Author Tom Clancy dies after a brief illness near his Baltimore home on Tuesday, which his publishing company confirmed. The best-selling author of over a dozen books passed away at 66-years-old.

No cause of death has been released after the news broke out that Tom Clancy had died. The world-renowned author was an American author best known for his technically detailed espionage and military science storylines that are set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War, along with video games which bear his name for licensing and promotional purposes.

Some of Tom Clancy's works include "The Hunt for Red October," "Patriot Games" and "Against All Enemies." Prior to his death Tuesday, he was the author of 12 best-sellers, 20 books in all with one set to be released this December, called "Command Authority."

"Tom's novels have always been prescient, whether they were about technology or military tactics or geo-political maneuvering," his editor, Tom Colgan, told USA TODAY in 2011 after the release of Against All Enemies.

Penguin Group (USA)'s executive David Shanks said in a statement: "I'm deeply saddened by Tom's passing. He was a consummate author, creating the modern-day thriller, and was one of the most visionary storytellers of our time. I will miss him dearly and he will be missed by tens of millions of readers worldwide."

Ivan Held, president and publisher of Putnam, said in a statement: "It was an honor to know Tom Clancy and to work on his fantastic books. He was ahead of the news curve and sometimes frighteningly prescient. To publish a Tom Clancy book was a thrill every time. He will be missed by everyone at Putnam and Berkley, and by his fans all over the world."

Clancy is survived by his wife, Alexandra; their daughter, Alexis; and four children from a previous marriage to Wanda King: Michelle Bandy, Christine Blocksidge, Kathleen Clancy and Thomas Clancy.