Debra ThomasMichigan Jan 17, 2004 at 11:24
Very, very heartfelt birthday wishes for the man whose words I look forward to reading every night! The best of health and joy to you for many years to come! God Bless you!
93 messages
Very, very heartfelt birthday wishes for the man whose words I look forward to reading every night! The best of health and joy to you for many years to come! God Bless you!
Happy Birthday! Please write lot's more books as I really enjoy reading them! Regards James (age 15)
Thank you for the pleasure you have given us and the great research who've done to set us off on new adventures in learning. (We own a few burned-out horses. I used to be an exercise girl for polo ponies, but now - I'm only 70, but the ground has gotten harder and the horses taller!)
MR FRANCIS, YOU ARE MY FAVORITE AUTHOR. READ YOUR NOVELS OVER AND OVER. VERY FAVORITE IS "TO THE HILT". YOU HAVE BROUGHT MANY ENJOYABLE HOURS TO MANY PEOPLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, DONNELL DANIEL
Dear Sir, I have read my first Dick Francis's mystery (Nerve) when I was a boy. I think it was a Reader's Digest book, actually. I enjoyed it much, and since, I have avidly read - and re-read often with great pleasure - all your novels, and the collection of short stories. I wish to thank you for a memorable series of books that are a rare treat for anyone who loves not only horseracing and mysteries but especially good writing, humour, and intelligence. Bless you Gianni
You've made our lives a lot more livable - your books have been a source of inspiration for years. May you live to write a lot more books... I think you're GREAT!!!
Dear Mr. Francis, Your books are wonderful! I am trying to collect all of them and have about 14 so far. I wish you well and hope that you write many, many more. An avid fan, Jane
I have read all your books, enjoyed them all. I wish there were another 40 of them. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday please keep right on writing I think it keeps you young. I hope I am still reading your books when you are 100
happy birth day
Happy Birthday to my favorite author. Today I finished reading "RAT RACE". I have read most of your books and will read the rest eventually but I really enjoyed reading "RAT RACE". I could not put the book down. I could never tell you how much I enjoyed reading that book. Thank you!!
Dear Mr. Francis; I send the happiest of Birthday Wishes to you. My own parents are 81, and I had no idea you were 83 years old. It delights me that you continue to produce your calming, thoughtful books. I want you to know how much I love your main character man: he is so perceptive, so understated. I love how you "show" reactions to illustrate character traits. Even a silence can indicate what is going on in a character's mind. These are the delights of reading one of your wonderful horse mysteries. I know I can count on the type of moment best illustrated by hot tea, a chocolate chip cookie, a bristling snow outside, and a new, not-yet-read Dick Francis novel. Just the other day, I reread the one in which you showed that true villains often masquerade as the innocent victim. Seeing in print what we see in life provides comfort, especially when you write it so that the good guy's clever, calm wit prevails over the doodoo of life. Like many others, I, too, started reading your books in the 70's. Like others, I, too, treasure your books. They are a standard for at-home comfort. By the way, I just started teaching English, and included your books as an example of high quality writing. I hope you keep writing. I, for one, thank you for every book you have written. Best Wishes to you. Elaine Robb
Happy birthday! Here's a story I'd love to see: Someone tamper's with Kit's saddle so that he's hanging on by a thread in a race. Sid Halley happens to be by the sidelines with a horse, and rides to the rescue. Then they have to solve the mystery of who is trying to kill Kit. Just a thought.... yours for free.... :o)
Happy birthday to you. May this birthday brings you joy and peace throughout the year .
Thank you for the richness and comfort you have brought to my life. Sometimes it's lonely around non-horsey people. Please have a blessed year that convinces you that the world still contains beautiful interesting things and special people. Even when all seems empty, the world is full of things to discover and we simply have to see them. love Flicka (48 yr old South African) and Chanson Madame Claudine (9 yr old anglo-norman mare)
Dear Mr. Francis.....Approximately 6 years ago, I wrote to you and asked you to autograph a book for my husband for our 30th anniversary. You received that note too late for our anniversary but were kind enough to write something on a note which could be attached for the next. I will never forget your kindness and consideration. Not many authors of your standing would take the time. My husband has since had a liver transplant and still enjoys reading your books. God bless.
