Dick Francis’ 39th Novel Due in Fall!

Dick Francis’ 39th Novel Due in Fall - Yahoo! News

NEW YORK - Best-selling mystery author Dick Francis is ending a six-year hiatus and publishing his first book since the death of his wife and collaborator, Mary Francis.

This fall, G.P. Putnam’s Sons will release “Under Orders,” his 39th novel.

“I am delighted that … my family has talked me back into the literary saddle,” the British author, 85, said Tuesday in a statement.

Francis, author of such popular works as “Come to Grief” and “Wild Horses,” had worked closely with his wife, who served as his editor, researcher and even co-author. For decades, he averaged a book a year, but had released nothing since her death, in 2000.

“Speaking for everyone here at Putnam, I am thrilled that Dick Francis has returned from his hiatus and delivered such an exceptional new work,” Putnam president Ivan Held said in a statement.

Wow. This is huge news for book-lovers. Francis had said he was retired for keeps after the death of his wife. This is your basic must read.

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