THE late Queen Mother was a fan of Dick Francis whose novels married her love of horse racing with the excitement of thrillers. Francis once admitted avoiding sex scenes and swearing because he knew she would be reading. Princess Margaret was another crime fan and, as the guest of honour at the Crime Writers’ Association’s 40th-anniversary dinner, the loyal toast, normally offered at the end of the meal, was proposed after the starter so she could have a cigarette!
Daily Express :: Books Feed