Bestselling author Jeffrey Archer dies at 86

British bestselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86.

Archer died suddenly and peacefully at his home on Monday, according to his publisher. He had continued working on his writing until his death.

The acclaimed novelist sold more than 300 million books during a career spanning five decades. His best-known works include Kane and Abel and the Clifton Chronicles. His final novel, Adam and Eve, is scheduled to be published this week.

Born in north London in 1940, Archer grew up in Somerset and later entered politics. He was elected as a Conservative MP for Louth in 1969 and served in Parliament for five years before becoming deputy chairman of the Conservative Party.

His political career was later overshadowed by a criminal conviction. Archer was sentenced to four years in prison in 2001 after being found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice in connection with a libel case against the Daily Star. He was released in 2003 and later returned to the House of Lords, where he remained until his retirement in 2024.

Despite the controversy surrounding his political career, Archer became one of Britain’s most commercially successful novelists. His books were widely read internationally and established him as a major figure in popular fiction.

Archer had been active in promoting his final novel in the days before his death. He appeared at Leicester Square Theatre in London on Sunday for a book event and met fans alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.

Brandreth said Archer had appeared energetic and cheerful during the event and described him as a gifted storyteller. He also recalled that Archer had told the audience the new novel would be his last.

Archer had also recently visited his former school in Wellington, Somerset, where he spoke to students while promoting the book.

He and his wife, Mary, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. The couple had two sons and five grandchildren.

British political and literary figures paid tribute to Archer following news of his death, remembering him for his storytelling, humour, energy and long career in public life and literature.