"Red October" author Tom Clancy dies aged 66 Tributes have poured in after the death of best selling US author Tom Clancy. He died aged 66. Described as the master of spy thrillers, books such as "Patriot Games" and "The Hunt for Red October" sold more than 100 million copies Many of his works were turned into block buster movies. Known for his vivid descriptions of solidiers and spies, his books closely tracked America's security fears, moving from the Cold War to terrorist attacks. Writing on average one book a year he became one of the wealthiest authors in the world. Contemporaries have acknowledged him as "a master of his craft" who captivated his millions of readers. More about: Baltimore, Literature, USA