Phyllis Dorothy James, better known to readers as P.D. James, died "peacefully at her home in Oxford" this morning, according to her agent. She was 94.
Her most recent book was 2011's Death Comes to Pemberley, a murder-mystery sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Her publisher, Faber and Faber, said in a statement:
It is difficult to express our profound sadness at losing PD James, one of the world's great writers and a Faber author since her first publication in 1962.
She was so very remarkable in every aspect of her life, an inspiration and great friend to us all. It is a privilege to publish her extraordinary books. Working with her was always the best of times, full of joy. We will miss her hugely.
Authors Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Malorie Blackman and prime minister David Cameron paid tribute to James on Twitter.
So sad about PD James. Every event I did with her was a joy. Sharp intellect, ready wit. She will be missed.
I salute the great PD James for so many reasons. Today, I've lost a friend as well as a teacher. There was nothing cosy about Phyllis.
RIP PD James. I was lucky enough to meet her when we both served on the SoA Management Committee. Always a class act. http://t.co/x0uh51DT3y
Saddened to hear of the death of P.D. James, one of the UK’s greatest crime writers, who thrilled and inspired generations of readers.
Readers also took to Twitter to pay their respects:
My dad literally called my mom, from whom he is divorced, first thing this morning to break the news about PD James to her gently.
Just heard PD James has died. Was lucky enough to interview her last Christmas. A real character who could run rings around the youngsters.
PD James: As a little girl, when someone read "Humpty Dumpty" to her, she asked, "Did he fall or was he pushed?"
She didn't publish her first novel until she was 42 but boy did she get busy after that. A fantastic storyteller. RIP PD James