His son, Felix Francis, co-wrote four books with his dad and has continued writing his own mysteries, some with, “Dick Francis’s…” in the title.
One of Felix’s books, Dick Francis's Gamble, came my way during the holidays when I was looking for a light, fun read. Gamble was exactly that – and more.
The 2011 novel, Felix’s first on his own, is the story of Nichols “Foxy” Foxton a former jockey now working as a financial advisor for a small investment company. While at the races with a colleague, Herb Kovak, a man approaches them and shoots Kovak dead in front of hundreds of people, then disappears into the crowd.
Unable to explain what happened or why to the police, Foxton gets involved with the murder in several ways. Not only was he standing next to the victim, but also he soon learns that he was named Kovak’s executor. Further, Kovak left everything he owned to the astonished Foxton.
In going through Kovak’s effects, Foxton learns some disturbing truths about his business friend. He may have been running an illegal gambling ring, and the operation may have lead to his murder.
While sorting out the mess Kovak left behind, a wealthy client confides in Foxton that he suspects one of his investments in an Eastern European development project may be a scam. Foxton, now with two mysteries to solve, barely gets started when the killer shows up at his doorstep, gun in hand.
Felix Francis does a nice job plunging Foxy Foxton, his likable first-person narrator, into trouble and turning up the heat. Gamble was thoroughly enjoyable, and I will be seeking out other Felix Francis novels this year.