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Felix Francis is Dick Francis’s youngest son. Born in 1953, Felix studied Physics and Electronics at London University and then embarked upon a 17 year career teaching Advanced Level physics at three schools, the last seven as head of the science department at Bloxham School in Oxfordshire.
Felix remembers conversations around the Francis breakfast table being somewhat unconventional. “The production of a Dick Francis novel has always been a mixture of inspiration, perspiration and teamwork. The first one was published when I was nine, and I grew up in a house where breakfast talk would be about the damage a bullet might do to a man’s guts rather than the more mundane topics of everyday life”, he says.
Over the past 40 years Felix assisted Dick with both the research and the writing of many of his novels. They shared a love of racing and often worked together on plot and character details at Dick’s home in the Cayman Islands. This partnership allowed Dick to draw upon Felix’s knowledge and experience as a physics teacher in Twice Shy and his past as an international marksman in Shattered (2000) and Under Orders (2006).
With the publication of Dead Heat in 2007, Felix took on a more significant role in writing. Silks (2008) was the second novel in this father-and-son collaboration and Even Money (2009) was the third. Crossfire (2010) was the novel Dick and Felix Francis were working on when Dick died in February 2010, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the Dick Francis brand.
Dick Francis was acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world and he wanted his legacy to live on through his son, Felix, and the novels that they planned together. Gamble, which was published in September 2011, was the first Dick Francis novel written by Felix Francis, with Bloodline following suit in 2012. His latest book, Front Runner, was published in September 2015.
Author photo © Debbie Francis
The latest addition to the ‘Francis Thriller’ series is an action-packed journey through the horse racing world. Jefferson Hinkley from ‘Damage’ has returned for another case, yet this can still very easily be read as a standalone novel. With plenty of violence and possible fraud on the cards, Jeff, an investigator for the British Horse Racing Authority tells his own story in a direct, no-nonsense style. He’s like a cat with nine lives, and bounces back from numerous set backs. Felix Francis has provided plenty of explanations for the racing novice, ensuring the setting is easy to settle into and feels authentic. With plenty of spills and thrills, ’Front Runner’ is an entertaining, and readable novel. ~ Liz Robinson
The late Dick Francis collaborated with his son Felix on several books before his death in 2010. This is now the fourth by Felix alone, and fans will not be disappointed. Felix was not involved directly in the racing world but the detail here seems convincingly authentic. It involves extortion as the British Horseracing Authority, a body that regulates the whole of the racing industry, is held to ransom by a cunning and ingenious villain. The hero, Jeff Hinkley, is an undercover investigator for the BHA and cleverly unravels the identity of the perpetrator in a thrilling chase. Jeff is, typically, a likeable, well-rounded character whom we instantly warm to. He is also given the task of clearing the name of his sister’s step son of peddling drugs and in this sub-plot we encounter jealousy and homophobia as well as an insight into cancer care as the sister, Faye, is a sufferer. I felt a little let down by the final few pages of the book but was gripped by the previous four hundred plus pages. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
September 2014 Book of the Month. The late Dick Francis collaborated with his son Felix on several books before his death in 2010. This is now the fourth by Felix alone, and fans will not be disappointed. Felix was not involved directly in the racing world but the detail here seems convincingly authentic. It involves extortion as the British Horseracing Authority, a body that regulates the whole of the racing industry, is held to ransom by a cunning and ingenious villain. The hero, Jeff Hinkley, is an undercover investigator for the BHA and cleverly unravels the identity of the perpetrator in a thrilling chase. Jeff is, typically, a likeable, well-rounded character whom we instantly warm to. He is also given the task of clearing the name of his sister’s step son of peddling drugs and in this sub-plot we encounter jealousy and homophobia as well as an insight into cancer care as the sister, Faye, is a sufferer. I felt a little let down by the final few pages of the book but was gripped by the previous four hundred plus pages.
After Dick’s death Felix took on his mantle and is doing sterling work. Not quite up to Dad’s standards yet but stay with him for these thrillers are good. This concerns race fixing, blackmail, fraud and gangsters. It stars an ex-private detective National Hunt jockey who is in very serious danger. With plenty of twists, lots of insight into the racing world and a terrific climax, it’s well worth a punt.
