Audiobook Review: Reflex by Dick Francis

Reflex
Author: Dick Francis
Narrator: Simon Prebble
Publication: Recorded Books (August 31, 2011)
Length: 9 hours and 9 minutes

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: REFLEX is one of my favorite books by Dick Francis. I love his heroes who are ordinary men dropped into extraordinary situations and who manage to triumph in part because of their strong moral characters.

Philip Nore is the hero of this story. He's an aging jockey and amateur photographer. He is coming to the end of his racing career which he fell into as a teen. Born to a drug-addicted seventeen-year-old mother who was thrown out of her home, Philip was raised by a succession of her friends making him helpful and resourceful and unable to form deep relationships. 

Philip has two main problems in this story. First of all, he is given a set of photographic puzzles when a successful race photographer whose work Philip admired but whom he personally disliked died in a car accident. Philip rode with the man's son and got involved when that man's parents' house was burgled during the funeral anad again later when the photographer's wife is beaten in a home invasion and when her house is burned down. 

Philip's curiosity is what starts his involvement. When he manages to solve some of the photgraphic puzzles, he learns that the photographer was blackmailing members of the racing world into good behavior. Philip is also attacked and badly beaten once it is learned that he has the photos.

Philip's second problem begins when a lawyer comes to see him to ask him to visit the grandmother who through his mother out because she is dying and wants his help. He is surprised to learn that his mother had another child, and that the grandmother wishes to leave her whole estate to the girl if he can manage to find her. Philip feels no obligation to help the hateful dying woman but he is curious to find the sister he never knew he had. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this story. I liked watching Philip go from a drifting unconnected man to one who has plans for his future after racing and a woman who loves and understands him. I liked Francis's spare prose and appreciate Simon Prebble's deft narration of the story. 

I used an Audible Credit for this one. You can buy your copy here.