2001

AZbookgalArizona Aug 6, 2001 at 23:33

Have a wonderful birthday, Mr. Francis!

BoulyjenkovGeneva Aug 9, 2001 at 08:30

Dear Mr Francis, Many happy years and good books to you. Dr Victor Boulyjenkov

AntonelaBulgaria Aug 9, 2001 at 15:16

Many happy returns of the day to my ever favourite author! Your books and their main characters are one of the greatest delights of my life! Congratulations and all my deep cordial wishes for health, luck and the best possible events ahead in this life!

MargreetThe Netherlands Aug 9, 2001 at 15:36

Happy birthday, Dick. Have a wonderfull day with friends and relatives. I hope you will write a lot of new books.

Mary DixBurke, Virginia USA Aug 16, 2001 at 18:57

Happy Birthday and may you enjoy many more years of writing and good health. You have given me many hours of pleasure especially when I have had to be in bed. Thank you and again. My sincerest wishes.

glynis williamspontyypridd Aug 18, 2001 at 07:48

happy birthday dick i read your books all the time all the best on your birthday !!!!!!!

Enrico KwakkernaatVeenendaal, the netherlands Aug 19, 2001 at 19:05

A very happy Birthday and many, many years! Hope you will write a lot of books in the feature, so you will live long too!! (sorry for my poor english) Enrico Kwakkernaat Driemaster 81 3904 RJ Veenendaal the netherlands e-mail

Pat LemmonsMansfield, Texas, United States Aug 21, 2001 at 12:39

Wishing you a lovely day on your Birthday!! Thank you for the wonderful books you've written. I've discovered your writing this summer of 2001. I've read and enjoyed 12 of your books so far and look forward to the rest. Wishing you good health and many more years of writing! :-D

KittyPennsylvania Aug 21, 2001 at 19:18

Thank you for your books. They are wonderful, all of them. Have a Happy Birthday.

Fred BoydChicago Aug 23, 2001 at 13:21

Just finished listening to To The Hilt. A Masterpiece. Happy Birthday

Tim JessonCanada Aug 24, 2001 at 00:50

I have been reading your books for 21 years. Thank you. Have a very Happy Birthday.

BlancheDinant, Belgium Aug 26, 2001 at 10:50

Happy birthday to the very best fiction writer alive! You have given me endless hours of fantastic reading. I keep all your books and I read them again regularly. I do hope that you will write many other books! Thank you again for all the enjoyment you provide

Barbara SchwiefertMönchengladbach, Germany Aug 27, 2001 at 05:56

Have a very happy birthday and thank you for your wonderful books !

LeeAnne GoenPortland Oregon USA Aug 27, 2001 at 20:33

Very Happy Birthday to you and may you have many, many more. I also wanted to add my thanks for the hours and hours of enjoyment your books have given me. I don't know how many times I have read them and I never get bored. When I discovered them more than twenty years ago I was thrilled to find adult books that involved horses, after outgrowing The Black Stallion I was sure I'd never get to read fiction with horses again. Thanks so much and Happy, Happy Birthday

ValeriePortland, OR Aug 28, 2001 at 19:56

Thanks so much for many years of enjoyment. I have never not been enthralled by one of your books. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, many more. Thanks again.

Garry GregoryAumont Switzerland Aug 29, 2001 at 07:06

Love your books.

Martha HerouxPhoenix, Arizona USA Sep 2, 2001 at 10:37

Many,many grand wishes for a happy, healthy birthday. May you find some joy in the good wishes of all your literary friends! I have enjoyed reading all of your books at least a dozen times, and never tire of them. Your talent in storytelling is magnificent, and I hope you will be able to continue to delight your readers. Again, Happy Birthday!

melnacogdoches, tx Sep 3, 2001 at 21:22

dear Mr. Francis, Happy Birthday! I love your books. Please keep writing. Mel

Tim WalkerEngland Sep 8, 2001 at 08:44

Many, many thanks for the hours of pleasure you have given me with your books. I was introduced to them by my father, who sadly died in 1985. Each time I read a new book I deeply regret that he has been unable to share that pleasure. Thank you most sincerely, and my very best wishes for your birthday. Tim Walker

