DICK FRANCIS R.I.P.

One of our best-known writers is gone. Not our genre, but he had something matched only by Terry Pratchett (who is most definitely one of our own): a great breadth of readership, from people who read only his books, through those who read only in that genre, to those who read everything; and he had fans among them all.

What I like most about his books is the modest workmanlike quality, the always understated prose, and some very neat things that he did better than anyone: the event that didn't happen (as in, No shot rang out, or that de la Mare poem where "No head looked over the leaf-fringed sill"), or the protagonist's better qualities being revealed by accidental conversation.

Condolences to the family and all who'll miss him.