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Phryne Fisher #23
Murder in Williamstown
Accustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her tact and judgement to the full.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiance, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiance, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
275 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
281 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Greenwood
89 books2,549 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 327 reviews
December 7, 2022
I always love a new Phryne Fisher book. She is such a great character, and the way life was lived in Melbourne at that time was totally entertaining (fictionally anyway).
Murder in Williamstown adds much more to just Phryne and her exploits. The other members of her household all become amateur detectives in their own right, and Phryne oversees their researches and resolutions.
Of course she has a lot of fun herself too, venturing into another relationship with a charming young man, but still ending up with Lin. Sadly there is no future in this relationship and I wonder what will happen to Phryne as she gets older. That's a boring thought. Let's just enjoy it while she is having fun.
A very readable and enjoyable book and I really hope there will be more.
Murder in Williamstown adds much more to just Phryne and her exploits. The other members of her household all become amateur detectives in their own right, and Phryne oversees their researches and resolutions.
Of course she has a lot of fun herself too, venturing into another relationship with a charming young man, but still ending up with Lin. Sadly there is no future in this relationship and I wonder what will happen to Phryne as she gets older. That's a boring thought. Let's just enjoy it while she is having fun.
A very readable and enjoyable book and I really hope there will be more.
September 2, 2025
Murder in Williamstown (Phryne Fisher #23) by Kerry Greenwood
Synopsis /
Accustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her tact and judgement to the full.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiancé, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
As I comfortably settle in to spend my morning with Miss Fisher and her crew, I tried to remember when it was that I last read about what was happening at 221B The Esplanade, St Kilda. As it turns out, back in June 2021. Time flies. Murder in Williamstown is the twenty-third book in the popular Phryne Fisher series by award-winning Australian author, Kerry Greenwood, and I have to say, it’s one of her best.
A little background for those not familiar with this series — it’s set during the 1920s. The 1920s was the first decade to have a nickname: “Roaring 20s" or "Jazz Age." It was a decade of prosperity and dissipation, and of jazz bands, bootleggers, raccoon coats, bathtub gin, flappers, flagpole sitters, bootleggers, and marathon dancers. The 1920s heralded a brave new world that emerged from the devastation of World War I. Eager to put the horror and drudgery of war behind them, people began rebuilding their lives. The 1920s saw dramatic changes in technology, entertainment, architecture and society. Young women sought new freedoms, movies began influencing the way people lived, and technological developments such as faster, more reliable motor cars improved the lives of millions. Change brought opportunity, and criminals around the world found ways to cash in on developing illegal markets. Police forces, their numbers reduced by war, were caught on the back foot. Their work was made harder by the fact that laws did not always keep up with the pace of criminal evolution.
The protagonist in this series is Miss Phryne Fisher. Miss Fisher is a product of the 1920s – she’s unashamedly brazen and loves the finer things in life. She is a fierce protector of her family and those close to her whom she considers to be her extended family. Miss Fisher is a champion for the wronged; those who have been treated unjustly or unfairly. She doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty to right a wrong.
The story opens with the reader learning that someone has been leaving anonymous threats in Miss Fisher’s mailbox. The messages, which are vaguely threatening, have been constructed with letters cut out from a newspaper and are clearly directed at Phryne. With the letters becoming more and more regular, Phryne decides she needs to act and get to the heart of who and why someone is targeting her. Phryne enlists the assistance of her adopted son, Tinker to uncover the identity of the anonymous sender.
While Tinker is on the trail of the mysterious note writer, Phryne’s adopted daughters, Ruth and Jane have been asked by their school to do some volunteer work at the Blind Institute. When they arrive for their first day, Ruth is asked to help in the kitchen, while Jane is set to help the children in class with their math. All is going well, until a member of staff discloses to Jane that there are ‘irregularities’ with the Institute’s books. Knowing that Jane has a head for figures and, is the daughter of the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher — who is well known for her investigative skills — the staffer asks Jane if she could look at the books and see if she can locate where the missing money might has gone.
With her children firmly ensconced in their own investigations, Phryne decides to take a ferry to Williamstown. On the way, she encounters a horse which appears to have sustained an injury from, of all things, a broken piece of glass from a discarded opium pipe. Intending to report the incident to the local police, Phryne collects all the broken shards and proceeds on her way. However, stumbling upon the body of what appears to be a murdered man on the beach has Phryne questioning if something more sinister is afoot. When she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung, Phryne knows there’s something more going on.
