Muscat: A giant in the world of political thrillers, Forsyth died at home on Monday morning, surrounded by family, following a brief illness.

With over 75 million copies sold and more than 25 books to his name, Frederick Forsyth leaves behind a literary legacy that reshaped the modern thriller genre. Rising to fame in 1971 with The Day of The Jackal—a gripping story about an assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle—Forsyth quickly became a global household name. The novel was adapted into a 1973 film and more recently reimagined as a television series starring Eddie Redmayne.

Forsyth’s other acclaimed works include The Odessa File (1972) and The Dogs of War (1974), both of which cemented his reputation as a master of suspense and geo-political intrigue. His storytelling was deeply informed by his real-life experiences—first as one of the RAF’s youngest pilots, and later as a foreign correspondent and secret service agent.

His final literary contribution, Revenge of Odessa, a sequel to The Odessa File, is set to be published in August in collaboration with thriller writer Tony Kent.

Forsyth’s career combined journalistic precision with captivating narratives, delivering fiction that felt chillingly close to reality.