September 2013 Book of the Month. A tale of race fixing and deadly intrigue in the racing world from the pen of Dick Francis’ younger son, Felix. Sid Halley, a former British jump racing Champion Jockey and private detective (and a recurring character in Francis novels) turns down a job to investigate race fixing and in doing so inadvertently puts his family in mortal danger. But he will stop at nothing to keep them safe.Refusal is his third solo novel after Bloodline and Gamble and it is clear the champion winning thriller writing genes have been passed on for our enjoyment.
Dick Francis’s younger son Felix carries on the tradition of racing thrillers began by his father. Mark Shilling, normally a racing commentator, turns amateur sleuth after the tragic death of his sister in what the police see as a suicide. Packed with all the hair-raising suspense and excitement readers know and love from Dick Francis, Bloodline cements Felix Francis' reputation as a master of thriller-writing.
Dick Francis’s younger son Felix carries on the tradition of racing thrillers began by his father. Mark Shilling, normally a racing commentator, turns amateur sleuth after the tragic death of his sister in what the police see as a suicide. Packed with all the hair-raising suspense and excitement readers know and love from Dick Francis, Bloodline cements Felix Francis' reputation as a master of thriller-writing.
Minutes before the biggest event on the racing calendar, Nick's affable American colleague Herb Kovak is shot at point blank range, the gunman disappearing amongst the stunned crowd. Along with the police, Nick is left baffled as to why anyone would want to kill such an apparently gentle soul. With the press speculating links to gangland crime and a crumpled note containing a threatening message found in the dead man's coat, Nick begins to doubt how well he really knew Herb. And on discovering Herb had named him as the benefactor of his will, Nick questions why he has been entrusted with the legacy. Is this a generous gift from a friend or is it, in fact, a poisoned chalice?
***Thrillers that race from the very first page*** 'Felix Francis' novels gallop along splendidly' Jilly Cooper 'From winning post to top of the bestseller lists' Sunday Times It is said that everyone over a certain age can remember distinctly what they were doing when they heard that President Kennedy had been assassinated, or that Princess Diana had been killed in a Paris car crash, but I, for one, could recall all too clearly where I was standing when a policeman told me that my wife had been murdered. Bill Russell is acting as a volunteer steward at Warwick races when he confronts his worst nightmare - the violent death of his much-loved wife. But worse is to come when he is accused of killing her and hounded mercilessly by the media. His life begins to unravel completely as he loses his job and his home. Even his best friends turn against him, believing him guilty of the heinous crime in spite of the lack of compelling evidence. Bill sets out to clear his name but finds that proving one's innocence is not easy - one has to find the true culprit, and Bill believes he knows who it is. But can he prove it before he becomes another victim of the murderer. Guilty Not Guilty is a journey of greed and jealousy set against the grief of personal tragedy and loss, with many a twist and turn along the way. Praise for Felix Francis's novels: 'As usual with a Francis, once I opened the book, I didn't want to put it down... Felix's resolution is darker and more shocking than his father would ever have contemplated, but reflects grittier times and changing tastes in fiction. Now, what am I going to do for the next 12 months until the next one?' Country Life 'He has become his own man as a purveyor of murder mysteries' The Racing Post 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
***Thrillers that race from the very first page*** 'Felix Francis' novels gallop along splendidly' Jilly Cooper 'From winning post to top of the bestseller lists' Sunday Times Harrison Foster is a lawyer by training but works as a crisis manager for a London firm that specializes in such matters. Summoned to Newmarket after a fire in the Chadwick Stables slaughters six very valuable horses, including the short-priced favourite for the Derby, Harry (as he is known) finds there is far more to the 'simple' fire than initially meets the eye. For a start, human remains are found amongst the equestrian ones in the burnt-out shell. All the stable staff are accounted for, so who is the mystery victim? Harry knows very little about horses, indeed he positively dislikes them, but he is thrust unwillingly into the world of Thoroughbred racing where the standard of care of the equine stars is far higher than that of the humans who attend to them. The Chadwick family are a dysfunctional racing dynasty, with the emphasis being on the nasty. Resentment between the generations is rife and sibling rivalry bubbles away like volcanic magma beneath a thin crust of respectability. Harry represents the Middle-Eastern owner of the Derby favourite and, as he delves deeper into the unanswered questions surrounding the horse's demise, he ignites a fuse that blows the volcano sky-high, putting him in grave jeopardy. Can Harry solve the riddle before he is overcome by the toxic emissions from the eruption and is bumped off by the fallout? 