Sophie Kinsella, author of Shopaholic book series, dies aged 55

British novelist Sophie Kinsella, the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series of books, has died aged 55 following illness, a statement posted to her Instagram account said on Wednesday.

Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, sold over 50 million books worldwide, including a popular series following the life of a fictional shopping-addicted woman in London. Some of the Shopaholic books were later adapted into a movie.

The author was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer, in 2022.

“She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy,” Wednesday’s statement said.

“Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career.”