Dick Francis
The popular Welsh novelist and former RAF pilot and jockey died yesterday at his home in the Grand Cayman islands. His son, Felix, who collaborated with his father on four recent novels, says: “My brother, Merrick, and I are, of course devastated by the loss of our father, but we rejoice in having been the sons of such an extraordinary man. We share in the joy that he brought to so many over such a long life. It is an honour for me to be able to continue his remarkable legacy through the new novels.” Sounds like Felix may continue to write, or at least publish any incomplete manuscripts the two may have been working on?
Dick Francis’ long string of mysteries set in the world of horse-racing have been solid sellers since the 1960s. Many were written with the collaboration and support of his wife, Mary, whose death in 2000 caused Francis to temporarily retire from writing. Perhaps his fascination with trackside mystery was spurred by his own involvement in one of the sport’s most memorable moments: Francis was riding the Queen Mother’s horse, Devan Loch, in the 1956 Grand National. In the lead, and just yards from the finish line, the horse inexplicably collapsed. But whatever his inspiration, it’s clear that Francis’ writing brought hours of enjoyment to millions over the past 50 years.
Related in BookPage: our review of Dick Francis’ Under Orders.
Obituaries
The BBC
The New York Times
The LA Times
For five more days, you can listen to a dramatized version of Dick Francis’ Enquiry on the BBC’s website.
A great loss to mystery readers and horse lovers everywhere. Mr Francis’ books were entertaining and educational….full of information about the world of steeplechase and horse racing.
I hope that his son Felix will carry on with his storiesand I look forward to reading them.