Sheila LongdenSydney Australia Sep 16, 2001 at 06:03

Love your books. You've bought a lot of pleasure to so many people, and so much knowledge. I truly wish you a happy birthday. May it be everything you wish for. God Bless Sheila L

Jenny CaseSouthern Pines, North Carolina, USA Sep 18, 2001 at 07:32

Best wishes for a great day. I enjoy all of your books because the PEOPLE

MarySaint Paul Sep 20, 2001 at 22:07

Thanks for the many years of great books! I've got them all lined up on my bookshelf, in order of publication, and have enjoyed re-reading them through the years. A hot bath and a Dick Francis book is heaven! Happy Birthday.

diana huntreading Sep 23, 2001 at 14:22

I simply love your books. I didnt read them for ages because I thought they would be too horsey. But now I am going through them in rapid succession. Thank you so much for writing them! diana

Diana HuntReading Sep 23, 2001 at 14:23

Many happy returns. Thank you for the many happy hours I have spent reading your books. Diana

Sue ThoroughmanPortland, Oregon, USA Sep 29, 2001 at 00:05

Dear Mr. Francis, I am so thankful to you for the many hours of pleasure your writing has given me. My only gift to you can be my sincere admiration and the knowledge that I, like so many fans, read your books over and over and wait with bated breath for each new one. Just sign me "Can't Wait for Paperback" Sue

Larisa Z.Chelyabinsk, Russia Oct 1, 2001 at 05:27

Happy birthday! And many thanks for the most thrilling novels I have ever read!

Terry PSalem, Oregon Oct 1, 2001 at 15:12

May God's love warm your days.

LindaVirginia Oct 1, 2001 at 18:34

Love your books. They are so easy to fall into and so real.

michael riesmeijerarnhem Oct 1, 2001 at 22:07

Many happy returns,dear sir. For kicks got me a flying start to a whole new reading experience. First paragraph of straight got me hooked. My warmest feelings go out to YOU! Many thanks for enriching my life....

Jason GroganMelbourne,Aus Location of in the Frame Oct 2, 2001 at 10:42

Happy Birth Dick, I have all your books on audio, And all your stories are the BEST !!!!!! Hope your have many more Happy birthdays Jason Grogan

Lynn M.Mississippi Oct 5, 2001 at 15:04

HAPPY TRAILS!!

Fran OlsenArlington, VA Oct 5, 2001 at 15:28

I have enjoyed all your books, so much. I have re-read them all at least once. You autographed many of my books at the Crown bookstore in McLean VA, several years ago. Your wife took my picture with you and my Mom and it is one of my prized possessions. I look forward every year to your new book. Happy birthday and many more. Fran Olsen

Mike ShieldsWhittier, California Oct 7, 2001 at 00:19

May you have 81 X 100 more happy birthdays! For that is how many pleasurable hours I have had reading your books. Live long, Dick!

Sue McClureFlorida, USA Oct 7, 2001 at 15:45

My husband and I wish you a very Happy Birthday and a very special retirement - you deserve both!!We wish you and yours a very special life - thank you for so many hours of reading enjoyment!!

Sue HaynieTipton, Oklahoma USA Oct 8, 2001 at 12:42

Happy Birthday, Mr. Francis! I have enjoyed your novels so very much for many years. I am sorry that your dear wife is gone, and please accept my condolences. I sincerely hope that you will continue writing--what pleasure you have brought to all of your many fans through the years!!

Tallahassee, Florida Oct 8, 2001 at 19:48

Thank you for giving me many wonderful trips back to England and to horse-racing through your books. Your writing is rich, smooth, classy and dependably wonderful. Happy Birthday, and please keep writing... Meg

all the library staffHaydock East library, st. helens, Lancs, England Oct 9, 2001 at 08:49

All the very best on your birthday. Good Luck!

