Kerry Greenwood, Beloved Creator of Phryne Fisher Mysteries, Dies Aged 70
Acclaimed Australian author Kerry Greenwood OAM, best known for creating the iconic Phryne Fisher mysteries, has died aged 70. Her passing was confirmed by her partner, David Greagg, in a heartfelt post shared on Greenwood’s official Facebook page.
“Rumours have been circulating, and sadly, they are true,” Greagg wrote. “Kerry passed away recently. Her funeral was held yesterday, and she was given a suitably royal farewell.“
Greagg explained that Greenwood’s death had been kept private to allow her loved ones time to grieve.
“Her health had deteriorated to the point where I could no longer care for her at home. Kerry was an extremely private person and wished to keep her struggles out of the public eye,” he said.“She may be gone, but she lives on through her books and in all our hearts.”
Cause of Death and Publisher’s Tribute
While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, publisher Allen & Unwin noted Greenwood had fought a “courageous battle with ill-health.”
In a tribute, the publisher praised her as “a gifted writer, a generous spirit, and a fierce advocate for creativity, joy, and justice.“
A Prolific Career and Global Impact
Greenwood is celebrated for her 22 Phryne Fisher novels, which have sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide. Her writing career also included the much-loved Corinna Chapman series and numerous plays and novels across multiple genres.
In 2020, Greenwood was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contributions to literature.A mong her many accolades was the Sisters in Crime Lifetime Achievement Award, which she received in 2013.
A New Phryne Fisher Novel on the Horizon
In a bittersweet announcement, Allen & Unwin revealed that a brand-new Phryne Fisher novel, Murder in the Cathedral, will be published later this year, offering fans one more adventure with the beloved detective.
From Page to Screen: A Lasting Legacy
Greenwood’s impact stretched far beyond the literary world. In 2012, her Phryne Fisher novels were adapted into the beloved ABC television series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, starring Essie Davis.
The series’ popularity led to the feature film Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears in 2020, and later to a Mandarin-language spin-off series, Miss S, set in 1930s Shanghai.
Tributes from Across the Arts
Essie Davis paid tribute to Greenwood in a moving Instagram post:
“Our darling Kerry. What a gift. My heartfelt condolences to dear David. Kerry gave the world one of the most powerful, positive, and inspiring heroines in Phryne Fisher. She empowered so many. I’m forever grateful Kerry chose me to bring her to life.”
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Producers Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox, who brought Phryne Fisher to television, also honoured Greenwood’s memory:
“She was our friend, inspiration, and the kindest and most supportive human we have worked with,” they said.
“We are forever grateful to have been trusted with her brilliant novels. Her legacy will live on. In Kerry’s own words: ‘Go fly, my pretties.’ May your spirit soar, Kerry. Forever in our hearts.“
A Life in Melbourne and a Love for Justice
Kerry Greenwood grew up in Footscray, in Melbourne’s inner west, where she spent most of her life.
In addition to being an author, she worked as a substitute attorney at a nearby Magistrates’ Court. She loved both writing and law, so she found a way to combine the two.
A Lasting Inspiration
The literary and arts groups are very sad about Kerry Greenwood’s death, but her lively personality, unforgettable characters, and strong fight for justice will continue to inspire people for years to come.
