10 Lb. Penalty

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

New York Times bestselling author Dick Francis has been hailed as “a master of understated suspense” (The San Diego Union-Tribune).

With this blockbuster novel, he lives up to his dazzling reputation, delivering the compelling story of a father and son who must work together to defeat a deadly adversary....

Even though Ben Juliard had always dreamt of becoming a jockey, he couldn’t say no when his father—a prominent politician—pulled some strings and got him a job in his campaign for Parliament. Now, Ben needs to do more than smile for the cameras.

With each step up on the ladder of power come new dangers to the aspiring candidate. And as the mysterious attacks grow ever more lethal, Ben discovers that politics can be the most perilous horse race of all....

“[A] smooth, nimbly paced charmer.”—Publishers Weekly

©1997 Dick Francis (P)1998 Recorded Books

OK Not Francis best

The plot of 10 lb. Penalty is quite different and less satisfying than other Francis novels. In this one the plot is strung out, becomes flabby after the main conflict seems solved. It finally ends in a second, unsurprising, climax and resolution to the original problem. But I was ready to be done with it much earlier. Narrator Simon Prebble is excellent, as always.

Simon Prebble’s consummate voice artistry.

Liked the deft psychological characterizations of people in the political give and take seasoned by a rich interweaving of plot lines.

odd story, but still Dick Francis

I, too, hate politics!
The narrator was excellent, and some of Francis' familiar devices were included. Still, an odd story.

Interesting protagonist

The racing element could have been stronger but the characters kept my interest for the most part.

Exciting and Unusual Dick Francis

Over the years I have always enjoyed the horse racing mysteries of Dick Francis, but this was an unexpected view of the author's broad knowledge of British politics and human relations. It was completely absorbing and provided me with a better understanding of the British electoral process-- not generally associated with attempted murder!