Enquiry

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Jockey Kelly Hughes and trainer Dexter Cranfield have been barred from racing - a devastating event for them both. The charge at the secret enquiry? Throwing a race for personal profit. It is a vicious frame-up and, worse, they have nowhere to turn to clear their names. Still Hughes refuses to take the phony verdict lying down - even though his personal enquiry might have him lying down permanently...

©1969 by Dick Frances (P)1996 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"[Has] everything required in a modern thriller…an intricate plot that unravels skillfully, mayhem, sex, suspense, excitement, and surprise denouements." ( New York Times Book Review)
"As usual, Dick Francis is superb in his depiction of the horse-racing world, full of greed and betrayal. Equally superb is the clarity of expression that Geoffrey Howard brings to the novel….The pacing is flawless." ( AudioFile)

Vintage Dick Francis

There is no such thing as a bad Dick Francis book. In audio format, some are better than others and this one "listens" very well. Francis never pads his writing therefore there is no justification for making abridged versions of his work. As it is, I am always wishing for more at the end and have re-read and re-listened to many of his titles over the years. Finding some of his early works recorded by Audible was a real treat.

A Real Treat!

I'm relatively new to Dick Francis, and really love listening to his books. I especially like how Geoffrey Howard reads the books. I will definitely look for more books narrated by him! I enjoyed this book very much and while it is true because it's about an "Enquiry," so not as centered on horses per say, I really enjoyed the building of the case and how Kelly Hughes figured out who was behind his being barred from racing, and how he went about getting his reputation restored. This is a winner!

One of my favorite

Of all the Francis book. I think this Cosham fellow is also one of the best narrators I've encountered particularly for this genre.

Classic Dick Francis

What made the experience of listening to Enquiry the most enjoyable?

Elegant rhythmic phrasing, as always, appealing main character, plausible outcome.

What didn’t you like about Ralph Cosham’s performance?

Not the worst of the narrators, but emphatically not up to the quality of Tony Britton or Simon Prebble. Cosham's delivery is flat and poorly paced, and he has a small number of different voices to draw on.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

Too bad the Tony Britton reading isnt available in the US.

Unexciting Dick Francis Novel

I am sorry to give this book a negative review as I am an avid Francis reader and I have never read a bad Dick Francis novel until now. There was nothing really wrong with the reading of this book, however the story line was completely predictable and unexciting. Also, because the plot centers around an "enquiry," there is very little mention of horses.

Can't stop re-reading!

This is one of my all time favorite books from one of my all time favorite authors. It's one of his earlier novels and some cultural references reflect that, but not to the point that it isn't relatable to today's audience. All in all, it's refreshing to have a mystery that doesn't revolve around murder or kidnap that all provides a high level of intrigue and suspense!

Good Story Great Reader

Dick Francis writes another. His writing is so smooth and experienced that even in the beginning of the story, when someone is framed and the injustice of it made me angry, I didn’t stop listening. I stayed with it because I love Ralph Cosham’s voice, and of course, I then got hooked on the story.

good book

loved it vintage Frances. worth listening too. mmmmmmmmm

Excellent story.

This book is great. It was hard to put down. It was read with more speed than it should have, but the reader's performance was very good. his transition between voices was excellent.

The best

Dick Francis Mysteries are the best in book or audio form! I can listen to them over and over.

OK - apart from being Americanised!

'Flashlights' 'fenders' and 'zippers' amongst many - NO!
Pronunciation the same 'garage' 'aluminium' etc. Story was good but let down for an English audience listening to an English story.

Undemanding but exciting ripping yarn

Read this years ago - did remember the ending but still thoroughly enjoyed it as an audiobook. Mild thriller, honest hero fighting back against miscarriage of judgement against a racing background which although dated now still rings true. Made a car journey enjoyable.
Well read.

Great Thrilling read

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

I haven't read the print version.

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

I don't on the whole have the time to do a book in one sitting.