Banker

DICK FRANCIS was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys and author of forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), the biography of Lester Piggott and his own autobiography (The Sport of Queens). He was rightly acclaimed as one of the greatest thriller writers in the world. 
 
 Since his death, his son FELIX FRANCIS has taken over the literary reigns from his father and Dick's legacy lives on through the Dick Francis novels. The Francis flair is clear for all to see in these national treasure thrillers, and readers will appreciate the sporadic reappearance of beloved series characters Sid Halley and Jeff Hinkley.

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Brilliant . . . I was riveted from the first to the last page' 5***** Reader Review 
'Banker has it all: murder, heroics, low tricks and high finance. I highly recommend it' 5***** Reader Review 
'Intelligent, well-paced, will grip you to the end' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Tim Ekaterin has a lot of money. Unfortunately, it belongs to other people, and it is his job to invest it wisely, or get fired. 
 
And right now he's taken a big risk: using £5 million to stud a champion racing stallion. 
 
When the resulting foals have birth defects, Tim is worried and decides that there may be something else going on at the stables. And when one of those helping with the horses is murdered, his suspicions are confirmed. 
 
Now it's not just about money, but about life and death. Determined to get answers, Tim puts himself in danger's path to discover the truth . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Banker is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever

As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing

Dick Francis was one of the most successful post-war National Hunt jockeys. The winner of over 350 races, he was champion jockey in 1953/1954 and rode for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, most famously on Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National. On his retirement from the saddle, he published his autobiography, The Sport of Queens, before going on to write forty-three bestselling novels, a volume of short stories (Field of 13), and the biography of Lester Piggott. 
 
During his lifetime Dick Francis received many awards, amongst them the prestigious Crime Writers' Association's Cartier Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to the genre, and three 'best novel' Edgar Allan Poe awards from The Mystery Writers of America. In 1996 he was named by them as Grand Master for a lifetime's achievement. In 1998 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2000. 
 
Dick Francis died in February 2010, at the age of eighty-nine, but he remains one of the greatest thriller writers of all time.

Tim Ekaterin has a lot of money. Unfortunately, it is other people's, and it's his job to invest it wisely, or get fired. And he's taken a big risk: using £5 million of the bank's money to fund a champion racing stallion stud. 
 
When the resulting foals have birth defects, Tim decides that there may be something else going on at the stables. His suspicions are confirmed when one of those helping with the horses is murdered. 
 
Determined to get to the bottom of why anyone would do this, Tim puts himself in danger to discover the truth.

For Kicks

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Incredibly enjoyable and will deliver its kicks again and again' 5***** Reader Review 
'You can always depend on Dick Francis for an engrossing adventure' 5***** Reader Review 
'Edge-of-seat stuff, a real page turner' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Daniel Roke owns a stud farm in Australia. He's young, smart, hard-working and desperate for some excitement - all of which makes him the ideal candidate for the Earl of October, who has come visiting. 
 
 The Earl is concerned about a horse-doping scandal that is destroying English racing. He wants to pay Daniel to come back with him, pose as a highly corruptible stable lad and discover who is behind it. 
 
 But when Daniel agrees, he doesn't realise just how close he'll have to get to find the truth. 
 
Nor how determined the criminals will be to prevent him living long enough to tell anyone . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, For Kicks is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end

Daniel Roke owns a stud farm in Australia. He's young, smart, hard-working and desperate for some excitement - which makes him the ideal candidate for the visiting Earl of October. 
 The Earl is concerned about a horse-doping scandal that is destroying English racing. He wants to pay Daniel to come back with him, pose as a highly corruptible stable lad and discover who is behind it. 
 Unfortunately, when Daniel agrees he doesn't realise how close he'll have to get to find the truth. Nor how determined the criminals will be to prevent him living long enough to tell anyone...

