96 comments
Whip Hand Great web site. Just wish I could get hold of 'The Racing Game' on video - it's long been deleted here in the UK. I can remember seeing it when it was on TV in 1979 & got hooked on Dick Francis books since then, especially the Sid Halley trio. I'm really surprised more of his books haven't been adapted for TV/film.
Favorite: Flying Finish
My favourite DF is Flying Finish, the only one of his books that I've read twice, both times in one day (unusual for me). Honourable mention would have to go to Nerve, the first of his books that I read when a friend loaned it to me in 1983. I've read every book he's written since then. I'm another one of his fans that usually gets a new DF every Christmas and I've very much missed mine this year. I realize that the death of Mary Francis must have been the reason for no book this year. I understand she did a lot of research for him when he was writing his books. I was very saddened to hear about her death, and I wish him all the best in his time of grief. I have heard that Mr. Francis may be laying down the pen and retiring from writing, and I certainly hope this is not true. Does anyone out there know for sure what the answer to this question is? If he does feel it's time to retire, I just want to take this opportunity to thank him for all the years of enjoyment he's given us all!
Favorite: Longshot
I haven't seen a book from DF since Shattered. He usually produces one a year. Am I missing something?
Favorite: For Kicks
I have only recently heard of the passing of Mary Francis and I wanted to pass on my condolences to Dick. I have read everyone of Dick's books at least 3 times and have been reading them since I was 12. His books not only entertain and inspire me, they have shown me the importance of putting life into perspective and giving it everything you've got. Dick's books have been a powerful influence on my life and I would like to thank him sincerely for this. Best Regards Chelsie Bleakley Australia
Favorite: comeback
excellant read
Favorite: all of them
I sincerely hope that Mr. Francis will continue writing more books--they are such a joy to so many people. I have enjoyed them all so much, and re-read them over and over again.
Favorite: How can i choose?
I don't really know what to say besides I love reading these books! I was in desperate need for a new favorite author when I grew out of my favorite series and then someone gave me one of these books to read and I've been hooked ever since. The books are beautifully written and not a kind of book you can put down :) I am on a mission to get them all. Guess that's all I can say :)
Favorite: all of them
Je ne peux pas trouver de mots puor exprimer mes sentiments a l-egards de ces Livres!
Favorite: Straight
The sheer pleasure of reading - or rereading - a Dick Francis book can't be described; it has to be experienced.
decider HI ALL! a friend of mine is a maker of jewelry. recently i was excited to see a ring that he had made that is a sterling silver ring with a horse on it. it reminded me of All of Dick Francis' books. i was wondering if any of you would be interested in this ring. if so please email me at the above address and i will send further details. if there is enough combined interest i may be able to get a better price on them for you... thanks charlton (ps i am re-reading the total 42 books right now... onto # 14 or so having a lot of fun)
Favorite: DEAD RINGER
I FIND ALL HIS BOOKS SO GOOD,BUT I HAVE READ THIS THE MOST
For Kicks Been reading DF for 32 years.
Favorite: Banker/ Nerve/ High Stakes
Thank you Dick Francis for the many years of enjoyment you have given my Mum and I from reading your books.
Favorite: many!
Avid reader of Dick Francis books. Am investigator in Phoenix, Az. and working on a case where a female jockey was severly injured from a race & need Mr. Francis' expertise in assessing the case. We represent the State of Az. (Racing Commission) and would greatly appreciate consulting with such a world expert -of course to be compensated. Please advise if Mr. Francis can assist.
Favorite: Odds Against
Hi.... I would like to recommend this really great racetrack novel "Favored to Win" by MaryAnn Myers. It revolves around a young woman and veterinarian's life on a Thoroughbred racetrack, the main character's mysterious past, who she is, what's she's done, that leads to a climactic end. Dick Francis' fans will love it! Like Dick Francis, the author is a horse trainer. She writes about what she knows and it shows. You will love her characters. You will love her horses! "Favored to Win" along with reader comments can be viewed online through amazon.com, amazon.co. uk, bloodhorse.com, etc. Thanks much. Audra Adaire Neat website!
Favorite: nerve
i think it is a good site with all the bits of information one is looking for .One of the better websites related to Dick francis books.
Favorite: Hot Money
Although I do not know of any movies made from the books I have heard there is to be a made-for-TV series from Production company Amy International. Can someone tell me which of the books used Selenium? solution (from dog shampoo) as causing birth defects when administered to brood mares?
