Trivia / Dick Francis

• Referenced by...: Don Draper is seen reading one of Dick's novels in an episode of Mad Men. To be precise, the novel is Odds Against (published in 1965) and the episode is "Dark Shadows" (set in late 1966).
• Spiritual Successor: Since Dick's death, his son Felix (who is credited as the co-writer of Dick's last four novels) has continued to write thrillers at a rate of one a year under the same brand. The works of John Francome, another jockey who has since turned his hand to writing racing-themed thrillers, also counts as one of these.
• Word of God: Felix Francis has confirmed what he called "the worst-kept secret in publishing" — that his father's novels were very much a joint effort on the part of both of his parents. Even before taking up the mantle himself (which he did from 2006 onwards, with himself credited as co-author until Dick's death in 2010), he used to help them out.
  "I had written parts of the Dick Francis books for years — all the scientific bits. I designed the remote-controlled bomb that blew up a light aircraft in Rat Race and created the computer program in Twice Shy. I had even penned the last third of Shattered when my parents were clearly struggling."