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Phryne Fisher #24
Murder in the Cathedral: The brand new mystery in the Phryne Fisher series
Miss Phryne Fisher returns to solve what may be her most puzzling murder!
When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder.
Phryne is soon working with perspicacious local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.
Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals and business scams and blackmail. Soon, various suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop's Court being burgled?
Meanwhile the clock is ticking... Will Phryne be able to bring to light the proof she needs before the killer strikes again or disappears completely?
When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder.
Phryne is soon working with perspicacious local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.
Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals and business scams and blackmail. Soon, various suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop's Court being burgled?
Meanwhile the clock is ticking... Will Phryne be able to bring to light the proof she needs before the killer strikes again or disappears completely?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
About the author
Kerry Greenwood
85 books2,574 followersKerry Isabelle Greenwood was an Australian author and lawyer. She wrote many plays and books, most notably a string of historical detective novels centred on the character of Phryne Fisher, which was adapted as the popular television series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. She wrote mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, children's stories, and plays. Greenwood earned the Australian women's crime fiction Davitt Award in 2002 for her young adult novel The Three-Pronged Dagger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 16, 2025
Kerry Greenwood passed away in March this year so it is a real and unexpected pleasure to have one more book to read - but very sad as well.
Murder in the Cathedral is the 24th book in the Phryne Fisher series, and it reads a little like a final book in that nearly all of the many characters appear at some point and some loose ends from the past are tied up. I was very happy to see Lin again. I always love when he calls Phryne 'Silver Lady."
Other highlights for me - when Dot gets her wedding dress as a gift from Phryne - when Lionel remembers how he met Phryne for the first time - and when Phryne whips out her little golden gun and reduces a full grown man to a jelly. The scene in the plane is hilarious too!
Goodbye then, not just to Phryne Fisher, but also Corinna Chapman from another of her series. Many thanks to Kerry Greenwood for providing me and many, many others with hours of reading pleasure.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Murder in the Cathedral is the 24th book in the Phryne Fisher series, and it reads a little like a final book in that nearly all of the many characters appear at some point and some loose ends from the past are tied up. I was very happy to see Lin again. I always love when he calls Phryne 'Silver Lady."
Other highlights for me - when Dot gets her wedding dress as a gift from Phryne - when Lionel remembers how he met Phryne for the first time - and when Phryne whips out her little golden gun and reduces a full grown man to a jelly. The scene in the plane is hilarious too!
Goodbye then, not just to Phryne Fisher, but also Corinna Chapman from another of her series. Many thanks to Kerry Greenwood for providing me and many, many others with hours of reading pleasure.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 2, 2025
Phryne Fisher and her good friend and helper, Dot, headed on the train from Melbourne to Bendigo, where she'd been invited by her friend Lionel, to witness his investiture to Bishop. The cathedral was crowded with people, including deans and deacons, plus the choir, when there was a kerfuffle at the front - one of the deacons had been murdered. Where had the killer gone? No one saw anything, either the deacon being approached, or the killer vanishing. When Constable Watson, a local who was in the cathedral, corralled the guests, Phryne made a call to Melbourne to get Inspector Mick Kelly on board. Soon, the many suspects were being interviewed - chaos was reining.
Could Phryne identify the killer before he killed again? Or vanished completely? With the circle of police along with Phryne and Dot, at the Shamrock, they were determined...
Murder in the Cathedral is #24 in the Phryne Fisher series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and it was another excellent addition to the series. Unfortunately, because of the author's death earlier this year, it will probably be the last. I'll really miss Phryne, her family, the friendly police, Bert & Cec - I'll miss them all! I'm lucky to have a couple more to read (out of order) so I'll get my fix for a little while :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Allen & Unwin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
Could Phryne identify the killer before he killed again? Or vanished completely? With the circle of police along with Phryne and Dot, at the Shamrock, they were determined...
Murder in the Cathedral is #24 in the Phryne Fisher series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and it was another excellent addition to the series. Unfortunately, because of the author's death earlier this year, it will probably be the last. I'll really miss Phryne, her family, the friendly police, Bert & Cec - I'll miss them all! I'm lucky to have a couple more to read (out of order) so I'll get my fix for a little while :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Allen & Unwin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
October 6, 2025
Phryne Fisher and her assistant Dot have travelled to Bendigo to see Phryne’s old friend, Lionel Watkins, enthroned as the Bishop of Bendigo by the Archbishop from Melbourne. Phryne suspects that Lionel has ulterior motives for inviting her to Bendigo and wants her help investigating something that is troubling him. What she didn’t expect was a murder in the cathedral in front of the large audience attending the investiture. A murder that no one seems to have witnessed despite it occurring in front of their eyes.
