The Dick Francis Companion [Paperback]

Jean Swanson (Author), Dean James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 2003

When former jockey Dick Francis turned to writing, his novels were a success right out of the gate. Now readers can learn more about his suspenseful stories and the fascinating worlds in which they take place-not only horse racing, but many others, from flying to filmmaking, from gemstones to glassblowing. Meet the man who has won three Edgar Allen Poe Awards, the title of Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master, fellowship in the Royal Society of Literature, and Malice Domestic's Lifetime Achievement Award-and add to your reading pleasure with:

€ Book-by-book synopses, little-known facts, and quotes
€ Francis's stable of memorable characters-from Sid Halley to Mr. Kitchens to Professor Guggenheim
€ The "beautiful, marvelous creatures" who run through his novels-from Admiral in Dead Cert to Zingaloo in Whip Hand
€ Websites on horseracing, the many novels, and the author himself

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The co-authors of the Agatha Award-winning Killer Books now offer the complete guide to the ever-popular mysteries of former champion jockey Francis, set in the world he knows so well: that of horse racing. This handy book includes plot summaries of each of Francis's novels, quick sketches of featured characters (and horses), Web sites offering information on British racing and racetracks, and choice opening lines ("Kidnapping is a fact of life," begins The Danger). In an exclusive interview with Francis, the author ruminates on his protagonists (who "react to situations as I would react in the same circumstances"); his collaboration with his late wife ("she was a master at research with a terrific memory for detail"); and his annual work cycle. A useful bibliography includes works about and written by Francis.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Dean James and Jean Swanson are the award-winning authors of By a Woman's Hand and Killer Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (July 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425181871
• ISBN-13: 978-0425181874
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #794,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars recognition of one of mystery greats, August 3, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dick Francis Companion (Paperback)

Almost fifty years ago, highly successful jockey Dick Francis left horse racing to write mystery novels that in many cases used his former occupation as a milieu. Over the next four plus decades, genre fans continually loved his works that have led to multiple awards including a life achievement and grandmaster status. When his companion, his beloved wife Mary died a few years ago, Mr. Francis finally slowed down his incredible high quality annual production of great who-done-its.

THE DICK FRANCIS COMPANION provides further recognition of one of mystery greats as well as giving readers a deep look at his works since the 1950s, his memorable characters, an exclusive and interesting interview with Mr. Francis, and of course links to horse racing. Though clearly for fans of the author, this biography with its emphasis on the novels and a recent anthology is a Triple Crown winner (so the finish line is stretched across the ocean as Mr. Francis raced in England) for those readers who know a sure bet.

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Dick Francis guide!, October 11, 2010

By 

bfree2read - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dick Francis Companion (Paperback)

Very well organized guide to Dick Francis novels. It includes a 2002 interview with Dick Francis after his initial retirement in 2000 following his wife Mary's death. This companion guide is much better than one produced more recently by Stephen Sugden (called A Dick Francis Companion: Characters, Horses, Plots, Settings and Themes). While Mr. Sugden's guide may be relatively thorough it appears to insert too many personal opinions (for my taste at least) and at times provides too much detail to be used as a companion guide. Do yourself a favor and find a copy of this book written by Swanson & Dean and hope that it becomes available as an e-book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Dick Francis Reader Companion, April 8, 2010

By 

Renda "RedEyedReader" (Lawton Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Dick Francis Companion (Paperback)

As a long-time reader of Dick Francis books, I am very happy to have been able to get this book, one for myself and another for a friend who is also a Francis fan. The book arrived promptly and in great condition and is being enjoyed right along! Amazon is the way to shop!