Come to Grief

by Dick Francis

Published 31 December 1983
The bestselling author of Decider is back with another suspenseful ride The hero of Whip Hand returns Although more than a decade has passed since the publication of Whip Hand, little time has elapsed in Sid Halley's life. Still in his mid-thirties, he remains troubled, courageous, unwilling to admit defeat to disabling injury or to corruption. Now, though, Sid faces nineties' dilemmas, dangers, and deeply demanding decisions. I had this friend that everyone loved, and I put him on trial...I grieved for the loss of a friendship, and for the man who looked the same but was different, alien...despicable. I could more easily have grieved for him dead. Having exposed an adored racing figure as a monster, Sid must testify at the man's trial. But the morning of his appearance, a tragic suicide shatters the proceedings and jars Halley's conscience. Plagued by regret and the suspicion that there's more to the death than has yet come to light, he is catapulted into days of hard, rational detection, heart-searching torments, and the gravest of perils. Business as usual for Sid...

Field of Thirteen

by Dick Francis

Published 1 January 1998
This is a brilliant collection of thirteen short stories, written by the Master of Crime. Although some of the stories have been published before, all but one of them have had a very limited circulation and the vast majority of Dick Francis fans will be reading them for the first time. Ranging from the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham to Churchill Downs in America, each of the stories contains an array of five-star Dick Francis characters, a brilliant plot to marvel over and an ingenious sting in the tail to gasp over.

Enquiry

by Dick Francis

Published October 1969
Kelly Hughes is a jockey, labelled a cheat by a Steward's enquiry. To clear his name he investigates all those who gave evidence, including the Chief Steward who was being blackmailed. Kelly, helped by Roberta, his employer's daughter, finds out who the real villain is and saves the stables.

Rat Race

by Dick Francis

Published April 1974

Matt Shore was an experienced pilot. He'd done it all. From big jets to flying in supplies to war zones. So when he gets a job ferrying high class punters around England's race courses he might be forgiven for expecting the quiet life. But then his plane explodes in a massive fireball. He could have been in it. Some quiet life.

Instead he's landed in the middle of a nightmare world where there is big money at stake. Very big money.

From then on he finds himself hurtling down a tortuous trail where people are not all they appear, and all around him is sudden bloody death...

'Impossible to stop reading' Daily Telegraph


In the Frame

by Dick Francis

Published 1 January 1976
Charles Todd makes a living as a painter of horses. However someone is making a fortune forging paintings by the masters and then selling them to people who usually end up dead. Charles arrives in Australia to investigate and is immediately on the trail of the fraudsters.

Reflex

by Dick Francis

Published 6 October 1980
"Reflex" features Philip Nore, a steeplechase jockey with a passion for photography which ultimately helps him unravel a mysterious web of intrigue, blackmail and murder following the death of a ruthless racehorse photographer.

Hot Money

by Dick Francis

Published 4 March 1988

Malcolm Pembroke never expected to make a million pounds without making enemies. Nor did he expect his latest wife to be brutally murdered. All the clues suggest the killer comes from close to home - but after five marriages and nine children, that still leaves the field wide open.

When he finds his own life in danger, Pembroke entrusts his safety to his estranged son, Ian, an amateur jockey; and through him discovers a compulsive new outlet for his financial expertise.

Soon he's playing the international bloodstock market for incredible stakes. Not the safest bet for a man on the run from avaricious relatives. Particularly when one of them's got a bomb...


Flying Finish

by Dick Francis

Published October 1966
Flying Finish is a classic novel from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time. Amateur jockey Lord Henry Grey decides on a whim to join the bloodstock market, transporting racehorses around the world. And when he meets the glamorous Gabriella in Italy, he is sure he's hit the good life. That is, until a horse unexpectedly dies in transit and a colleague vanishes. Then Grey discovers that both his predecessors also went missing in curious cirmcumstances - and begins to doubt the wisdom of his career change. Either he turns detective or his own disappearance could be next . . . Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Flying Finish is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. Other novels include the huge bestsellers Dead Heat, Under Orders and Silks. The Dick Francis legacy continues through his son Felix Francis: Refusal is his latest novel, following Bloodline and Gamble. Praise for the Dick Francis novels: 'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 'Still the master' Racing Post 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. The winner of over 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/1954 and rode for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, most famously on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National. On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), and the biography of Lester Piggott. Dick Francis died in February, 2010, at the age of 89, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.

Blood Sport

by Dick Francis

Published October 1967
Gene Hawkings must travel to Kentucky, on the orders of his boss, to spend three weeks looking for kidnapped stallions. But before he leaves, Gene's survival skills are called on closer to home, catapulting him into a maelstrom of blackmail and murder.

Second Wind

by Dick Francis

Published 1 August 1999

BEWARE THE EYE OF A HURRICANE...

For a few precious seconds, the shrieking wind dies down and the colossal waves lie flat. Airbourne in the heart of the storm, TV weather forecaster Perry Stuart braces himself for impact. Then suddenly all is blackness as the small aircraft plunges out of control.

