Reading the Detectives discussion

He is among my favourite authors.Been reading him for years,and still do.Any Dick Francis fans here ?

I was a great fan at one time, until the too frequent beatings began to seem boring. When we moved house, my Dick Francis's were among the books that were recycled to a charity shop, and I'm afraid that I couldn't remember enough of the plots (except hero gets beaten up ...) to join a discussion.

I have enjoyed those I've read. I have one on my shelf unread and would happily pick up others. Other things just get in the way.

Yes,he works to a formula.But it has always worked for me.I still have all his books.After his death,his son Felix has continued the series.Not as good as his father,but pretty good in his own right.

Series? All of the ones I've read were standalones.

I mean Felix writes the same type of books,racing mysteries and thrillers,and continues to use the name Dick Francis,in addition to in his own,in the books.

I noticed they started going downhill once his wife had died. Made some people question who had been doing the actual writing. I always thought he did for the most part.

Yes,Mary's contribution,was no doubt crucial.She
didn't get enough credit in her lifetime.
After her death,Felix became the co-author.He wasn't as good.

I've read quite a few and enjoyed them all to one degree or another. I'm currently reading Twice Shy. It's an odd structure, with an interlude in the middle and then the story continues several years later.

I did try one of the Felix Francis books but it just didn't hold my interest like his Dad's do.

Twice Shy is fairly interesting,though not among his best.The plot is a bit too far-fetched.
I recently read Hot Money,again.It's a first class whodunit,about a rich man,his five wives and nine offspring.It is more mystery than thriller,and one of his best.

I learned of the Dick Francis books from the PBS series back in the 1980s. I enjoyed the books I read.

I also discovered him in the 1980s,and luckily found most of his old books.As he was regularly continuing to write new books every year,I continued to read him.

David wrote: "I learned of the Dick Francis books from the PBS series back in the 1980s. I enjoyed the books I read."

There was a PBS series?? How did I miss that?

I think that I own over 40 of his books and have read all of them more than once. One aspect of his writing that I appreciate is that, except in a few cases (like Sid Halley), none of the protagonists or settings really repeat. It keeps the books fresh and also lets me, the non-English non-horseperson, see how the racing industry touches so many aspects of life that I would never have thought about (this struck me especially in Risk)...

I love Dick Francis! However, I am a purist/snob and have not read any (co-)written by Felix.

Well,his heroes may have different names each time,but they are very similar.

@Leslie PBS showed some Dick Francis episodes back in the 1980s (or early 1990s). It was called "The Racing Game". You can find a trailer on YouTube and a link to purchase the complete set.

David wrote: "@Leslie PBS showed some Dick Francis episodes back in the 1980s (or early 1990s). It was called "The Racing Game". You can find a trailer on YouTube and a link to purchase the complete set."

Thanks for the info - I am sorry that I missed it! I'll look at the trailer...

He wrote so many books,one came out every year.
Some of my favourites that readily come to mind :
Hot Money
Decider
Smokescreen
Ten Pound Penalty
Forfeit

And one which I didn't like at all,Dead Heat.Co-written with Felix,over 400 pages of tedium.

My favorite Dick Francis book is "Reflex." I also liked "Enquiry." Some of the later books strayed from the horse racing background and were not as interesting to me.

Reflex, was actually,the very first Francis book I read.It was very good,and prompted me to search for his other books.Enquiry,is good,too.The only Francis book,I haven't read is In the Frame.Never found it in any bookshop or library.Luckily,all the others were available,and most are still in my personal collection.

I'm reading The Danger,currently.A kidnap for ransom story,set in Italy,it is off to a great start.

The thing I remember most about Dick Francis was his ability to layer on the tension and make it look like his hero was an underdog facing insurmountable odds with no possible way out. Even when said hero was a millionaire up against a rogue horse trainer.

There are half a dozen books by Felix Francis which I intend to read now.Earlier,I enjoyed :

Silks

Crossfire

One of Felix's is listed in today's deals thread, if its one you don't own.

Pulse

And live the 'right' country.

I enjoy Dick Francis too, though at times it does get a tad too violent for my liking but still good fun. Both my parents read his books so we have always had them at home.

I reread quite a number of Dick Francis titles. Two of my favorites are Rat Race and In the Frame.

Ellen wrote: "I reread quite a number of Dick Francis titles. Two of my favorites are Rat Race and In the Frame."

Funnily enough, two of his novels are on their way to me in the post as we speak, and they are both re-reads from years ago. They are Under Orders and Come to Grief. Have you read those? I hope I'm remembering correctly that I liked them, since it was before I started writing reviews on GR so I don't remember the details!

I don't have Under Orders and actually don't remember if I have read it. I do have Come to Grief it is the 3rd Sid Halley. It is not one I have reread recently but I must have liked it or I wouldn't have kept it.

W wrote: "There are half a dozen books by Felix Francis which I intend to read now.Earlier,I enjoyed :
Silks
Crossfire"

I remember Felix well, as he was my science (Physics) teacher up to A level over 40 years ago, and yes I did pass with a "B", thanks Mr Francis (as we obviously had to call him).