Sarah, 18 yearsGermany Oct 10, 2001 at 06:21

Hi Mr.Francis! Hope you have a great Birthday. I've read all your books and I hope you'll write some more in the future. Your stories are really cool and I love all the main characters! :-) Best wishes, SARAH ;-) e-mail

Daniel HendersonManchester UK Oct 10, 2001 at 11:27

Happy Birthday Dick, keep em comin, Shattered is excellent

Santha SobieralskiBranford, Connecticut Oct 11, 2001 at 19:41

Happy Birthday to you, Mr. Francis! I have always enjoyed your books, but never more so than in the last month. The moral fiber and unswerving courage of your protagonists, and the beautifully described environments in which they operate are more inviting than ever to lose oneself in during these tumultuous days. We have three generations that enjoy your stories. Thank you so much for such simple pleasures and for sharing your gift.

Tim JohnsonGreenville SC Oct 11, 2001 at 21:00

Mr. Francis, may I have the honor of wishing you a happy birthday, and thanking you for adding to the mystery genre a voice of culture and at the same time genuine fun, in what has become for the most part a sea of gratuatous language, violence and sexual overtones. If Conan Doyle were alive, I do believe he would read Dick Francis

Hagar Kruger- SabatiIsrael Oct 13, 2001 at 16:05

becaus I love horses & love mistere bookes , you are my favoret other, & i am collecting your bookes and reading them again and again. thank you for all of them .I am wwaiting for your next.happe birthday- in Israel we say andtill 120.

Karen CoeBenton, Ill. Oct 14, 2001 at 12:54

Dear Mr. Francis, Every year for the last 15 or so, I have celebrated my birthday by buying myself a present, the latest of your novels. You see, your books are usually released just about the time of year that I celebrate my birthday - Oct. 31st. It is with the greatest delight that I find that we share the same birthday. May I wish you a happy day on Oct. 31st.

Christy K.Corpus Christi, Texas Oct 14, 2001 at 19:36

I have enjoyed all your books - many times each :) - over the years. Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you! Here's to many more happy, healthy years... Happy Birthday!

Niek BrouwerThe Netherlands Oct 16, 2001 at 09:29

Happy Birthday and thanks for many hours of great reading

Aimee O'GradyCork, Ireland Oct 17, 2001 at 09:43

Happy Birthday I've read your books for years now and i love them. Thanks

Letha Miller and Alison SturgulMoscow Idaho Oct 17, 2001 at 13:43

Dear Mr. Francis -- Thank you for many years of reading pleasure. We enjoy so much your books and wait eagerly for a new one every year. We wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many, many more. Best wishes from Idaho!

Patty BigginsSaline, Michigan, USA Oct 17, 2001 at 19:15

I became hooked on your books when a close friend sent me one of your paperbacks in the late 80's, I believe, for my birthday (Nov. 3rd). I then went out and purchased all of your existing paperbacks but quickly ran out. Then, I was forced to wait for every October when the new hardcover releases came out. I was fortunate twice to have been in London in October and to have gotten your new hardcovers before they hit the States.I was also fortunate to have had you sign a book in Stamford, CT in 1989. I love your humor and always laugh out loud when reading your mysteries. I wish you a healthy, happy 81st birthday and hope you are surrounded by family and friends. May you always receive joy in proportion to the joy you have given!

Linda MillerAustin, Texas Oct 17, 2001 at 21:19

Best Wishes to the Great Man of horse fiction! You always entertain and inform; the many horse race venues across the world have become familiar places through your wonderful stories.

Hellen HeathBath Oct 18, 2001 at 07:39

Wishing you well, will always be a great fan of both your books and riding. (so will my mum!)you've been an inspiration in both.. thanks!

Kathryn BallOjai, California Oct 18, 2001 at 13:28

Your books have been birhday and Christmas presents to me from my daughter for years and have brought me many hours of enjoyment. I wish you as much joy and pleasure as you have brought me all these years. Due to reading your books which have increased my appreciation of horses as well as really good writing, I have finally, at 52 years old, started to learn how to ride(a desire that I have had since I was a child) and am in the midst of writing my own mystery novel. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Consider yourself flattered. Kathryn Ball ( e-mail )

Jacqueline HonnefTolbert, The Netherlands Oct 18, 2001 at 15:01

Dear Mr. Francis, Happy birthday and thank you for writing all those fantastic books, I love reading them.

D.S.Missouri, USA Oct 18, 2001 at 15:55

Happy Birthday, Mr. Francis. Your books have given me hours and hours of enjoyment through the years. I've read all your books multiple times, as have my husband, mother, and mother-in-law (who got us all hooked!)