The murdered man is one of the Deacons, Dean. He had been pestering the previous Bishop about some irregularities he had noticed in the diocese, but was ignored, so had asked to speak to Lionel once he had officially become the Bishop. Holloway’s death before he could do that is obviously very suspicious and Phryne sets about finding out what it was that upset him so.
The mystery moves at a good pace, with a solid background of the physical setting in Bendigo with atmospheric historical and social details of the time period. Phryne is as elegant, stylish and vivacious as ever and I enjoyed spending time with her again. It’s lovely to see that Dot is gaining more self-confidence as she looks forward to her upcoming marriage (and even dressing in colours other than shades of brown!).
As Kerry Greenwood sadly passed away earlier this year, this is likely to be Phryne’s last outing. It’s hard to have to say goodbye to her, however she’s finished on an excellent note and with a fun and entertaining addition to the series.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin via Netgalley for a copy to read
The murdered man is one of the Deacons, Dean. He had been pestering the previous Bishop about some irregularities he had noticed in the diocese, but was ignored, so had asked to speak to Lionel once he had officially become the Bishop. Holloway’s death before he could do that is obviously very suspicious and Phryne sets about finding out what it was that upset him so.
The mystery moves at a good pace, with a solid background of the physical setting in Bendigo with atmospheric historical and social details of the time period. Phryne is as elegant, stylish and vivacious as ever and I enjoyed spending time with her again. It’s lovely to see that Dot is gaining more self-confidence as she looks forward to her upcoming marriage (and even dressing in colours other than shades of brown!).
As Kerry Greenwood sadly passed away earlier this year, this is likely to be Phryne’s last outing. It’s hard to have to say goodbye to her, however she’s finished on an excellent note and with a fun and entertaining addition to the series.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin via Netgalley for a copy to read
October 8, 2025
Murder in the Cathedral by Kerry Greenwood
Synopsis /
When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder.
Phryne is soon working with perspicacious local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.
Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals and business scams and blackmail. Soon, various suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop's Court being burgled?
Meanwhile the clock is ticking ... Will Phryne be able to bring to light the proof she needs before the killer strikes again or disappears completely?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Allen & Unwin Publishing, and author Kerry Greenwood, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for November 4, 2025.
I'm like a kid in a candy store when I see that a new Phryne Fisher book is out. From Cocaine Blues, the very first book in the series; through to Murder in the Cathedral, book #24; Miss Fisher, the wealthy heiress and fashionably liberated woman with a talent for solving crime has entertained like no other.
If you've not had the opportunity to read a Kerry Greenwood novel, I highly recommend you do, and Murder in the Cathedral offers the reader the opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique world and style of Kerry Greenwood's most famous creation – Phryne Fisher.
Author, Kerry Greenwood has set this series in 1920's Melbourne, Australia, and together with her talent for writing sharp dialogue and excellent descriptions, combined with a fast moving story, this series has never disappointed. For a 1920's woman, Ms Fisher is quite modern and very non-conformist. She is witty and sharp; and can be equally flirtatious and charming when it suits her; and, she has a keen eye for fashion – she's altogether a very likeable character.
As with most of this series, Murder in the Cathedral is another cleverly constructed and entertaining read. With a complex, intricate, highly suspenseful plot that keeps the reader engaged. My only critique with this story is that it becomes a little too complex and there is an element of unreliability to the plot which made this reader question the believability. However, believability does not on its own ruin a good murder mystery.
In this story, Miss Fisher and her most-trusted assistant, Dot, are travelling to Bendigo at the request of an old friend of Miss Fisher's, Lionel Watkins. Something has been troubling Lionel (who is about to be enthroned as the Bishop of Bendigo) and he has summoned the ladies to investigate the source of his discontent. When one of the Deacons dies during the investiture, leaving no witnesses despite a cathedral full parishioners, it seems Phryne and Dot will have their hands full investigating what happened.
Sadly, Kerry Greenwood passed away earlier this year, so it's likely that this will be the last time we see Phryne Fisher. You will (both) be sorely missed. I hope you know how much joy your novels have brought to readers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Allen & Unwin Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Synopsis /
When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder.
