" by the army and, at loose ends, returns to his estranged mother's house for the first time since he joined up at 17. But Josephine Kauri, the "first lady of British racing", has always put the horses she trains first and her family last. Tom soon finds himself strained to the breaking point with his mother and stepfather.

But there's another reason for the stifling tension at Kauri House Stables: Josephine is being blackmailed for a hefty sum every week - and forced to make her horses lose. Retirement is not an option, as she has been warned that it will result in the thing she most fears: exposure and ridicule...and prison, when the government finds out what she's been hiding.

Tom sets out to discover and defeat this hidden enemy using his finely honed military skills. But can he save his mother's reputation and career, or will he find himself caught in the cross fire?

©2010 Dick Francis (P)2010 Penguin Audiobooks

Crossfire

Found the title interesting as it can have different meaning by different professions and both were in use in this story, military and horse racing. This was a bit different than other Francis books but I noted the son Felix was a co-writer. I enjoyed the book and the personal questioning of what can he do after being injured in Afghanistan. Wish there was more about the horses but there was information about horse racing stables. Looking forward to more stories from Francis.

not my favorite Francis book

not a likeable character. too many references to enjoying killing and Taliban. miss Dick

Really liked the direction and the crafting of the lead character!

Well done! Great plot... It had me thinking the story was going in a different direction at the end! Surprised

Not quite DICK FRANCIS

I love the Dick Francis books. This was sort of, but not really.
I don’t care for the narration. I have listened Martin Jarvis, he’s not bad but he isn’t Simon Prebble. Mr. Jarvis’ voices are a bit alike.
However I love that I didn’t expect Isabella to be in league with the bad guys.

All Dick Francis Books are a must read

I think, he has never put out a bad book in his entire collection of endevers. This one was a Great Read and Listen. Recommend to all ages. Five Star.

Loved it!

Would you listen to Crossfire again? Why?

I've never read/listened to a Dick Francis story I didn't like. Some are better than others but every one of them is enjoyable. While Mr. Francis co-wrote with is son, it is a Dick Francis story through and through. If you are a Dick Francis fan you'll not be disappointed.

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

The narrator, Martin Jarvis, does a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life and giving them each their own unique voice. It just wouldn't be as enjoyable without his British accent help to set the story.

Ho Hum

I really miss Dick Francis. Unfortunately, Felix Francis is a poor writer working his father's formula but without the page-turning magic Dick Francis was so good at. The character in this book was off-putting as well. Nuts. I was really hoping Felix could carry it off.

never disappoints

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

No just different - not the voice I hear in my head but still good

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

definitely

Did Martin Jarvis do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

yes

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the explosion - my fear for the child

Any additional comments?

Can't read print, grateful for audio versions

Riveting.

This has all the feels of a Dick Francis novel with a new kind of hero.

Nearly heartstopping!!!!

A wonderfully narrated story, exciting and beautifully told. I enjoyed it from the start, with the nearly heartbreaking story of a wounded man trying to decide what to do with his life after losing part of his leg. I love horses, and always enjoy stories that include them.