Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86, according to express.co.uk. Citing publisher Harper Collins, the outlet said Archer died “suddenly and peacefully at home” on October 5, just one day before the publication of his final novel, “Adam and Eve”.
The bestselling author and former Conservative politician was one of Britain’s most commercially successful writers, selling more than 300 million books worldwide during a career spanning five decades. His novels were published in 119 countries and translated into 49 languages.
HarperCollins described him as a “master storyteller” whose career became a publishing success story. The publisher also praised his work ethic, noting his commitment to revising manuscripts until they met his standards.
His death came shortly before the release of “Adam and Eve,” his final novel, scheduled for publication on October 6.
Only days before his death, Archer returned to Wellington School in Somerset, where he had been a pupil, to promote the institution. During the visit, he reflected on the next generation of students and expressed his affection for the school.
Before achieving literary success, Archer had a prominent and often controversial political career. He served as a Conservative MP and was appointed a life peer in the House of Lords in 1992.
In 2001, he was jailed for four years after being convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice in connection with a libel case against the Daily Star. The case stemmed from allegations first published in 1987. Although he initially won substantial damages, he was later found to have given false evidence.
Archer was released from prison in 2003 and returned to the House of Lords, where he remained until retiring in 2024.
Despite the setback to his political career, he rebuilt his public profile as an author and developed a large international readership through a series of bestselling novels.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “incredibly saddened” by the news, describing Archer as a source of personal encouragement and noting that he had contacted her on the day of his death.
Archer is survived by his wife, Mary, and their sons, William and James.
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