Author of Inspector Montalbano novels Andrea Camilleri dies at 93

Andrea Camilleri, one of Italy's most famous writers who penned the acclaimed Inspector Montalbano detective novels, died on Wednesday at the age of 93, Italian state-owned broadcaster Rai said.

Camilleri spent much of his life working as a theatre director, screenwriter, and teacher, only becoming a successful and highly prolific writer from his late 60s onwards.

Camilleri wrote more than 100 books. His Montalbano novels have regularly topped Italian best-seller lists, been translated into 32 languages and are the basis for a popular TV series aired by Rai and sold worldwide.