Dick Francis, the jockey turned best-selling crime novelist, died at his Caribbean home on Grand Cayman at the age of 89, the New York Times reported Sunday. A native of Wales who served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, Francis had a long and popular career as a jockey. After a serious fall in 1957, Francis retired as a jockey and took up his pen, producing more than 40 crime novels, many set in the world of horseracing.
Dick Francis, crime novelist, dies at 89
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Comments (1-8) of 8 Add your comment
RIP, Mr. Francis. I had the pleasure of meeting him and his amazing wife on a couple of occasions. He was such a gentlemen.
He was an amazing writer and I enjoyed every one of his books. He will be very much missed.
Mr. Francis transported me to many different worlds. I thought I had no interest in the “sport of Kings” until my family passed some of his books on to me. His skill of mixing mystery with the world of horses completely pulled me in. I know that I will continue to read his works and I am grateful for them. I am sorry his family has lost such a unique man.
RIP. I have read and enjoyed all his books.
A Dick Francis novel was one of the few I would buy without even checking to see what it was about. I have every book he has ever written. I think one of the greatest mystery writers of the 20th century. His plots were so well crafted, and his heros were always normal people in normal occupations. The research on these occupations could make you think the writer had actually lived them. And every plot was in some way connected to the racing world. The world will miss Mr. Francis. I hope his son will continue the work.
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very saddened by this. Mr. Francis was one of my top 2 or 3 writers ever. I looked forward to a new book from him each year and frequently re-read my favourites. Thank you, Dick Francis.
Very sad news. I always looked forward to the latest Dick Francis. I learned a lot about British horseracing over the years, but more about good writing and great characters.