Dear Mr. Francis: Happy 84th Birthday! As a fan of your books, I want to thank you for the many hours of enjoyment you have given me. I have read all of your books and awaited each new one with eager anticipation. Just finished reading Rat Race for the 2nd time. It is as good a read as it was the first time. Best Wishes, Barbara Wills
I HAVE BEEN A READER OF YOUR BOOKS SINCE 1995 WHEN I ACCIDENTLY PICKED UP ONE IN COLLEGE LIBRARY. SINCE THEN THERE IS HARDLY A TITLE WRITTEN BY YOU THAT I HAVNT READ. AT LAST COUNT IT WAS 30TH BOOK OF YOURS.I EAGERLY LOOK FORWARD TO LAY MY HANDS ON ANY BOOK BY YOU THAT I HAVNT READ BEFORE . MAY YOU LIVE TO 100 AND KEEP WRITING NEW BOOKS. YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS.A HAPPY B'DAY IN ADVANCE TO YOU. YOURS ETC SUMAN MALIK e-mail
Thank you for all the reading pleasure you've given me and thousands of readers throughout the world. You return us to old values and a sane outlook. May you have peace and content all the4 days of your life.
Dear Mr. Francis, I find I am not alone in praising your wonderful, inspiring, adventurous, riveting books. For many years, I have wanted to write to you to let you know that you have made a difference in my life; I have changed my outlook and honestly do my best to respond to difficulties in the ways I have read about in your books. I am not usually such an impressionable person, but your messages of strength and hope and determination and devotion and optimism and love have moved me. I truly wanted to let you know (although it looks as though you may already have been told a time or two) that your work has resonated with me, and I know for a fact that I am a better person for having discovered your writings. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful wife. Wishing you the very best. Sincerely, Julie Lewis
Mr. Francis, very happy wishes to you and yours. Thank you for the many many hours of reading pleasure you have given me and so many others. I've recommended your books to so many people. It's a joy to read them. I shied away from your books for years because I didn't want to read about horses. Then I read one of them. I have been hooked for years. Thank you so much! God bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday from your biggest fan down under!
Mr Francis I have read almost every one of your books, several times each, my whole family loves them, I particularly enjoy your autobiography. You should be noted as an national treasure. Warmest Regards Genevieve Rea
Three of your older books recently got me through nine days of sitting at the foot of my husband's bed at the VA hospital this week (He'll soon be 86.). You were a lifeline for both of us. Thank you and Happy Birthday.
Hi Dick...I love you and miss you and Mary. How are you?? We are all fine here in Australia, Mitchell is 7 months old now, he loves to play with the beautiful gold bracelet Mary gave me from you both in Cayman after doing her hair for the last time. I've cut and styled many beautiful ladies throughout the years, Mary's impact was by far the most powerful. This is my first time at your website...I was doing a search to try and find Mary's book that she wrote...I think she said it was called "How to fly a Plane" My dad is thinking of learning how. Dick did you get the photo's of Mitchell I sent you?? I will send you some updated ones soon. Please say hello and best wishes to the family with love from me. my email address is e-mail are you on email yet?? Would love to hear how you all are. Take care and Happy (Belated) Birthday...you are by far much younger than your numbers. ALways livin', laughin' and learning Love Beverly We are still at the Hunters Hill address and will be for 10 more months...then it's back to Canada, I'll write more in a letter soon...it's very exciting times here in OZ ;o)
Dear Mr.Francis, a very happy birthday to you, and thank you for many years of exciting reading, and wonderful characters. I have every book you have ever written.
