Reflex

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Well-plotted and full of atmospheric charm, Reflex demonstrates the fine style that earned Dick Francis the title of Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America. This fast-paced story of a jockey’s courageous murder investigation exposes the politics and corruption at the heart of the British racing world. Philip Nore has no greater ambition than to successfully complete the last years of his career as a jockey, even if it means bending the rules a bit. But when pushed, Philip discovers that there really are a few other things that matter to him. One is finding the truth about the death of a much hated track photographer. Reflex showcases the author’s gift for creating heroes out of ordinary men. Simon Prebble’s distinctive voice, deep and mildly accented, is perfect for Francis’ work. His performance highlights the psychological drama and intrigue to deliver a positively exhilarating listening experience.

©1981 Dick Francis (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

Blackmail, Murder and Mayhem!

Dick Francis' novels generally follow a set formula of a well developed main character who may or may not be a horse racing/steeplechasing jockey and some sort of mysterious and dangerous situation. Francis has an ingenious way of weaving bits and pieces of seemingly random events and subplots into one brilliant, fascinating and entertaining story. I think this might be my favorite one so far.

This novel is about an aging-out jockey, Phillip Nore, who is contemplating what he will do after retirement in a couple of years. He had a checkered childhood of growing up in various households of his mother's friends where she leaves him for a "few days" promising to return - the days turns into weeks, months, and years. One of his "foster parents" had given him a camera which became a part of his everyday life and his saving grace throughout this story. Phillip is thinking about retiring and wondering about his future when his amateur photographer status becomes the focus of this story after a disliked but well-known professional racing photographer is killed in a car crash. Nore accidentally comes into possession of the dead man's records, photos and negatives upon which he uses sophisticated photography techniques to uncover the schemes behind blackmail, murder and mayhem.

Simon Prebble is the best!

Classic Dick Francis

If you love Dick Francis, you'll love "Reflex." His lead character is reliably male, reliably decent, and reliably gets smashed up in the process of solving a racehorse-related mystery. If what you want is a reliable Dick Francis novel, this is one of his best. The narration by Simon Pebble is wonderful.

Another great Dick Francis murder mystery!

Ex-jockey Dick Francis wrote mystery novels only about the horse racing world in England. Reflex was published in 1980 in the UK and 1981 in the US. Like all of the other of his many mystery novels, Reflex is an exquisitely written fast paced novel. Jockey Philip Nore is nearing the end of his career when he decides he must investigate a murder. Simon Prebble is the perfect narrator for Reflex.

Not my favorite Francis

Would you listen to Reflex again? Why?

Probably not. Too many on my 'looking forward to listening to' list that will be well ahead of it.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Hmmm, how to answer without a spoiler... I thought this [main] character made a lot of questionable conclusions/decisions throughout the book. Several times I found myself thinking "well, that's pretty naive and/or foolish" and when you start down that road you start to lose your connection with the character. I thought the ending assumed a lot and was somewhat pollyanna-ish.

Any additional comments?

I like Dick Francis. The narrator was excellent. This is just not his [Francis] best.

Compelling with a delightful ending!

Loved it. DF is the best.
I was sad that it ended so soon! I can't wait to read another one of his fabulous books!

As expected, awesome.

Second Dick Francis story listened to on Smartphone; his are my very favorite mysteries, and Simon Prebble's phenomenal narration takes me 'into' the lives of the characters SO well. It's the level of quality I've come to expect in my Audible selections; excellent job! ... The only drawback? Unlike my CDs, which I have to change at their end, there's no need to 'break' the story flow, and I just keep on listening ... to the detriment of my household chores! :)

Another good story by Francis

Dick Francis is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. I worked in a bookstore as a young 20-something in the 80s and his books were always best sellers. I never picked up one of them but now wish I had. Excellent writing, interesting story, good performance.

I recently listened to two other mysteries by best-selling authors and hated both within the first two chapters. I long for stories that are not ordinary and predictable. They don’t have to be mysteries, just interesting and well-written. Dick Francis is just that. Looking forward to discovering more of his books.

Intrigue all around.

An ongoing battle between revenge and righteousness. Will an Awakening past prove downgall or uplifting.

Grabs you in the first page .

This's is the third time I have read this Dick Francis book andI I love it every time. There is always little things I have missed before..

Fun and Enjoyable.

Would you listen to Reflex again? Why?

Yes, and probably will.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Reflex?

Felt comfortable listening to an "old friend".

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

Love the characterization and voices. Puts you into the story.

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

No. Just a fun book.