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Blood Sport (Word for Word Audio Books) | 
 enlarge | Author: Dick Francis
Publisher: Chivers Word for Word Audio Books
Category: Book
List Price: $29.95
Buy Used: $12.19
You Save: $17.76 (59%)
Used (5) Collectible (1) from $12.19
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 2529001
Format: Unabridged
Media: Audio Cassette
Edition: Unabridged
Number Of Items: 6
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 5.8 x 4.4 x 2.2
ISBN: 0745128319
Dewey Decimal Number: 823
EAN: 9780745128313
ASIN: 0745128319
Publication Date: November 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: 100% satisfaction guaranteed
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Product Description
When English agent Gene Hawkins told his boss he'd forego his vacation to search for millionaire Dave Teller's prized missing stallion, he didn't know his retainer would include the attentions of his boss's beautiful daughter--or Teller's seldom sober wife. Nor did he know that a trail from London to New York to Las Vegas to Califonria would eventually lead to murder....
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Missing Horses February 25, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
BLOOD SPORT is an early (1967) Francis novel that is very different from his normal fare and hence an excellent read. His hero has a death wish hanging on the edge of suicide. Second the story takes places in the United States.
Missing horses, one for ten years Brings Gene Hawkins on the search as he must take a three week vacation, while he has been depending on his employment to keep himself alive. His search leads from London to New York to Kentucky to Las Vegas and to California where he confronts murder. His mental attitude changes when he knows he maybe the next victim instead of self-destructing--then living becomes important.
Not for every fans who expect a standard protagonist, we found the change a very good read.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.
Take a trip back to the '60's June 19, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is early (1967) Francis novel centers on Gene Hawkins, a deeply depressed young man who finds himself swept into the racing world against his will. Expensive British stallions are disappearing in America and Hawkins agrees to look into the matter for the insurance company as a favor, and to use up the three weeks of vacation time he had been dreading. The investigation leads Hawkins through the US, from the lush horse country of Kentucky, to a Wyoming dude ranch, to the sun kissed beaches of Southern California. Along the way his path crosses many interesting characters including the charming young daughter of his boss.
As always with a Francis novel the action takes place in the racing world, the hero has a tragic flaw but finds redemption on his quest. The action sequences test the hero's skills, luck and fortitude but his success is a foregone conclusion. The appeal of these novels is that Francis can devise so many variations on the theme.
BLOOD SPORT does show it's age though. In the forty years since it's publication DNA testing would have eliminated the problem with much less trouble, Hawkins' depression would have been managed with drugs and the alcoholic secondary character would have long since been sent to rehab. Still this is a classic Francis and a totally enjoyable trip back to the sixties.
Inspiration for the depressed March 21, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I recently finished rereading Blood Sport again--it's either my third or fourth read of the book. I think I've reread only 1 other Francis novel, so clearly this novel speaks to me a great deal. This is because the hero is suicidal and finds ways to live. The hero is depressed, yet he is able to live by drawing on anger that anyone would deprive him of the right to live or die. I will not spoil the ending of the novel, but I will say the hero finds a better and more powerful reason to live the rest of his life without considering suicide. Another key character also suffers from depression; she is able to find a new career in life and improve her life a great deal. Romantic love does not play a significant role in either character's battle with depression. If you have ever experienced depression, I recommend this book. It will distract you from your life with its plot that (even after almost 40 years) is still gripping, but more importantly this book offers some great messages about the value of human life, friendship, and the nature of love that may inspire and comfort you.
A bizzare but worthy thriller December 11, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
OK, we've all read at least one of Dick Francis' early novels. The usual components are there: HORSES, racing, mystery, and often a physical or psychological character defect. (I write this, having a hearing loss, so I can appreciate the effort!) The main character, Gene Hawkins, is an intelligence agent who once had his heart ripped out. (I always wanted to write that last phrase) In his agony, he has to escort his boss's nubile 17-year-old daughter to California, to solve a horse kidnapping. Living in the 21st century, trust me, you will not guess the ending of this novel. We need a few more authors with this sense of decency.
Suicide presented in a very realistic way February 15, 2002
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
Considering it is a 1967 publication, Blood Sport portrays a man who suffers from depression and from a person (me)who also has and does can say the portrayal is very realistic. I'm amazed Francis could write like this in the mid-60's and wonder a bit now if Dick didn't go through some bouts of depression because you almost have to to portray it correctly. A worthwhile read for more than one reason. Aches, cold feet, full of malaise, life seeming worthless and confusing...Francis knew what he was talking about.
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