Frederick Forsyth
Frederick Forsyth (Frederick McCarthy Forsyth) was born on August 25th, 1938. Frederick passed away June 9th, 2025 at 86 years old. Frederick Forsyth was born in Ashford, Kent, England. Forsyth attended University of Granada.
Frederick Forsyth is known for writing in the Thriller genre.
Frederick Forsyth had written 14 standalone novels, starting with The Day of the Jackal in 1971. The most recently released novel was The Fox, which was released in 2018.
In September 2005, Forsyth appeared on the ITV gameshow
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? raising £250,000 for charity.
The Fox was ranked as one of the
Best Spy Thrillers of 2018 by
The Real Book Spy adding the book is a
"nail-biter of the highest order".Frederick Forsyth: Awards & Accolades
Frederick Forsyth has won multiple awards including: The Crime Writer's Association Award, Diamond Dagger Award, in 2012 and the International Thriller Writers Award, Thrillermaster, in 2022. Frederick Forsyth was also nominated for the Crime Thriller Awards, ITV3 Crime Thriller Living Legends, in 2013.
Forsyth's books have also won multiple awards, The Day of the Jackal won the Edgar Award, Best Mystery Novel, in 1972 as well as the Swedish Crime Writer’s Academy Awards - The Martin Beck Award in 1972.
Frederick Forsyth books have also been nominated for multiple awards, The Odessa File was nominated for the Crime Writer's Association Award, Gold Dagger Award, in 1972. The Cobra was nominated for the Crime Writer's Association Award, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award, in 2011. The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue was nominated for the Edgar Award, Best Critical Biographical, in 2016.
Frederick Forsyth: Lists & Other Mentions
- The Day of the Jackal was the Jack Carr Book Club March 2026 Pick.
- The Day of the Jackal has made several lists including:
- New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 1971.
- Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1971 and 1972.
- The Sunday Times: The 100 Best Crime Novels and Thrillers since 1945 Selection in 2019.
- BBC: The Big Read Selection in 2003.
- Crime Writers' Association: Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time Selection in 1990.
- NPR: Top 100 Killer Thrillers Selection in 2010.
- Mystery Writers of America: Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time Selection in 1995.
- The Odessa File was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 1973 and a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1972 and 1973.
- The Fourth Protocol was a New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 1984 and a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1984.
- The Afghan was a Barnes & Noble: #1 Hardcover Fiction Best Seller in 2006.
- The Dogs of War was a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1974.
- The Devil's Alternative was a Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1980.
Related Authors
Fans of Frederick Forsyth also enjoy these authors:
- Barry Eisler, author of the John Rain Series.
- Ward Larsen, author of the David Slaton Series.
- Mike Maden, author of the Jack Ryan Universe.
- David Archer, author of the Noah Wolf Series.
- Mark Greaney, author of the Court Gentry / Gray Man Series.
- Brad Thor, author of the Scot Harvath Series.
- Tom Clancy, author of the Jack Ryan Universe.
- Jack Carr, author of the James Reece Series.
- Kyle Mills, author of the Mitch Rapp Series.
- Brad Taylor, author of the Pike Logan Series.
Frederick Forsyth: F.A.Q
When was Frederick Forsyth Born?
Frederick Forsyth was born on August 25th, 1938.
When did Frederick Forsyth die?
Frederick Forsyth died on June 9th, 2025 at 86 years old.
Where was Frederick Forsyth Born?
Frederick Forsyth was born in Ashford, Kent, England.
What awards has Frederick Forsyth won?
Frederick Forsyth has won the following awards: Diamond Dagger Award at the Crime Writer's Association Award (2012) and the Thrillermaster at the International Thriller Writers Award (2022).
What book awards has Frederick Forsyth won?
The Day of the Jackal: Edgar Award Best Mystery Novel (1972), Swedish Crime Writer’s Academy Awards The Martin Beck Award (1972).
What was the first book Frederick Forsyth wrote?
The first book written by Frederick Forsyth was The Biafra Story: The Making of an African Legend , published in 1969.
What was the most recent book Frederick Forsyth wrote?
His most recently released work was Revenge of Odessa on November 18th, 2025.
What is the most popular book by Frederick Forsyth?
Based on the number of readers on Book Notification, the most popular Frederick Forsyth book is
The Day of the Jackal. Here are his most popular books:
- The Day of the Jackal (8.9)
- The Odessa File (8.09)
- The Dogs of War (7.36)
- The Fourth Protocol (8.13)
- The Negotiator (7.64)
What genres does Frederick Forsyth Write?
Frederick Forsyth primarily writes in the Thriller genre. His work includes sub-genres such as Spy / Espionage Thriller, Technothriller, and Military Thriller.
How many books has Frederick Forsyth written?
Frederick Forsyth has written 28 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 2 books in The Odessa Series, 14 Standalone Novels, 6 Short Stories/Novellas, 2 Short Story Collections, 4 Non-Fiction Books.