British horror writer James Herbert dies

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CHICHESTER, England, March 20 (UPI) -- Best-selling horror novelist James Herbert died at his home in England Wednesday, his publisher said. He was 69.

Pan Macmillan did not provide a cause of death, The Daily Telegraph reported. His home is in Sussex County.

Among his 23 books, Herbert was best known for "The Rats" (1974) and "The Fog" (1975).

His books have been published in more than 34 languages, with more than 54 million copies sold worldwide.

"It's a true testament to Jim Herbert's writing and his enduring creativity that his books continued to be huge bestsellers right up until his death," his editor, Jeremy Trevathan, said. "He has the rare distinction that his novels were considered classics of the genre within his lifetime. His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th century."

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their three daughters.