A CBE and author of several best-selling books, most famously The Day of the Jackal, and The Odessa File. These two were adapted into reasonably good films. Others have been adapted with less successful results. Also wrote The Dogs of War, and the short story "The Shepherd". Very well-known for his use of Twist Endings, usually regarding the identity or motivation of a particular character.
His latest book is The Cobra.
He is a high-profile supporter of the Conservative Party.