High Stakes

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Riveting from start to finish' 5***** Reader Review 
'Nothing beats a good Francis, and this is as good as they come' 5***** Reader Review 
'An excellent thriller. Spellbinding up to the end' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
When inventor Stephen Scott abruptly fires his winning trainer Jody Leeds, the racing world is shocked and disgusted - though not quite as angry as Leeds, who swears revenge on his former friend. 
 
 But Steven is convinced that Leeds has been stealing from him - and worse - and felt he had no choice. And when Leeds decides to enact his vengeance, Steven finds out just what a nasty piece of work he really is. 
 
 Because now Steven is not only in fear of losing everything - but also his life. 
 
Somehow, he must prove to the world that Leeds is a vicious crook - or die trying . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, High Stakes is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

When inventor Steven Scott abruptly fires his winning trainer Jody Leeds, the racing world is shocked and disgusted - though not quite as angry as Leeds, who swears revenge on his former friend. 
Now, Steven is not only in fear of losing everything - but also his life. Somehow, he must prove to the world that Leeds is a vicious crook - or die trying.

In the Frame

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'No one writes better thrillers than this - a classic' 5***** Reader Review 
'Tight plot, excellent locations and explosions of tension! You don't get much better than that' 5***** Reader Review 
'So many twists and turns, the tension never lets' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Charles Todd, a successful artist who paints horses, arrives at his cousin Donald's house and stumbles on a grisly scene: 
 
Police cars everywhere, his cousin arrested for murder and Donald's wife brutally slain. 
 
 Believing - unlike the police - Donald's story of a burglary gone wrong, Charles follows clues which lead him from England to Australia, and to a diabolical scheme involving fraud and murder. 
 
 But soon Charles realises that someone is on his trail. 
 
Someone who wants to make sure that Charles won't live long enough to save Donald . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, In the Frame is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Charles Todd, a successful artist who paints horses, arrives at his cousin Donald's house and stumbles on a grisly scene: police cars everywhere, his cousin arrested for murder and Donald's wife brutally slain. 
 Believing - unlike the police - Donald's story of a burglary gone wrong, Charles follows clues which lead him from England to Australia and a diabolical scheme involving fraud and murder. 
 But soon Charles realises that someone is on his trail. Someone who wants to make sure that Charles won't live long enough to save Donald.

Odds Against

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Such clever writing, engaging flawed characters. Dick Francis never disappoints' 5***** Reader Review 
'A great read . . . Dick Francis pulls out all the stops' 5***** Reader Review 
'No one does mystery better than Francis. You just can't put the book down' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Champion jockey Sid Halley retired from racing when his hand was smashed in a fall. Now he works as a private detective - which is proving to be no less dangerous to life and limb. 
 
 Recuperating from a bullet wound, Sid is asked by his father-in-law to investigate some potentially shady activity involving Seabury racecourse and a ruthless property dealer. 
 
 But the closer Sid gets to those determined to get their hands on Seabury, the more he finds himself in harm's way. 
 
The odds are against him - but that's exactly when Sid is at his best . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Odds Against is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish

Champion jockey Sid Halley retired from racing when his hand was smashed in a fall. Now he works as a private detective - which is proving to be no less dangerous to life and limb. 
 
 Recuperating from a bullet wound, Sid is asked by his father-in-law to look into some potentially shady activity involving Seabury racecourse and a ruthless property dealer. 
 
But the closer Sid gets to those determined to get their hands on Seabury, the more he finds himself in harm's way. The odds are against him - but that's exactly when Sid is at his best ....

Proof

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'A brilliant read with lots of exciting twists and turns. Couldn't put it down' 5***** Reader Review 
'An excellent thriller that keeps you on the edge. Dick Francis at his best' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Wine merchant Tony Beach will do anything for a quiet life. But when a party to celebrate the end of the racing season ends in eight violent deaths, he is drawn reluctantly into the subsequent investigation. 
 
 Meanwhile, the police, having evidence of the sale of illicit alcohol at a local club, ask for Tony's help in closing it down. Thanks to his intervention, Tony comes to the attention of the criminal underworld. 
 
