Bonecrack

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Tony Britton

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Dick Francis, the bestselling master of mystery and suspense, takes you into the thrilling world of horse racing. In the middle of the night, two masked men break into Neil Griffon’s home and abduct him. He quickly discovers that unless he agrees to their unreasonable demands, they will destroy his father’s precious horse and racing stable, and ultimately Neil himself. Returned to his father’s stables, he must find a way to bring down these criminals, because having to choose between his integrity and his life is no choice at all...

©1971 Dick Francis (P)2014 Audible Inc.

The humanity and depth of wisdom of the protagonist. Always. Wise. Compassionate. Stoic.

I’ve been a Dick Francis (not Felix alas) for 40 years and reread every 10 years or so with even deeper appreciation. His protagonist always fits a certain profile. Incredibly strong sense of right. British stoic. And willing to take the bad guy on himself and unwilling to even take credit. No bragging. No quest for glory although he is often rewarded. Great attributes! I love that when faced with the choice to dump and run…or blame…he never does!

Redemption

Great story, beautifully told and narrated, about ambition, family relationships and the difficult process of life transitions. A delightful, rich and absorbing book from beginning to dramatic denouement.

interesting storyline

I especially liked the relationship development between the main characters, Neil and Alesandro. Interesting ending too .

Another Dick Francis masterpiece!

I loved this story of father/son conflict and ultimate redemption. Both author and narrator deliver a perfectly nuanced plot and performance.

A Ride to Growth and Maturity

A late night abduction leads to an unbelievable demand: “My son will ride your horse in the derby.” Never mind that Alessandro is barely eighteen and has next to no experience, His gangster father lives with the idea that he gives orders, and it is the task of everyone else to obey them.
The young Alessandro arrives at the stables all kitted out in his fancy riding gear and a sneer on his face, for he has inherited his father’s obnoxious ways, and throughout his young life, his father has given him everything he wanted. Everything except a sense of how the world really works. His desire to ride a horse in the Derby is all he needs, and he knows his father will make it happen.
Then Neil has to come to grips with the reality of the father’s threats to destroy his stables as one by one his horses develop broken legs and need to be put down. Could it be an accident? Indeed it could as these sorts of injuries happen all the time in the racing world, but small gifts are delivered which make clear that these were no accidental mishaps.
Yet Neil recognizes that the young Alessandro has talent, if only he were willing to recognize that his skills are not yet as great as he imagines them to be, and if he could only tone his arrogance down a peg or two.
Bit by bit, in a stunning finish marked by tragedy and triumph, Alessandro comes to realize that he does indeed have much to learn, as he embarks on a ride to growth and maturity, and that Neil is the man to teach him. The two grow together in the novel’s touching finish. Dick Francis at his best.

Bonecrack review

Fantastic story : As every great Duck Francis novel - plenty oh horse activity / villains / unusual punishments & escapes from danger. I am glad thi story was brought out of the vault for publication!
Tony Britton was a solid narrator - variable voices and feeling! Bravo!!!

Excellent Read

Dick Francis writes about interesting professions and difficult relationships in a very balanced way so that it doesn't become boring with too much detail nor hysterical with too much intensity.

Horses and Fathers

This Dick Francis book starts immediately with high stakes, and doesn’t fail to satisfy with the resolute actions of the protagonist and a fascinating evolution of a relationship between two sons with troubled relationships with their fathers. Excellent narration throughout, top shelf horse crime drama from a trainers perspective.

Worth the read!

Dick Francis books have always been a special delight to read. This one is slightly more unbelievable, but the research is still thorough.
Not as exilarating from the jockey's viewpoint as some others, but filled with tension.

Great Dick Francis!

Another great read (listen) from D Francis. Well read, as well! Engaging characters and story.