Odd Arne SvendsrudNorway Oct 18, 2001 at 20:35

Congratulations. I have read all your books, and I hope your have not finished writing yet. Odd Arne Svendsrud

DeirdreAdelaide, South Australia Oct 18, 2001 at 22:52

Dear Dick, I would be shattered and I would come to grief if I couldn't read your books for kicks anymore. I love the characters, the danger, themes and story lines to the hilt. You are the driving force in mystery writing, that's a dead cert. Wild horses couldn't drag me away from the rat race when I'm making a flying finish on one of your stories. The hot money is on you celebrating many more birthdays and writing many more novels to come. Your enduring popularity is proof of your excellence as a writer. Happy Birthday!

Oana ChiraRomania Oct 20, 2001 at 02:49

Happy birthday! and I hope that I'll have the chance to read more of your wonderful books! Thank you for them!

WARREN AND DIANA ROGERSBILLINGS MONTANA Oct 21, 2001 at 01:56

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOU HAVE GIVEN US MANY YEARS OF READING PLEASURE AND LOOK FORWARD EVERY FALL TO YOUR NEW BOOK.

Linda SmithApple Valley, CA, USA Oct 21, 2001 at 01:59

Have a very happy day, and many many returns!

Bruce InceBallajura, Western Australia. Oct 21, 2001 at 08:56

Congratulations on your 81st Birthday, my prayer is that you will Celebrate many more Birthdays and write many more wonderful books. I have read every one of them at least four times and I look forward to reading many more. The only complaint that I have is that when I get a new Book written by you I can not put it down until I have finished it. That can be in the wee small hours of the morning, I've then got to get ready for work without having had any sleep. God Bless you and your Family. Regards, Bruce.

Teresa BradleyNorth Carolina Oct 23, 2001 at 20:42

Happy Birthday! Thank you for the 25+ years of terrific reading that my father and I have shared together.

Steve Lusby7437 N. Backer av. Fresno Ca.93720 USA Oct 24, 2001 at 09:24

Dick, Happy Birthday, and thank you for the many hours of fun reading your books and living with your hearrows

Abdelkader NechatLondon, United Kingdom Oct 24, 2001 at 18:58

Dear Mr Francis I met you and spoke to you afew times while you were in London just over a month ago for the paperback issue of Shattered. I worked in the hotel you stayed in and you kindly signed my copy of The Danger. I would like to express how honoured I was of meeting you and how inspiring you are.My Dick Francis section has gotten bigger since I last saw you. I wish you a very happy birthday and many more fruitful years.

Doris DegnerTulsa, Oklahoma Oct 25, 2001 at 00:52

Happy Birthday! I know this is a difficult time for you and I think of you often. I'm so glad I saw you and Mary in Washington last October. Visiting with you, Mary and Felix was a genuine high point of the year! Thank you again for your encouragement about my writing. My husband was killed in an airplane crash last May, and as I slowly recover and ponder whether I will write again, I remember your advice. I know now that I will soon write again and therefore I have hope that I will live again. It is my wish that you are also doing as well as possible under the circumstances. Many, many thanks for your wonderful books, your kindness and sincere encouragement. You are in my prayers!

Shelley JohnsonPhiladelphia, PA Oct 26, 2001 at 14:43

Dear Mr. Francis: I hope that you have a happy and healthful birthday. Your books are absolutely amazing and I've loved each and every one that I've ever read. What an accomplishment! Best wishes always! Shelley J

Catherine LeicesterActon, California Oct 27, 2001 at 23:21

May each hour of pleasure you have given to me be returned to you.....which should take you through 2110.. Happy Birthday and many, many more to come!

Christopher W DonaldDoylestown, PA Oct 28, 2001 at 07:00

Mr. Francis - Sincerest wishes for a happy birthday and health and happiness for the next year and many more to come. Please know that your books have been a treasure to me and my family. While my parents' were living they were a tradition to appear under the christmas tree and were a gift that we all shared and enjoyed. You have brought much joy to our household.

judith van LeeuwenThe Netherlands Oct 29, 2001 at 10:03

I like to wish you a very happy birtday. I just found out this way to contact you, so I also want to thank you for all your books. I really have much pleasure to read them, over and over again. I hope there will be more of them. Wishing you and your family all the best, greetings from a fan from the netherlands, bye bye Judith.

