Farewell, Dick Francis

It has been a bad start to 2010 for fiction fans, and, sadly, we now need to add Dick Francis to the list of voices lost to us. Francis’ crime stories were a blend of thriller and traditional mystery, drawing on the best of both types of crime fiction. There was always a puzzle to solve in the midst of what could be some very intense action.

What drew many readers to Francis was his deep understanding of the world of horses. Whether it was thoroughbred meets or steeplechases or equestrian competitions, all of Francis’ fiction was set in a frame of jockeys, trainers, owners, and fans of horse racing. This was a world that Francis not only knew well, but also had a great affection for. Francis gave equal time to both professional horsemen (and occasionally women) and to amateurs. He was equally at home with losing jockeys and washed up trainers as with those in the winner’s circle. Francis’  background as a champion steeplechase rider gave him an authoritative voice when writing about the equine world.

Unlike many crime writers, Francis rarely wrote more than a single book about a particular character; there are only a couple of recurring characters in his stories. But his assortment of heroes all share some traits. They are avid horsemen, quick thinkers, and champions of the truth. It seems that these are traits they share with their creator, whose death at the age of 89 leaves a large hole in the world of crime fiction.

Here are a few good starting titles if you have never read Francis.

• Check the WRL catalog for Dead Heat
• Check the WRL catalog for Straight
• Check the WRL catalog for Bonecrack