Happy 83rd birthday Mr. Francis. Your books are great and inspiring. truly gems amoung literature. Thank You so much for these great timeless stories.
I LOVE you books. As a former thoroughbred race horse trainer I especially love all of the inside details in your books
Many happy returns Dick Francis. You have given sooo much pleasure. I find it hard to remember that I am reading when I read your books - it is as if they hit a spot which goes beyond words on a page. Just want to say thank you. And Happy Birthday! Cathy
Many happy returns and "God Bless" Mr. Francis. I hope life gives you as much enjoyment as your work has given me.
happy birthday. I have read everything you have written, some over and over. Thank you for many hours of pleasure. I will understand if you have decided to retire from writing but I will be sad. I keep watching the book lists hoping for just one more book.
I HOPE I HAVE A GOOD BIRTHDAY ONE AUGUST THE 11TH
Hello Mr. Francis, Valerie Archibald here (daughter of George and Rusty Archibald). I am now living in Berryville, VA which is a 30 minute drive from Middleburg, VA. If you plan a visit soon, please stop and stay with me. My mother, Rusty still lives in Middleburg. My father, George Archibald, died in 1997. I still have many memories and stories (you and Icy Calm included) and that keeps him in my mind at all times. God Bless and hope you are well. Love, Valerie
Dear Dick Francis, Here's wishing you the happiest of birthdays and many returns of the day! You can never know what a delightful companion your books have been to me through the years. I have both a complete paperback set ~ which I share, and a hard back set which I keep for myself. I've read them aloud to my husband and daughters as we take road trips. You got me into going to horse races regularly. You've reminded me of my own connection with horses. You've been a dear and cherished friend through the years! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Your Loyal and Eternal Fan, Pam
I miss your books, You and your wife gave a great deal of pleasure with them. I hope you are well
I have loved your books for years, and I actually reread them. This morning, August 15, 2004, I'm rereading Wild Horses. Thank you so much for all the pleasure you have given me. Yours is a rich legacy. Happy Birthday.
Mr. Francis, your books were the first mysteries I ever read. My Mom (who is also a big fan) got me started when I was young and I've been reading and re-reading your books ever since. Thank you for such memorable characters and stories. I wish I could tell you this in person (come to Kansas City for a book signing!!). Happy belated birthday to you and my condolences.
BEST WISHES
Best wishes for a happy birthday. Just read FOR KICKS; in the 1920's my father was a jockey, he discovered & reported a situation where potassium nitrate was shot into horses hindquarters as a starting gun was fired. Villains were punished & flags used to begin races thereafter. Cheers!
Mr Francis My Very Best Wishes on your upcoming birthday! I discovered your stories (Nerve!) about 30 years ago. You are my favorite fiction writer, but I have not been exposed to enough of your books up here in the hills. (I make up for it by re-reading and re-enjoying the suspense.) I truly dread the day you decide to put up your pencil. THANK YOU for many hours (and years) of wonderful entertainment.
Thank you for your wonderful treasurer of literature. I have loved your characters and plots for over 20 years. The quote which means the most to me is "Rachel, I would dream your nightmares if only I could." How better to express extreme love for another. Believe this is from 'Come to Greif'. I cry with emotion every time I read it. Thank you again.
Happy Birthday
Thank you for the good times i've had reading your books. My first was Twice shy about ten years ago (I still read it at least once a year)but i've read most of your books since. Keep it up..........
Happy birthday, Mr. Francis! You are one of my favorite mystery authors. Thank you so much for the wonderful books!
Warmest wishes for a very Happy Birthday, Mr. Francis. I have been a devoted fan for the past 21 years, thanks to my grandfather being completely enamoured with your work back then and telling me all about you. I have not once regretted his advice. Thank you for being such an enthralling writer and attention getter in all of your mind bending and thought provoking novels. I especially enjoy reading something where the obvious--isn't what one first thinks. I truly hope you have a most wonderful birthday (and every day before and after). Your family is most fortunate to have such a creative and interesting husband,father and grandfather as yourself. Respectfully, Deby Zimmerman
Mr Francis: Happy Birthday from someone who has enjoyed all your books and still does.
