Felix Francis: how I took over my father's life

Under Orders is published in 2006 under my father's sole name. If it is to stimulate sales of his backlist, I argue, it has to be a 'Dick Francis'. It sells well, of course, with that name on the jacket, going to the top of the bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic. However, I am worried about the reviews, believing they will all say that 'Dick has lost it.' But they don't. Instead, they all announce that 'The Master is back.' Now we are 16 years on from that Gay Hussar lunch, and Iced, my 15th book, is published this September.

Much has changed. My name is now writ large on the front, but still with 'A Dick Francis Novel' printed under the title. That is my choice. I feel that, in spite of Dad's death in 2010, he is as much a part of my books as I now feel that I am part of all of his.