Favorite: Shattered
Hello Dick, we met on the beach in Grand Cayman. Since we last spoke we have lost our Queen Mum. Did you open your museum exibit Easter weekend? We traveled back to Toronto March 17th. My Uncle George Neal is well. He was quite interested in your novels and read the two my sister Linda Carder had you autograph. If you need advice on Aircraft and flying especially 1st and 2nd WW vintage he would be a great source. He has built a few and some of them are in the National Aircraft Museum in Ottawa Canada. He hopes to complete his Hawker Furry before he can still work. He will be 84 this year. Enjoyed our meeting. Take care. See you next year, God willing.
Favorite: I like them all.
Reading a Dick Francis novel makes me believe that gentlemen still exist. I love to read about horses and go to the horse races in Portland, OR
Favorite Wild Horses How did you get the idea for the book? The Film Director?
Favorite: whichever one I just finished reading!
I am a published novelist and Ph.D. doing research on the prose style of best selling authors. Can you or a member of your staff email me a second chapter from any of your recent bestsellers for computer analysis? I am requesting the same from Anne Rice, John Grisham, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling. Happy to answer any questions you may have. This research will be presented as a talk at a national writers conference. If not through this websiteyou, can you give me another option for making this request? Thank you. Judith Stanton, author of Wild Indigo and His Stolen Bride, Harper 1998, 1999
Favorite: blood sport
I have a first edition hardback book of blood sport and it is up for sale as of the next couple of days if anyone is interested?
Favorite: All of them.
Where is the next book?? We are hanging out. Please, please, even a small one would be nice. Please let us know when to expect the next one.
Favorite: Everyone of his Books
Great site!!! I too love all his books and wish there would be more coming out forever. I have read them all over and over and feel rejuvenated after each one! I am so sad when I come to the end of the books, I feel I know the characters so well, personally. What a terrific author who inspires all of us in our daily life. Thank you!!!
Favorite: All
I've read DF wrote a book called Carrot For a Chestnut, but I've never been able to find it anywhere. Does anyone know anything about it?
Favorite: All of them
I am not a horse fan but those books are something much more than just interestin stories happening on the racecourses. Great sense of humore and good understanding about peoples inner self makes Dick Frances to my favourite writer. Sad that there are not many books of his to get in my homecountry Estonia. I am looking forward for each outkoming book. Thank you Dick Frances, it is great pleasure to read your books.
Favorite: Can I say All?
I started reading Dick Francis' books at about the age of ten. I was, still am, very interested and involved with animals. Riding racehorses was always a dream and after 24 years it came true when I rode my first real work out on a track. It has so far been my last, but it is more than I ever thought I would do. I broke my back and had to have it bolted back together. I was told I could not ever ride again. Well, I am not one for taking doctors orders (A bit of the Sid Haley in me I guess)and have been riding and falling off all over the world! The books gave me the courage to look inside an face what was there. To say lifes a shit and just get on with it. I think the one thing that has stuck with me the most is that to be afraid is natural and facing that fear is courage. The world would be a duller place without Mr Francis' books, and I would be a coward.
Favorite: The Edge
Have been reading Dick Francis books for about 30 years now and can't get enough of them. Always looking forward to a new one. Hope there will be many to come.
Favorite: Hilt
Disappointed that no new Dick Francis was published last year. Any news on future publications.
Favorite: The Edge
Thanks for many hours of great reading pleasure. There are really many favorites, but I was asked to pick just one. Roy
Favorite: Banker
I love horses, did work with them 7 years.It was too hard work for my body and now I have a sled- dog team to enjoi the speed and company in the wilderness. I live with my sibes in Lapland, Finland. I own 20 of your books !
How does one possibly pick one favorite? That would take more time then this impulse search permits. I was at the kitchen sink thinking, once again, that I should write Dick Francis and thank him for some of the most enjoyable hours of my life. His books are my best friends, my dream man described within their pages. From the bottom of my heart, thank-you.
Favorite: The Danger
Dick Francis is my very favorite mystery writer. I have read all of his books numerous times. They helped me to remain sane during law school.
Every Fall my father and I would eagerly await the newest Dick Francis mystery. We would discuss the book long distance, first by telephone, eventually adding email. My father died in June of 2001. When Fall arrived I expected the newest book and thought how sad it would be without my father to discuss the book with. No new book came out this Fall. Seemed sort of fitting. Still, I keep searching for the release of the next book! I hope Mr. Francis keeps them coming.
Favorite: ALL OF THEM!!