I hope you have a happy and contented birthday. I will always enjoy your books.
May you enjoy happiness and good health in the coming year. Thank you for all the pleasure your books have given me.
Dear Sir, My best wishes to you on your 84th birthday. I have been a fan of your books since my college days (over 20 years ago) when a friend handed me a dog-earred book written by you. I was hooked, addicted to the Dick Francis mystery story. I want to thank you for the many hours of enjoyment your work has brought me and I hope your 84th year brings you continued health and good fortune.
Thank you for all the great reading. Have a wonderful birthday.
I have so very much enjoyed reading your works through the years. I 'just' missed you at the 2004 Grand National. I heard that you were doing a book signing and rushed out of the County Stand only to find I had missed you by 15 minutes. Any possibility that you'll be there in 2005? I'll look for you. Best wishes to you. Appreciatively, Jane Walter
Your books have brought me much enjoyment over the years. Always looked forward to October when the new ones became available in our area. Just couldn't wait until Christmas, so I asked my husband to give them to me early. I'm glad to know you are still alive--I worried when the books stopped. Best wishes to you & thanks.
Happy Birthday! For so many years you have given wonderful reading to so many people! You are the author that my husband and I hold everyone else up to for character developement and wonderful, well-researched plots. I've read and re-read everything you've written and will continue to enjoy them for years to come. What a birthday gift you've given to all of us! Best wishes for happy days and good friends to surround you! Good health and a wealth of wonderful memories are gifts beyond compare...I hope that they are yours now and for many years to come. Heidi
I found you in the public library and have loved you ever since. I introduced you to my 75 year old mom and we've read every book over and over!! Mom even began creating crosswords - much harder than others I've found on line. We wish you a wonderful birthday and hope it finds you healthy, happy and surrounded by those you love!
Happy Birthday and thank you very much.
Dear Mr Francis: Best wishes to you on this occasion. Thank you for sharing your stories. I have read your stories over & over again, and never tire of them. Happy birthday!
I wish you a very happy birthday. For years, on my own birthday, I'd take the day off work, get a new Dick Francis novel, and stay home to enjoy. Thank you for many years of happy birthdays! I know that all of us miss you. I also know that all of us with you the very best. I certainly do! Have a very happy birthday! Gayle Rose
I've been reading and enjoying Dick Francis novels since I was ten years old. On Oct. 28, I turn 21. Thanks for eleven years of terrific reading! Wishing you a happiest birthday yet, Mellee
Have a very happy 84th birthday. Would really love to have a new book from you. I have copies of all your books.
Best wishes from a reader of your books translated in German. Wish you many returns
Your books and short stories have been a source of joy in my life for many years! I've been through the whole repertoire twice! Your simple but elegant writing style, packing irony, depth and drama into few words, has made you, in my mind, the Dickinson and Frost of mystery writers. You have contributed so much, more than just excitement and enrichment, but through your heroes, a sense of hope, that we too, can be heroes, can overcome great obstacles and pervasive evil with integrity and competence, if we will to do so, and will expend our strength and extend our hearts beyond our own little worlds. You've been in my heart and prayers since I learned of your wife's death. I hope you are well and are surrounded by loving family and friends, the fruit of a life well-lived! Thank You! Happy Birthday!
Dear mr.D.Francis,many happy returns of the day.Love (re-)reading your books.English is not my native language,but when I read your books it for sure feels like it.
