Crime Writer PD James Dies Aged 94 Acclaimed British crime writer PD James, whose books included Death Comes To Pemberley, has died aged 94. Her publisher Faber and Faber said she died at her home in Oxford on Thursday. PD James is best known for her series of novels starring the gentlemanly detective and poet Adam Dalgliesh. Her books sold millions of copies around the world during her 50-year career, with many made into television films. In a tribute to the author, Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the death of PD James, one of the UK's greatest crime writers, who thrilled and inspired generations of readers." A number of PD James' novels starred the gentleman detective Adam Dalgliesh Her publicist Carol Heaton said: "All of us who worked with Phyllis James feel a sense of regret and great sadness at her death. We loved and treasured her for more than 50 years. She was so warm and loving in all her dealings with us, as well as being admirably wise - not only about the world of books but the world at large. We were proud to represent her and shall miss her dreadfully. Alongside Death Comes To Pemberley, which turns Jane Austin's Pride And Prejudice into a murder mystery, her best-known works include Death In Holy Orders, The Murder Room and The Children Of Men. The latter was made into a feature film starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine in 2006. Despite having a loyal following in the early years of her literary career, it was with the publication of her eighth book, Innocent Blood, in 1980, that she shot to international fame. She once said: "Monday, I was ticking along as usual, and by Friday I was a millionaire." PD James didn't begin her literary career until she was almost 40. Her first novel, Cover Her Face, published in 1962, was an immediate success. Nevertheless, it took her another 17 years to leave her job at the Home Office and become a full-time writer. "It was a late beginning for someone who knew from early childhood that she wanted to be a novelist, and, looking back, I can't help regret what I now see as some wasted years," she wrote in her 1999 autobiography, Time To Be Earnest. PD James was a life peer who sat on the Conservative benches in the House of Lords. Queen Elizabeth II made her Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991.