Dick Francis (1920–2010)
Author of To the Hilt
About the Author
Dick Francis was born in Wales on October 31, 1920. Because his father was a professional steeplechase jockey and a stable manager, Francis grew up around horses, and after a stint as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II, he became a steeplechase jockey himself, turning professional show more in 1948. He was named champion jockey of the 1953-54 racing season by the British National Hunt after winning more than 350 races and was retained as jockey to the queen mother for four seasons. When he retired from racing in 1957 at the age of 36, Francis went to work as a racing correspondent for the Sunday Express, a London paper, where he worked for 16 years. In the early sixties, he decided to combine his love of mysteries with his knowledge of the racing world, and published Dead Cert in 1962. Set mostly in the racing world, he has written more than 40 novels including Forfeit, Blood Sport, Slay-Ride, Odds Against, Flying Finish, Smoke Screen, High Stakes, and Long Shot. He wrote his last four books Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money, and Crossfire with his son Felix Francis. He has received numerous awards including the Silver Dagger award from Britain's Crime Writers Association for For Kicks, the Gold Dagger award for Whip Hand, the Diamond Dagger award in 1990, and three Edgar awards. He died on February 14, 2010 at the age of 89. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Image credit: Copyright Eye On Books.
Series
Works by Dick Francis
Dick Francis: Four Complete Novels: Blood Sport/Flying Finish/Odds Against/Rat Race (1988) 95 copies, 1 review
The Dick Francis Complete Treasury of Great Racing Stories (1991) — Editor; Contributor — 34 copies, 1 review
High Stakes: Four Novels of Racing Adventure: Bonecrack / Smokescreen / Rat Race / High Stakes (1996) 5 copies
The Edge (abridged) 2 copies
Forever 2 copies
Twice Shy, The Warfield Syndrome, Through the Narrow Gate, Control Tower (Reader's Digest Condensed Books) (1982) 2 copies
The Hated 2 copies
Een heldere witte ster 2 copies
Dead Ringer 2 copies
The First Year 2 copies
022 - The Danger 1 copy
Olimpíada en Moscú 1 copy
Twenty-One Good Men and True 1 copy
027 - The Edge 1 copy
Dick Francis Thriller Collection 10 Books Set (Nerve, Bonecrack, Knock Down, Come To Grief, Whip Hand, Smokescreen,… (2022) 1 copy
LAÇOS DE SANGUE (PE1L188) 1 copy
Nervy ; Dražby 1 copy
Visszatérés 1 copy
High Voltage 1 copy
O regresso (108) 1 copy
Fuoco sul fantino 1 copy
Oma lõbuks 1 copy
Field of 13, Dick Francis 1 copy
Bolt [abridged] 1 copy
Det Bästas Bokval (2010) vol 272 : Dött lopp; Förbannade fred; Very Valentine; Mordet på Tutankhamun 1 copy
Det Bästas Bokval (1992) vol 169 : Dödligt arv; Snudda vid avgrunden; Ridån går ner; Coyote väntar 1 copy
The Rape of Kingdom Hill 1 copy
Break In/Knockdown 1 copy
Dick Francis Collection [10-in-1]: Smokescreen / To the Hilt / Knock Down / Silks / High Stakes / Slay-ride / Comeback… (2011) 1 copy
Dick Francis Collection [10-in-1]: Under Orders / The Danger / Flying Finish / Blood Sport / Nerve / Field of 13 /… (2011) 1 copy
The Big Story 1 copy
Det Bästas bokval. 1 copy
Finiš 1 copy
Nightmare [short story] 1 copy
Select editions Vol 4, 2010 1 copy
Dick Francis Collection 10 Books Set New RRP: £ 69.90 (1. Smokescreen, 2. To the hilt, 3. Risk, 4. Dead Heat, 5. High… (1996) 1 copy
Collection of 6 Various Books: Blood Sport, High Stakes, Flying Finish, Trial Run, Enquiry, Driving force (6 volumes) (1975) 1 copy
The Venus Trap 1 copy
The Gift [short story] 1 copy
Enquiry / Forfeit / Rat Race 1 copy
Mano de acero ( condensado ) 1 copy
Dick Francis 5 volume hardcover crime thriller set: Driving Force, Longshot, Field of Thirteen, To the Hilt, 10 lb… (1993) 1 copy
Associated Works
Australian Reader's Digest Select Editions: Under Orders • The Husband • Scared to Live • Orbit (2007) 15 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 196 : Comeback. Wie wilder Wein. Letzte Rache. Traumland (1994) 14 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Decider • The Sugar Pavilion • Point of Impact Blitzcat (1994) — Author — 12 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Proof • The Old Man and the Sea • Stillwatch • The Summer of the Barshinskeys (1985) — Author — 11 copies
