Gérard de Villiers ​

Gérard de Villiers was a French writer, journalist and publisher. His most popular creation is the fictional character Malko Linge, who is the hero of the spy-thriller series SAS. He was known to meticulously research his books and they often predicted real-world events.

Quick Facts ​

• His novels have been sold in over 100 million copies worldwide.
• Most of his novels have been turned into movies or TV mini-series.
• Nearly every one of his books is partly set in the French Riviera, glamorous parts of France.
• He spent most of his writing career traveling and lived in over a dozen countries.
• Gérard de Villiers' "SAS" series consists of 200 novels, starting in 1964 with SAS à Istanbul.

Background ​

De Villiers was born in Paris in 1929. He started his career as a journalist for France Soir, a French daily newspaper. In the late 1960s, he published his first novel, "The Madmen of Benghazi". This book was the creation of the fictional secret agent character named Malko Linge who became quite popular in France. Linge was the protagonist of De Villiers' SAS series of spy novels, which he wrote until his death in 2013. The series was massively popular, running to over 200 titles and being translated into a number of languages. De Villiers was known for his extensive on-the-ground research in the many diverse locations featured in his books, and for his high level of productivity, often releasing multiple novels each year.

Writing Style and Impact ​

de Villiers was known for crafting gripping novels about espionage and politics with an emphasis on realism. He often incorporated contemporary events into his narratives, providing a unique blend of fact and fiction. His work, though criticised for its graphic violence and perceived misogyny, gained a large international following. His novels continue to influence the spy thriller genre, offering readers an immersive exploration of global politics and covert operations.

Notable Works ​

• The Madmen of Benghazi (1966)
• Death of a Statesman (1967)
• Terror in Rio (1969)
• Bangkok Connection (1975)
• The Killing in Rome (1979)
• The Warlord of Antares (2013)