The investigating of all these three mysteries turns out to be a ‘family’ affair. With everyone playing a part. Tinker, Ruth and Jane are proving themselves to be solid investigators in their own right and I very much enjoyed the added inclusion of this aspect into the story. I loved that I got to revisit with old friends: Mr and Mrs B; Bert and Cec; Phryne’s loyal companion Dot and her (now) fiancé, Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins. Not to mention Lin Chung and DI Jack Robertson. One of the many things that I love about this series, is that when I pick up a new book, I know that I’m going to visit with old friends and, if I’m lucky, develop new ones which will be enjoyed in the future.
Once again, Kerry Greenwood has delivered. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Miss Fisher and her clever crime solving household and friends when next we meet.
Synopsis /
Accustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her tact and judgement to the full.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiancé, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
As I comfortably settle in to spend my morning with Miss Fisher and her crew, I tried to remember when it was that I last read about what was happening at 221B The Esplanade, St Kilda. As it turns out, back in June 2021. Time flies. Murder in Williamstown is the twenty-third book in the popular Phryne Fisher series by award-winning Australian author, Kerry Greenwood, and I have to say, it’s one of her best.
A little background for those not familiar with this series — it’s set during the 1920s. The 1920s was the first decade to have a nickname: “Roaring 20s" or "Jazz Age." It was a decade of prosperity and dissipation, and of jazz bands, bootleggers, raccoon coats, bathtub gin, flappers, flagpole sitters, bootleggers, and marathon dancers. The 1920s heralded a brave new world that emerged from the devastation of World War I. Eager to put the horror and drudgery of war behind them, people began rebuilding their lives. The 1920s saw dramatic changes in technology, entertainment, architecture and society. Young women sought new freedoms, movies began influencing the way people lived, and technological developments such as faster, more reliable motor cars improved the lives of millions. Change brought opportunity, and criminals around the world found ways to cash in on developing illegal markets. Police forces, their numbers reduced by war, were caught on the back foot. Their work was made harder by the fact that laws did not always keep up with the pace of criminal evolution.
The protagonist in this series is Miss Phryne Fisher. Miss Fisher is a product of the 1920s – she’s unashamedly brazen and loves the finer things in life. She is a fierce protector of her family and those close to her whom she considers to be her extended family. Miss Fisher is a champion for the wronged; those who have been treated unjustly or unfairly. She doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty to right a wrong.
The story opens with the reader learning that someone has been leaving anonymous threats in Miss Fisher’s mailbox. The messages, which are vaguely threatening, have been constructed with letters cut out from a newspaper and are clearly directed at Phryne. With the letters becoming more and more regular, Phryne decides she needs to act and get to the heart of who and why someone is targeting her. Phryne enlists the assistance of her adopted son, Tinker to uncover the identity of the anonymous sender.
While Tinker is on the trail of the mysterious note writer, Phryne’s adopted daughters, Ruth and Jane have been asked by their school to do some volunteer work at the Blind Institute. When they arrive for their first day, Ruth is asked to help in the kitchen, while Jane is set to help the children in class with their math. All is going well, until a member of staff discloses to Jane that there are ‘irregularities’ with the Institute’s books. Knowing that Jane has a head for figures and, is the daughter of the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher — who is well known for her investigative skills — the staffer asks Jane if she could look at the books and see if she can locate where the missing money might has gone.
With her children firmly ensconced in their own investigations, Phryne decides to take a ferry to Williamstown. On the way, she encounters a horse which appears to have sustained an injury from, of all things, a broken piece of glass from a discarded opium pipe. Intending to report the incident to the local police, Phryne collects all the broken shards and proceeds on her way. However, stumbling upon the body of what appears to be a murdered man on the beach has Phryne questioning if something more sinister is afoot. When she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung, Phryne knows there’s something more going on.
The investigating of all these three mysteries turns out to be a ‘family’ affair. With everyone playing a part. Tinker, Ruth and Jane are proving themselves to be solid investigators in their own right and I very much enjoyed the added inclusion of this aspect into the story. I loved that I got to revisit with old friends: Mr and Mrs B; Bert and Cec; Phryne’s loyal companion Dot and her (now) fiancé, Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins. Not to mention Lin Chung and DI Jack Robertson. One of the many things that I love about this series, is that when I pick up a new book, I know that I’m going to visit with old friends and, if I’m lucky, develop new ones which will be enjoyed in the future.
Once again, Kerry Greenwood has delivered. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Miss Fisher and her clever crime solving household and friends when next we meet.
November 2, 2022
Ruth and Jane, Phryne Fisher's adopted daughters, volunteered at the Melbourne Institute of the Blind. Ruth assisted the cook in the kitchen, as her cooking skills were top notch, while Jane with her mathematical skills, was asked to assist in the office. Jane quickly learned there was some discrepancy with the accounts, so she chatted to Phryne to check what course she should take. Meanwhile Tinker was helping Phryne find who was sending her nasty notes, deposited in their letterbox.
