Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86 ahead of final novel

Bestselling British author and former Conservative politician Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86, a day before the scheduled publication of his final novel, Adam & Eve.

HarperCollins confirmed Archer died on Monday, 5 October, describing his death as “suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions”.

His death came a day after he appeared with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at a sold-out event at London’s Leicester Square Theatre, where he met readers and signed hundreds of books, according to his publisher.

Archer sold more than 300 million books worldwide during a writing career that began with his 1976 debut, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less. His novels included Kane and Abel and the Clifton Chronicles series.

A final appearance with readers

Brandreth paid tribute to Archer following their appearance together on Sunday, recalling the author’s enthusiasm and the reception he received from the audience.

“He was funny, engaging and self-deprecating – a great storyteller to the last.”

Archer had also been scheduled to discuss Adam & Eve at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday, 10 October.

A final book after five decades

Adam & Eve is scheduled for publication on 6 October, according to Archer’s official website, which describes it as his final novel.

The book follows two children born on Armistice Day in 1918: a shepherd’s son and an earl’s daughter, whose lives become intertwined against the backdrop of war.

HarperCollins UK chief executive Kate Elton, who was also Archer’s editor, paid tribute to his commitment to writing and revising his manuscripts, and his appreciation of the publishing team behind his books.

Politics and prison

Archer’s public career included five years as a Conservative MP, followed by a term as the party’s deputy chairman under Margaret Thatcher. He became a life peer in 1992.

In 2001, he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice over lies told during an earlier newspaper libel case. He received a four-year prison sentence and was released in 2003.

He later returned to the House of Lords and retired in 2024.

Archer and his wife, Dame Mary Archer, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. He is survived by Mary, their two sons and five grandchildren.