Readers Digest Condensed Books: Come to Grief • If I Only had Wings • Snow Wolf • Wedding Night (1996) — Author — 11 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: The Final Reckoning • Silks • Lost & Found • The Odin Mission (2008) 8 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: 10lb Penalty • A Woman's Place • Flood Tide • The Ghosts of the Eight Attack (1998) — Contributor — 8 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Straight • Morning Glory • Touching the Void • The Negotiator (1990) — Contributor — 8 copies
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 117 - Die Tarnung. Ich hörte die Eule – sie rief meinen Namen. Handicap. Fur'n… (1981) — Author — 7 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Longshot • No Harp Like My Own • Trial • The Flight of Flamingo (1991) 7 copies
Livros Condensados: Nas Areias de Saqqara | Estrada Costeira | Segundo Fôlego | Um Momento Inesquecível (2000) — Author — 6 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Yanks • The Capricorn Stone • The Massacre at Fall Creek • Whip Hand (1979) 6 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Hand of Mary Constable • Naked Came I • Gold Fever • Nerve (1965) 6 copies
Reader's Digest Auswahlbucher 177 : Reporter. Und gäbe es Hoffnung nicht. Unbestechlich. Suchhund Sam (1991) 6 copies
Slay-Ride | Curiosity Didn't Kill the Cat | The Lester Affair (1974) — Contributor; Contributor — 6 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Firewall • My Mother's Daughter • Shattered • Silence and Shadows (2001) 6 copies
Libros selectos: El precio del poder / El Carrusel / Fuerza maligna / Óscar, un perro entre los hielos (1999) 5 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Crossfire | Minding Frankie | Never Look Away | The Genesis Plague (2011) 5 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Second Wind • The Devil's Teardrop • A Peculiar Chemistry • Stinger (2000) 5 copies
Sheila. - Innes, Hammond: Die verlorene Oase. - Ekert-Rotholz, Alice M: Grosser Wind - kleiner Wind. - Francis, Dick:… (1983) 5 copies
Bitte lasst die Blumen leben. - Zuckmayer, Carl: Die Affenhochzeit. - Schaefer, Nicola: Kein Kind von Traurigkeit. -… (1986) 5 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Break In • The Two Farms • Cry Wild • Lie Down With Lions (1986) 5 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Banker • The Wake of the Storm • The Whip • Inherit the Sun (1983) 5 copies
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Crossfire | Heaven's Keep | The Shadows in the Street | Stillwater Creek — Contributor — 4 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: In The Frame • Baker's Hawk • Bring on the Empty Horses • Lord of the Far Island… (1976) 4 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Edge • A Walk in the Dark • Daddy • The India Fan (1989) 4 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Hot Money • Memoirs of an Invisible Man • Seal Morning • Redcoat (1987) — Author — 4 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Danger • I Heard the Owl Call My Name • Night Sky • Moonfleet (1984) 4 copies
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 182: Der Anwalt / Der letzte Mann von der "Doggerbank" / Das Vermächtnis der Benfords /… (1992) 4 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: To the Hilt • Icon • Point of Impact • The Obsession (1997) 4 copies
Livros Condensados: Corrida de Obstáculos | Um Lugar no Coração | A Bomba do Kremlin | Três Desejos (1999) — Author — 4 copies
Mannen från S:T Petersburg / Sara Dane / Natt över dalen / Dopad — Author — 3 copies
Kirjavaliot: Pelikaanimuistio, Onnen sirpaleet, Paluu, Kuin kulkisi pimeässä (1994) — Author — 3 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Come to Grief • Coming Home • Oscar: The True Story of a Husky • That Camden… (1996) 3 copies
Kirjavaliot - Henkivartija / Avoin sydän / Suden huuto / Menneisyyden vanki (1988) — Contributor — 3 copies
Livros Condensados: Contagem Decrescente | Corações Em Silêncio | Explosão de Cristal | Notícias do Lago (2001) — Author — 3 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Bolt • Deep Lie • Julie • Night of the Fox (1986) — Author — 3 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Driving Force • The Island Harp • Stephanie • Watching in the Dark • The White… (1993) 3 copies
Livros Condensados: Assalto | A Árvore Do Ouro | A Obra-prima De Norman Rockwell | Uivo De Liberdade (1990) 2 copies
