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Break In  By  cover art

Break In

By: Dick Francis
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's summary

Dick Francis was a jockey and horse trainer for many years. His experience gives his questrian mysteries an authenticity that has attracted fans around the globe. To honor him, the Mystery Writers of America named Dick Francis a Grand Master for his impeccably crafted contributions to the genre. Jockey Kit Fielding has been riding the de Brescous horses in a succession of triumphs on the race course. But this winning streak is about to end. Kit’s twin sister, Holly, has come to him in desperation. Threatened by financial scandal, she and her husband may lose their training stables. Kit soon finds, though, that a greater danger lurks behind the threat - one that could be fatal.

Narrator Simon Prebble has received enthusiastic praise for his superb performances of the Dick Francis novels. His sophisticated British voice is perfect for Kit Fielding, the elegant duchess who employs him, and the other polished residents of the horse racing world.

©1986 Dick Francis (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Break In

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One of the Best Audio Books Ever!

Would you consider the audio edition of Break In to be better than the print version?

I read all of Dick Francis's books as a youth, but now because I loved them so much I'm listening to all of them and loving them. This particular book is one of the best narrated (and written) books I've experienced, and I'm going to miss it dreadfully now that it's over! I love Simon Prebble's interpretation of all the British voices - each is distinct and so well-rendered. Outstanding, simply outstanding!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kit Fielding, without a doubt!

Which scene was your favorite?

That's a tough one to pick... there were SO many great scenes. I guess if pushed I'd pick the scene where Kit and Bobby find Jay Erskin and the other guy trying to remove the wire tap device from the Allardeck's roof. Great action!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I had to tear myself away from it every time I ran up against a deadline.

Any additional comments?

The rendering of the various British accents, handling of youth vs. elderly ages, women vs. men's voices... beautifully done! Kudos to an outstanding narrator, and of course, to the amazing talent of the late Dick Francis.

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27 people found this helpful

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Read this one First

This is the first of two mysteries that feature Kit Fielding. The second is "Bolt." As ever, Francis writes great and Prebble reads great. There's really not much more to say....

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22 people found this helpful

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Really very good!

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. When I bought it, I didn't have high expectations, but I quickly realized, that I'd found a gem!

The story is great. I suspected the culprit once or twice, but the ending came as a big surprise. But, it wasn't the ending so much, as following our hero's journey as he came to his conclusions that was the best part of this story. His thoughts and deductions were logical and methodical.. It was great fun to tag along with him.

The narrator was excellent. I never had to rewind.. to go over a part again. His timbre and diction were easy to follow and made the book that much more enjoyable.

Yes, I'd recommend this to anyone that enjoys a great mystery and following along with the deductions.

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18 people found this helpful

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Francis Delights

If you haven't read any Dick Francis before, this is an easy start to his writing. The main character, as is true in all of Francis' books, is a jockey with an aptitude for sleuthing. The book contains all of the right ingredients: a crime and puzzle that need solving, a love story, strong secondary characters, horse stories and suspense mixed with danger -- all delivered with charm. This is the Francis formula and he does it very well.

The storyline includes a number of possible villains (some of whom turn out to be guiltless). The listener needs to pay particular attention to these characters or the ending will be confusing. I think this is an important part of any mystery and Francis delivers on it.

My only quibble is with the main character's seemingly unending capacity to forgive slights, some deep and mean and some others merely minor but irritating things. There is a multi-generation family feud, a la Hatfields and McCoys, that our hero seems to be unrealistically able to overcome and overlook.

If you are looking for a deep book imbued with life learnings, this is not what you want. If you are, instead, looking for an interesting plot with enjoyable characters told by a masterful storyteller, you've found it.

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11 people found this helpful

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I love this story

If you could sum up Break In in three words, what would they be?

Kit, my hero.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

yes, wasn't sure how all the parts would be able to come together with all the right people still alive. Lot's of great tension and suspense.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes I have listened to Simon Prebble, in-fact that's partly why I chose the book. Simon always tells a great story.

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10 people found this helpful

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A very pleasant surprise!!

I've heard of British writer Dick Francis but this 1985 novel is the first I have ever read. It is a wonderful suspense thriller. Having Simon Prebble narrate is a special bonus.

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6 people found this helpful

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I love Dick Francis!

I needed a novel to listen to in order to escape election week news. It was a perfect distraction. Simon Prebble's narration underlines the strength and sang-froid of the jockey Kit. And a great story about the undoing of a corrupt businessman. Oh if it were only true in real life.

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Good mystery, great narrator!

Years ago I listened to a number of Dick Francis books on cassette from the library. They are reliably good stories and I learned a lot about the horse racing business. After all this time I decided to try another one - it was good but I didn't get as involved in it as I remembered in past years. I think my tastes have changed.

With Francis's books there is usually a bit of romance, a bit of violence and a satisfactory ending. This one was no exception. The main character is likable and competent. If you have any interest in horse racing you will probably love this book.

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Horse Jockey Turned Detective: Lies & Video Tapes

If you could sum up Break In in three words, what would they be?

Light-Hearted Entertainment

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No, the plot did not keep me on the edge of my seat, but I thoroughly enjoyed the easy, relaxing listen.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I had not listen to Prebble before but enjoyed listening to his variety of voices. He has a good range of voices he produced for the characters. I look forward to listening to him again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

An Interesting Political Twist on Wire Tapping.

Any additional comments?

This suspenseful drama is set in England and is largely about the behind the scenes of horse (jumping hurdles) racing... the who's who among the owners, etc. and the back biting that goes on to get the upper hand over your opponents. There is no real sex scenes but a little talk.... The main character is a Jockey who investigates to find out who is giving a newspaper rag lies and misinformation about his sister and her husband's financial information and their horse training business. Interesting and Entertaining....

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Break In - Too sexually explicit

What would have made Break In better?

The description of the book gave me the impression it was a good mystery and was about horse jockeys and people working with or owning horses. I got it for my father as he cannot read due to his sight. He told me it was too sexual. Too much sex going on. Well, he is a Louis L'Amour fan and likes romance but only to the extent of that. Leave the explicit sex up to the imagination of the individual. I didn't even listen to it to find out. Dad is a gentleman of 100 years young. I trust his judgement. I'm returning this book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Dick Francis again?

No.

What didn’t you like about Simon Prebble’s performance?

I think because of the content my father may have not liked the book no matter who read it.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No.

Any additional comments?

No.

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4 people found this helpful