If you enjoy reading novels by Dick Francis then you might also like the following authors:
John Francome is a former jockey who became an author. He brings his deep knowledge of horse racing into his novels. His book “Dead Weight” centers on a champion jockey whose life takes a dark turn after a horrific accident on the track.
As Jed struggles to adjust, he finds himself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery linked to the racing world. The story is packed with twists and gives readers a glimpse into the risks and rivalries within the sport.
Fans of Dick Francis might enjoy the way Francome blends authentic racing details with suspenseful storytelling.
Felix Francis is the son of Dick Francis and continues the tradition of writing high-stakes crime novels set in the world of horse racing.
In his book “Triple Crown,” he takes readers to the heart of American horse racing with Jefferson Hinkley, a British investigator working undercover to expose corruption in the U.S. racing industry.
The story takes off when Hinkley finds himself facing a dangerous criminal network while trying to protect innocent lives. The racing scenes are vivid, and the tension builds as Hinkley risks everything to uncover the truth.
Fans of Dick Francis will notice a familiar sense of danger and determination in Felix’s writing.
Peter Bowen wrote Western mysteries with a strong sense of place, often set in the rugged landscapes of Montana. His books feature Gabriel Du Pré, a Métis cattle-brand inspector who solves crimes while navigating life in a small town.
In “Coyote Wind,” Du Pré uncovers long-buried secrets after a skeleton is found in the prairie. The story weaves in local folklore and traditions, creating a world that feels authentic and alive.
Fans of Dick Francis might appreciate Bowen’s straightforward storytelling and the way his characters use their unique expertise to solve mysteries.
Tony Hillerman is known for his Navajo Tribal Police series, which blends mystery with rich Southwestern settings.
One of his books, “The Blessing Way,” introduces Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, a Navajo police officer who uses both traditional beliefs and logical detective work to solve crimes.
In this story, a man is found dead in a remote canyon, and what appears to be an accident starts pointing to something far darker. Hillerman’s attention to Navajo culture adds depth to the mystery, making it more than just a whodunit.
The desert landscapes and cultural elements give the book a unique atmosphere that sticks with you.
Ngaio Marsh is known for her classic murder mysteries featuring the sharp and sophisticated Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Her books often combine intricate crimes with a touch of elegance, set in cozy English villages or within artistic circles.
In her novel “Death at the Bar,” a small-town pub becomes the setting for a mysterious death while a group of friends gathers for a quiet evening. A seemingly harmless dart game goes horribly wrong, leaving one of the players dead.
Inspector Alleyn must unravel the secrets of the close-knit group to figure out how a simple night at the pub turned into a murder scene.
Stephen Dobyns is an author known for blending mystery with sharp, character-driven storytelling. One of his books, “Saratoga Longshot,” introduces Charlie Bradshaw, a small-town detective in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Charlie gets caught up in a world of horse racing, crime, and hidden motives when a private investigator ends up murdered. The story combines the high stakes of the racing world with small-town grit, unraveling secrets as Charlie pieces things together.
Fans of Dick Francis will likely enjoy how Dobyns ties the horse racing scene to a darker underbelly of human ambition.
Caroline Graham is known for her crime novels that often mix clever plots with dark humor and richly drawn characters.
Her book “The Killings at Badger’s Drift” introduces Chief Inspector Barnaby, a quiet but sharp detective with an eye for unraveling strange small-town mysteries.
The story begins when a beloved elderly woman dies under suspicious circumstances after witnessing something odd in the woods. As Barnaby starts digging into the lives of the villagers, long-hidden secrets and tensions rise to the surface.
There’s an unsettling mix of charm and menace in the setting, which makes the investigation feel both personal and unpredictable.
Michael Jecks is an author who brings historical mysteries to life with vivid settings and engaging characters. One of his books, “The Leper’s Return,” is part of his Knights Templar series. Set in medieval England, the story begins when a wealthy merchant is found murdered.
