Her family confirmed the news on social media, stating that the cause of death was an aggressive brain cancer.
Under the literary pseudonym Sophie Kinsella was Madeleine Sophie Wickham. The author passed away "peacefully" after spending her final days surrounded by her "true loves": family, music, warmth, Christmas, and joy.
Kinsella rose to global fame with the 'Shopaholic' series, which follows the life of a fashion-obsessed journalist. This work was adapted into a film in 2009 titled 'Confessions of a Shopaholic', starring actress Isla Fisher. Her success transcended borders; Kinsella's books have sold over 45 million copies in more than 60 countries, and her work has been translated into over 40 languages.
The writer, born in London in 1969, publicly announced in April 2024 that she had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer, two years prior.
Despite her illness, Kinsella maintained her professional success. She was shortlisted as Author of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2025. Additionally, her latest novel, 'What Does It Feels Like?', published in 2024, was recognized by The New York Times as one of the hundred most notable books of that year.
In their Instagram statement, the family expressed deep sorrow over the loss: "Our hearts are broken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka mom)". They also highlighted the author's courage in the face of her illness. "Despite her illness, which she endured with unimaginable courage, Sophie considered herself truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career."