Phryne is soon working with perspicacious local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.
Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals and business scams and blackmail. Soon, various suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop's Court being burgled?
Meanwhile the clock is ticking ... Will Phryne be able to bring to light the proof she needs before the killer strikes again or disappears completely?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Allen & Unwin Publishing, and author Kerry Greenwood, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for November 4, 2025.
I'm like a kid in a candy store when I see that a new Phryne Fisher book is out. From Cocaine Blues, the very first book in the series; through to Murder in the Cathedral, book #24; Miss Fisher, the wealthy heiress and fashionably liberated woman with a talent for solving crime has entertained like no other.
If you've not had the opportunity to read a Kerry Greenwood novel, I highly recommend you do, and Murder in the Cathedral offers the reader the opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique world and style of Kerry Greenwood's most famous creation – Phryne Fisher.
Author, Kerry Greenwood has set this series in 1920's Melbourne, Australia, and together with her talent for writing sharp dialogue and excellent descriptions, combined with a fast moving story, this series has never disappointed. For a 1920's woman, Ms Fisher is quite modern and very non-conformist. She is witty and sharp; and can be equally flirtatious and charming when it suits her; and, she has a keen eye for fashion – she's altogether a very likeable character.
As with most of this series, Murder in the Cathedral is another cleverly constructed and entertaining read. With a complex, intricate, highly suspenseful plot that keeps the reader engaged. My only critique with this story is that it becomes a little too complex and there is an element of unreliability to the plot which made this reader question the believability. However, believability does not on its own ruin a good murder mystery.
In this story, Miss Fisher and her most-trusted assistant, Dot, are travelling to Bendigo at the request of an old friend of Miss Fisher's, Lionel Watkins. Something has been troubling Lionel (who is about to be enthroned as the Bishop of Bendigo) and he has summoned the ladies to investigate the source of his discontent. When one of the Deacons dies during the investiture, leaving no witnesses despite a cathedral full parishioners, it seems Phryne and Dot will have their hands full investigating what happened.
Sadly, Kerry Greenwood passed away earlier this year, so it's likely that this will be the last time we see Phryne Fisher. You will (both) be sorely missed. I hope you know how much joy your novels have brought to readers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Allen & Unwin Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
Murder In The Cathedral is the twenty-third (and sadly, last) book in the popular Phryne Fisher series by award-winning, bestselling Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. Phryne and Dot have taken the train to Bendigo, at the invitation of Phryne’s good friend, Lionel Watkins, about to be invested as Bishop of Bendigo. They’re there for the ceremony, but it hasn’t escaped Phryne that Lionel has another reason for inviting her.
He discloses that one of the deacons, charitably described by others as a man of greater virtue than discretion, thus not a very popular man, has a grave concern that was summarily dismissed by the previous bishop, something he intends to reveal to Lionel once he is officially invested as Bishop. Unfortunately, at the end of that ceremony, Deacon Gordon Holloway is dead of a stab wound, there in the pew next to the other deacons. Apparently, the poor deacon was incubating a secret worth killing for.
With the local DS unreachable, it will be up to Phryne and young Constable Matthew Watson, who proves himself very capable, to do the initial investigating. Soon enough, he requests that DI Mick Kelly from Ballarat, well known to Phryne, assist with the case. It’s quickly clear, as they make their inquiries, that “there are all these church secrets hovering above the cathedral like a flock of seagulls at a beach picnic”.
Greenwood’s latest dose of Phryne Fisher starts out looking like a locked-room mystery, but soon expands as the number of potential suspects and their motives multiplies. In addition to a murder, there’s a mystery of parentage, a bit of romance, and a missing statue that needs to be restored. There is one anachronism around an arrest warning, and the astute reader will see early on where Phryne might look for the perpetrator, but the resolution is very satisfactory, and fans will be sorry to bid this wonderful cast farewell. Brilliant historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
He discloses that one of the deacons, charitably described by others as a man of greater virtue than discretion, thus not a very popular man, has a grave concern that was summarily dismissed by the previous bishop, something he intends to reveal to Lionel once he is officially invested as Bishop. Unfortunately, at the end of that ceremony, Deacon Gordon Holloway is dead of a stab wound, there in the pew next to the other deacons. Apparently, the poor deacon was incubating a secret worth killing for.