'As usual with a Francis, once I opened the book, I didn't want to put it down... Felix's resolution is darker and more shocking than his father would ever have contemplated, but reflects grittier times and changing tastes in fiction. Now, what am I going to do for the next 12 months until the next one?' Country Life 'The latest annual offered from Felix Francis shows he has largely escaped from the shadow of his late father... He has become his own man as a purveyor of murder mysteries' The Racing Post Praise for Felix Francis's novels: 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
***Thrillers that race from the very first page*** 'Felix Francis' novels gallop along splendidly' Jilly Cooper 'From winning post to top of the bestseller lists' Sunday Times Harrison Foster is a lawyer by training but works as a crisis manager for a London firm that specializes in such matters. Summoned to Newmarket after a fire in the Chadwick Stables slaughters six very valuable horses, including the short-priced favourite for the Derby, Harry (as he is known) finds there is far more to the 'simple' fire than initially meets the eye. For a start, human remains are found amongst the equestrian ones in the burnt-out shell. All the stable staff are accounted for, so who is the mystery victim? Harry knows very little about horses, indeed he positively dislikes them, but he is thrust unwillingly into the world of Thoroughbred racing where the standard of care of the equine stars is far higher than that of the humans who attend to them. The Chadwick family are a dysfunctional racing dynasty, with the emphasis being on the nasty. Resentment between the generations is rife and sibling rivalry bubbles away like volcanic magma beneath a thin crust of respectability. Harry represents the Middle-Eastern owner of the Derby favourite and, as he delves deeper into the unanswered questions surrounding the horse's demise, he ignites a fuse that blows the volcano sky-high, putting him in grave jeopardy. Can Harry solve the riddle before he is overcome by the toxic emissions from the eruption and is bumped off by the fallout? 'As usual with a Francis, once I opened the book, I didn't want to put it down... Felix's resolution is darker and more shocking than his father would ever have contemplated, but reflects grittier times and changing tastes in fiction. Now, what am I going to do for the next 12 months until the next one?' Country Life 'The latest annual offered from Felix Francis shows he has largely escaped from the shadow of his late father... He has become his own man as a purveyor of murder mysteries' The Racing Post Praise for Felix Francis's novels: 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
WITH THE STAKES SO HIGH, RACING CAN BE A DEADLY BUSINESS Chris Rankin is a doctor, a specialist in Emergency Medicine at Cheltenham Hospital, but a doctor who also has health problems. A smartly dressed man has been found unconscious at the local racecourse and is rushed to the hospital, where he subsequently dies. But who is he? Where does he come from? He had no form of identification on him, and no one claims the body. Doctor Rankin is intrigued by the nameless dead man, obsessed even, and starts asking questions. However, someone doesn't want the questions answered and will go to any lengths to prevent it, including attempting murder. But no one else believes that someone tried to kill Chris, leaving the doctor no option but to discover who the nameless man is and why he died, preferably before following him into an early grave. The Francis brand of thrillers are bigger and bolder for a new generation! Praise for Felix Francis's novels: 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
WITH THE STAKES SO HIGH, RACING CAN BE A DEADLY BUSINESS Felix Francis novels gallop along splendidly Jilly Cooper Chris Rankin is a doctor, a specialist in Emergency Medicine at Cheltenham Hospital, but a doctor who also has health problems. A smartly dressed man has been found unconscious at the local racecourse and is rushed to the hospital, where he subsequently dies. But who is he? Where does he come from? He had no form of identification on him, and no one claims the body. Doctor Reynolds is intrigued by the nameless dead man, obsessed even, and starts asking questions. However, someone doesn't want the questions answered and will go to any lengths to prevent it, including attempting murder. But no one else believes that someone tried to kill Chris, leaving the doctor no option but to discover who the nameless man is and why he died, preferably before following him into an early grave.The Francis brand of thrillersare bigger and bolderfor a new generation! Praise for Felix Franciss novels: The Francis flair is clear for all to see Daily Mail From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time Sunday Times The master of suspense and intrigue Country Life A tremendous read Womans Own
