Nelson DeMille (1943–2024), best-selling thriller author
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2 min readNelson DeMille was a best-selling author of thriller and suspense novels, best known for his John Corey and Joe Ryker series, published under the name Jack Cannon.
- Died: September 17, 2024 (Who else died on September 17?)
- Details of death: Died in Long Island, New York of esophageal cancer at the age of 81.
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Nelson DeMille’s legacy
Nelson DeMille grew up on Long Island, New York, and resided there his entire life. A graduate of Hofstra University, he served in combat with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the Air Medal, Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Combat Infantryman Badge before returning to the United States and beginning his writing career.
DeMille’s first novel was 1976’s “The Sniper,” the first in his Joe Ryker series. The Ryker collection is also published under the author name Jack Cannon, one of several aliases DeMille used. His breakthrough was the 1978 detective paperback, “By the Rivers of Babylon,” which helped launch him as a popular author of suspense books. All told, he published over 30 novels and numerous short stories.
Other popular works of DeMille’s include 1997’s “Plum Island,” which began the John Corey series of novels, and “The General’s Daughter,” which was adapted into a 1999 film starring John Travolta.
In 2015, the International Thriller Writers named DeMille its ThrillerMaster of the Year. He was a member of the Authors Guild, American Mensa and former president of the Mystery Writers of America, plus held multiple honorary doctorates from New York colleges.
Tributes to Nelson DeMille
Full obituary: Newsday
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