And that's when he reluctantly realizes that the deaths and the illicit alcohol are connected. 
 
 Tony doesn't want to be a hero. But if the choice is that or dying . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Proof is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Tony Beach will do anything for a quiet life. But when a party to celebrate the end of the racing season ends in eight violent deaths, he is drawn reluctantly into the subsequent investigation. 
 Meanwhile, the police, having evidence of the sale of illicit alcohol at a local club, ask for Tony's help in closing it down. Thanks to his intervention, Tony comes to the attention of the criminal underworld. 
 And that's when he reluctantly realizes that the deaths and the illicit alcohol are connected. 
 Tony doesn't want to be a hero. But if the choice is that or dying...

Reflex

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'A fast-paced, exciting, gripping thriller' 5***** Reader Review 
'One of Dick Francis's best . . . A real page-turner' 5***** Reader Review 
'Deeply satisfying from beginning to end' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Jockey and amateur photographer Philip Nore knows all too well how it feels to take a tumble from a horse. He also knows what it's like to feel the wrath of furious owners and trainers. You can't always be a winner. 
 
 George Millace hated winners. As a photographer he specialized in taking pictures that exposed the failings of riders. But now he's dead - and no one seems very sorry. 
 
 But when Millace's home is broken into during his funeral and Nore finds himself helping clear up, he finds something unexpected. Millace had other pictures - ones people will go to desperate lengths to possess. 
 
 Now he must find out who wants them - and fast. 
 
Because if George Millace's death was no accident, then his killers are getting closer . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Reflex is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Jockey Philip Nore knows all too well what it's like to fall from a horse, to feel the wrath of owners and trainers, to not always be a winner. 
 
 George Millace hated winners. As a photographer he specialized in exposing the failings of riders. Now he's dead - and no one seems very sorry. 
 
 But after Millace's home is broken into, Nore finds something unexpected. Millace had other pictures - ones people are desperate to possess. 
 
 Now Nore must discover who wants them - and fast. Because if George Millace's death was no accident then his killers are getting closer.

Twice Shy

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'An absolutely enthralling suspense right to the very end' 5***** Reader Review 
'Keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Physics teacher (and crack shot) Jonathan Derry is given some tapes to look after by a friend. They're not your usual tapes: they hold a computer programme which functions as a bookie-breaking betting system. 
 
 When Jonathan's friend is then killed in a suspicious explosion and two thugs with guns turn up at his house demanding the tapes, Jonathan realises that he's been handed a whole lot more trouble. 
 
 Jonathan knows he won't be left alone unless he gives them what they want. However, he decides to play his own game. After all, he's a crack shot. 
 
He can look after himself . . . Can't he? 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Twice Shy is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Physics teacher (and crack shot) Jonathan Derry is given some unusual tapes to look after by a friend. They hold a computer programme which functions as a bookie-breaking betting system. 
 When Jonathan's friend is killed in a suspicious explosion and two thugs turn up at his house waving guns and demanding the tapes, Jonathan realises that he's been handed a whole lot more trouble. 
 Jonathan knows he won't be left alone unless he gives them what they want. However, he decides to play his own game. After all, he's a crack shot. He can look after himself - can't he?

Forfeit

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'A masterpiece from the master of equine fiction. Truly sensational from start to finish' 5***** Reader Review 
'Tense, tautly-written, with memorable characters - an absolute cracker' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Bert Checkov, a racing correspondent, drunkenly confesses to fellow Fleet Street hack James Tyrone that he's been giving his readers tips for years. 
 
Five minutes later, Checkov falls out of a seventh-floor window. 
 
 Tyrone is convinced there's more to Checkov's death than meets the eye. When he starts digging, he discovers that many of Checkov's tips never even made it to the start. But the deeper Tyrone gets, the dirtier and more dangerous this business appears to be. 
 
