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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSGerard Logan is a talented glass-blower in the English village of Broadway whose close friend, champion steeplechase jockey Martin Stukely, dies in a racing accident at Cheltenham on New Year's Eve 1999. Just before Martin's death, a mysterious videotape is pressed into Gerard's hands by the jockey's valet with the message that it was meant for him. When the tape is stolen from his shop that same night, and then every videotape in both Martin's home and Gerard's own house is taken shortly after, Gerard finds himself pulled into a dangerous search to discover what was on the tape, who wants it, and why people are willing to beat him senseless to get it.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Shattered
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Shattered. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a star jockey die from broken ribs after his horse somersaults at the final fence?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
Martin Stukely is leading by seven lengths on Tallahassee when the horse hits the unyielding birch and lands its half-ton mass on top of him, crushing his rib cage. The race was meant to win the Coffee Forever Gold Trophy on the eve of the year 2000.
- First half
In what book does a teenager confess by e-mail, "My aunt's name is Rose. She keeps changing her last name"?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
Victor Waltman Verity reveals by e-mail that his aunt is the fierce-eyed woman hunting Gerard. The connection between Victor, the bookmaker stand, and the menacing woman snaps into place when the boy types those words, then has to log off because she has arrived.
- First half
In what book is a piercing whistle the signal for a man with dogs to rush to the rescue?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
On Exmoor, Gerard demonstrates the whistle his father taught him for summoning taxis in London rain. It later becomes the agreed signal for Tom Pigeon to come at once when Rose corners Gerard during the Lorna Terrace ambush.
- Second half
In what book does a nurse confide that her doctor "often does have attacks when he has visitors"?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
Adam Force has an asthma attack on the cold woodland path with Gerard. When the narrator goes to find help, a motherly nurse smiles and says the doctor will simply lie down and have a sleep once his visitor is gone.
- Second half
In what book does a grandmother fund a steeplechase trophy in memory of her dead son-in-law?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
Marigold announces in the Logan Glass gallery that she will fund a Marigold Knight Trophy in memory of her son-in-law Martin Stukely. She wants the trophy presented annually to the winner of a New Year's Eve race at Cheltenham.
- Near the end
In what book does a showdown unfold inside a workshop with a furnace at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit?
✓ Answer
Shattered by Dick Francis
The climactic confrontation between Gerard and Rose takes place at Logan Glass with the working furnace roaring at 1,800 degrees. Gerard intentionally gives his enemies time to come for him so he can settle things once and for all.
