Dick Francis (1920-2010), Rest in Peace

The media are reporting the death yesterday of Dick Francis at 89 in the Cayman Islands.   A Champion Jockey in the UK before turning to writing, he is my all time favorite mystery writer, and creator so many memorable characters:  Sid Halley, Freddie Croft, Tim Ekaterin, Tony Beach, Kit Fielding...the list goes on over more than 40 novels, using the backdrop of British horseracing (and sometimes US or Australian racing) to weave a wonderful tale.  His last novel, co-authored with his son, as had the last few, will be published later this year.  Thank you, Dick Francis, for so many great stories, and so many literary friends who live on in the imaginations of many of us!  The photo is an AP wirephoto from 2000, used with thanks.