Kirjavaliot: The Chamber; The tiger's child; Decider; Voices of summer (1996) — Contributor — 2 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Pelican Brief • Comeback • The Flight of the Swan • Rules of Encounter (1998) 2 copies
Het Beste Boek 105: Draagstoel der tranen / De laatste hand / De Engelse gouvernante / De prijs van Londen — Author — 2 copies, 1 review
Het Beste Boek 209: Gebroken / Een bijzondere liefde / Explosief talent / De zuilen van Axum (2001) — Author — 2 copies, 1 review
Het Beste Boek 158: De advocaat / Door de mazen van het net / Eindspurt / Thuiskomst (1993) 2 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Even Money • The Sign • The Christmas Promise • Hell Bent (2010) — Author — 2 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: 10 lb Penalty • The Escape Artist • Point of Impact • Homecoming (1998) — Author — 2 copies
Kirjavaliot - Perintö (Straight ∙ Monkeys on the Interstate ∙ The Keys of the Kingdom ∙ Coyote Waits) (1991) 2 copies
Livros Condensados: A Décima Segunda Carta | No Comboio Para Lisboa | Crime Nas Apostas | Juntos Na Solidão (2007) — Author — 2 copies
Het Beste Boek 181: Doelwit / De glazen cockpit / De dokter verliefd / Onder ede (1996) 2 copies, 1 review
Het Beste Boek 134: Het miskende lijk / De onvrijwillige reizen van Putti Eichelbaum / Inbreuk / Sneeuw in de lucht (1988) 2 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Windmills of the Gods • Hot Money • The Man Who Rode Midnight • The Tunnel (1988) — Author — 2 copies
Reader's Digest: Kirjavaliot - Luumusaari, Haukkamies, Kiinalaista rulettia, Perinnönjako (1999) 2 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Longshot • Snare of Serpents • The Himmler Equation • The Ark's Anniversary — Author — 2 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: To the Hilt • The Outsider • The Third Twin • Moonlight Becomes You (1997) — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Hot Money / Jenny's Mountain / Trespass / Sara Dane — Author — 1 copy
Livros Condensados: O jogo do silêncio | A pousada do fim do rio | Estilhaçado | A cor da esperança (2002) 1 copy
Reader's Digest Select Editions: Twice Shy | The Warfield Syndrome | Through the Narrow Gate | Control Tower (1982) 1 copy
Murder Most British [abridged audio] — Contributor — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 246 - Geiselnahme; Das Eiskind; Scherben; Leuchtend wie die Sterne — Author — 1 copy
Gli occhi di un bambino (Patterson Richard North) - missione in florida (Gannon Michael) - Oscar: storia di un cane… — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Whip Hand • Shadow of the Moon • A Very Private War • The Silence of the North — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 278 - Der Canyon. Die Heideärztin. Gambling. Die Sturmfängerin (2008) — Author — 1 copy
Moord en wederwoord; De negen en negentig; Daar komt de bruid; De hoogste hindernis — Author — 1 copy, 1 review
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 206 : Das Haus auf den Klippen. Mehr, als das Auge sieht. Sporen. AgagUK (1996) 1 copy
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 213 : Nathans Flucht. Nirgendwo in Afrika. Lunte. Wolken, die vorüberziehen (1997) — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Driving Force • The Venetian Mask • Fatherland • The Courtship of Peggy McCoy — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Voices on the Wind • The Broken Saddle • In a Place Dark and Secret • Ringo, the… (1986) 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Twelfth Mile • Sara Dane • Reflex • The Aviator — Author — 1 copy
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Hot Money / Jenny's Mountain / Trespass / Sara Dane / Mortal Fear 1 copy
Livros Condensados: Tempo de matar | O falcão da neve | Páreo Duro | Dona Julia diz o que pensa (2000) — Author — 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Francis, Dick
- Legal name
- Francis, Richard Stanley
- Birthdate
- 1920-10-31
- Date of death
- 2010-02-14
- Burial location
- Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- Gender
- male
- Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Lawrenny, Wales, UK
- Place of death
- Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- Cause of death
- natural causes
- Places of residence
- Blewbury, Berkshire, England, UK
- Education
- Maidenhead County Boys' School