It takes a truly frightening accident for Stuart to discover the secret of Trox Island - and plenty of things about the human race that he would rather he didn't know. He came as a half-drowned hurricane victim lucky to be spared from the ocean. He left with information that would bring down an evil worldwide conspiracy - if they didn't kill him first...

'Excitement and sheer readability' Daily Telegraph


Damage

by Felix Francis

Published 11 September 2014
The stakes are higher than ever in Damage, the fourth solo novel from Top Ten bestseller Felix Francis.

Jeff Hinkley, undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, is looking into the shady activities of a racehorse trainer. But as he's tailing his quarry through the Cheltenham Racing Festival, the last thing he expects to witness is a gruesome murder. Could it have something to do with the reason the trainer was banned in the first place - the administration of illegal drugs to his horses?

Days later, it's discovered that many more horses test positive for prohibited stimulants, a scandal that could throw horse-racing into disrepute. It's no surprise when the BHA receives a demand - pay up or face the consequences. In order to limit the damage to the sport, it's critical that Jeff find the perpetrator . . . but he'll soon learn he's up against someone who will stop at nothing to prevail . . .

Praise for Dick Francis and Felix Francis:

'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times

'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail

'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life

Felix Francis is the younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, with whom he co-wrote the four most recent Dick Francis Novels, Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire, with Felix taking an increasingly greater role in the writing. Sadly Dick died in February 2010 but his work will live on through Felix. Damage is Felix's fourth solo Dick Francis novel.

Felix trained as a physicist and spent seventeen years teaching A-level physics before taking on the role as manager to his father, and then as author. He lives in Oxfordshire.

Bolt

by Dick Francis

Published 6 October 1986
Kit Fielding will do whatever it takes to stop the killing of racehorses. Not an easy task considering that the woman he adores is leaving him, an international arms dealer is threatening him, and Kit's nemesis has plans to knock him off the trackā€”and plant him under it.

Even Money

by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Published 1 August 2009
As bookie Ned Talbot counts his losses after a winning day for gamblers at the Royal Ascot Racecourse, a man comes to him, claiming to be his father. Ned, who's always been told that his parents died when he was a baby, has trouble accepting the man's claims. But when the man is stabbed in the abdomen in the racecourse's parking lot shortly thereafter, Ned rushes to his side. The man's last words spur Ned into a race to uncover the truth about his father, a race that may cost him his life.

Under Orders

by Dick Francis

Published 27 July 2006
"Sadly, death at the races is not uncommon. However, three in one afternoon was sufficiently unusual to raise more than an eyebrow."

It's the third death that really troubles former champion jump-jockey Sid Halley. He knows the perils of racing all too well - but in his day, jockeys didn't usually reach the finishing line with three .38 rounds in the chest. But this is precisely how he finds Huw Walker - the new winner of the Triumph Hurdle and Halley's friend. Now former friend.

Walker was riding one of Lord Enstone's horses in the Hurdle and it was the inimitable owner who invited Halley in the first place. His brief: to make discrete enquiries into alleged race fixing. Are results being rigged? Are bookies taking a cut? And if so, are trainers and jockeys playing a dangerous game with stakes far higher than they realise ...

Halley's quest for answers draws him ever deeper into the darker side of the race game, in a life-or-death power-play that will push him to his very limits - both professionally and personally.

Dead Heat

by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Published 1 September 2007

`I wondered if I was dying. I wasn't afraid to die but, such was the pain in my gut, I wished it would happen soon.'

The night before the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket sees the great and the good of the horse-racing community gathered for a prestigious black-tie Gala dinner. It is a fitting testament to the glamour of the occasion that top chef Max Moreton is cooking the evening's meal.

Max is something of a celebrity in Newmarket circles. He is founder of the racing town's favourite Michelin-starred restaurant, the Hay Net. However, spending the night retching in the throes of agony is the last thing Max expects. But much worse is to come...his food is suspected of putting twenty-four of the dinner guests in hospital. Max's pride and professionalism tells him all is not as it seems.

Within hours, Max's restaurant is forcibly closed, his reputation teeters on the brink of ruin, and a court case looms. But the day is far from over, and soon Max Moreton finds himself desperately fighting for more than just his livelihood...

Dead Heat is the latest searing, intrigue-filled blockbuster from the Grand Master of thriller writing.


Gamble

by Felix Francis

Published 1 September 2011

Gamble is the latest Dick Francis novel and the first solo novel by Felix Francis.

Nick Foxton once won the Grand National, but a terrible accident cut his racing career short. Years later, he is returning to Aintree - as a spectator - when he once more finds himself the centre of attention.

Minutes before the big race, Nick's colleague, financial adviser Herb Kovak, is shot dead and the gunman vanishes into the crowd. The police want answers but Nick can't explain why anyone would want Herb dead.

Yet when he finds a threatening message crumpled in Herb's coat, Nick begins questioning all he knows about his friend. And on learning that he is the benefactor of Herb's will, Nick is certain that something is not right.

A fact confirmed when Nick discovers he's next in the killer's firing line.

