The Dick Francis BBC Radio Drama Collection

DICK FRANCIS BBC RADIO DRAMA COLLECTION by Dick Francis, an AUDIBLE BOOK was, for me, a LISTEN down memory lane! If you are a lover of radio dramas, then this collection is for you. There are full cast dramatisations of Enquiry, Rat Race, Proof and Bolt. I have previously read all novels in this series. My favourite book/audible in this series is PROOF with actor Nigel Havers as Tony Beach. I not on the cover states six dramatisations but I could only locate four with a bonus interview with the author, Dick Francis at the end of the audible book. I found some of the earlier recordings, especially Enquiry, of poor quality and the the recording dated but this could be called a ''vintage recording' which may suit some listeners. There is a note from sellers stating ''Pls note due to the age of some recordings sound quality may vary''

I give a 4 star rating

I WANT TO THANK NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF LISTENING TO THIS AUDIBLE BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

I’m delighted to report that nostalgia is still everything it’s cracked up to be. While I enjoy listening to audiobooks when on the move, or doing other things during the day, at might I am prone to seeking out older dramas from Radio 4 Extra on BBC Sounds. I find that with age comes a desire to enjoy the classical radio dramas and what The Dick Francis Collection offers is that classical series in spades.
Here you will find the clipped tones of a young Nigel Havers; the rounded, delicious vowels of the much missed Hywel Bennett; the precise intonation of Siân Phillips; the clear diction of Frances Matthews and the memorable voice of Bill Nighy, which has barely changed across the decades.
These full cast dramatisations are, unsurprisingly, not all in pristine condition, but they are all eminently listenable and the heyday of the BBC sound effects team is there for all to hear in the thunder of hooves on the race track and the sound of a train rumbling down the railway tracks.
In keeping with the times, the role of women is one that may give some pause for reflection. Francis, who was, to give him his due, cognisant that women could pilot planes and run an effective stables training yard, nevertheless has to build in the romantic hero and so his women are a little too prone to leaping into bed with our hero.
Still, these are thrilling dramas and the full cast versions are a real treat. I also enjoyed the Matthew Parris Great Lives programme with Francis' biographer Graham Lord.
Verdict: A great listen to some of the great Dick Francis thrillers. Be ready for a few crackles, but revel in a series of unsurpassable casts.

I've never read any books by Dick Francis so when the opportunity arose to listen to some of his audiobooks I jumped at the chance. I do love radio dramas because they just bring the book totally to life with the background effects. If you have never listened to one before then you are in for a treat with this audiobook.

On one of the books there is a train scene. You dont know that it is set near the tracks but you can hear the rumble in the background getting louder and louder. When I realised what it was my heart was in my mouth. The sound as it passed by felt almost real.

I really enjoyed these stories set around horse racing world. They are ideal if you are time short because they are not too long. I enjoyed listening to a different story each evening. Amazing sound effects, I loved it

Dick Francis has long been one of my favourite authors to read for escapism. I have read every book he has written with relish. They are of a time but netherless great fun. I love being taken to a different 'world' from my ordinary life. Listening to these dramatised stories was a real treat. Highly recommended!