Sri Lanka, Oct. 6 -- English author Dame Jilly Cooper has died at age 88, her family has announced.

The author was best known for The Rutshire Chronicles, including the second book in the series, Rivals, which was recently adapted into a Disney+ series starring David Tennant.

Cooper's novels were known for their glamorous settings, complex characters and romantic entanglements, starting in the world of British equestrianism and high society.

Her books were often called "bonkbusters" but Cooper much preferred the phrase "low morals and high fences", she told the BBC in 2024.

Her death was made public with a statement from her children, Felix and Emily, who said her death came as a "complete shock".

"We are so proud of everything she a...