When Phryne received an invitation to a party in Williamstown, she decided to attend, along with a male friend of hers. With the dancing, drinking, and music, the entertainment was first class - until a drastic event drew the party to a sudden close and police were soon on the scene. Would Phryne solve this puzzle while Ruth and Jane solved theirs?
Murder in Williamstown is the 22nd in the Phryne Fisher series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful having more participation in events by Ruth, Jane and Tinker, with Dot being her usual timid but diligent self and Cec and Bert making a small appearance. I'm loving this series and hoping there'll be another episode sometime soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Phryne received an invitation to a party in Williamstown, she decided to attend, along with a male friend of hers. With the dancing, drinking, and music, the entertainment was first class - until a drastic event drew the party to a sudden close and police were soon on the scene. Would Phryne solve this puzzle while Ruth and Jane solved theirs?
Murder in Williamstown is the 22nd in the Phryne Fisher series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful having more participation in events by Ruth, Jane and Tinker, with Dot being her usual timid but diligent self and Cec and Bert making a small appearance. I'm loving this series and hoping there'll be another episode sometime soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
Murder In Williamstown is the twenty-second book in the popular Phryne Fisher series by award-winning Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. Someone is putting postcards in the Hon. Miss Fisher’s letterbox. They’re constructed with letters cut out of the newspaper, and they’re vaguely threatening.
Phryne’s adopted son Tinker has ambitions of joining the police force, and he shows a good deal of initiative in discovering the sender. Then it’s up to Phryne to act on the information. Meanwhile, her adopted daughters Ruth and Jane have been volunteered to work some days at the Blind Institute, where Jane’s talent with figures is put to good use discovering why the latest balance sheet looks so different from previous ones.
If the Institute’s bookkeeper is innocent, if inept, then Phryne will discover who is not, and her ability to bluff comes in handy with a reticent bank manager. Despite being engaged to the recently-promoted Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, Phryne’s loyal companion Dot is troubled that of late, her fiancé is conspicuous by his absence. Is he really working so hard, or is there another reason?
When Phryne decides to take the ferry to Williamstown to rendezvous with a new lover, an encounter with a horse produces a broken fragment of opium pipe. And then the body of an Oriental on the beach. But she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung. The disappearance of Lin’s sister-in-law is similarly out of bounds.
And yet, when she accepts an invitation to the birthday party of a wealthy university lecturer, she finds herself right in the middle of it all. And when it lands in her lap like that, what else can she do? As always, Greenwood easily evokes her era and setting, with popular cultural references, food, attire and global news, and her protagonist’s antics always entertain. Another very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
Phryne’s adopted son Tinker has ambitions of joining the police force, and he shows a good deal of initiative in discovering the sender. Then it’s up to Phryne to act on the information. Meanwhile, her adopted daughters Ruth and Jane have been volunteered to work some days at the Blind Institute, where Jane’s talent with figures is put to good use discovering why the latest balance sheet looks so different from previous ones.
If the Institute’s bookkeeper is innocent, if inept, then Phryne will discover who is not, and her ability to bluff comes in handy with a reticent bank manager. Despite being engaged to the recently-promoted Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, Phryne’s loyal companion Dot is troubled that of late, her fiancé is conspicuous by his absence. Is he really working so hard, or is there another reason?
When Phryne decides to take the ferry to Williamstown to rendezvous with a new lover, an encounter with a horse produces a broken fragment of opium pipe. And then the body of an Oriental on the beach. But she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung. The disappearance of Lin’s sister-in-law is similarly out of bounds.
And yet, when she accepts an invitation to the birthday party of a wealthy university lecturer, she finds herself right in the middle of it all. And when it lands in her lap like that, what else can she do? As always, Greenwood easily evokes her era and setting, with popular cultural references, food, attire and global news, and her protagonist’s antics always entertain. Another very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
November 14, 2022
When Phryne Fisher, private detective, receives unpleasant letters at her home and then has an unwelcome nighttime visitor, she enlists the help of Tinker to uncover the culprit. Tinker, along with Jane and Ruth, is another of her adopted children. Jane and Ruth have been helping out at the Blind school. Discrepancies in the accounts have been uncovered that need investigating. As do the crimes involving opium, and murder among other things, Phryne has plenty to occupy her. A birthday party for a wealthy man involves Phryne in the middle of murder. Police are called, including DI Jack Robertson. But Phryne, being Phryne, seeks to investigate as well.
