Master Storyteller and Former Politician Jeffrey Archer Dies at 86

Bestselling British author and former politician Jeffrey Archer has passed away at the age of 86, according to an announcement by his publisher HarperCollins. Known globally for novels that sold over 300 million copies, Archer died suddenly and peacefully at his home on Monday "between writing sessions," the publisher stated.

Kate Elton, chief executive of HarperCollins UK and Archer's editor, paid tribute to the author, describing him as “the master storyteller and an editor's dream.” She added, “We're all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers – and a true friend.”

Archer gained widespread acclaim for books such as his 1976 debut Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less and 1979's Kane and Abel. His works reached readers in 119 countries, securing a combined five and a half years on The New York Times bestseller lists. His final novel, Adam and Eve, is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, just a day after his passing, and he had been slated to discuss the book at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

In the UAE, Archer was a familiar figure to readers, having made several appearances at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai and the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Before achieving massive success as a novelist, Archer pursued a prominent political career. He was elected as a Conservative MP in 1969 and later served as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher. However, his political path was later impacted by scandal when he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice in 2001 following a libel case against the Daily Star. Sentenced to four years in prison, he served two before resuming his writing career with new novels, short stories, and A Prison Diary, which documented his time behind bars.

Active until the very end, Archer appeared with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at a sold-out event at London's Leicester Square Theatre just a day before his death, meeting hundreds of readers. He is survived by his wife Mary and their two sons.