Phyllis A. Whitney facts for kids

Phyllis Ayame Whitney (born September 9, 1903 – died February 8, 2008) was a famous American mystery writer. She wrote over 70 exciting novels during her long career.

Early Life and Homes

Phyllis Whitney was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1903. Her parents were American. She spent her early childhood years living in Asia. After her parents passed away, she moved to Chicago to live with her aunt.

Later in her life, Whitney moved to Staten Island, New York. She lived there for 20 years with her daughter and her second husband, Lovell Jahnke. Staten Island became a special place for her. It even inspired the settings for several of her books.

Writing Style and Stories

Phyllis Whitney was unique because she wrote mysteries for both young readers and adults. Many of her stories took place in interesting and far-off locations.

People often called her a "Gothic novelist." This means her books had a mysterious, romantic, and sometimes spooky feel. The New York Times even called her "The Queen of the American Gothics"! However, Phyllis Whitney didn't like this title. She preferred to say she wrote "romantic novels of suspense." These stories combined love, mystery, and thrilling events.

Awards and Achievements

Phyllis Whitney won several important awards for her writing.

• In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award. This award is given by the Mystery Writers of America for the best juvenile (young adult) novel.
• She won the Edgar Award again in 1964 for her book The Mystery of the Hidden Hand.
• In 1988, the Mystery Writers of America gave her a special Grand Master Award. This award honors writers for their amazing work over many years.
• In 1990, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America.

Phyllis Whitney lived a very long life. She passed away from pneumonia in 2008, when she was 104 years old.

Her Legacy

Today, you can find a collection of Phyllis Whitney's writings, letters, and photographs. They are kept at the College of Staten Island's Archives and Special Collections. This collection helps people learn more about her life and her many popular books.

Some of Her Books

Phyllis Whitney wrote many books. Here are a few examples:

• A Place for Ann (1941)
• Willow Hill (1947)
• The Mystery of the Gulls (1949)
• Mystery of the Black Diamonds (1954)
• Mystery on the Isle of Skye (1955)
• Mystery of the Haunted Pool (1960)
• Blue Fire (1961)
• Mystery of the Hidden Hand (1963)
• Black Amber (1964)
• Columbella (1966)
• Hunter's Green (1968)
• Lost Island (1970)
• The Turquoise Mask (1974)
• The Golden Unicorn (1976)
• Domino (1979)
• Emerald (1983)
• Dream of Orchids (1985)
• Rainbow in the Mist (1989)
• The Ebony Swan (1992)
• Amethyst Dreams (1997)

See also

In Spanish: Phyllis A. Whitney para niños