The literary world was met with sad news on Friday, as crime writer PD James, a favourite of several generations, died at age 94. James, author of classics like The Children of Men, The Murder Room and Pride and Prejudice spin-off Death Comes to Pemberley, as well as the long-running Adam Dalgliesh series, died peacefully at her home in Oxford on Thursday morning, according to a statement from her agent.

 

James kept writing until the very end – in fact it was part of her modus operandi. Last year, she said in an interview with the BBC that it was important for her to “write one more.”

"With old age, it becomes very difficult. It takes longer for the inspiration to come, but the thing about being a writer is that you need to write," she said.

"I hope I would know myself whether a book was worth publishing. I think while I am alive, I shall write. There will be a time to stop writing but that will probably be when I come to a stop, too."  

More: Crime Writer P. D. James Dies Aged 94

It looks like she succeeded. Faber & Faber, James’ publisher since her very first novel from 1962, were among the first to respond to the tragic news.

In a statement, the publishers said: "This is a very sad day for us at Faber.

"It is difficult to express our profound sadness at losing PD James, one of the world's great writers and a Faber author since her first publication in 1962.

"She was so very remarkable in every aspect of her life, an inspiration and great friend to us all. It is a privilege to publish her extraordinary books. Working with her was always the best of times, full of joy. We will miss her hugely."