From the great cover through to the end, this is an engaging romp. It is light, amusing, filled with gorgeous descriptions of clothes and maintains interest and a steady pace throughout. Phryne solves crimes and effortlessly glides through the days and nights ready to share her charms with her Chinese lover and other men who, from time to time, come into her orbit. As I read, I could see Essie Davis and the other actors from the TV series playing the parts. It is an easy and entertaining read.
There are some editing issues, with words omitted or repeated but I assume these will be remedied before the final publication. My thanks go to Allen and Unwin for my ARC which I won to read and review.
Fans of Phryne Fisher should enjoy this 22nd book in the series. Those, like me who have not read many others in the series should also still enjoy it as I did. Lovers of cosy mysteries featuring a flamboyant and likeable main character will also lap it up. A bit of cosy escapism that will appeal to many. Good fun and a recommended read.
From the great cover through to the end, this is an engaging romp. It is light, amusing, filled with gorgeous descriptions of clothes and maintains interest and a steady pace throughout. Phryne solves crimes and effortlessly glides through the days and nights ready to share her charms with her Chinese lover and other men who, from time to time, come into her orbit. As I read, I could see Essie Davis and the other actors from the TV series playing the parts. It is an easy and entertaining read.
There are some editing issues, with words omitted or repeated but I assume these will be remedied before the final publication. My thanks go to Allen and Unwin for my ARC which I won to read and review.
Fans of Phryne Fisher should enjoy this 22nd book in the series. Those, like me who have not read many others in the series should also still enjoy it as I did. Lovers of cosy mysteries featuring a flamboyant and likeable main character will also lap it up. A bit of cosy escapism that will appeal to many. Good fun and a recommended read.
November 2, 2023
This is the twenty-second book in the Phryne Fisher series, but it was my first. The book was easily read as a stand-alone, but I bet I would have benefitted from the history of so many earlier books.
Description:
Accustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her tact and judgement to the full.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiance, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
My Thoughts:
First of all, I loved the character, Phryne Fisher. She came across as one of those quirky characters you won't forget. The setting is Melbourne, Australia in the 1920's. Fisher is obviously wealthy, and seems to have plenty of time for dalliances with men about town - even the married ones. I liked that Ruth, Jane and Tinker got involved in the investigation and provided a great deal of assistance. The book was flamboyant and fun from the costumes to the phrasing. I felt like I was there and watching it unfold. It was a good mystery to unravel as well.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 7, 2023.
Description:
Accustomed to both murder and dalliance, Australia's favourite detective, the inimitable Miss Fisher, returns in a case that will test her tact and judgement to the full.
When the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher receives threatening letters at her home, she enlists the unflappable apprentice Tinker to investigate. But as the harassment of Phryne threatens to spin out of control, her lover, Lin Chung is also targeted.
Meanwhile, Dot begins to fear that her fiance, newly promoted Sergeant Hugh Collins, has gone cold on setting a date for their wedding.
Phryne's clever daughters, Ruth and Jane, begin their own investigation into suspiciously dwindling funds when they are sent to help at the Blind Institute.
None of this is quite enough to prevent Phryne from accepting an invitation to a magnificent party at the house of the mysterious Hong. When the party is interrupted by shocking tragedy, Phryne gathers all of her unerring brilliance to track down the miscreants. With some unlikely assistance, Phryne is in a race against time to save a pair of young lovers from disgrace and death.
My Thoughts:
First of all, I loved the character, Phryne Fisher. She came across as one of those quirky characters you won't forget. The setting is Melbourne, Australia in the 1920's. Fisher is obviously wealthy, and seems to have plenty of time for dalliances with men about town - even the married ones. I liked that Ruth, Jane and Tinker got involved in the investigation and provided a great deal of assistance. The book was flamboyant and fun from the costumes to the phrasing. I felt like I was there and watching it unfold. It was a good mystery to unravel as well.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 7, 2023.
July 4, 2024
I'm a little astonished to rate this so low, as I generally love the Phryne Fisher books, and have been using a couple to try to break the book deadlock I've been experiencing: I just can't read anymore. I can't remember the last time I opened a print book, paper or 'e', and even audiobooks - normally the staple of my humdrum office life - have been ... unappealing. Fiction just seems oddly pointless, and I can hear a faint screaming in the back of my mind at the idea of listening to non-fiction longer than a podcast or YouTube video. I hate it - but there it is. (I wonder if it's somehow COVID brain ... )
Anyway. I did listen to Murder on the Ballarat Train, partly to get to sleep one night, and figured since this was newish and available on Everand I'd move on to Williamstown. I kind of wish I hadn't. It was all over the shop, with everybody sleuthing in sundry and varied locations and random parties and so much Hispano Suiza I can't even. (SO much Hispano Suiza. Even more Hispano Suiza than there was food.) And then one of the mysteries (there were - what, eighty-two?) (All right, actually ... three. I think. Maybe four) was resolved, and there was still a lot of book left. Then one by one the others got wrapped up, and ... there was STILL a lot of book left. Oh, great, another party. Honestly, I've seen The Lord of the Rings complained about because people thought it had multiple endings - this took the cake. I'm fine with the children having a portion of the book's focus, and their own investigations - but it all needs to mesh better.
