The Dick Francis Companion

The co-authors of the Agatha Award-winning Killer Books now offer the complete guide to the ever-popular mysteries of former champion jockey Francis, set in the world he knows so well: that of horse racing. This handy book includes plot summaries of each of Francis's novels, quick sketches of featured characters (and horses), Web sites offering information on British racing and racetracks, and choice opening lines (""Kidnapping is a fact of life,"" begins The Danger). In an exclusive interview with Francis, the author ruminates on his protagonists (who""react to situations as I would react in the same circumstances""); his collaboration with his late wife (""she was a master at research with a terrific memory for detail""); and his annual work cycle. A useful bibliography includes works about and written by Francis.