My mother and I share a love of all the Dick Francis books, and has been buying me one every Christmas for some time now. Christmas was not the same last year.. "Remember I have not left you, I am merely awaiting you in the next room"
Shattered It was a long wait in Oslo airport so I decided to look at the English books section in the shop - my Wilde novel accidently sent to the hold of the plane. There was "Shattered" on the shelf. An impulse purchase which I kept reading before the flight, on the flight, on the bus to Stockholm and all night. Must get another. /Steve from Berkshire
Favorite: Only read bonecrack
Loved the only bokk, Hoping to read more! and will!
i recently moved into a new house (for me) and downstairs left on the book shelves are many books. after reading all the authors i have heard of - i picked up a slim book written by dick francis. i was instantly hooked. i am so glad there are so many. i have read five in a week so far and am looking forward to finishing up what i have. glad to see there are more that i dont have.
Favorite: Break In
My older brother introduced me to Dick Francis. I have been a fun and avid reader ever since. I know nothing about horses or racing but he brings alive in such a dramatic way, you feel like you are there.
Favorite: couldn't pick
I'm hopeful that you folks can help me. My girl's birthday is just around the corner, and she's fallen for the horseraces... just loves being at the track. She's also learned a passion that I too share: skeet shooting. Does anyone know of a Francis book that somehow combines the two sports? Perhaps you might remember a protagonist/antagonist in one of the stories that has something or another to do with target shooting, shotguns, skeet, or the like. Thanks for your help, Scott Maynard.
Favorite: To the Hilt
Any idea what happened to last year's new book from Dick. A year without a new book leaves a large void.
Favorite: Bolt
I am impressed this site looks really good you must have put a lot of work into it. Peace Chewy
Favorite: Come to Grief
It's hard defining a favorite, because I love them all! I wish he could keep writing forever!
Favorite: Longshot / Straight
just came across your site, I'm a huge Dick Francis fan and I found the site very interesting. None of my family understand how I can get so engrossed in his books that I forget to feed them!
Favorite: the next one!
Hi - i came across Dick Francis books through Jane Smiley mentioning them in 'Horse Heaven'. I've read the short stories, 'Field of 13', and last night finally read one of the novels, 'Bolt' ... it was true what the cover said, i couldn't put it down so am in danger of doing nothing else until i've read them ALL! Horses - and horsie-people - have been so healing since i lost my love this year... i'll come to a reading group soon
Favorite: Second Wind
They are all my favorites, but Second Wind is now my current favorite because I just finished it.
Favorite: Enquiry
My favorite Dick Francis book changes often. I've read them all many times. He teaches, in his novels, about how to be strong. I have learned so much from his stories; I am grateful for his wisdom.
All of them I've never read fiction books that speak so directly to me. I love horses and have ridden since I was five too. So all of the "horse stuff" appeals to me. And all of the characters have so much character that I can't help but love them all. I suppose they reflect some of the inside of Mr. Francis himself.
Favorite: have not yet decided still reading
I have 23 of Dick Francis books some of the earlier editions are hard to purchase in Australia.They are a good read. I am currently reading 10lb Penalty. Wild Horses was great. I like his writing because he tells a good story, and only a few f... words. I think he must be a good person.
whichever one I choose to read (though Blood Sport was my first ever) `I am amazed at the number of internet sites and the development of this one....in regards to Dick Francis....perhaps because I am relatively new to surfing and because I have not been seriously reading DF until recently. Thanks! REW
Favorite: Decider
I have read or heard this novel at least 10 times. Great stuff
All of his books are favorites! I guess the last one I read is the favorite at any given moment. I was saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Francis' wife. My condolences to him and his family.
Break In I love all your books . Please write more.
Favorite: ALL
I am a huge fan and finally got around to looking for a site. Would love to meet Mr. Francis in person and see a live steeple chase race. Have read all his books that I could find at least once and can't wait for more!!!
Favorite: I DON'T HAVE ONE
I ENJOY READING ALL OF YOUR BOOKS, AND RE-BORROW THEM AT INTERVALS, WHEN I'M SURE I'VE FORGOTTEN LARGE SEGMENTS. UNTIL I STARTED READING YOUR BOOKS, I HAD NEARLY FORGOTTEN ABOUT SNEAKING INTO THE THORNCLIFFE PARK TRACK, TORONTO CANADA TO WATCH THE HORSES RUN. THAT WAS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR, AND I WAS BETWEEN SIX AND EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. IT REQUIRED THAT I TRAVERSE THE DON VALLEY, DOWN OUR SIDE, AND ACROSS THE BOTTOM, AND UP THE FAR SIDE, SOME DISTANCE FROM THE LEASIDE VIADUCT, BECAUSE YOUNGSTERS WERE NOT WELCOME, ACORDING TO THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT, AND I WOULD BE WATCHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FAR SIDE, MOST CAREFULLY.