If he's not careful, he'll be following Checkov to his death . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Flying Finish is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Bert Checkov, a racing correspondent, drunkenly confesses to fellow Fleet Street hack James Tyrone that he's been giving his readers bum tips for years. Five minutes later, Checkov's fallen out a seventh floor window. 
 Tyrone has a nose for a story and he's convinced there's more to his friend's death than meets the eye. When he starts digging, he discovers that many of Checkov's tips never even made it to the start. 
 But the deeper Tyrone gets, the dirtier and more dangerous this business appears to be. If he's not careful he'll be following Checkov to his death...

Blood Sport

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Another exciting read that keeps you on the edge of your seat' 5***** Reader Review 
'Grabbed my attention from the beginning . . . One of Dick Francis' best!' 5***** Reader Review 
'Excellent characterisations, believable villains and wonderful plots' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Gene Hawkins is a fixer for his boss Mr Keeble: if Keeble has a problem, Gene goes and fixes it. It's that simple. Sometimes it requires the Luger he carries - mostly it doesn't. 
 
Now Keeble has summoned Gene back from a long-overdue holiday. It seems that a very expensive stallion has been taken in Kentucky. It's the third high-value kidnapping in a few years. Keeble wants his horse back - and it's Gene's job to go out there and find it. 
 
But what Gene doesn't know is that he's about to get involved with blackmailers and murderers. Looks like that Lugar will see some use . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Blood Sport is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Gene Hawkins is a fixer for his boss Mr Keeble: if Keeble has a problem, Gene fixes it. It's that simple. Sometimes it requires his Luger - mostly it doesn't. 
 Now Keeble has summoned Gene back from a long-overdue holiday. It seems that a very expensive stallion has been taken in Kentucky. It's the third high-value kidnapping in a few years. 
 Keeble wants his horse back. Gene is asked to go out there and find it. But what Gene doesn't know is that he's about to get involved with blackmailers and murderers. Looks like that Lugar will see some use...

Comeback

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Gripping from start to finish, a brilliant plot and fast paced' 5***** Reader Review 
'Another brilliant adventure story from the inimitable Dick Francis. This story keeps you turning the pages eagerly' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Foreign Office diplomat Peter Darwin is returning to England, back to his childhood home of Gloucestershire. But instead of a pleasant trip down memory lane, Peter finds himself coming to the aid of a veterinary surgeon whose operating theatre is rapidly turning into an abattoir. 
 
A string of valuable racehorses have suffered unexplained deaths, and the police are baffled. When Darwin looks into the mystery, he finds that his connections - and memories - help him uncover criminal activities that stretch back all the way to his childhood. 
 
But the more Darwin uncovers, the closer he gets to a killer who just can't stop . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Comeback is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Diplomat Peter Darwin is returning to his childhood home: Gloucestershire. But instead of a pleasant trip down memory lane, Peter finds himself coming to the aid of a veterinary surgeon whose operating theatre is rapidly turning into an abattoir. 
 
A string of valuable race horses have suffered unexplained deaths and the police are baffled. When Darwin looks into the mystery he finds that his connections - and his memories - help him uncover criminal activities that stretch back all the way to his childhood. 
 
But the more Darwin uncovers, the closer he gets to a killer who just can't stop.

Driving Force

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
 'A brilliant story with an unusual plot. An absolute page turner!' 5***** Reader Review 
'Gripping from the first sentence and packed with action' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Ex-jockey Freddie Croft now runs a fleet of vehicles which transport racehorses across the British Isles and Europe. But when two of his drivers pick up a hitchhiker who ends up dead, Freddie's got a big problem. 
 
 First, it quickly becomes apparent that the hitcher wasn't quite what he seemed. 
 
And second, Freddie finds that his horse boxes might just be being used for moving something a lot less legal than horses. 
 
 Now he must figure out what is going on before the police, and before whoever is doing it cottons on and tries to stop him - permanently . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Driving Force is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Ex-jockey Freddie Croft now runs a fleet of vehicles which transport racehorses across the British Isles and Europe. But when two of his drivers pick up a hitchhiker who ends up dead, Freddie's got a big problem. 
 First, it quickly becomes apparent that the hitcher wasn't quite what he seemed. And second, Freddie finds that his horse boxes might just be being used for moving something a lot less legal than horses. 
 Now he must figure out what is going on before the police, and before whoever is doing it cottons on and tries to stop him - permanently.

