Never a bad book

I am convinced Dick Francis cannot write a poor book. Each of his tomes are works of art-somehow getting your blood boiling in the first chapter until the pain is exquisite as the ending slowly , teasingly begins to unfold. The real mystery is how he does this without repeating characters or plots or points of view- it seems each book has a freshness to it-an emphasised emotion, a clever paradox, a turn of events that make it unexpected yet somehow believable. High Stakes keeps you rooting for the hero all the way and nervous as a fresh colt looking at his first gate.

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40 people found this helpful

NO BAD DOGS

I have read and/or heard all of Dick Francis' books and have enjoyed all of them. That?s my story and I?m sticking to it.
Francis' books are thematic, although each book (save one) has a different -- always male -- protagonist. Like most good 'thematic' writers, one can pick up any Francis book and thoroughly enjoy it. However, if one reads his books more-or-less in sequence, you see an interesting progression of writing style, broadening horizons, and more diversity of plot lines.
Francis' first career was as a championship English jockey. His first books were steeped in the English racing scene as intimately experienced by jockeys, trainers, owners, and other insiders. An integral element in each book is an episode where the bad guy(s) do something horrid to the hero - frequently involving his being confined in some manner (e.g., tied to a remotely located tree while naked, rendered unconscious in the stall of a high-spirited racing stallion), being assaulted, or put in peril of experiencing a ghastly incident rife with danger of serious injury or death.
During the incident or afterwards, his protagonists all have the ability to ?think through? a situation, eventually coming up with the identity of the bad guy(s), their motive, and - most deliciously - a way to structure a revenge scenario that often turns the tables on the villains, and - if needed - achieves restitution (or rehabilitation) for those who were harmed during the preceding chapters.

Francis? later books concentrate less on the inner-sanctum of racing - though there is always a touchstone to the sport - with his protagonists having a wide variety of careers; sometimes at the top, sometimes not. In ?High Stakes,? our hero is a successful children?s toy inventor, other hero?s careers include: photographer, movie (strike that . . . cinema) actor, expeditor, glass blowing artist, spirits store owner, travel book author, and so on.
Having said the above, know this: ?High Stakes? is a good one!

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14 people found this helpful

this is Dick Francis at his best!

The excellent narration added to a thoroughly enjoyable story. I suspect that I will be listening to this one again!

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4 people found this helpful

Good Reader, okay book

I love books on horses. However, this one was a bit slow, with not enough different or interesting characters. The voice reader was good.

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4 people found this helpful

The Meek Shall Fight Back

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

High Stakes is an excellent book. Though the context of every Dick Francis book involves horses and horse racing, this story can be found anywhere in the world in any field. A naive man trusts his employee to do right. Instead the employee uses that naivete to rob the owner blind. When the owner discovers the extensive theft, instead of being contrite, the discovered employee goes on the warpath trying to destroy the owner.

Think Lance Armstrong and his sordid tale.

What about Geoffrey Howard’s performance did you like?

Howard does an excellent job narrating this book. An excellent British voice with an enjoyable accent. Portrays the stereotypical British "stiff upper lip" that the main character exhibits. Very much enjoyed it.

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3 people found this helpful

Hooked at the first few paragraphs.

Loved it! On the edge of my seat throughout. Narrator not as good as Simon P., but still enjoyable.

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2 people found this helpful

Typical Dick Francis mystery; not one of his best.

I have read or listened to many of the mysteries by Dick Francis. Even though they all follow a similar pattern, they differ enough to hold my interest. I wasn't looking for anything deep, and this is relatively short but well told. I liked the protagonist Steven Scott, although I was surprised by one of his responses in the epilogue. I even enjoyed his love interest, Allie, an American caterer visiting relatives in England, although their fate remained unresolved.

The narrator Geoffrey Howard does a reasonable job, but I prefer some others: Simon Prebble and Ralph Cosham, for example, are hard to beat.

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1 person found this helpful

One of his best!

Loved it. Good characters. Interesting plot. Strong narrative. I only have a few more to listen to

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1 person found this helpful

thumbs up for dick francis

What made the experience of listening to High Stakes the most enjoyable?

Makes no difference which book it is, I love every one. Just wish they were
all on Audible and/or video.

Any additional comments?

I've read them over and over. I love the fact there's always a secondary story
line besides horse racing which has been well researched.

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1 person found this helpful

Great story - Dick Frances a great story Teller

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

Yes, Great story keeps you interested through out the plot and it is an attention grabber

What about Geoffrey Howard’s performance did you like?

Good narator speaks clearly and easy to follow.

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1 person found this helpful