- Occupations
- jockey
fighter pilot
novelist
short-story writer - Relationships
- Francis, Felix (son)
- Organizations
- Royal Air Force (WWII)
- Awards and honors
- Order of the British Empire (Commander, 2000)
Order of the British Empire (Officer, 1984)
Tufts University (Honorary Doctorate, Humane Letters)
MWA Grand Master (1996)
Cartier Diamond Dagger (1989)
Gumshoe Award (Lifetime Achievement, 2003) (show all 10)
Malice Domestic Award for Lifetime Achievement (2000)
Fellow, Royal Society of Literature (1999)
Edgar Award (1970, 1981, 1996)
Detection Club (1966)
Members
Discussions
Third Race at the LT Racetrack: Book 1, Banker in 75 Books Challenge for 2021 (February 2021)
Chat in Book Discussion : Proof by Dick Francis (December 2017)
Second Wind, Dick Francis in World Reading Circle (February 2013)
Reviews
TW: animal abuse
This is the second time I've read this Dick Francis novel and I had forgotten how brutal it was emotionally. Come to Grief is Sid Halley #3, and Sid is on the case looking for someone who has beencutting a foot off of horses, in almost every case leading to the horses being put to death . His prime suspect is a long-time friend and fellow ex-jockey. Meanwhile Sid's young friend Rachel has had a leukemia relapse.
This novel was hard for me to stomach at times and extremely emotional. It was supremely well written and I definitely give it 4 stars. Powerful stuff.… (more)
This is the second time I've read this Dick Francis novel and I had forgotten how brutal it was emotionally. Come to Grief is Sid Halley #3, and Sid is on the case looking for someone who has been
This novel was hard for me to stomach at times and extremely emotional. It was supremely well written and I definitely give it 4 stars. Powerful stuff.… (more)
Whip Hand
Sid Halley returns. In company with Chico from [Odds Against] Sid is an investigator specializing in Britain's world of racing. But sometimes being good at what you do can be too much of a good thing. Looking into 2 year old horses that don't live up to their potential, syndicates with seedy organizers, and his ex-wife's con of an ex-boyfriend is a lot to juggle, but he tackles it all with aplomb.
I liked the story. It had a lot going on but it wasn't too much. I really appreciated the exploration of Sid's emotions and how he faced fear head on.
Trial Run
Randall Drew is asked to go to Moscow by the Prince. The unspoken brotherhood of horses opens doors in the USSR that otherwise would remain closed, and uncovers a dangerous series of clues.
Dated, cold war Moscow, but illuminating nonetheless and a quick read.
Twice Shy
The Derry brothers both face a criminal, Angelo, and each one handles him a bit differently. Two shorter stories with a common thread.
I enjoyed the stories but felt they were lacking some of the thrilling elements I expect from Francis.… (more)
Sid Halley returns. In company with Chico from [Odds Against] Sid is an investigator specializing in Britain's world of racing. But sometimes being good at what you do can be too much of a good thing. Looking into 2 year old horses that don't live up to their potential, syndicates with seedy organizers, and his ex-wife's con of an ex-boyfriend is a lot to juggle, but he tackles it all with aplomb.
I liked the story. It had a lot going on but it wasn't too much. I really appreciated the exploration of Sid's emotions and how he faced fear head on.
Trial Run
Randall Drew is asked to go to Moscow by the Prince. The unspoken brotherhood of horses opens doors in the USSR that otherwise would remain closed, and uncovers a dangerous series of clues.
Dated, cold war Moscow, but illuminating nonetheless and a quick read.
Twice Shy
The Derry brothers both face a criminal, Angelo, and each one handles him a bit differently. Two shorter stories with a common thread.
I enjoyed the stories but felt they were lacking some of the thrilling elements I expect from Francis.… (more)
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Awards
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Statistics
- Works
- 251
- Also by
- 154
- Members
- 60,746
- Popularity
- #238
- Rating
- 3.8
- Reviews
- 1,006
- ISBNs
- 2,436
- Languages
- 23
- Favorited
- 169
I had read half of this book once before. I can't imagine why I didn't finish it. It was entertaining and a fun read with little military tidbits sprinkled throughout. A pleasure.