With the local DS unreachable, it will be up to Phryne and young Constable Matthew Watson, who proves himself very capable, to do the initial investigating. Soon enough, he requests that DI Mick Kelly from Ballarat, well known to Phryne, assist with the case. It’s quickly clear, as they make their inquiries, that “there are all these church secrets hovering above the cathedral like a flock of seagulls at a beach picnic”.
Greenwood’s latest dose of Phryne Fisher starts out looking like a locked-room mystery, but soon expands as the number of potential suspects and their motives multiplies. In addition to a murder, there’s a mystery of parentage, a bit of romance, and a missing statue that needs to be restored. There is one anachronism around an arrest warning, and the astute reader will see early on where Phryne might look for the perpetrator, but the resolution is very satisfactory, and fans will be sorry to bid this wonderful cast farewell. Brilliant historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
April 6, 2026
The final Phryne Fisher was a bit of a disappointing read for me. It seemed a bit flat and the characters and storyline just wasn’t that interesting to me. A lot of police procedural type stuff and the various suspects weren’t all that convincing. Still the usual cosy and chirpy tone made it a pleasant time passer I guess.
December 6, 2025
I’ll miss you Kerry Greenwood 😭 Thanks for giving us the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher. ❤️
November 23, 2025
the final Phryne. lots to love. will need to re read slower.
November 27, 2025
I don’t write reviews often, but this one is one I feel needs to be written. Murder in the Cathedral is the last Phryne Fisher book readers shall ever be blessed with, as author Kerry Greenwood passed away in March of 2025.
I had the incredible privilege of interviewing Kerry’s life partner, David, and when we spoke about this book, he mentioned that they knew this would be her last Phryne novel; in all the best ways, that shines through. We get a reunion of almost all our favorite characters (a few, David shared, Kerry felt she wrapped up in the last book), some storylines mainly drawn to a close, and a love letter to another beautiful Australian location. However, Greenwood did not sacrifice any of the authentic storytelling to accomplish this, so it still feels incredibly satisfying.
I genuinely think it is one of my favorite Phryne stories.
So, thank you, Phryne, for the amazing adventures you’ve taken us on. And more so, thank you, Kerry, for giving us an awe-inspiring series of stories for the last 30+ years, which will live on in your many loving fans.
Vale
January 20, 2026
Unless you are an extremely keen phryne fan, I would give this one a miss. Archaic language used for no particular reason; phryne herself is kind of boring, and the whole thing is just meh ...
December 28, 2025
This novel was like reading an Agatha Christie novel, loved it.
I have also found out it's a series on the ABV TV.
If you love a crime novel set in the 1900s with a female detective helping the police solve a puzzling crime, this is for you.
It was full of flair, mystery, murder, romance, and a crime to solve.
Recommend reading 📚 👌
I have also found out it's a series on the ABV TV.
If you love a crime novel set in the 1900s with a female detective helping the police solve a puzzling crime, this is for you.
It was full of flair, mystery, murder, romance, and a crime to solve.
Recommend reading 📚 👌
February 5, 2026
This was a hard one to read knowing that the author passed shortly after writing this and it will be the last of Miss Fisher! This series is so fun and every one is just a light easy read. The series was perfect when the news was so dark (no change there) and I couldn't stomach any stronger reading material. They were so comforting and nice and I'm sad there won't be anymore.
January 15, 2026
What fun reading about places in Victoria back in the 20s/30s! Phryne is such a refreshing character. Great mystery!
March 31, 2026
very good story
April 13, 2026
Splendid finale Phryne
December 9, 2025
A bittersweet goodbye to read this last book in a series that’s delighted me for years. 5 stars to Phryne Fisher. Thank you, and RIP Kerry Greenwood.
March 22, 2026
4 ⭐
I loved this book. I really enjoyed the setting, the storyline, and seeing older characters from previous books return. It made the story feel nostalgic and familiar. I’m also so sad that Kerry Greenwood has passed 😭 knowing there will be no more stories with Phryne Fisher or Corinna Chapman is heartbreaking.
I loved this book. I really enjoyed the setting, the storyline, and seeing older characters from previous books return. It made the story feel nostalgic and familiar. I’m also so sad that Kerry Greenwood has passed 😭 knowing there will be no more stories with Phryne Fisher or Corinna Chapman is heartbreaking.
February 12, 2026
Oh how I wept at the end knowing this was Greenwood’s last book and such a superb one to finish on.
