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  • Syndicate

  • Dick Francis Novels, Book 13
  • By: Felix Francis
  • Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
  • Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
  • 3.3 out of 5 stars (22 ratings)

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Syndicate

By: Felix Francis
Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
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Summary

Chester Newton is a successful racehorse syndicate organiser and his company, Victrix Racing, is having its best year yet. When his prized horse, Potassium, wins the world-famous Epsom Derby, Chester is set to become the next big thing in British horse racing.

But one phone call changes everything.

Someone hiding behind a voice scrambler and an untraceable phone is demanding he fixes a race – and they’re willing to go after Chester’s family if he fails to comply.

Chester’s business is the only thing in his life that isn’t falling apart. With his marriage on the rocks and his children growing increasingly distant, he is not willing to let someone destroy the success he’s spent his life building.

Then his daughter is kidnapped and, very suddenly, it’s not just his livelihood that’s on the line. Now Chester must discover just how far he will go to protect his family …

©2024 Felix Francis (P)2024 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about Syndicate

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A real page turner in the Francis tradition

I loved the book, well read as always by Martin Jarvis. My only criticism is that I think Felix overdid the history of British horse racing details. That being said, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story marred by its narration

[NO SPOILERS] After the pleasing Hinkley trio (FF 2014-2016), 'Pulse' wallowed so much in dreary mental illness detail that I skipped the next few books, especially after I saw the 'Iced' reviews. But... decided to take a punt on this one, and I think it's a return to Hinkley form. Yes, as some folks have commented, there's detail about syndicates - but, given the book title, that's hardly a surprise. After all, 'Reflex' (DF 1980) had loads of photographic detail in it, for instance.

UK audiobook: to my ears, this audio often sounded like Jarvis had ill-fitting false teeth, or had a large sweet in his mouth - the worst DF/FF audio since the UK version of 'Silks' (2008).

[MAYBE SPOILER] Some customer reviews criticise the central character but he cares deeply for his daughter and is rather fed up with his marriage, so I'd call it realistic.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story

This was a poor recording, making Martin Jarvis sound like he has a lisp. Apologies if he has, but I haven’t noticed it before. Think mr Francis needs to consider other narrators. Also, people who read these books had a pretty good idea of horse racing, there is no need to explain every bet, in every book, and try to explain the handicapping system, nobody understands that. Do your own thing Mr Francis, don’t copy your father.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Decent plot, low level action, not quite what we’re used to.

I always love the Francis books and had waited so excitedly for this one, but it did feel a little lacking. All the women portrayed were extreme and poorly narrated, terrible kids you could happily disown, a dithering protagonist and quite a low level of action (in fact pretty much no action or suspense in this one) and so it all left me feeling a little sad. The story itself was actually good and the plot intricate with some great new facts about betting which I had no idea could be so complex, but I did guess the identity of the villain pretty early on.
You’ve absolutely got to love and admire long-standing Francis narrator, Martin Jarvis, who we’ve listened to and adored for decades, and who despite now being in his mid-80’s can still narrate with real prowess. However, his wonderful but aging voice really couldn’t quite carry off the age or variety of our multitude of characters who all sounded old.again, I think I’m def of the view the Felix Francis books are probably better read than listened to.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Worst Audible Book ever

What a huge disappointment this book was. Not only was the storyline dull and tedious - and at times gave too many statistics - it was made worse by Martin Jarvis’ performance. Does he need a new set of teeth? He sounded like a weary old man! I don’t think any of the categories above are deserving of any stars at all to be honest. Dreadful!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Intriguing

A thoroughly enjoyable listen, with a real twist at the end, would highly recommend, Felix is an excellent writer and I really enjoy listening to the narrator.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Weak story

Desperately disappointing story that was unrealistic and drawn out .The accents of the narrator grinds away like a sore tooth and the relief in finishing the story by audiobook is palpable.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

boring

the narationwas terrible, the story dragged and dragged not happy at all. I will be returning this book.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

slow

slow starter..too self absorbed characters and not enough thrill. not up to normal standards .poor.

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