Whip Hand

By: Dick Francis

Narrated by: Tony Britton

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Sid Halley had one good hand and another made of metal. Five hundred pounds of horse had landed on him, directly ending his career as a brilliant jockey - and indirectly ending his marriage to the woman he loved.

He had become a private investigator, quite a good one, though his new life could never erase the haunting memories of his past glories. But it was only when the wife of one of England's top trainers came to beg his help in preventing some foul play at the track that Sid Halley began to know what being haunted really was.

©1979 Dick Francis (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Dick Francos Strikes Again!

I loved reading these books and the addition of Tony Britton makes them even better. I highly recommend to anyone who likes a great British mystery.

My favorite Dick Francis

Dick Francis wrote 4 novels featuring Sid Halley as the protagonist, and this is my favorite. The thing I like best about him is that there is that deep conflict between what he was as a jockey, and what he has become as an investigator. There is the love/anger feeling he feels toward his ex-wife. The character goes deeper than the usual mystery/suspense. Okay, the character is himself through all the novels, but it's his reaction or growth that grabs you.
As far as the plot, I enjoyed this one because it was smooth, in spite of some peripheral characters that don't seem to fit, but end up fitting very well.
Tony Britton is a wonderful narrator. The listener can hear the difference in class of each character, as well as how he/she relates to the world (hard, timid, brave, etc). Definitely give this Dick Francis a listen.

Another Dick Francis Classic

Another Dick Francis Classic. Great with a fast moving engaging plot, a page turner,a great companion for anyone.

Read this one Second

If you like one Dick Francis mystery, you will probably like them all (if you get a good reader - which is usually the case fortunately). He wrote four mysteries featuring ex-jockey Sid Halley: Odds Against (1965); Whip Hand (1979); Come to Grief (1995); and Under Orders (2006). Even though the books span 40 years, the elapsed time within/between all the stories is about 3 or 4 years. Technology advances with the times from book to book and we aren't supposed to notice that as readers. After all, it's really the mysteries and Francis' quality writing that we're here for, isn't it?

Another Sid Halley Success

Would you listen to Whip Hand again? Why?

Ive read it twice, it was wonderful to listen to it! Absolutely would listen to it agai

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

Yes!

What about Tony Britton’s performance did you like?

Brilliant narrator, however at times the audio fades in and out a bit and appears that the narrator changes

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

Mmmmm. No idea not my strong suit

Any additional comments?

Wished they would write another Sid Halley! I've read them all and just love them all. My absolute best of Dick Francis

galloping good yarn

Great story as you would expect from Dick Francis. Very clever narration, Tony has a very listenable voice. Having some connection with the race horse industry the story rings true and keeps you on the edge of your seat right from the start.
I listen in the car while driving and I found myself continuing to listen long after I arrived at my destination. Strongly recommended.

Well written, very British

Having just finished this book I still feel the melancholy with which it was written. The book is a good piece of literature, I want to say that up front so as to not dissuade someone from listening to it. The dialog is good and Francis has a skill at turning a phrase, the story moves along well and is entertaining. Loss and melancholy are such a part of this story though that as the end unfolds you wish for some extra heroics, a chance to cheer for the underdog, but alas, it ends with the same vibe it carries all along, a bit of sadness, a bit of victory. I will read another Francis story sometime, I am glad I read this one, but not right now.