Henry Patterson, author of countless novels including The Eagle has Landed, has died. One one the very finest fiction novelists of all time.

The Eagle has Landed is one of his finest novels. A story about a plot to kidnap Churchill by the Nazis. Via Himmler, a group of disgraced paratroopers are tasked with the near impossible task. A work of genius which translated seamlessly into one of the most iconic WW2 war films ever. Patterson published the novel in 1975 under the pseudonym Jack Higgins and the legend was born.

The Eagle has Landed is a work of genius from a grandmaster of the fiction writers world.

I chose to write in part because of the novels of Henry Patterson, Alistair MacLean and Ian Fleming and I owe them a great debt. Not just because they inspired me, but because they gave me great joy over many years. I only wish I could have met him and asked him a few questions. Though he inspired me to write, sadly I could never reach the level of excellence he displayed …but I can hope and try!

My condolences to Mr Patterson and his family. They must be very justly proud of that great man!