Dick Francis is back writing

Bestselling 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.