WITH THE STAKES SO HIGH, RACING CAN BE A DEADLY BUSINESS Chris Rankin is a doctor, a specialist in Emergency Medicine at Cheltenham Hospital, but a doctor who also has health problems. A smartly dressed man has been found unconscious at the local racecourse and is rushed to the hospital, where he subsequently dies. But who is he? Where does he come from? He had no form of identification on him, and no one claims the body. Doctor Rankin is intrigued by the nameless dead man, obsessed even, and starts asking questions. However, someone doesn't want the questions answered and will go to any lengths to prevent it, including attempting murder. But no one else believes that someone tried to kill Chris, leaving the doctor no option but to discover who the nameless man is and why he died, preferably before following him into an early grave. The Francis brand of thrillers are bigger and bolder for a new generation! Praise for Felix Francis's novels: 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
The richest prize in racing. The perfect motive to commit a crime ... Jeff Hinkley, a British Horseracing Authority investigator, has been seconded to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find a mole in their organisation, an informant who is passing on confidential information to fix races. Jeff goes in search of answers, taking on an undercover role as a groom on the backstretch at Belmont Park racetrack in New York. But he discovers far more than he was bargaining for, finding himself as the meat in the sandwich between FACSA and corrupt individuals who will stop at nothing, including murder, to capture the most elusive and lucrative prize in the world - the Triple Crown.
THE RICHEST PRIZE IN RACING. THE PERFECT MOTIVE TO KILL. Jeff Hinkley, a British Horseracing Authority investigator, has been seconded to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find a mole in their organisation, an informant who is passing on confidential information to fix races. Jeff goes in search of answers, taking on an undercover role as a groom on the backstretch at Belmont Park racetrack in New York. But he discovers far more than he was bargaining for, finding himself as the meat in the sandwich between FACSA and corrupt individuals who will stop at nothing, including murder, to capture the most elusive and lucrative prize in the world - the Triple Crown. The Francis brand of thrillers are bigger and bolder for a new generation! Praise for Felix Francis: 'The Francis flair is clear for all to see' Daily Mail 'From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time' Sunday Times 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'A tremendous read' Woman's Own
Jefferson Hinkley is back in the newest thriller in the Dick Francis tradition, this time on a special mission to the United States to investigate a conspiracy involving the biggest horse races in the country. Jeff Hinkley, investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, has been seconded to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find a mole in their organizationan informant who is passing on confidential information to those under suspicion in American racing. At the Kentucky Derby, Jeff joins the FACSA team in a raid on a horse trainer's barn at Churchill Downs, but the bust is a disaster, and someone ends up dead. Then, on the morning of the Derby itself, three of the most favored horses in the field fall sick. These suspicious events can be no coincidence. In search of answers, Jeff goes undercover as a groom on the backstretch at Belmont Park racetrack in New York. But he discovers far more than he was bargaining for: corrupt individuals who will stop at nothingincluding murderto capture the most elusive prize in world sport, the Triple Crown.From the Hardcover edition.
The richest prize in racing. The perfect motive to commit a crime ... Jeff Hinkley, a British Horseracing Authority investigator, has been seconded to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find a mole in their organisation, an informant who is passing on confidential information to fix races. Jeff goes in search of answers, taking on an undercover role as a groom on the backstretch at Belmont Park racetrack in New York. But he discovers far more than he was bargaining for, finding himself as the meat in the sandwich between FACSA and corrupt individuals who will stop at nothing, including murder, to capture the most elusive and lucrative prize in the world - the Triple Crown.
The richest prize in racing. The perfect motive to commit a crime ... Jeff Hinkley, a British Horseracing Authority investigator, has been seconded to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find a mole in their organisation, an informant who is passing on confidential information to fix races. Jeff goes in search of answers, taking on an undercover role as a groom on the backstretch at Belmont Park racetrack in New York. But he discovers far more than he was bargaining for, finding himself as the meat in the sandwich between FACSA and corrupt individuals who will stop at nothing, including murder, to capture the most elusive and lucrative prize in the world - the Triple Crown.