Read
February 2, 2026The final Miss Fisher.
Kerry Greenwood, what an incredible writer. ❤️
Kerry Greenwood, what an incredible writer. ❤️
December 28, 2025
So very sad about the loss of Kerry Greenwood. I will miss her, Corinna, and Phryne.
Read
April 14, 2026A bit disappointing
February 27, 2026
the excessive church-speak put me off and I wish Phryne’s last book had been set in Melbourne - but I will miss this series and Kerry Greenwood’s wonderful writing!
April 5, 2026
Phryne, accompanied by Dot, travels to Bendigo to attend the investiture of a friend as a the Bishop of Bendigo. A straight forward ceremony that is drawn to a sudden conclusion when a murder takes place in the cathedral. Despite the resolution of the story I do find this unbelievable, that a man could be stabbed in full church.
Phryne, at the behest of the new bishop, takes it upon herself to investigate the crime and is actually intricately involved in the police investigation, headed by Inspector Mick Kelly from Ballarat and strangely run from the Shamrock Hotel. This doesn't make sense either.
There is a lot about this story that doesn't make sense. However, it does flow along nicely with a few twists and turns. But overall it's just an average story.
Phryne, at the behest of the new bishop, takes it upon herself to investigate the crime and is actually intricately involved in the police investigation, headed by Inspector Mick Kelly from Ballarat and strangely run from the Shamrock Hotel. This doesn't make sense either.
There is a lot about this story that doesn't make sense. However, it does flow along nicely with a few twists and turns. But overall it's just an average story.
January 31, 2026
This final Phryne Fisher novel feels less like a mystery to be conquered and more like a last visit with an old friend.
Yes, there’s a murder—public, dramatic, committed during a cathedral investiture in 1930s Bendigo—and yes, there are secrets, grudges, and a tidy web of motives. But the real pleasure here isn’t the mechanics of the case. It’s the atmosphere. The return to familiar rhythms. The sense of being welcomed back into a world that has always valued wit, competence, elegance, and moral clarity.
Phryne herself remains exactly who she has always been: capable, unapologetic, generous, and deeply humane. Greenwood never needed to “update” her. She simply lets her be. The supporting cast drifts in and out like family—comfortable, trusted, known—and that familiarity is very much the point. This book understands that long-running series endure because readers form relationships, not because every plot reinvents the wheel.
That said, this isn’t a flawless farewell. There are a couple of moments where the historical framing misfires, including one line that briefly disrupts the sense of safety and respite the series usually provides. Those moments matter, and they did pull me out of the story.
Still, what lingers is affection—and a quiet sadness that this world is now closed. The book gestures toward futures we won’t get to see, and that absence is felt.
Not a perfect ending, but a meaningful one. And a deeply grateful goodbye.
#MurderInTheCathedral
#KerryGreenwood
#PhryneFisher
#AustralianCrimeFiction
#HistoricalMystery
#FemaleDetective
#FeministCrimeFiction
#SeriesFinale
#MysteryReaders
#CrimeFictionLovers
#HistoricalFictionFans
#BookReview
#GoodreadsReview
#FourStarRead
#ClassicDetectiveFiction
Yes, there’s a murder—public, dramatic, committed during a cathedral investiture in 1930s Bendigo—and yes, there are secrets, grudges, and a tidy web of motives. But the real pleasure here isn’t the mechanics of the case. It’s the atmosphere. The return to familiar rhythms. The sense of being welcomed back into a world that has always valued wit, competence, elegance, and moral clarity.
Phryne herself remains exactly who she has always been: capable, unapologetic, generous, and deeply humane. Greenwood never needed to “update” her. She simply lets her be. The supporting cast drifts in and out like family—comfortable, trusted, known—and that familiarity is very much the point. This book understands that long-running series endure because readers form relationships, not because every plot reinvents the wheel.
That said, this isn’t a flawless farewell. There are a couple of moments where the historical framing misfires, including one line that briefly disrupts the sense of safety and respite the series usually provides. Those moments matter, and they did pull me out of the story.
Still, what lingers is affection—and a quiet sadness that this world is now closed. The book gestures toward futures we won’t get to see, and that absence is felt.
Not a perfect ending, but a meaningful one. And a deeply grateful goodbye.
