Today brings sad news to the literary world. Dick Francis, author of books such as “Field of 13”, has died at the age of 89 in the Cayman Islands. Francis was a champion jockey during the 1940’s and went on to be the Queen Mothers official jockey during the 50’s. His crime novels have sold over 60 million copies world wide and have been translated into 20 languages.

Francis has won numerous accolades for his works including the Crime Writer’s Association lifetime achievement award in 1996. His last novel, co written with his son, will be released in the Fall.

BBC Report: Author Dick Francis dies aged 89