A good writer, who can make everything about horses and horse racing interesting – and into a crackerjack crime / mystery story – is/was the Brit Dick Francis.
He wrote for a long, long time, reliably cranking them out. A couple of times there were sequels or series, but by and large, these were stand along thrillers, where you learned more about a particular facet of the horse-loving, horse-racing business – and often about upper class British culture.
Near the end of his long life, he wrote with his son – more great writing. Hopefully, his son will continue, now that Dad is gone.
A few months ago, someone left a new-to-me Dick Francis on the Give Away Table at the Reiki Healing Circle. Called Trial Run, it was written in 1978, and somehow I had missed it!
Set in Cold War Moscow, it involves Britain’s Royal Family, the Olympics, creative ways to be diplomatic, and threats from many directions. What a summertime treat. Here’s an iced tea toast to you, Dick Francis, now that your race is run.