#MurderInTheCathedral
#KerryGreenwood
#PhryneFisher
#AustralianCrimeFiction
#HistoricalMystery
#FemaleDetective
#FeministCrimeFiction
#SeriesFinale
#MysteryReaders
#CrimeFictionLovers
#HistoricalFictionFans
#BookReview
#GoodreadsReview
#FourStarRead
#ClassicDetectiveFiction
March 8, 2026
I’m actually sad writing this post, because it’s the last time I’ll have a new book by Kerry Greenwood to write about, but at least we did get this one last finished Phryne.
In Murder in the Cathedral, Phryne is in Bendigo (famous to Brits as a place where people moved to from Ramsey Street*) where her old friend Lionel is about to be installed as bishop. But when a murder occurs actually during the ceremony, she finds herself called upon to investigate. Because how could she not. The murder victim seems to have had a knack for alienating people and so there are no shortage of suspects. There are also a lot of returning characters from across the series who pop up to help, even though Phryne is away from her home patch.
I’ve read this twice now and although I don’t think it will be my favourite book in the series, but if there has to be an ending, it’s feels like a nice note to stop at. It’s not a “series finale” “tie up all the loose ends” sort of book but there are plenty of call backs to previous adventures and it will leave you with the sense that Phryne and the gang are still out there in the world solving mysteries and living their lives.
In Murder in the Cathedral, Phryne is in Bendigo (famous to Brits as a place where people moved to from Ramsey Street*) where her old friend Lionel is about to be installed as bishop. But when a murder occurs actually during the ceremony, she finds herself called upon to investigate. Because how could she not. The murder victim seems to have had a knack for alienating people and so there are no shortage of suspects. There are also a lot of returning characters from across the series who pop up to help, even though Phryne is away from her home patch.
I’ve read this twice now and although I don’t think it will be my favourite book in the series, but if there has to be an ending, it’s feels like a nice note to stop at. It’s not a “series finale” “tie up all the loose ends” sort of book but there are plenty of call backs to previous adventures and it will leave you with the sense that Phryne and the gang are still out there in the world solving mysteries and living their lives.
September 30, 2025
It utterly breaks my heart to write this review and assign only 2 stars to this book. I absolutely adored the Phryne Fisher books and I still do, however it would be a lie to say they still retain the magic of the earlier books. However, it is devastatingly understandable why the quality has dropped. I am in awe of Kerry Greenwood, who continued to write despite her health problems. While I can understand the continuity errors (in terms of past events and characterisation) and the general….flatness of the story, it doesn’t mean I can say that I loved this book. However, I will continue to shout my praises for Kerry Greenwood’s writing, may she rest in peace.
Read
December 19, 2025Phryne travels to Bendigo and solves a murder in a cathedral, with lots of gold-mining town shenanigans and a trip in the gypsy moth thrown in for good measure.
This is the 24th and final Phryne Fisher novel, published posthumously after Kerry Greenwood passed away earlier this year. I have read and enjoyed the others but it was some time ago, and I suspect my tastes have changed. I found this hard going; a lot of telling instead of showing, and wooden characters.
This is the 24th and final Phryne Fisher novel, published posthumously after Kerry Greenwood passed away earlier this year. I have read and enjoyed the others but it was some time ago, and I suspect my tastes have changed. I found this hard going; a lot of telling instead of showing, and wooden characters.
February 13, 2026
I enjoyed the Bendigo setting, the church descriptions etc. It has all the usual cast, plus new characters of an ecclesiastical nature. The narrative was more pedestrian than I expected, not so much clever humour this time in the author’s voice. Still a good read, and faithful to the established pattern of Phryne Fisher books.
February 20, 2026
A bit flat
December 2, 2025
Greenwood died in March of this year, so this is probably the end of the line for Phryne. The series ends not with a bang but with a sigh. It's obvious someone else wrote most of it. There's no sparkle to the narration, a lot is told not shown and not very interesting in the telling. I usually devour a Fisher novel in a couple of hours, but this was work to read and took me several days because I was so underwhelmed. Phryne is in Bendigo, but where in earlier books she described places vividly, this is all very bland. The girls don't get a look in, and even Tinker doesn't do much. Even Lin Chung makes a cameo appearance, not that I miss Greenwood's sex scenes because I don't.
To be honest, the rot set in with Death in Daylesford. Part of the reason Greenwood's books were so successful was her description of the lavish lifestyle, the lovely clothes, the period perfumes etc. No more Louis heels and Erté gowns, suddenly Phryne was running around in trousers, if you please (in 1929? Not in public) and "her favourite flat shoes." She always was a feminist of a sort but suddenly her sitting room was done in Suffragist colours! After only 18 months in the house? Ugh. Murder in Williamstown is marginally better, but still not as good as the earlier ones.
