Author: Basil Francis
Fuller name: Basil Hoskins Francis
Born: 22 November 1906
Bio: Basil Hoskins Francis (22/11/1906) - Christchurch, Hampshire, England.  He was an English author who wrote in his own name and also under the pseudonym of Austen Rhode. The serial character in six of his seven detective novels is Inspector Ghent working together with Sergeant Paul Dean. 

Worked for Midland Bank Head Office in London - 43 years.  Belonged to Midland Bank Operatic Society.

Basil Francis was commissioned into the RAF on the 1 October 1942 and, became a War Substantive Flying Officer in the Administration and Special Duties Branch. 

From his experience of serving with the RAF in India he wrote “Death on the Atoll” (1948).

He also wrote Death at the Bank (1938), Slender Margin (1938), The Holiday Camp Murder (1939), Death for Safe Custody (1944), Death on the Roof (1946) and Death in Act IV (1954] 
 
As Austen Rhode he wrote, His Wife's House (1928), No Choice (1928) and Murder at the 98 Club (1935).