English novelist Hilary Mantel died, aged 70

JK Rowling has paid tribute to best-selling author Hilary Mantel, who died “suddenly, yet peacefully”, aged 70.

Novelist Hilary Mantel has died, aged 70. Picture: Getty Images

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has lead tributes to best-selling author Hilary Mantel, who had died aged 70.

The author of the Wolf Hall books died “suddenly, yet peacefully” surrounded by close friends and family, reports The Sun.

Rowling tweeted: “We’ve lot a genius”.

Mantel was twice awarded the Man Booker Prize for Wolf Hall and its sequel Bring Up The Bodies, which also won the 2012 Costa Book of the Year.

The Mirror & the Light, which concluded the trilogy, became an instant bestseller when it was published in 2020.

English author Hilary Mantel has died, aged 70. Picture: AFP

The series, which was about the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell in the 16th Century, netted more than five million sales worldwide, was filmed for a Golden Globe-winning TV adaptation and became a hit West End Show.

Her agent A.M Health and published HarperCollins said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that bestselling author Dame Hilary Mantel DBE died suddenly yet peacefully yesterday, surrounded by close family and friends, age 70”.

“Hilary Mantel was one of the greatest English novelists of this century and her beloved works are considered modern classics.

“She will be greatly missed, and always remembered as a truly original writer.

“She leaves behind a remarkable body of work which inspires readers around the world.”

Mantel was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.