Of course whoever Greenwood's heirs are, they will do very well out of the films and TV series, and there will probably be remakes now she's gone. I hope they don't sell Fisher as a brand as Christie, Sayers and Stout's heirs have done, allowing completely different (and unknown) modern writers to write "continuations" (fanfics). The old "unfinished manuscript found among her papers" dodge is getting rancid. I have read online that this book was "completed and edited" by someone else, though nowhere can you discover who. There are already some Fisher fanfic short stories on Youtube.
There are several oddness in the text itself. For one, we are told that the Deanery, a very large house, has no back or side doors, that the front door is the only one. I doubt this very much as there are servants, and tradesmen calling. They would not use the front door.
The bloody cassock is fine, but whatever happened to the black jersey with all those cuts in it? It was such a big deal when it appeared and then--nothing. Never mentioned again. She doesn't show it to the police though supposedly she thought important enough to pick it up and take it with her.
Suddenly Phryne's "little gun" (make and model never known) has a gold handle, which is now mentioned at every single appearance. I haven't seen the Fisher TV series; was this idea taken from that?
We are told that Phryne "had never flown for more than 20 minutes or so before" which ignores her long flights in other books such as The Green Mill Murder.
There's talk about "the Prosperity Gospel", a movement which would not start until the 1950s and not really be called by that name until later still.
The phrase "don't ask, don't tell" with reference to sexuality was first used by Bill Clinton in 1993. Hardly 1929. There is a dizzying number of same-sex relationships and encounters in this volume; someone (Greenwood or someone else) even seems to wish to imply that Dot is rather attracted to the Inspector's niece!
Said Inspector speaks of someone "carrying on like a pork chop"--a phrase that didn't become current until 1975.
I know Greenwood liked her little jokes, but are we really meant to believe that "O'Hoy" is a Chinese surname?
To be honest, the rot set in with Death in Daylesford. Part of the reason Greenwood's books were so successful was her description of the lavish lifestyle, the lovely clothes, the period perfumes etc. No more Louis heels and Erté gowns, suddenly Phryne was running around in trousers, if you please (in 1929? Not in public) and "her favourite flat shoes." She always was a feminist of a sort but suddenly her sitting room was done in Suffragist colours! After only 18 months in the house? Ugh. Murder in Williamstown is marginally better, but still not as good as the earlier ones.
Of course whoever Greenwood's heirs are, they will do very well out of the films and TV series, and there will probably be remakes now she's gone. I hope they don't sell Fisher as a brand as Christie, Sayers and Stout's heirs have done, allowing completely different (and unknown) modern writers to write "continuations" (fanfics). The old "unfinished manuscript found among her papers" dodge is getting rancid. I have read online that this book was "completed and edited" by someone else, though nowhere can you discover who. There are already some Fisher fanfic short stories on Youtube.
There are several oddness in the text itself. For one, we are told that the Deanery, a very large house, has no back or side doors, that the front door is the only one. I doubt this very much as there are servants, and tradesmen calling. They would not use the front door.
The bloody cassock is fine, but whatever happened to the black jersey with all those cuts in it? It was such a big deal when it appeared and then--nothing. Never mentioned again. She doesn't show it to the police though supposedly she thought important enough to pick it up and take it with her.
Suddenly Phryne's "little gun" (make and model never known) has a gold handle, which is now mentioned at every single appearance. I haven't seen the Fisher TV series; was this idea taken from that?
We are told that Phryne "had never flown for more than 20 minutes or so before" which ignores her long flights in other books such as The Green Mill Murder.
There's talk about "the Prosperity Gospel", a movement which would not start until the 1950s and not really be called by that name until later still.
The phrase "don't ask, don't tell" with reference to sexuality was first used by Bill Clinton in 1993. Hardly 1929. There is a dizzying number of same-sex relationships and encounters in this volume; someone (Greenwood or someone else) even seems to wish to imply that Dot is rather attracted to the Inspector's niece!
Said Inspector speaks of someone "carrying on like a pork chop"--a phrase that didn't become current until 1975.
I know Greenwood liked her little jokes, but are we really meant to believe that "O'Hoy" is a Chinese surname?
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