Under Orders

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Sid knows the perils of racing all too well, but in his day jockeys didn't usually cross the finish line with three .38 rounds in the chest - which is how he found Huw Walker, the winner of a coveted race only a few hours earlier. Now Halley's quest for answers will push him to his very limits - both on and off the track.

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©2006 Dick Francis (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Dick Francis is a genius." (Los Angeles Times)
"The writing and action are as crisp as ever." (Publishers Weekly)

I enjoyed this one

I enjoyed this story very much and I think the performance was excellent. The accents were great (though I have always wondered why neither of the narrators who worked the Sid Halley novels didn't give him a Liverpool accent, since that's where he was born & raised. Shouldn't he have sounded more like John Lennon in the early days?) Back to the story and why I enjoyed it. Sid Halley is my favorite Dick Francis protagonist. I've read the other books as well, and the personality is consistent. The thing that is most different about this one, aside from the technological advances, is that it isn't as violent as the others. The story is more mind-games than go-beat-'em-up action. I know many won't appreciate that, but it's nice that there was only one martyred Sid episode in this one. No, it isn't edge of the seat, but it's a nice read anyway. Kept me going while I was doing other, mindless things.

Another good Sid Halley story.

if you like Dick Francis, you love Sid Halley. Here is another chance to enjoy the character.

Later Dick Francis

The writing is not as tight but interesting and compelling plot nonetheless. Francis' son assumed writing on his behalf in his later years.

always terrific

Dick Francis never gets old, and Sid Halley is my favorite character of his! An excellent read

Dick Francis is a reliable read - always good.

I've been hooked on Dick Francis books since I was in high school (a long time ago!). I originally read this one some years ago, after reading Come to Grief (same main character) and thought it would be worth a listen. It definitely was. Martin Jarvis is a good narrator - well-paced and engaging. If you're looking for something entertaining with an interesting story line, this will fit the bill.

Great read

Another great read by Dick Francis and the narrator! The Sid Halley series is excellent.

Always an enjoyable read - mystery and suspense too!

I have been a fan of Dick Francis’ books for many years. With each book I learn a little more about so many different topics. And STILL he manages to weave in some intrigue and mystery.

Fabulously written and read. Another masterpiece

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

Absolutely! Riveting, cannot put it down?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Under Orders?

The plot and tenacity and just brilliant writing

Which scene was your favorite?

All of it!

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

Portions made me chuckle with the cleverness

Any additional comments?

Beautifully narrated! Martin Jarvis keeps you riveted!

Classic Dick Francis

This book was every bit as good as all the other Francis books I've read and loved more times than I can count. I enjoyed the narration and was very pleased by the reappearance of Sid Halley. I love Dick's books and read them over and over. I'll listen to this one again and again.

Halley Rides Again

Another of the Sid Halley novels by Francis. This time Sid falling love to a woman with brains and courage to match him, but fortunately Francis doesn't let a romance interfer with a great mystery. His villians are just as evil as ever and the plot is well constructed. This time he shows us the world of genetic science in addition to the seamy side of British horse racing.