Edward Openshaw Phillips (November 26, 1931 – May 30, 2020) was a Canadian novelist who wrote both mystery novels and mainstream literary fiction.Diane Peters, "Novelist Edward O. Phillips penned a series featuring gay sleuth Geoffry Chadwick". The Globe and Mail, June 19, 2020. He was best known for his mystery novel series featuring gay detective Geoffrey Chadwick."Whodunits set in 'duchy of Westmount' will appeal to tweed-curtain aficionados". Victoria Times-Colonist, August 1, 2004.
Biography Phillips lived most of his life in Westmount, Quebec. He graduated from Bishop's College School and earned a law degree from the Université de Montréal in 1956, but decided against legal practice. He subsequently graduated from Harvard University with a master's degree in teaching, and later earned a second master's degree in English literature from Boston University. After teaching school for seven years, first in the public English school system and then at Selwyn House School, he pursued a long-time interest in painting. His work was exhibited in five one-man and numerous group shows.
His first novel, Sunday's Child, was published in 1981, and was shortlisted for the Books in Canada First Novel Award. Phillips won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel in 1987 for his novel Buried on Sunday, and was shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour in 1989 for his novel Hope Springs Eternal."Leacock award 'stuns' winner". Toronto Star, May 30, 1989. His short story "Matthew and Chauncy" was adapted by Anne Claire Poirier into the 1989 film Salut Victor."Tales of foibled Westmount; Edward O. Phillips changes genre, but stays close to home". Montreal Gazette, April 25, 1992.
He was out as gay. His partner, Kenneth Woodman, predeceased him in 2018.
Phillips died in May 2020, from heart failure and complications of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.Edward Openshaw Phillip. Montreal Gazette, June 4, 2020.Novelist Edward O. Phillips penned a series featuring gay sleuth Geoffry Chadwick. The Globe and Mail, June 19, 2020.
Works Sunday's Child Where There's a Will A Voyage on Sunday No Early Birds The Mice Will Play Buried on Sunday Sunday Best Working on Sunday Hope Springs Eternal The Landlady's Niece A Month of Sundays The Queen's Court
References