Book Review: The Dick Francis Companion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Dick Francis Companion     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jean Swanson , Dean James
Class/Genre:   Non-Fiction   Reference   Mystery
Berkley, Aug 2003, $14.00, 224 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner