Andrew Pyper, a prolific and acclaimed Toronto-based thriller writer, has died at the age of 56, his family confirms.
M. Piper was known for his suspense novels, notably Lost Girls et The Demonologista number of which were acquired for television or cinema.
He died at his home on Friday, January 3, his obituary states.
Andrew wasn’t done living, writing, raising his children or loving his wife, but he accepted his illness with extraordinary courage and grace
we can read there.
Over the past year, he has often remarked how grateful he is, saying that if someone offered him more time but a different trip, he wouldn’t trade any of it.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, Pyper was the youngest of five children. His passion for literature manifested itself very early. In elementary school, he carried around a briefcase containing New Yorker magazines and novels by author Graham Greene, earning him the nickname teacher
as indicated in his obituary.
Before embarking on a successful career as a writer, he obtained a law degree from the University of Toronto. Although he was called to the bar in 1996, the same year he published a collection of short stories, he never practiced law.
He preferred to pursue a career as a writer. In total, he published 14 works.
His most recent novels have been published under the pseudonym Mason Coyle, dont William in 2024. Two more are expected to be published posthumously.
Known for his generosity
Martha Sharpe first met Mr. Pyper while they were studying together at McGill University. She says she will especially remember her longtime friend’s grace, generosity and sense of humor.
All the projects that I have been involved in and for which I have asked him for his help or contribution, if he could do it and if he had the time, he did it
says the woman who owns the publishing house and the Flying Books bookstore.
He was just wonderfully generous.
Despite the difficult subjects covered in his novels, Mr. Pyper was a big tender
argues Ms. Sharpe.
I think some people who didn’t have the chance to meet him and know him will be surprised to learn that he was a warm and loving family man.
she adds.
Ms. Sharpe says several people came to her bookstore on Saturday to tell her their memories of the late author.
It’s amazing to hear everyone’s stories
she rejoices.
Mr. Pyper is survived by his wife Heidi, two children and four siblings.