Dear Mr. Francis. It's only 8:54 am and already I've had a lovely morning. My dear husband got up at his customary 6:15 and let me lie there, with the entire mattress and the entire eiderdown, still warm from him. The rattling of the garbage cans and recycling bins as he dragged them to the curb, having dismissed my offer of help, his return, after a few minutes, with coffee, hot, strong and black to set on my bedside table, murmuring mockingly, "No, DON'T get up.... All that time, I was left to snuggle and enjoy "Haig's Death" in "Field of 13". I love the way you write. Anyone studying philosophy or psychology ought first to read your books. You have uncanny insight about human nature. All our characters are wonderful. I am always so sorry not to stay longer with each of them when your golden words run out at the end of each story. The only consolation for my deteriorating memory is that, even when reading your books for the third time, the plots are fresh unknowns to me and your clarity of analysis of action and consequence, morality, motivation, fault, guilt, excuse, sweet justice and revelation...... It's intimidating to write to someone who could re-write it and send it back to me, so much improved and powerful. Well then, do it, and read it back to yourself because the whole purpose was to pay you a compliment and let you know that, because of your genius and unimaginably hard work, (there is nothing more painful than writing!) You've given me yet another episode of enjoyment and enlightenment. Know you are loved. Know that Mary's love will always be with you. Thank you both. No matter what else has to get done today, I'm going to cook that man of mine his favourite TexMex dinner--and he can have a nap first, if he'd like.
Happy birthday to the author who has given my mother so many enjoyable hours of reading. She will be 91 in January and still considers Dick Francis her favorite author and reads his books often.
Dear Mr. Francis, My dad is a strong, intelligent man who suffers fools lightly. He was born in hard circumstances and made himself into a man I admire above all others. When he pays me the smallest compliment I treasure it like gold. I tell you this because my dad loves your books. In fact, it was my father who introduced me to them a few years ago and I have already re-read them a few times. I wish you a very happy Birthday Dick Francis! A man with such imagination, skill, humor, and intelligence deserves nothing else. Thank you, Katie
One little birthday wish seems inadequate to someone who has provided me with so many hours of pleasure in both reading and remembering scenes I have read years later. Since my birthday is in December, one of your books was always a highlight of birthday gifts. Many happy returns. Tracy Shrier
Mr. Francis, please have a very happy birthday. You have given so much pleasure to the world I hope it all comes back to you. I have chronic depression that is getting better with treatment. I can't tell you how often I pick up one of your books to soothe my spirit, or with the Sid Halley books - to give me courage and fortitude. I have a whole section of my bookshelves devoted to your books and beyond the enjoyment they give me, reading passages of favorites help sustain me with the quiet courage and dignity of your characters. I was saddened to hear of your loss of your wife. Nothing I can write could touch that grief but I hope you can feel the love and spirit your multitudes of fans send you. I have been dreading your retirement but nonetheless wish you much joy and peace. Truly warmest regards, Trish Haley
Wishing you many happy returns of the day! A birthday celebration is a moment to enjoy life's blessings and look forward to another good year. I have been a fan of your books since the 1960's and converted my daughter, a die-hard romance reader, easily. Her love of horses and the excitement of your writing won her over. Thanks for all the good years of good reads. Blessings upon you and your loved ones.
Dear Dick, Wishing you many many more birthdays and good health. Your books are so much entertainment for us. Thank you,Carola
Mr. Francis, Thank you very much for many years of reading pleasure. By far and away you are my favourite author. Here's to a happy birthday and many more to come. I cannot wait until I have the pleasure to read your next book. Cheers, Ben James
Best wishes from Estonia! I love Your books! Epp Remmel
Happy Birthday, Dick. I discovered your books in 1983, then collected all the previous (paperbacks) and all the following (hardcover). I've done that for only one other author, Nevil Shute. Thanks for the excellent entertainment.
The perfect man has all the characteristics of a Dick Francis hero. There is an harmonious balance between his strength, kindness, integrity, and his ability to see into the truth of a matter. Thank you for laying down the blueprint for the real man. I have used it successfully to find my hero.