Favorite: "Come To Grief"
I welcome mail from others who share my interest in Dick Francis, racing, and horses!
hot moneyFavorite: I find it hard to choose a favorite book because they are all good in there own right. As a blind person I am collecting his books as audio books, and hope to have them all one day.
??? Break In ?? We got hooked by a friend whos 2 daughters were teenage horsemen. Read most of Dick's books. Still chasing down a few.
Favorite: The Break in Series
My mom has made it a tradition for the last ten years or so to always buy me your newest book for christmas. I love them and so does my sister and mother. Keep writing, good health and may all your horses keep nickerin'. Kavaleen
Favorite: So far...Break In and Bolt because I like the hero Kit Fielding.
Thank you Dick Francis for writing so many fantastic books which now fill my book shelves.
Favorite: Come to Grief =Knockdown =Bolt
Love every single book. Read them over and over and over. My Uncle Dick [a real cowboy]living in Parumph Nevada and I discuss weekly. It is 2002 and we're hoping and wishing for more wonderful books from this incredible writer. Love the "integrity" he always instills in the main character. A lot to be learned from reading a Francis book.
Favorite: all
Question. Is there anyway to get in touch with him by email or leter.Thanks
Favorite: horse books
Horse lovers, please take a look at www.nokotahorse.org to learn about the wild horses in North Dakota that descended from Sitting Bull's war and buffalo horses.
Favorite: whip hand
when is Mr. Francis' s next book due out?
HOT MONEY Read all Dick Francis, most of them a couple of times. My only hope is, that the youth which is still in Shattered gives him strength to start over. It would be an interesting finish to read a crime fiction book without a crime but only the feeling of one. I think the only one who could do this would be Dick Francis.
Favorite: bonecrack
"amazing"
Are your books e-books?
Favorite: Come To Grief
10 years ago my brother suggested I read this book about horse racing.He knew I liked horse racing & he said I would like this book.The book was Bolt & since then I have now read all of Dick Francis'books.I live in Melbourne Australia the home of the famous Melbourne Cup.Two years we had the pleasure of Dick Francis as an invited guest to our Melbourne Cup Carnival.Every time I go to a race meeting at Flemington I think of you Dick.Thankyou for all of your wonderful books $ how about writing a book about the Melbourne Cup.Thank you from downunder.
Favorite: All
I learn so much from each book - about human nature, about whatever the "topic" of the book is, and have developed a love for horses, although I've never ridden one. Mr Francis is the best writer of the 20th Century. Rereading his books is just as exciting as reading them the first time. Thank you Dick Francis, for enriching my life so much!
Favorite: The Edge, To The Hilt, Longshot
I have been reading Dick Francis Novels for more than 20 years, since I read the 1st (Risk) in a Readers Digest Condensed Book. I have all except the last couple of books published, but have read a couple of these from the Library. May Dick Francis continue to write such excellent fiction.
Favorite: all of.....
I am wrighting from Ukraine.Have you ever heard? I just want to say that i liked all of Mr.Fren- sis's books.They are clear,honest and interest- ing.Because of them I fell in love with horses. Really.And I liked books where the main charac- ter finds HIS woman.The plot of their relation- ship is verrry interesting.I wish Mr.Frensis Health.Energy.New ideas.Thank you for your books.............. ......Your Ukranian reader.......
I am currently researching '60s actor Lee Kinsolving. Do you know of any late '50s, early ' 60s credits on Lee? I'm searching in particular for his December 4, 1958 appearance on "Playhouse 90." Many thanks, Dick Gary Bennett
Favorite: Banker
I am Dick's greatest fan. I wish our library had more of his books. I live in a small town in South Africa and they don't have all of his books, but I love the ones they have.
Favorite: The Edge
The Edge is my favorite book because it was my first!
Great website, we really enjoyed visiting.
Has Dick written any other books since his wife died? Don
They are all my favorites. I rue the day when I have read all of them. Towards the end of the book I ready VERY slowly because I do not want it to end. Wow, what a writer. I just love his work.
