Dick Francis passes away

[Sightseek]

I've read so many of his books, I forget what books I've read and what books I haven't. RIP Mr. Francis.

[Honu]

Talented writer , I couldnt get into his reads but I do admire his love of horse racing.

[chucklestheclown]

I guess I'll start with these.
Whip Hand - 1979 - Second Sid Halley novel - Sid outwits a sadistic bookie and chain-wielding goons during the investigation of a doping scandal.

Reflex - 1981 - A jockey turns to photography as a career and becomes embroiled in the aftermath of the strange death of a racetrack photographer.

Twice Shy - 1981 - Computer program containing bookie-breaking system is unintentionally given to a sharp-shooting physics teacher.

Good to see his son will continue to write, hope he is as good.

[Unstable]

Just finished his last book (written with his son) yesterday. I've read them all, and enjoyed them all.

While sometimes the plots got a little hokey, I've always admired the way he wrote about the racing. I gained a whole new perspective for steeplechase racing. I agree with Dr. Beth, the books are like candy. When a new one would come out, I would try to make it last (because I knew I would have to wait for the next one). But I always ended up having to finishing it off.

Thinking he had already passed on was understandable. He was in his eighties and there was a gap of six years in the publishing of his books after his wife died. There were rumors that she had been the driving force behind the writing of the books. However, I never read the books for the plotting... it was the accurate, visceral descriptions of the riding and the racing that "hooked" me.

R.I.P. Mr. Francis.