Dick Francis's Gamble

By: Felix Francis

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Felix Francis continues his father’s New York Times bestselling legacy with another edge-of-your-seat story that’s classic Francis.

Nicholas “Foxy” Foxton, a former jockey who suffered a career-ending injury, is out for a day at the Grand National races when his friend and coworker Herb Kovak is murdered, execution style, right in front of him—and 60,000 other potential witnesses. Foxton and Kovak were both independent financial advisers at Lyall Black, a firm specializing in extreme-risk investments.

As he struggles to come to terms with Kovak’s seemingly inexplicable death, Foxton begins to question everything, from how well he knew his friend to how much he understands about his employer. Was Kovak’s murder a case of mistaken identity...or something more sinister?

“[Felix Francis] has one priceless advantage. He couldn’t have had a better teacher.”—The Washington Times

©2011 Dick Frances Corporation (P)2011 Recorded Books

Wonderful

Not only is the plot a joy to read but John Keating did a great job as narrator.

Couldn't put it down

If you could sum up Dick Francis's Gamble in three words, what would they be?

Sill has magic!

What did you like best about this story?

Plot, although a bit predictable after ready all his previous stories

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator was quite irritating! Tevoice was the best I've heard

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

Enjoyed it all

Any additional comments?

Will definitely not download books with this narrator again! Squeaky and child-like voice

Felix Took a Gamble

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I keep leaving this book and coming back to it, hoping I'll like it better. The main character is not the classic Dick Francis hero. The performance falls short.

If you’ve listened to books by Felix Francis before, how does this one compare?

I always liked the ones Felix wrote with his dad and Tony Brittain as performer is a hard act to follow.

What didn’t you like about John Keating’s performance?

John Keating is fast talking and sing song. Sing song drives me crazy: The beat to the words is da-da-da da. Gosh, I hope it is the reader, but the words fit right into the rhythm.

Do you think Dick Francis's Gamble needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I haven't finished this one yet, so, no, not a follow-up like this. I'm having a tough time getting through this one.

Any additional comments?

Why is it Dick Francis's gamble? If Dick's name is on it, I expect a continuity of style, heroic type, author confidences and life views shared with the listener. Felix continues his father's technique of educating the listener on a corner of life; but in this book, I felt Felix phrased investment information like he was talking down to us...rather like, 'stick this basic info into the text as straight info and then move on'...somehow Dick managed to weave the basics in without leaving the drama.

Contrived

I am sorry to say this book was a disappointment. It is forced, contrived and rests much too much on fiddly details.

It's okay, glad I didn't pay full price

Since I didn't read this first, it didn't put me off Felix Francis. He gets better, trust me. And thankfully, they get a better narrator. This narrator just doesn't fit the book. He might be fine in something else, but if there was another choice for narrator for this book, I'd go with that.

I miss Dick francis

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. It is not near the genius of Dick Frnacis. I felt I suffered through it, but did not enjoy it.

What three words best describe John Keating’s voice?

Voice too soft, too monotone, not enough expression.

Was Dick Francis's Gamble worth the listening time?

No.But it did help me sleep.

Any additional comments?

Instead of getting to know the characters by their dialogue and actions, the author kept telling you the character's thoughts and reasoning for his actions, which is not the way Dick Francis wrote. I have read everyone of his books. I felt it was an elementary attempt. I would advise Felix to start at the beginning and read all of his Father's books again. I was very disappointed, but on the other hand, talent is hardly ever inherited, but born out of passion, pratice, and failure.

The story was a good storyline.

enjoyed the ride

not bad for his first solo effort. was disappointed by the reader. no real range between character voices. rather monotone at times.

Painfully dull performance obscures this book’s drama.

I am a dedicated fan of Dick Francis stories, so I do not like to write this negative review. However, this book was ill served by the narrator and performance editor. The emotionally flat reading was quite painful to listen to as its monotonous tone severely conflicted with the feelings and action of the story.

Don't Gamble on this Narrator

The story would have been much better if the narrator had used an ounce of expression. He sounds like a robot and is greatly distracting to the substance of the storyline. I bought it from Audible.com and listened to it before even reading the book. His narration had no emotion, imagination or flow. I don't know how he auditioned to be the narrator but I could read it better. In fact, I did. After listening to the Audible version I got the book from the library and I read it to a friend who is blind. I truly enjoyed it so much more and got more involved with the characters by my own reading outloud to my friend. My friend is also a very critical Dick Francis aficianado and has been worried that Felix Francis would not be able to carry it off. After reading it with expression and emotion we both agreed that Felix is doing just fine but Audible had better find better narrators or they will start to lose customers. Oh, for the days of Tony Britton. The epitome of superlative narrators.

Like father, like son!

Would you consider the audio edition of Dick Francis's Gamble to be better than the print version?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Felix Francis had taken up where his father left off, with another thriller. Love the backdrop of horse racing, and love the twists & turns. Waiting patiently for the next offering!