Tributes are flowing for author Kerry Greenwood, who has died at the age of 70 following an illness.
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Greenwood was best known for her Phryne Fisher historical crime books, set in 1920s Melbourne and adapted into the popular television series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
She also wrote the Corinna Chapman books and several plays and non-fiction titles.
Her partner of many decades, David Greagg, described himself as "Kerry's minion-in-chief" in a social media post on Monday.
"The funeral was yesterday, and she was given a suitably royal send-off," he said.
"I have kept this secret until now, save for invited guests. I have been grieving quietly as well as organising things."
Her condition had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer be cared for at home and she died soon after in March, he said.
"Kerry was an extremely private person and had no wish to share her pain with anyone.
"Yes, she has gone. But she lives on in her books, and in our hearts."
The founders of the production company behind the television series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger, also paid tribute.
"She was our friend, inspiration, and the kindest and most supportive human we have worked with," they said.
"We will miss her terribly and are forever grateful to have been trusted with her wonderful novels and to have had the honour of bringing the brilliant world she created to the screen."
Greenwood grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray and wrote her first novel when she was 16.
She worked at Victoria Legal Aid as a solicitor for more than 20 years.
She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020 and won numerous other plaudits, including the Sisters in Crime Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her books have been published through Allen & Unwin since 1997 and have sold more than 1.4 million copies, with a new Phryne Fisher novel, Murder in the Cathedral, due out later in 2025.
"Kerry was a gifted writer, a generous spirit, and a fierce advocate for creativity, joy and justice," Allen & Unwin publisher Annette Barlow said.
"Kerry's legacy lives on through her words, her wit, and the countless readers she entertained and inspired."
Australian Associated Press