To The Hilt

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Great characters, twisting plot. One of the very best Francis novels' 5***** Reader Review 
'Tense, puzzling and powerful . . . Francis is a consummate craftsman' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Just after learning that his stepfather is gravely ill, artist Al Kinloch, returning to his remote home in the Scottish Highlands, is attacked by four men. 
 
 They ask one question - 'where is it?' - then leave him for dead . . . 
 
 Baffled and hurt, Al visits his stepfather and learns millions of pounds are missing and a valuable racehorse is under threat. Already roughed up, Al decides he has nothing to lose getting to the bottom of this. 
 
 Unfortunately, the thugs who beat him up and the person behind them will make sure that Al doesn't survive their next encounter . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, To the Hilt is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Just after learning that his stepfather is gravely ill, artist Al Kinloch, returning to his remote home in the Scottish Highlands, is attacked by four men. They ask one question - 'where is it?' - then leave him for dead. 
 Baffled and hurt, Al visits his stepfather and learns millions of pounds are missing and a valuable racehorse is under threat. Roughed up already, Al decides he has nothing to lose getting to the bottom of this. 
 Unfortunately, the thugs who beat him up and the person behind them will make sure that Al doesn't survive their next encounter...

Hot Money

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Well-crafted and unputdownable. An excellent read' 5***** Reader Review 
'Superbly paced and plotted. One of Francis's best' 5***** Reader Review 
'A well written and totally engrossing read' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Malcolm Pembroke didn't get rich without making a few enemies - not least among the five wives and nine children left like wreckage in his wake. 
 
 But when Moira, his fifth wife, is murdered, Malcolm believes that someone is out to get him. Desperate and fearful, there's only one person he can turn to: his estranged son, Ian. 
 
 Ian - an amateur jockey - wants nothing to do with his father until it becomes clear the old man's life is in danger. 
 
And worst of all, the evidence suggests it's from someone the family . . . 
 
 Can Ian work out who it is before they strike again? 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Hot Money is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Malcolm Pembroke didn't get rich without making a few enemies - not least the five wives and nine children left like wreckage in his wake. 
But when Moira, his fifth wife, is murdered and Malcolm believes that someone is out to get him, he knows of only one person he can turn to: his estranged son Ian. 
Ian - an amateur jockey - wants nothing to do with his father until it becomes clear the old man's life is in danger. And worst of all the evidence suggests it's from someone in the family . . .

Risk

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Once you start reading you won't be able to stop' 5***** Reader Review 
'Couldn't put it down. I was awake half the night even on the second read!' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
As an amateur jockey, Roland Britten was lucky, and as an accountant he was rigorous. He knew he was on the hate list of several fraudsters, but never thought pen-pushers got kidnapped. 
 
And not from a racecourse right after beating the odds to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 
 
 Held prisoner, Britten has no idea who his kidnappers are nor why they have abducted him. Only when resourceful school headmistress Hilary Pinlock gives him the opportunity to escape is he able to seriously think about what has happened and turn his logical mind to track down his abductors. 
 
 But his kidnappers haven't finished with him yet - and they'll risk anything to get hold of him once again . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Risk is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

From winning post to top of the bestseller list, time after time

As an amateur jockey, Roland Britten was lucky, and as an accountant he was rigorous. He knew he was on the hate list of several fraudsters, but never thought pen-pushers got kidnapped. And not from a racecourse right after beating the odds to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 
 
Held prisoner, Britten has no idea who his kidnappers are nor why they have abducted him. Only when resourceful school headmistress Hilary Pinlock gives him the opportunity to escape is he able to seriously think about what has happened and turn his logical mind to track down his abductors . . .

