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To Play the King

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About this listen

Newly elected Prime Minister Francis Urquhart takes on the new King, in the controversial No 1 bestselling second volume in the Francis Urquhart trilogy – now reissued in audio.

After scheming his way to power in ‘House of Cards’, Francis Urquhart made a triumphant return in ‘To Play the King’ – a Sunday Times No 1 bestseller that became a BBC TV series, with Ian Richardson resuming his award-winning role as Francis Urquhart and a hugely successful Netflix series.

Its highly controversial and uncannily topical storyline – in which the role of the monarchy in modern Britain comes under scrutiny as Prime Minister Francis Urquhart threatens to expose Royal secrets when his plans are blocked by the idealistic new King – coincided with a huge increase in public interest in the future of the Royal Family following a series of Royal scandals.

©2013 Michael Dobbs (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Genre Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Political Royalty Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction Law Crime Espionage Thriller

Critic reviews

‘With a friend like Michael Dobbs, who on earth needs enemies? His timing is again impeccable. A good romp, and gloriously cheeky. Dobbs’
books grab because of their authenticity – the man knows his stuff.’
The Times

‘This thriller will delight anybody who relishes political intrigue… a model of its kind and impeccably timed.’
Daily Mail
All stars
Most relevant
You can almost hear the shoulder pads! Mr West’s narration was the draw here. FU takes on Downing Street and the king

Very much of its moment

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as House of Cards but very enjoyable. Samuel West's narration is spot on. Will definitely listen to the third book of the trilogy.

Perhaps not quite as good

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All the twists that you would expect from Michael Dobb’s trilogy. Although previously televised, the audiobook is a great listen that you could return to over the years. The by Samuel West narration was brilliant and even brought about the visualisation of the televised characters to the listener.

Excellent

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I prefer the first book but this is good and Samuel West is a good narrator, especially when he gives the voice to the King which almost sounds like the real King Charles.

Who Will Win, The PM Or The King

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I love Sam West's portrayal of the different characters in this series. Brilliant. And a funny, witty, dry-humoured tale.

Sam West as a reader

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