Canada, train, Banff, murder Hi all, I'm really here to ask a question for my mom, who doesn't have Internet access. She's a huge fan of Dick Francis, and recently told me that in one of the books, Sid Halley had begun working with a new "sidekick," or at least the potential was there to develop such a relationship. Apparently this person would take the place of Chico Barnes. She wondered if Mr. Francis had any plans to bring this secondary character back and create that relationship. I hope my vague comments ring bells with some of you, and I'll look forward to your replies. If not, I'll try to get her to be more specific. Many thanks! Karla
Favorite: Field of Thirteen
Only because you get a taste of so many different story lines under one cover...he is, as far as I'm concerned, the BEST of all genres. As a sports gambler, I know from experience that a sure bet is tough to find, but any Francis book stacks the odds incredibly in your favor, for sure. My first offering of fiction, undoubtedly influenced by Mr. Francis and his first-person writing style, is entitled The Endgame and it is available at all major online outlets and at a reduced rate at www.1stbooks.com. Check it out and let me know what you think...long live the master of mystery fiction: DICK FRANCIS! Thanks, Kris
Wild Horses very nice book
Favorite: Slay-Ride and all other books
I have been reading and rereading His books ever since I have learhed English enough to understand it,throughout all tragic and happy moments of my life. Wnerever I go I always have one of His books with me, it is always at hand,and I can start reading it from any page ,no mattaer how many times I have read the book before.His Books help live and survive. Natalya Shirokikh,. Russia.
Favorite: ALL OF THEM
I ENJOY ALL OF DICK`S BOOKS AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE,WHEN IS IT DUE
Favorite: The Edge
does anyone know when the next book will beout?
Shattered My wife and I read and re read continually. Would love to know if there are any more in the pipeline. Does anyone know?
Favorite: Everything I've read so far
My mother, 87 years old, has in the past year become an avid Dick Francis fan. (This after she was diagnosed with macular degeneration, so it's a true testament to Dick Francis' power as a storyteller.) She wants to collect all of his books. I have been searching through used book stores to find them. As I have read the front pages of his books, read your website and others, I have having something of a dilemma about how many books he has actually written. On your site, you list 40, on another site, 39. As I have collected titles (including two collections) I have 42. My mother is so entranced with his books, that I want to find everything available to send to her. Is there a compendium anywhere of all his writings (horse-related or not)? Thank you.
Decider I love all of DF's books and have read them several times each in the three years I've known about them. I can't wait for another!
Wild Horses We visited England, and of course Newmarket. Imagine our delight to discover the local course was named the "The July Course". And it was so helpful to actually see the yards and the horses taking their gallops on the heath. Dick Francis is such a strong storyteller. I too, love to read & re-read his novels.
Favorite: To the Hilt
I love the relationships of his main characters. They are everyday people with real flaws and odd quirks and yet there is something 'heroic' about each of them. His characters inspire me to look deeper at everyone I meet to see the 'hero' hidden behind their humanity.
Favorite: Straight/Banker/Nerve/Proof
Actually I love them all and read them over and over. I just introduced my partner by giving him 'Risk' and he is absolutely hooked. He has read 7 books in 3 weeks - I can't tear him away from them. He is just starting my favourite, Straight, and he glares at me if I interrupt him. Oh well, I'd better go and read another one, as I won't hear from him for a couple of hours!
Favorite: The Danger and all the rest.
Christmas day was always special to me in my stocking was the latest Dick Francis h/back novel, my special gift from my wife Josephine. This would be devoured with ego and reread with the others untill the next one appeared. I was saddened to hear of the great loss of your wife but to take heart in the great pleasure that both of you brought to the world. Thank you for so much. With greatest affection. Cliff
Favorite: All of Them !
Last I read was "Shattered" which is what my lady and I were to go through XMas '01 without our annual Dick Francis ! Will there be more ?
Favorite: ALL OF THEM
I have been reading Dick Francis books for many years and found them hard to put down and just about have all in my collection now.
Favorite: the latest always surpasses the former
I am a struggling writer and seem uncannily to have various things in common as i read more and more of your books--I wouls very much like to talk with Mr Francis and perhaps, with his indulgence, obtain some guidance or condemnation--If you can put me in a position where i might correspond direct with him, i would be very grateful---am busily writing my first novel --provisional title "Survival"---thank you
Favorite: always the last one read
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mary, I am writing a novel which I was going to ask DF to perhaps give me some guidance. I too am grieving the loss of my wife who has not died but run off with her lover. I am beset from all sides yet am determined to survive. If Mr. Francis would care to indulge me, I have found, in reading his books that names and places fit so uncannily closely with my own history, which is what prompted this epistle. Regards Patrick Halliday
Favorite: Impossible to chose
I was introduced to DF by my wife who thought he was the very best author. I now, having read every book, (most three or four times), have no quarrel with that opinion. He is lengths ahead in my "favorite author list" of whoever is back in second place! I so wish he would write yet more!!
Favorite: Decider
I enjoy each new book and rereading the old ones. Mr. Francis is so skilled at filling in character information without it being an obvious thing. I especially enjoy the plan each hero comes up with to foil the bad guys and to exact justice for their victims.