Rat Race

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Written in Dick Francis inimitable style, this fast-paced thriller leaves the reader gasping for breath' 5***** Reader Review 
'Fast paced action with a hero you can relate to . . . You can't put the book down!' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Matt Shore is a pilot down on his luck. Once he'd flown big jets and dropped supplies in war zones. Now he's ferrying high-class passengers between English racecourses. 
 
 But when one eventful trip ends with his plane exploding in a ball of fire, Matt knows he's not that unlucky. 
 
 
When the police confirm it was a bomb, Matt realizes he has a problem. One of his passengers must have been the target - the question is who? 
 
 
Matt to find out fast - because he's scheduled to ferry the same people over the coming weeks. 
 
 Can Matt stay alive long enough to stop the bomber? 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Rat Race is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Pilot Matt Shore now spends his days ferrying high-class passengers between English race courses. one eventful trip ends with his plane exploding in a ball of fire, Matt knows he's not that unlucky. 
 
When the police confirm it was a bomb, Matt realises he has a problem. One of his passengers must have been the target - the question is who? 
 
Matt to find out fast - because he's scheduled to ferry the same people over the coming weeks. 
 
Can Matt stay alive long enough to stop the bomber?

Smokescreen

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'The characters are superb, the plotting as clever as it gets, the climax nightmarish, the retribution delicious' 5***** Reader Review 
'You can always rely on Dick Francis for a page-turner, and this is no exception' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Edward Lincoln has scaled the Himalayas, survived deadly car chases, and defeated scores of assassins. As a movie action man he's even suffered stoically at the hands of sadistic directors. 
 
 After finishing his latest film, he's asked to visit South Africa to discover why a dying friend's horses are suddenly failing on the racetrack. Unfortunately, Lincoln's attempt to help a friend soon puts him in harm's way. 
 
From a nearly fatal interview to a dangerous accident in a gold mine, it seems only luck is keeping him alive. 
 
 And in life, unlike the big screen, there's no coming back from dead . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Smokescreen is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Edward Lincoln has scaled the Himalayas, survived car chases and defeated scores of assassins. As a movie action man he's even suffered stoically at the hands of sadistic directors. 
 
After finishing his latest film, he visits South Africa to discover why a dying friend's horses are suddenly failing on the race track. Lincoln's attempt to help a friend soon puts him in harm's way. From a nearly fatal interview to a dangerous accident in a gold mine, it seems only luck is keeping him alive. 
 
And in life, unlike the big-screen, there's no coming back from dead . . .

Break In

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Suspense, intrigue, what more could you want? Dick Francis at his best' 5***** Reader Review 
'A dazzlingly good read. Francis writes heroes who are truly heroic, and villains so truly villainous that each encounter with them raises your temperature' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Steeplechase jockey Kit Fielding has just ridden another winner for his patron - the Princess - when his distraught twin sister Holly comes to him with terrible news. A newspaper is printing stories which will put her husband, Bobby Allardeck, and his stables out of business. 
 
Putting aside the age-old Fielding-Allardeck feud, Kit decides to try to find out who is behind these cruel stories. This, he quickly discovers, puts a lot of noses out of joint. Not one to be put off easily, he keeps digging, upsetting powerful and ruthless people who'll do anything to protect themselves. 
 
But this is family and Kit will risk everything - including his neck - to find the truth . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Break In is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 
 
'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post

Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end.

Steeplechase jockey Kit Fielding has just ridden another winner for his patron - the Princess - when his distraught twin sister Holly comes to him with terrible news. A newspaper is printing stories which will put her husband, Bobby Allardeck, and his stables out of business. 
 
Putting aside the age-old Fielding-Allardeck feud, Kit decides to try to find out who is behind these cruel stories. 
 
This, he quickly discovers, upsets many ruthless and powerful people who'll do anything to protect themselves. 
 
But this is family and Kit will risk everything - including his neck - to find the truth.

