John Francome is a former champion jockey turned author known for thrilling horse racing mysteries. His popular novels include Stone Cold and Inside Track, offering readers exciting glimpses into racing intrigue and suspense.
If you enjoy reading books by John Francome then you might also like the following authors:
If you're a fan of John Francome's horse racing thrillers, Dick Francis would be a natural next pick. Francis combines well-paced suspense, realistic horse-racing scenes, and strong heroes who tackle dangerous mysteries.
His novel Dead Cert is an exciting introduction, blending suspense and racing action into a believable story that keeps you hooked all the way through.
Felix Francis, son of Dick Francis, continues in a similar vein, crafting engaging novels full of tense plots and believable characters set in horse racing environments. His writing brings the familiar thrills associated with Francome's novels.
A great example is Gamble, which tells the story of risk, corruption, and danger hidden beneath the surface of horse racing.
Lyndon Stacey is a solid choice if you're drawn to Francome's style of weaving mystery into the equestrian world. Stacey's stories mix credible plots with an insider's look at horse racing and riding scenes, creating suspenseful and entertaining reads.
Her novel Cut Throat introduces readers to captivating characters who must unearth deadly secrets threatening their sport.
Jenny Pitman, herself a horse trainer, brings authenticity and genuine insight into the racing scene—something Francome's fans will appreciate. Her novels offer detail-rich storytelling and gripping mysteries.
On the Edge is a notable example, exploring darker themes against a backdrop of racing while keeping the narrative lively and engaging.
Michael Maguire writes exciting mysteries set in the world of horse racing, focusing on crime and scandal. Like Francome, Maguire draws believable characters, credible settings, and plots with plenty of tension and twists.
His book Scratchproof is an exciting mystery involving sabotage and deception, sure to appeal to readers who love Francome's pace and insider perspective.
Ken McCoy writes realistic mysteries set in working-class communities, filled with everyday struggles, friendships, and authentic dialogue. His book Hammerhead gives readers a gritty glimpse into crime and corruption on the racetrack.
If you enjoy John Francome's horse racing thrillers, you'll appreciate McCoy's realistic characters and compelling plots.
If you're looking for solid mysteries set against a horse racing backdrop, Kit Ehrman is a great choice. Ehrman's writing is fast-paced and filled with suspense, offering readers insider views of the horse racing industry.
At Risk, the first in the Steve Cline series, follows a young stablehand drawn into a dangerous investigation when horses go missing. Fans of Francome's exciting plots will enjoy Ehrman's style and accurate racing details.
Sasscer Hill delivers sharp, suspenseful mysteries centered on horse racing with plenty of insider detail and engaging characters. Her novel Flamingo Road features investigator Fia McKee, tackling corruption and crime at a Florida racetrack.
Like John Francome, Hill brings readers close to the action, offering intriguing horse-related storylines set in a racing atmosphere.
Laura Hillenbrand is a skilled nonfiction storyteller whose writing brings true stories vividly to life. Her style is clear, engaging, and remarkably thorough.
Seabiscuit: An American Legend captures the drama of the legendary racehorse that became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Although nonfiction, her book will appeal to Francome readers who love riveting racehorse tales packed with tension and excitement.
Jane Smiley's novels explore people, family dynamics, and complex relationships, often set against a rural or small-town backdrop involving horses and horse racing.
Her book Horse Heaven portrays the richly interconnected lives of jockeys, trainers, owners, and horses in the racing world.
Readers who appreciate Francome's keen sense of character and behind-the-scenes racing detail will find much to enjoy in Smiley's thoughtful storytelling style.
Bill Shoemaker was a professional jockey turned novelist who brought his real-life racing insights to the thriller genre. If you like John Francome's realistic portrayal of horse racing, you'll appreciate Shoemaker's authentic knowledge of the racetrack atmosphere.
His book, Stalking Horse, combines suspense, crime, and racing, delivering an exciting adventure for mystery and horse racing fans.
Walter Farley captured the magic and adventure of horse racing through stories aimed at younger audiences but engaging enough for adult readers.
His classic, The Black Stallion, tells the story of a young shipwreck survivor who bonds with a magnificent horse and later trains him for racing. Farley's storytelling offers drama and excitement in a vivid and accessible style that Francome's readers might enjoy.
Marguerite Henry created warm, richly illustrated stories centered around horses, people, and the bonds that connect them. Her beloved novel, Misty of Chincoteague, explores determination, friendship, and perseverance on a small island off Virginia.
Readers interested in heartfelt narratives and realistic horse portrayals will find Henry's work appealing, though gentler compared to Francome's racing thrillers.
Jilly Cooper writes sharp, witty novels filled with drama, relationships, and rivalry, all set against the backdrop of competitive fields such as equestrian riding and horse racing. Her book Riders brings together vivid characters, romance, intense competition, and humor.
Fans who enjoy the excitement and character-driven plots that Francome delivers might appreciate Cooper's lively writing style and energetic storytelling.
Joanna Campbell is well-known for her engaging series targeting teens, blending family stories with believable horse-racing action. In A Horse Called Wonder, she introduces the reader to Ashleigh Griffen and her journey toward racing success against difficult odds.
Readers who enjoy Francome's attention to horse-racing realism will find Campbell's work equally appealing, wrapped in a heartfelt, enjoyable narrative.