Dick Francis,. RiP

[lagilman]

Dead, in his home, at 89.

A good run in two careers (pun intended), and a long life well-spent. But still sad.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7236708/Dick-Francis-dies-aged-89.html

Comments

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

Robert B. Parker and Dick Francis dying in the same month?

It's a mystery.

[lagilman]

*whaps with cap*

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

My wife, who is reading the paper in front of the bookshelf that holds all of The Retrievers novels wants me to go over there so *she* can hit me.

[rosefox]

Oh! How sad. I worshiped his books when I was growing up.

EDIT: His son actually gave a plug for his own work in the obit? CLASSY.

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

I live about 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, so he is *huge* up here.

[lagilman]

*nods* I think I discovered his work when I was in college, in that selfsame town. Bit of a legend he was, even then.

[blitheringpooks.livejournal.com]

I recall after his wife's death when he said there would be no more books, because she had been his unseen partner in his writing, though she had refused any of the spotlight or glory. Was this an open secret in publishing, or did this come as a surprise?

I certainly haven't read all his books, but a number of them, and have used several of his "first pages" as examples in class of how to start a story fast and hook the reader.

He will be missed.

[kriz1818.livejournal.com]

Oh, drat. Of course it's been coming for a while, but ... drat. :goes to find her copy of To the Hilt to re-read:

[allaboutm-e.livejournal.com]

As noted, it's been a tough month for the mystery field.

[katatomic.livejournal.com]

that fucking sucks.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

It's sad news.