Whip Hand

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Dick Francis keeps you in suspense in every chapter, you are immersed in the story' 5***** Reader Review 
'Really gripping with lots of twists and turns. A fast-paced thriller' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Ex-jockey Sid Halley works as a private detective, using his racing knowledge to solve crimes that baffle the police. 
 
He's asked to investigate the possible doping of the horses of George Casper - a thoroughbred trainer whose once-successful mounts have been failing spectacularly on the racetrack. 
 
At the same time, he learns that a conman has left his ex-wife Jenny facing a jail sentence over a fake charity, while the Jockey Club want him to investigate certain powerful syndicates who may be acting in a ruthless and illegal manner. 
 
Quickly, Sid discovers that each of his investigations is entirely unwelcome. But he isn't put off easily - not even when a threat is made that could change his life. 
 
Three dangerous cases, three ways to die - Sid is back on home turf . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Whip Hand is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life

Superb. Francis's best book. And that's high praise

Ex-jockey Sid Halley is asked to investigate possible doping of the horses of thoroughbred trainer George Casper - whose once-successful mounts have been failing spectacularly on the race track. 
 
At the same time he learns that a conman has left his ex-wife Jenny facing a jail sentence over a fake charity, while the Jockey Club want him to look into certain powerful syndicates who may be acting in a ruthless and illegal manner. 
 
Three dangerous cases, three ways to die - Sid is back on home turf . . .

Trial Run

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 
 
'Keeps you enthralled all the way through' 5***** Reader Review 
'Full of intrigue from start to finish. Another Dick Francis success' 5***** Reader Review 
'Edge-of-your-seat reading' 5***** Reader Review 
______ 
 
Ex-steeplechaser Randall Drew is reluctantly off to pre-Olympic games Moscow, as a favour to royalty. One of the blue bloods is destined to compete in the games and there are concerns - both of safety and of scandal - that only Drew, with his racing connections, can clear up. 
 
On arriving - speaking no Russian and wishing he were back home - Drew is supposed to identify and contact one Alyosha to clear up the scandal. Instead, he finds himself tailed by the KGB and embroiled in foiling a terrorist plot - or die trying. 
 
Home seems an awful long way away - and if he's not careful, he'll be going back in a box . . . 
 
Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Trial Run is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. 
 
Praise for Dick Francis: 
 
'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 
 
'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 
 
'Still the master' Racing Post 
 
'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life

Ex-steeplechaser Randall Drew is reluctantly off to pre-Olympic games Moscow, as a favour to royalty. One of the blue bloods is destined to compete in the games and there are concerns - both of safety and of scandal - that only Drew, with his racing connections, can sort out. 
 
On arriving - speaking no Russian and wishing he were back home - Drew is supposed to identify and contact one Alyosha to clear up the scandal. Instead, he finds himself tailed by the KGB and embroiled in foiling a terrorist plot - or die trying.

Dick Francis

Seventeen-year-old Benedict Juliard's ambitions of becoming a steeplechase jockey are dashed when he's falsely accused of taking drugs. For his estranged father, however, this is an opportunity. 
 A wealthy businessman running for a parliamentary by-election in Dorset, Juliard Senior needs all the help he can get - especially when the campaign moves from mudslinging to something more deadly. 
 Now young Benedict has to grow up fast, not only to find out who is trying to harm his father's chances of election but also to keep him alive long enough to stay in the race...

10-Lb Penalty

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

sectionTitle

isEnabled

anchor

anchorLabel

prhuk/featured-book

prhuk/praise-section

maxBooks

showViewMore

prhuk/books-section

hideAuthorAlert

formName

iterableDivision

iterableBrand

buttonText

description

heading

legalText

successHeading

successText

image

alignment

variation

prhuk/email-section

prhuk/series-section

prhuk/biography-section

prhuk/articles-section

prhuk-authors

The perfect gift? A Penguin Shop gift card

Dick Francis

Praise for 10-Lb Penalty

Unbeatable

Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end

Books by Dick Francis

Series by Dick Francis

Francis Thriller

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter