Nelson DeMille, the author known for his bestselling suspense and adventure novels, has died at 81, Newsday reports.
DeMille, a New York City native, was raised on Long Island and educated at Hofstra University. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star.
He made his literary debut in 1974 with the novel The Sniper, which introduced Joe Ryker, a tough New York police detective; the character would return in several more novels, including The Hammer of God and The Night of the Phoenix.
DeMille was known for his series of books featuring U.S. Army investigator Paul Brenner, whom he introduced in the 1992 novel The General’s Daughter, which was adapted into a 1999 film starring John Travolta. He also published several novels with the character John Corey, a retired New York detective; that series debuted in 1997 with Plum Island.
His most recent book, Blood Lines, co-written with his son Alex DeMille, was published last year.
DeMille’s admirers paid tribute to him on social media. On the platform X, author Harlan Coben wrote, “Mentor, colleague, literary hero, war veteran, icon, raconteur—Nelson Demille was always the best company and the coolest guy in every room. I will miss you always, old friend.”
And author Joseph Finder posted, “Nelson DeMille was one of the most generous, brilliant, funny, kindhearted people I knew, with a profane sense of humor. He was also one of my greatest influences. My condolences to Nelson’s family—it’s a huge loss.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
