Sophie Kinsella, author of the bestselling 'Shopaholic' novels, dies at 55

Sophie Kinsella, the bestselling author of the “Shopaholic” series of novels, has died, her family announced Wednesday, 18 months after she revealed she had an aggressive form of brain cancer

Sophie Kinsella, the bestselling author of the “Shopaholic” series of novels, has died, her family announced Wednesday, 18 months after she revealed she had an aggressive form of brain cancer.

She was 55.

Kinsella enjoyed extraordinary success, selling more than 50 million copies of her books in 60 countries, with translations into more than 40 languages.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy),” a post on her official Instagram account said Wednesday.

The post added that Kinsella died peacefully, surrounded by her “true loves: family, music, warmth, Christmas, and joy.”