From Felix Francis, the bestselling co-author (with Dick Francis) of Dead Heat and Even Money comes Gamble, the latest Dick Francis novel. Set in the cut-throat world of horse racing, Gamble is an enthralling thriller packed full of suspense, mystery and intrigue. Packed with all the hair-raising suspense and excitement readers know and love from Dick Francis, Gamble is Felix Francis's most heart-pounding thriller yet.

Praise for the Dick Francis novels:
'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail
'Spare, efficient and unflashy . . . inexorably draws you in' Daily Telegraph
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life
'Still the master' Racing Post

Felix Francis is the younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, with whom he co-wrote the four most recent Dick Francis Novels, Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire, with Felix taking an increasingly greater role in the writing. Sadly Dick died in February 2010 but his work will live on through Felix. Gamble is Felix's first solo Dick Francis Novel.

Felix trained as a physicist and spent seventeen years teaching A level physics before taking on the role as manager to his father, and then as author. He lives in Oxfordshire.


Bloodline

by Felix Francis

Published 13 September 2012
Bloodline is the new Dick Francis novel from bestseller, Felix Francis.

When Mark Shillingford commentates on a race in which his twin sister Clare, an accomplished and successful jockey, comes in third, he can't help but be suspicious. As a professional race-caller, he knows she should have won. Did she lose on purpose? Was the race fixed? Why on earth would she do something so out of character?

That night, Mark confronts Clare with his suspicions, but she storms off after an explosive argument. It's the last time Mark sees her alive. Hours later, Clare jumps to her death from the balcony of a London hotel . . . or so it seems.

Devastated by her death, and almost overcome with guilt, Mark goes in search of answers. What led Clare to take her own life?

Or was it not suicide at all . . .?

Felix Francis is the younger son of thriller-writing legend, Dick Francis, with whom he co-wrote the four most recent Dick Francis Novels, Dead Heat, Silks, Even Money and Crossfire, with Felix taking an increasingly greater role in the writing. Sadly Dick died in February 2010 but his work will live on through Felix. Gamble was Felix's first solo Dick Francis Novel.

Praise for the Dick Francis novels:
'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail
'The novel confirms Francis's seat at the head of crime fiction' Racing Post
'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times

Felix trained as a physicist and spent seventeen years teaching A level physics before taking on the role as manager to his father, and then as author. He lives in Oxfordshire.

Front Runner

by Felix Francis

Published 10 September 2015
Things are hotting up in this latest thriller from bestselling author Felix Francis, in his fifth solo novel Front Runner.

Jefferson Hinkley is back.

Operating as an undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, Jeff is approached by the multiple-champion jockey, Dave Swinton, to discuss the delicate matter of his losing races on purpose. Little does Jeff realise that his visit to Swinton's house will result in a brutal attempt on his life.

Shortly after Jeff narrowly escapes a certain and grisly death, the charred body Dave Swinton is found in his burnt out car at a deserted beauty spot in Oxfordshire. The police seem think it's a suicide but Jeff is not so sure. He starts to investigate those races that Swinton could have intentionally lost, but soon discovers instead that there are those who would prevent him from doing so, at any cost.

Praise for Dick Francis and Felix Francis:

'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times

'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail

'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life

Crossfire

by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Published 1 August 2010

Crossfire is the new thriller from father son team Dick Francis and Felix Francis.

Captain Thomas Forsyth's tour of Afghanistan is cut brutally short when he is badly wounded by a roadside bomb.

Returning home, to his mother - a racehorse trainer and the 'First Lady' of racing - Tom discovers the training business is on the edge, and facing a threat far more dangerous than a run of bad form.

Tom finds himself on a very different, but just as deadly, battlefield where his military skills are tested . . . kill or be killed?

From Felix Francis and Dick Francis, the bestselling co-authors of Dead Heat and Even Money comes Crossfire, the latest Dick Francis novel. Packed with all the hair-raising suspense and excitement readers know and love from Dick Francis, Crossfire is the most dazzling yet.

Praise for the Dick Francis novels:
'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail
'Spare, efficient and unflashy . . . inexorably draws you in' Daily Telegraph
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life
'Still the master' Racing Post

Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories and the biography of Lester Piggott.

Dick Francis died in February, 2010, at the age of 89, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.

Felix Francis is the younger of Dick's two sons. Since 2006, Felix has taken a more significant role in the writing, first with Dead Heat and then increasingly with the bestsellers, Silks and Even Money. Crossfire is the fourth novel of this father-and-son collaboration.


Forfeit

by Dick Francis

Published 1 February 1969
Bert Checkov was a Fleet Street racing correspondent with an unnerving talent for tipping non-starters for big races. But the advice he gave James Tyrone, a few minutes before he fell to his death, was of a completely different nature...Not one for the quiet life, Tyrone has a bloodhound's nose for trouble and pretty soon he's caught up in an increasingly dangerous game. One that threatens him, his crippled wife and the credibility of the racing world. Blowing the roof off is the number one policy of The Sunday Blaze ...and Tyrone hyas stumbled upon explosive material. 'A superb chiller and killer' New York Times Book Review