Crime author Ruth Rendell has passed away today (May 2), aged 85.
The best-selling author was admitted to hospital in January following a serious stroke and died in London this morning.
A statement released to The Guardian read: "It is with great sadness that the family of author Ruth Rendell, Baroness Rendell of Babergh, CBE, announce that she passed away in London at 8am on Saturday 2 May, aged 85.
"The family have requested privacy at this time."
Rendell was the creator of Inspector Wexford and author of more than 60 novels, many of which were adapted for television, including The Ruth Rendell Mysteries.
Gail Rebuck, chair of Penguin Random House UK, said: "Ruth was much admired by the whole publishing industry for her brilliant body of work. An insightful and elegant observer of society, many of her award-winning thrillers and psychological murder mysteries highlighted the causes she cared so deeply about.
"She was a great writer, a campaigner for social justice, a proud mother and grandmother, a generous and loyal friend and probably the best read person I have ever met."
Rendell's final novel Dark Corners is scheduled to be released in October.