Dearest Dick - I feel that I can use that salutation because you have provided me with so many hours of pure reading pleasure. I have reread your books numerous times and continue to learn, enjoy, be transported and uplifted by them. I have loved horses and horse stories all my life, yours are without question the very best on the subject. I am wishing you good health and hope that you understand and appreciate the depth of your fans devotion to you and your stories. Peg
Mr. Francis; Wanted to wish the happiest of birthdays. It has truely been a joy to read your books these many years and I look forward to many more.
I love your books I have all of them. Thank you for writing them! You share your birthdate with my son, he is 34. I hope you have a great day. btw I have your picture on my wall when you signed Comeback for me, that was one of the best days of my life. thanks again for writing all those great stories.
Congratulations on reaching 84 and also for being (in my opinion) the writer of the best mystery books ever. I enjoy them and I learn from every book. Thankyou!
Thanks for many enjoyable hours of reading pleasure.
Happy Birthday Mr. Francis, on this your 84th All Hallows' Eve and very own birthday. A friend introduced me to your writing just a year ago and I am truly enjoying reading your stories. Best wishes for a heathly and happy year. Terry
Enjoy your books. You are consistantly entertaining but have a variety of slants on the horse business. Have a very Happy Birthday, and many more.
i am reading 'NERVE' [1964] at the moment, very enjoyable, was there a racecourse at Dunstable? Where did you most enjoy riding? Wishing you a happy birthday and many more to follow, God willing, Richard Brown
Very best wishes on (literally) your birthday. I feel I'm writing this to a longtime friend, having enjoyed so many of your books over so many years. Blessings be upon you!
I had no idea of your age. Congratulations. I have just read many of your books for the umpteenth time and have been sharing them with someone who hasn't. They never cease to interest me and provide enjoyment. Can we expect any more? Condolences too on your sad loss.
Happy birthday, health and wealth. A.
Mr.Francis, I admire your books and love how they all have a connection to horses. I have five horses of my own and always look for a good horse book to read. But most of them are very cheesy. Your books, however are wonderful and keep my attention until the last page! Happy Belated Birthday!!! God Bless, Cortney Kinkead
Happy Birthday senor. Have been reading your books for "er, 30 years or so." Our little hometown library has most of your books (the ones they don't have (have) been requested and will be forthcoming.) Please keep spinning your enchanting tales XXXOOO Diane
Dear Mr. Francis, this is not so much a birthday wish than a thank you for writing all these fantastic books. My family (my parents, my 4 sisters and my brother) and me love your novels due to that you always know something new after reading one. Thank you very much for extending our horizon.
A belated wish for your health and happiness. I've just reread The Danger for the third time. All your books have been reread at least once and are favorite travel companions. It was distressing to hear of the loss of your dear wife, and I hope your friends and family are close to you for this Christmas. Thank you for the reading pleasure of so many years.
I just purchased Smokescreen, completing my Dick Francis collection in hardcopy! Having read each one several times, I continue to be amazed at your gift with words and with your ability to express the best in human character! I am most thankful to you for sharing your talent and wish you only the best for your 85th birthday! Best Regards!
Dear Mr.Francis, many thanks for all the wonderful moments I have spent with your novels. As you have not published since the 2000, I keep rereading your books over and over and, believe me, it is a delight. Your writing style is so personal and attaching that it has not an equal in crime fiction. I wish you the best for the coming 2005 !
Happy Birthday! You know, the bit about injecting a pigeon to increase virulence of a potential pathogen was an interesting concept to find in one of your books given when the book was written. Good work. Regards, MRR
Sir- You are by far the greatest, most passionate horse story author, ever. Your profound insight into the mind, heart, and soul of our beloved equines always fascinates and thrills me. You are, and always have been, my favorite read. Thank you for all the places you've taken me.
Many happy returns and many thanks for your books. I am an avid reader and because I cannot find enough good authors I set out to collect all the books of my favourites Yours was my first collection. Your best feature is that unlike most prolific writers you got better with every book you wrote. Thank You for hours of enjoyment