Kerry Greenwood, the Australian writer known for her mystery novels featuring aristocrat and detective Phryne Fisher, has died at 70, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Greenwood, a native of Melbourne, was educated at Maribyrnong College and the University of Melbourne, and worked as a defense lawyer before making her literary debut in 1989 with the novel Cocaine Blues. The book introduced readers to Fisher, a wealthy bohemian detective in 1920s Melbourne.

Greenwood would go on to write more than 20 books featuring Fisher, including Death at Victoria Dock, Blood and Circuses, Queen of the Flowers, and Murder in Williamstown. A new Fisher book, Murder in the Cathedral, is scheduled for publication in Australia later this year.

The Fisher novels were adapted into an Australian television series, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, starring Essie Davis in the title role, which aired from 2012 to 2015.

Greenwood’s admirers paid tribute to her on social media. On the platform X, author Tara Moss wrote, “Vale the great Kerry Greenwood, a true legend and inspiration. I was fortunate to meet her, and to be but one of her devoted readers. We were lucky to have her on this earth, to share her gift. Go gently, Kerry.” 

And writer Rowena Helston posted, “Farewell to #KerryGreenwood—delightful doyenne of Aussie crime writing, best known for creating #PhryneFisher. Also a compassionate legal aid lawyer for many years.”

Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.