Joy HummelPhiladelphia, PA Oct 29, 2001 at 15:20

Happy Birthday to my favorite author! Keep the great stories coming!

Lloyd LecuonaVancouver, Canada Oct 29, 2001 at 16:13

Many Happy Returns. Thank you for many years of happy reading! Sincerely Lloyd Lecuona

LaurenPenticton, BC, Canada Oct 30, 2001 at 03:34

Happy Birthday! Love the books.

DorienEemnes Oct 30, 2001 at 06:11

Van harte gefeliciteerd! Een fijne verjaardag. Groeten van Dorien uit Nederland. (congratulations! have a very nice bithday, greetings -Dorien -the Netherlands.)

Lisa WhitfieldKinston, North Carolina Oct 30, 2001 at 14:02

Happy birthday to my favorite author. I have all of your books. My favorites are the Sid Halley books but SHATTERED ranks tops out of all the others. I love hand-blown glass objects and reading that book gave me some insight into how they are made. Just as I learned things about photography from reading REFLEX. I hope you are well and have many more birthdays to come! Keep up the great writing! A loyal fan, Lisa

KarenLynchburg VA Oct 30, 2001 at 15:08

I want to thank you so much for writing these books. I started reading them when I was in College, and don't plan to stop anytime soon(Ever). I even discovered my Uncle is a devotee, and we discuss your books. He has read every single one, and I have some catching up to do. I am in the midst of listening to Shattered in my car and ended up sitting in the parking lot for 20 minutes after lunch today instead of going back to work. Oops. I just had to find out what what Logan was up to. Again thank you so much for taking the time to research and write such brillient stories. Happy Birthday

Marianne SchmidtGermany Oct 30, 2001 at 17:31

Dear Mr. Francis, best wishes for a very happy birthday to one of the finest writers around. Your books are smashing and even better,they do involve horses! A heavenly combination.

Steve HedgesWeymouth, England Oct 31, 2001 at 17:03

Mr Francis, it is my grandfather's 82nd birthday today and I've just learned that he used to sit next to you at school in Holyport. His name is Joe Rolls. He is an avid reader of yours and has just read 'Comeback' in which there is a character named J.Rolls. I don't know if you remember Joe but it would be great to think that you did. If you do and you'd like to get in touch you can email me at e-mail Or you can write to Joe at 1 Kempston Road WEYMOUTH Dorset DT4 8XB ENGLAND Many thanks and Happy Birthday Steve Hedges

Anita HahnToronto, Ontario, Canada Oct 31, 2001 at 20:48

Happy Birthday Mr. Francis! I am enjoying reading your recent book, Shattered. I am in my last year of high school(I hope)and I chose your book for an independant assignment in my English course. Hope you are well! Sincerely, Anita Hahn

GillianMelbourne, Australia Nov 2, 2001 at 00:50

Happy birthday Mr Francis and enjoy the Melbourne Cup while you are here. l had a wonderful lunch with you today (and lots of other people) in Melbourne. You are a wonderful speaker and l enjoyed listening to all your tales (especially the racing ones). Best of health to you and your family. Kindest regards.

Andrei AkopianAliso Viejo (e-mail - e-mail Nov 9, 2001 at 00:39

Dear Mr. Francis, My name is Andrei Akopian and I have recently come across this site. I am sixteen years old and I have read many of your books, too many to keep count. I love your style of writing and the kind of books you write. There is only one thing that is better than an acady award winning thriller and that is your book. Your mysteries are so interesting that every time I read a book I am still surprised as to how they are solved. Please send me an e-mail and tell me if you are releasing a new book any time sooner or later. your biggest fan Andrei P.S. I would like to wish you a wonderful 81st birthday. I am sorry that I am a little late, I have been really busy with school and having a really hard time choosing which one of your books I will be using for my book report.

