The best-selling US author Tom Clancy has died at the age of 66.

Clancy wrote a series of popular spy thrillers set in the post-Cold War era and was best known for his technically detailed espionage and military science storylines.

Some of his novels were subsequently turned into blockbuster films. 'The Hunt for Red October', 'Patriot Games', 'Clear and Present Danger', and 'The Sum of All Fears' all saw commercial success.

All but two of his written books featured his most famous fictional characters Jack Ryan or John Clark, who were portrayed by several actors in the films.

The New York Times says he died in a hospital in Baltimore.