• Front Runner

  • A Dick Francis Novel
  • By: Felix Francis
  • Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
  • Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)

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Front Runner  By  cover art

Front Runner

By: Felix Francis
Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
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Publisher's summary

Jefferson Hinkley is back in the newest Dick Francis thriller by the New York Times best-selling author of Damage.

In his role as an undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, Jeff Hinkley is approached by a multitime champion jockey to discuss the delicate matter of losing races on purpose. Little does he know that the call will set off a lethal chain of events, including the apparent suicide of the jockey and an attempt on Hinkley's own life. Never one to leave suspicious events alone, Hinkley begins investigating the jockey and the races he may have thrown. But there are others out there who intend to prevent his inquiry from probing further...at any cost.

©2015 Felix Francis (P)2015 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Seasoned actor and narrator Martin Jarvis reads with gusto, displaying both his experience and long association with the series, as well as his talent for accents and characterization. Jarvis makes this an easy listening adventure, reflecting the suspense in the plot with excellent timing and creating a wide range of distinct characters that span the whole of the horse-racing scene and the world beyond." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Front Runner

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another very excellent book!

I have to say that I thought that no one could equal Dick Francis. His son, Felix, has done a bang-up job! I am enjoying them tremendously!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not the best

Martin Jarvis is always wonderful but he didn't have a outstanding book this time. The plot was ok, fast at some points and slow at others. The protagonist was a little slow to figure out what was going on, the love story was sappy, and the climax not very climatic.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story - kept me guessing till the end

Felix Learned well from his father. The stories examine racing for all the good and the bad.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good read!

The son is starting to get better. I hope he still has a lot of material to write about. The character is likeable but there's just something missing from his inner quality. Can't put my finger quite on it. . I'm sure Mr. Felix Francis will one day get it spot on.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well plotted, well done, in top Francis style. <br /><br /><br />

After keenly missing Dick Francis' sharp, well researched books, this one delivers. Bravo Felix Francis.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Author and narrator have had better

The flawed logic in the very beginning nearly stopped me reading this, but I persisted, in the end skipping pages at a time. Sorry I bothered! The poor hero kept screwing up, and the poor author kept having him explain in excruciating detail how he missed the obvious. Sorry, Felix!
Martin Jarvis narrated 101 Dalmatians, which I liked very much. That's probably why this effort was so irritating - it's ok for dogs to smirk and simper, not love interests. Sorry, Martin!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good addition to the series

OK, Felix clearly understands his father's formula. at times it was too predictable--I knew exactly when 'the girl' would show up. But the series really needs to come into the 21st century. Women characters need stronger roles! I may try one more but I really hope for more contemporary character development and plotting.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best narrator

Best narrator -- he should do all the Francis' books. He has a beautiful voice and storytelling ability.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Pretty good!

Slow-to-build story but good plot line. This is one of Felix Francis' compositions. I enjoyed listening and will listen again in a year or 2. Martin Jarvis is great.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Tx
  • 02-09-22

Excellent story!

Love this character! I'm glad he finally gets to date someone - I never liked the girlfriend in the first book. LOL
Good story!

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