Like most devoted readers, I tend to get very attached to characters in a series or to certain authors and any of their works. It’s always a great loss when an author passes before completing the stories we’ve grown to love. But in some cases, an author’s work has been continued even after their death. Here, we’ve collected a list of authors whose legacies have continued beyond these most-loved books.
11 Authors Whose Legacies Live On
The Bourne Identity
The author of twenty-seven bestselling novels, Robert Ludlum is the mind behind the Jason Bourne series and the inspiration for the blockbuster movies. Following his death, some of his unused notes were compiled to continue the series.
The Bourne Identity
The author of twenty-seven bestselling novels, Robert Ludlum is the mind behind the Jason Bourne series and the inspiration for the blockbuster movies. Following his death, some of his unused notes were compiled to continue the series.
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The Secret of the Old Clock
Carolyn Keene is perhaps the most interesting author on this list in that she is not an author at all, or even a real person. In 1930, the name was given to the slew of hired writers who penned the Nancy Drew mysteries.
The Secret of the Old Clock
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The Eye of the World
After Robert Jordan died in 2007, Brandon Sanderson continued this sweeping adventure series about young country farmers with destinies much larger than they know, much to the relief of Jordan’s devoted fans. These fourteen novels bring readers into a magical world reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and GAME OF THRONES.
The Eye of the World
After Robert Jordan died in 2007, Brandon Sanderson continued this sweeping adventure series about young country farmers with destinies much larger than they know, much to the relief of Jordan’s devoted fans. These fourteen novels bring readers into a magical world reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and GAME OF THRONES.
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Flowers in the Attic
V. C. Andrews passed away in 1986, but ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman completed many of her unfinished projects about love stories and family secrets and kept her legacy going. FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC showcases Andrews’s seductive style.
Flowers in the Attic
They were a perfect family, golden and carefree—until a heartbreaking tragedy shattered their happiness. Now, for the sake of an inheritance that will ensure their future, the children must be hidden away out of sight, as if they never existed. Kept on the top floor of their grandmother’s vast mansion, their loving mother assures them it will be just for a little while. But as brutal days swell into agonizing months and years, Cathy, Chris, and twins Cory and Carrie realize their survival is at the mercy of their cruel and superstitious grandmother…and this cramped and helpless world may be the only one they ever know.
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American Assassin
Prolific writer Vince Flynn wrote more than thirteen books in his popular Mitch Rapp series before passing away in 2013. Kyle Mills continues Flynn’s series. In AMERICAN ASSASSIN, CIA superagent Mitch Rapp joins a new group of operatives seeking retribution following a terrorist attack.
American Assassin
Prolific writer Vince Flynn wrote more than thirteen books in his popular Mitch Rapp series before passing away in 2013. Kyle Mills continues Flynn’s series. In AMERICAN ASSASSIN, CIA superagent Mitch Rapp joins a new group of operatives seeking retribution following a terrorist attack.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Unlike other authors on this list, Stieg Larrson was not a published author until after his death in 2004. A pet project, his Millennium series featuring Lisbeth Salander was discovered and published in 2005. After the success of his trilogy, author David Lagercrantz was contracted to finish the series using notes Larsson left for future books.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist, and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander team up to investigate the 40 year disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families. Stieg Larsson's THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel.
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The Godwulf Manuscript
Robert B. Parker was known for his forty novels about private detective Spenser. After Parker’s death in 2010, Ace Atkins kept Spenser in business. The first in this far-reaching series, THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT, introduces us to Spenser, a Boston investigator hired to recover a stolen medieval manuscript.
The Godwulf Manuscript
Robert B. Parker was known for his forty novels about private detective Spenser. After Parker’s death in 2010, Ace Atkins kept Spenser in business. The first in this far-reaching series, THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT, introduces us to Spenser, a Boston investigator hired to recover a stolen medieval manuscript.
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The Man in the High Castle
Philip K. Dick may not have been a wildly profitable author in his time, but since he passed away in 1982, many of his science fiction stories and novels have been picked up and turned into well-loved movies and television shows. THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, currently an Amazon series, offers an alternative ending to World War II, with the Nazis and Japanese winning the war.
The Man in the High Castle
Philip K. Dick may not have been a wildly profitable author in his time, but since he passed away in 1982, many of his science fiction stories and novels have been picked up and turned into well-loved movies and television shows. THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, currently an Amazon series, offers an alternative ending to World War II, with the Nazis and Japanese winning the war.
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Legend
British author David Gemmell was a master of heroic fantasy, as well as historical fiction. He worked on the end of his Troy series until his death, and then his wife, Stella, took on the task of finishing his work.
Legend
British author David Gemmell was a master of heroic fantasy, as well as historical fiction. He worked on the end of his Troy series until his death, and then his wife, Stella, took on the task of finishing his work.
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Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie might be the most famous mystery writer in the world, with a massive fan base and lasting legacy. Her family has given author Sophie Hannah full support to release a new story of Christie's famous character, Poirot. MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, one of Christie’s most popular works, is a now classic mystery and the perfect introduction to the author’s books.
Murder on the Orient Express
The most famous Hercule Poirot mystery, which has the brilliant detective hunting for a killer aboard one of the world’s most luxurious passenger trains.
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Casino Royale
James Bond is perhaps the most famous spy in literature and film thanks to British writer Ian Fleming. Bond’s legacy lived on after Fleming’s death through several authors commissioned to continue the spy’s story.
Casino Royale
In the novel that introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming’s agent 007 is dispatched to a French casino in Royale-les-Eaux. His mission? Bankrupt a ruthless Russian agent who’s been on a bad luck streak at the baccarat table.
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