Phyllis Matthewman


Phyllis Matthewman , was a British writer of children's books, mostly boarding school stories, and adult fiction.

Personal life

Matthewman was born in Leeds, the elder daughter of Thomas Barton, an insurance manager, and Ada Mary. She had a sister, Joyce. In 1930 she married Sydney Matthewman, a literary agent, who ran the Swan Press in Leeds. They had no children. In 1964, her long-time friend Elinor Brent-Dyer left the large Victorian villa at which she had previously run a school in order to live with the Matthewmans, which she did until her death in 1969. After first renting half of a house called Albury Edge at Redhill, Surrey, they bought a house together, Gryphons, also at Redhill, in 1965. Phyllis's aunt, who knew the Dyer family, had introduced them in childhood. Sydney Matthewman served as Brent-Dyer's agent.
Matthewman also published under the names Kathryn Surrey and Jacqueline Yorke.

Selected books

Daneswood series

  • Chloe Takes Control, 1940
  • The Queerness of Rusty, 1941
  • Josie Moves Up, 1943
  • A New Role for Natasha, 1945
  • Justice for Jacqueline, 1946
  • Pat at the Helm, 1947
  • The Intrusion of Nicola, 1948

    Kirkdale Priory series

  • Because of Vivian, 1947
  • The Turbulence of Tony, 1951
  • The Coming of Lys, 1951
  • The Amateur Prefects, 1951

    The 'Mr. Jones' books

  • Thanks to Mr. Jones, 1948
  • Peter-New Girl, 1948
  • Mr. Jones Tips the Scales, 1950
  • Peter Plays the Sleuth, 1950

    Other children's books

  • Jill on the Land
  • Clubs are Trumps
  • Amanda at the Manor
  • John Williams, biography of John Williams ,
  • The Mystery of Snake Island
  • ''No Magic Carpet''

    Adult romance fiction

  • Set to Partners
  • Utility Wedding
  • Stable Companions
  • How Could You, Jennifer!
  • River of Enchantment
  • As Kathryn Surrey, Maids A-Waiting
  • Colour of Romance
  • The Veil Between
  • The Imprudence of Prue
  • Winged Cupid,
  • Clutch of Circumstance
  • Imitation Marriage
  • Castle to Let
  • Welcome Enemy
  • Luck for Lindy
  • Sir, she Said
  • The Beckoning House
  • Beginners, Please
  • Fetters of a Dream
  • Romance Goes Tenting
  • Safari with Wings
  • Cupid in Mayfair
  • Wife on Approval
  • Food of Love
  • Ace of Hearts
  • Call Me Cousin
  • Cupid Under Capricorn
  • Maiden's Castle
  • Voyage into Happiness
  • Ward of Court
  • A Brother for Jane
  • Make Up Your Mind, Nurse
  • The Wonderful Year
  • Bolt of Cupid,
  • The Heart is Highland
  • Tread Warily
  • The Magic of the Moon
  • ''The Time for Loving''

    Adult thrillers

  • Brides of the Devil, published under the name Jacqueline Yorke