Richard Stanley Francis was a British crime writer, and former steeplechase jockey, whose novels centre on horse racing in England. Dick Francis left school at 15 without any qualifications, intending to become a jockey; by the time he was 18, in 1938, he also was training horses. Francis became a highly successful jockey, reaching celebrity status in the world of British National Hunt racing. He won over 350 races, becoming a champion jockey in the 1953–54 season. Francis's latest may be one of his less memorable rides, but even at 80, the old master proves he can still go all out in the final stretch, Shattered. The hero is Gerard Logan, a dashing English bachelor who owns and operates his own glassblowing shop in a charming village in the Cotswolds, popular with other artisans and tourists. Minutes after his friend Martin Stukely is killed under his eyes at the last hurdle of a steeplechase, Gerard Logan gets a package from Eddie Payne, Martin’s valet, that Eddie insists Martin had meant for him. Inside is nothing but an unlabeled videotape. But now, that videotape is missing, stolen by a tall, bearded gent who made off with it while Logan's back was turned. Now, a crew of thugs wants the tape. They are led by the cruel, aptly named Rose Payne, a ruthless bookmaker who knows what's on the tape, medical breakthrough secrets worth millions, and will do anything to get it… You can listen online to free English audiobook “Shattered” by Dick Francis on our website. Enjoy it!
