British author of 'Wolf Hall' saga Hilary Mantel dies at 70

British author Hilary Mantel after winning the 2012 Man Booker literary prize for her novel 'Bring Up The Bodies' in 2012. Mantel died "suddenly yet peacefully” surrounded by close family and friends, publisher HarperCollins said Friday. – Photo: AFP

Hilary Mantel, the Booker Prize-winning author of the acclaimed Wolf Hall saga of historical novels, has died. She was 70.

Mantel died "suddenly yet peacefully” surrounded by close family and friends, publisher HarperCollins said Friday.