Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy

Nelson DeMille, Iconic Thriller Author and Long Island Native, has Died at 81

 

This one hurts.

On Wednesday, September 18th, news broke that legendary author Nelson DeMille, best known for writing the John Corey series and other novels, including Plum Island, The Charm School, and most recently, Blood Lines (which he co-authored with his son, Alex DeMille), had died following a battle with throat cancer. He was 81 years old.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our father’s passing yesterday after a nine-month battle with cancer. True to form, he faced his illness with courage, grace, and good humor. He was the kind of person who filled a room with his presence,” wrote DeMille’s family in a post that was shared on the late author’s X account. “His warmth, generosity and kindness touched everyone who knew him, and will leave as much of a lasting legacy as his novels. We grieve, but we also celebrate a life lived to its fullest. We love you Dad, and you will be with us always.”

Born in New York in the summer of 1943, Nelson Richard DeMille served in the United States Army after spending three years at Hofstra University, long before he became a bestselling author. During his time in the military, DeMille served as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, where he was decorated with the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. After leaving the military, DeMille returned to Hofstra University, where he received his degree in political science and history. Not long after, he began his legendary publishing career in 1978 with the release of By The Rivers of Babylon. He would go on to write twenty-three novels in total—which he wrote in longhand with pencil and legal pads before typing his manuscripts—many of which were major bestsellers. He was perhaps best known for his John Corey series, which DeMille launched in 1997 with his iconic thriller Plum Island. His last published book is Blood Lines, which was released in 2023.

Known for his warmth and humor, DeMille loved to laugh and helped many new authors over the years. He was always quick to support other writers. From everyone at Team Book Spy, our thoughts and prayers are with Nelson’s family and friends.

 

As you might expect, tributes poured in last week, with many of the genre’s biggest names today remembering DeMille.

 

 

 

 

 

Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor in addition to running TRBS. He is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” LETHAL RANGE, OUT FOR BLOOD, and TED BELL’S MONARCH. For more information, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and BookBub. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.

 

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