Decider

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A gripping racetrack thrilller from the best-selling author of Driving Force and Comeback

The stakes are deadly at Stratton Park. Architect and family man Lee Morris never gave much thought to the shares he inherited of the Stratton Park racecourse, the multi-million dollar property owned by the powerful Stratton family. His mother had first received the shares to keep her quiet about the abuse she had suffered at the hands of her first husband, Keith Stratton. Now, much to Lee's chagrin, he is being drawn into the thick of the Stratton family squabbles as they wage a furious debate over the future of the race track.

So when Lee packs his six sons into his renovated old bus to visit the racetrack, he finds himself embroiled in a supremely dangerous game that extends much deeper than horse racing. And perhaps too late, Lee realizes his involvement in the racetrack may cost him more than he bargained for. It may cost him his life.

©1993 Dick Francis (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

An Entertaining Story With a Realistic Flavor

For me, this is one of the very best novels by Dick Francis. I've listened to several of Dick Francis' novels and have enjoyed most but not all. What I like about Francis' mysteries is that each novel brings a different protagonist with a different background/profession. But most have a connection one way or another to the world of horse racing. In this story, the protagonist is a married father of six boys. His boys are included in the story which added a "realistic" flavor rather than distract from the flow of the story. Dad is a fine, upstanding man who wants to raise his sons well and just do the right thing. I was consistently hooked into this story from beginning to the very end.

Narrator Simon Prebble does an excellent job. His voice is soothing and very easy and pleasant to listen to.

Decide for yourself

Thank you Audible for adding another Dick Francis title to your collection. He is one of my all time favorite authors and I won't be happy until Audible offers all of his titles in unabridged format. I am constantly re-reading the 30 or so titles I already have; good think they won't wear out.

What I love best about his mysteries is that each novel brings us a new protagonist with a different background--pilot, wine merchant, banker, photographer, glassblower, etc.-- and a unique storyline but with all the stories related in one way or another to the world of British horse racing. His writing is consistently engaging.

While Tony Britton is my favorite narrator of Dick Francis books, Simon Prebble does an excellent job. His voice is pleasant to listen to and his diction is good. The recording is crisp and clear.

Manly Men

You gotta love a Dick Francis hero! Knock him down, kick him, shoot him, set him on fire, break his legs: like one of those rocking clowns, back up he pops! Go to the hospital? Nyah! Rest? What ya talkin' about? Admit you're hurt? You're kidding, right? But one thing's for sure - his English gentleman's code and his stiff-upper-lip will never be in doubt.

Old-fashioned his values and ways of seeing the world may be, but what else you can say about this author is that he delivers - action, emotion, and crazy, cranky male characters (the women? - well best be glad these stereotypical figures don't get in the way all that much)! With the occasional eye roll, I still enjoy these books immensely.

Decider is a particularly good example. There's a spitting family feud, a group of irresistible children (all boys), a bit of horse racing - and, oh yes, the usual nearly constant attacks on our hero.

We are unlikely to see the likes of Dick Francis again. Enjoy him on his own terms.

Get this one! You'll be glad!

Simon Prebble does an incredible job narrating this fabulous book. He absolutely nails the character of Lee Morris, the story's protagonist. Not only does horse racing figure in the story, but there are also some very interesting architectural tidbits. Dick Francis not only knew horses but did tremendous research in other areas, which gives his books much more dimension than average. This is the book that first brought me into the Dick Francis fold, and it was even better listening than it was reading it. (and I have read it at least 3 times) If I could give it 15 stars, I would!

My favorite from the author and excellent reader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is Dick Francis' best work. The story is gripping and surprising. The characters are engaging. You will not want to put it down, and you will also want to listen to it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Decider?

Too many to list! A particular favorite is when Henry finds the hamburger. Listen to find out!

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Lee Morris

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Great Book!

Dick Frances always delivers. His character development is the best in the business. He and James Lee Burke are the only authors I can go back and listen to the same book multiple times.
Simon Prebble is fantastic as the narrator.
I highly recommend this book as I do all of Dick Francis books.

One of His Best.

I've listened to several of Dick Francis novels. The Decider is definitely one of his best. The characters are well developed (though a couple are a little over the top). The lead character, Lee, is quite interesting for his profession (architect), his family (six sons!)who
accompany him to the racetrack setting, and his faltering marriage. Of course, he's smart, insightful, and measured in his handling of the dangerous situation. The plot has twists and several secrets to be discovered before the major conflict is resolved. As usual, Simon Prebble is superb as the narrator. A worthwhile listen.

Excellent

Both the story and narration were excellent. This particular book is one of my favorites. A father of five boys who is an architect and a moral, caring, and very nice man who simply trying to do the right thing. That's the beauty of all the Francis books and makes them such a joy to read.

Finally a book I couldn’t put down!

This is a book I enjoyed from page 1 to the finish! The story, the characters, the Narration, it was all great! I love Dick Francis and his books and this one did not disappoint!

Typical Dick Francis

I have many books by this author and have liked him for nearly fifteen years. Hadn't read this one and have very few complaints (the oldest kid didnt't seem entirely realistic but that's ok). I specifically only get ones narrated by Simon Prebble because he is g r e a t. Not 100% a fan of the ending but it is realistic.