Bryan PaynterAuckland, New Zealand Nov 15, 2001 at 22:33

A bit late, but here you are in Auckland yourself! Wonderful to see you being interviewed on TV1

ClaireQuébec city Nov 17, 2001 at 10:37

Sorry I'm late, but I figured it was worth a try to thank you for the many wonderful hours of enjoyement you have given me. I can only hope that all this happiness you have given so many people is returned a hundred fold. Again thank you!!

Hans SteinRedding, California Nov 19, 2001 at 00:48

Happy birthday Mr. Francis! You are one of the best authors that I have read. I have all of your books, all worn from use, but still loved. Thank you.

John CrouchStevenage, Herts. UK Nov 20, 2001 at 16:34

Many happy returns, Dick. Thanks for the many hours of pleasure that your books have given me! Don't light all those candles at once without warning the fire brigade! All the best, John

Jennifer Lynn CunninghamStockton, California U.S.A. Nov 20, 2001 at 18:39

Happy Birthday to my favorite author. You have given joy to my life in so many ways. Your books have given my father and I a strong bond. We read, buy and discuss your books together (for over 13 years now). Your stories help to enliven my dreams and their characters help to bring fascination and truthfull facts of so many career choices. I can't express abundantly my gratitude and wishes of hope for your future endeavors and investigations. With all our Love...The Cunningham/Reed(we don't know our real name-our geneaological tree was dismantled)Family.

KiyoshiJapan Nov 23, 2001 at 05:22

Happy birthday. To read your books, I learned English. It was not easy for me. But it's worthwhile!

Michael SpiegelPortland, Oregon Nov 25, 2001 at 16:11

A belated Birthday Greeting. May you live forever. I can't beleive that I've been reading your books for over 30 years and have enjoyed everyone.

jana dvoøákováe-mail Dec 5, 2001 at 07:32

Dear Mr. Francis, I am from Czech republic, I am 14 years old and I read your books for three years. They are very nice. I hope you will wright a lot of other book. I wish good health to you and a lot of satisfaction. Jana

Peter ButterworthSan Francisco Dec 16, 2001 at 21:31

Well now, a very happy birthday and even more very happy Un-birthdays to you, to you. take care.

Adriane BlackwellBelleville, ON Canada Dec 17, 2001 at 11:05

Sorry I missed your birthday - I hope you are well and healthy. I have been a fan for many years now... ...and read every one of your books. I was devastated when I didn't find a new release this year, but I didn't realize what a wonderful age you have reached! I just re-read "Blood Sport" and wished again there had been "more to the story" in another book... ...I do love so many of your characters! Thank you so very much for the pleasure your writing talent has given me - yours is the only entire book collection I have (and re-read each of them several times!)... ...thank you, thank you!!!

Linda S.Washington State Dec 19, 2001 at 22:12

Belated birthday greetings from a mystery reading horse lover! Stay well.

Peter WendtRonnenberg, Germany Dec 23, 2001 at 19:13

Happy Birthday! Thanks for Your GREAT Books!

Tracy Lynn DowningDecatur, Texas, USA Dec 24, 2001 at 15:12

Dearest Mr. Francis, I am delighted to wish you a very happy 81st birthday. I only wish that I could repay the many joyful hours you've given to me reading, and re-reading, each of your books. I've even had the chance to travel to England and experience firsthand many of the places and sensensations I once enjoyed only vicariously through the pages of your books. Thank you so much and may you have a wonderful year.

MaggiVirginia Dec 25, 2001 at 10:12

Happy Belated Birthday to you, Mr. Francis, my all time favorite author. I remember the first of your books I read - it was sitting in the "to shelf" cart and had a horse on it so I took it home, read it in one day (couldnt put it down!), then when I took it back and found a whole shelf full of your books I couldnt believe it! Didnt get a thing done the rest of the month. My sister ran out of gas on the interstate while listening to one of your book tapes. We tell all our horse friends about them. Your heros are such great guys, must be alot like you. Please dont ever stop writing, you are just the best. much love, maggi

Thomas J. SmithHawaii Dec 31, 2001 at 22:14

Many happy returns of the day from a Senior who is your Junior by four years....the discovery of your mysteries was a bit of serendipity leading to many hours of pleasure. I haven't read everything yet but I am trying!