Suspicion falls quickly on a nearby leper community, and tension rises as locals grow angry and frightened. Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, a former Templar knight, and Simon Puttock, his loyal friend, are tasked with solving the case.
The book weaves in the complex social dynamics of the time, showing the challenges faced by outsiders like the lepers. Fans of Dick Francis might enjoy the focus on human behavior and the clever unraveling of the mystery.
Margery Allingham was a British author known for her clever crime novels that often blend mystery with humor and character-driven stories.
One of her popular books, “Death of a Ghost,” follows Albert Campion, a charming amateur detective, as he investigates a possible murder at an artist’s house.
The story begins with a party where a decades-old tradition of unveiling a late artist’s hidden paintings takes a dark turn when someone disappears. Campion uncovers secrets about the people involved, leading to twists that keep readers guessing.
It has a sharp, engaging style that fans of Dick Francis might enjoy, especially for the mix of mystery and wit.
Francis Durbridge was a British author known for his fast-paced mysteries and sharp dialogue. His book, “Beware of Johnny Washington,” offers a thrilling mix of crime and deception.
The story follows actress Sarah Scott, who becomes entangled in a dangerous web after a handsome stranger enters her life. What starts as a chance encounter soon leads to secrets, lies, and a murder investigation that puts Sarah herself in danger.
Durbridge’s knack for crafting twists makes this an edge-of-your-seat read. Fans of Dick Francis might enjoy the suspense and cunning characters at play in his work.
Andrew Martin writes mysteries infused with a love for trains and historical settings. His novel “The Necropolis Railway” introduces Jim Stringer, a young railway enthusiast in Edwardian England. Jim lands a job with the railways, but things quickly take a dark turn.
Working in a gloomy depot where his co-workers seem to harbor secrets, he finds himself drawn into a series of suspicious events. The story combines the grit of railway life with a shadowy, atmospheric mystery that keeps you wondering who to trust.
Fans of Dick Francis may enjoy the mix of a specific profession—in this case, railways—and a tightly woven plot.
Stella Cameron is known for writing suspenseful stories that mix mystery and strong emotional connections. One of her books, “Cold Day in July,” is set in the small town of Pointe Judah, Louisiana.
The story follows a widow named Emma Tremayne, who starts to rebuild her life after her husband’s death. Her past collides with danger when she is drawn into a web of secrets tied to a gruesome murder.
The tension grows as the atmosphere of a tight-knit town reveals hidden alliances and personal stakes. Fans of Dick Francis might appreciate how the stakes feel personal, keeping the story grounded as the danger builds.
Mark Billingham is a British author known for his crime novels. In his book “Sleepyhead,” he introduces Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, a character with a sharp mind and a stubborn streak.
The story begins with what looks like a string of murders, but one victim survives, unable to move or communicate yet fully aware of everything around her. Thorne realizes that this wasn’t a mistake but the criminal’s goal all along.
The hunt for the suspect is tense and filled with twists, as Thorne tries to stop them before they strike again. Fans of horse racing mysteries by Dick Francis may enjoy Billingham’s attention to detail and the complex investigations in his books.
Robert Goddard is a British author known for crafting intricate stories filled with twists and secrets. One of his novels, “The Ways of the World,” combines mystery and historical drama.
Set in 1919, it follows James Maxted, a World War I flying ace, as he investigates the suspicious death of his diplomat father in post-war Paris. The story weaves together political intrigue, shadowy alliances, and hidden motives.
Goddard’s writing creates an atmospheric setting while pulling you into James’s search for the truth. Fans of Dick Francis’s tightly wound plots might find themselves quickly absorbed in this one.
Simon Brett is a British author who crafts mysteries full of wit and charm. One of his books, “A Shock to the System,” follows Graham Marshall, a mild-mannered executive who is passed over for a promotion he believes he deserved.
Frustrated by this injustice, he begins to explore how far someone might go to shift the balance in their favor. The story combines clever twists with a closer look at ambition and morality.
Fans of Dick Francis, who enjoy characters thrust into morally ambiguous situations, might find Brett’s storytelling a rewarding read.