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Paul Erdman, an economist and banker known for his best-selling novels of suspense and intrigue in the world of high finance, has died aged 74.
A pioneer of the financial thriller, Erdman performed the unlikely feat of turning obscure economic concepts into exciting fiction.
His 1973 debut novel, The Billion Dollar Sure Thing, won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America.
His next book, The Silver Bears, was turned into a 1978 film.
His books, which also include The Crash of '79 and The Swiss Account, have been translated into 32 languages and spent a combined 152 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.
His last novel, The Great Game, is due out this year.