The narrator didn't help. Ballarat Train was read by Stephanie Daniel, and I enjoyed her very much. This one had Wendy Bos, and while I don't think I'll actively avoid her in future, it ... lacked a bit. Part of the problem - a huge part - was in the editing, as the little vignettes between two lovers that were interspersed through the book blended right in, with no more pause before or after than there was for a paragraph in the middle of a scene. I would assume there were markers in the text to separate these bits, rows of asterisks or all italics or what-have-you - somebody failed to make sure those markers were communicated in audio form. It was occasionally startling, and consistently annoying.
And hey, why is there suddenly such an anti-Catholic bent? I'd remember that if it was as obvious in other books, wouldn't I? I think it was particularly vicious here. Did the author make Dot Catholic purely to mock her? The faithful as a whole did not fare well in this book; morals are depicted as pure prudery, and as completely lacking in the two clergymen depicted. Lovely.
All in all, it just seemed surprisingly low-stakes - the murders weren't of anyone I was given any reason to give a damn about, and the non-murder crimes were petty. And it was a little hard to "watch" Phryne, the bold and intrepid heroine, hear a scream and, after a fairly perfunctory attempt to investigate ... pretty much do nothing. She resolves to call a different police station - but not until she's had a nice long bath and a lengthy chat with her new beau.
There were a few times when this book's Phryne seemed more Dot-like than Phryne-like. She seemed a lot more easily unnerved and flustered and rendered incapable - it was a little weird.
And I'm not really supposed to believe that all 22 books in this series took place in the span of a year, am I? That's ... ludicrous.
Yeah. Not a good one. And not helpful to my current anti-fiction prejudice.
Edited to add: For some reason this stupid book haunted me - not in a good way, I hasten to add. I was awake at four a.m. and started thinking about how Phryne's "stalker" was handled. And it irks me. And then I thought about how the whole discovery of who the "stalker" was was handled, and I became more irked. Spoiler: PF gets notes in her mailbox that become threatening. She sets her teenaged boy adoptee to find out more (which involved a full morning of taking over someone else's paper route, when ... couldn't he just have looked at the other kid's checklist? What could have taken him five minutes took hours - yeah, great detective work). Turns out there are three possibilities - and I would need to go back and re-listen or find a text edition, and I don't care enough to, but if Kerry Greenwood didn't outright lie to me in that scene she came damn close, because a few minutes later I, along with Dot, was saying "Wait, what?" as the minister they'd questioned was put in the frame. The misdirection to make me (and Dot) think it was the other guy was - whatever, fine, that's how the game is played. But PF identified herself by name to the minister, and there was no reaction. Is the man supposed to not know her name? No, he does know, because he apparently calls the prostitute he visits "Phryne". So - he's a really good actor?
Anyway. What annoys me more is the aftermath. She yells at him, which he deserves, but then goes on to belittle the fact that he visits a prostitute - although the prostitute has already been interviewed and is always glad to see him, and speaks highly of him, and he already feels guilt and shame about it, and who the hell is Phryne Fisher, ravisher of anyone she decides she'll have, to comment on anyone else's morality? And then she has the gall to tell him she's going to complain to the bishop - with whom (is this irony?) she has slept. And then does so. And the so-upright bishop becomes entirely outraged and says he'll move the minister elsewhere. And Phryne glows with satisfaction. And all I could think was - wait, isn't that what the Catholic church is constantly being criticized for, moving sexually deviant priests from parish to parish without doing anything about their actions? I know Greenwood wants to be historically accurate, but - how is it going to help anyone except Phryne to make the man move? The prostitute will lose his business; he'll be plunked down in another town somewhere, still with the same ... er, needs, and the same inability to fill them without paying for it, and now with additional guilt and shame about this situation added on top of the guilt and shame he was already feeling for being a minister going to a prostitute - so the same, only moreso, and in a new environment. The man apologized - wouldn't a better, more Phryne-like, more advanced solution have been to accept the apology and see what happened, and then if there was any recidivism whatsoever, then going to the bishop? Or - here's a thought - maybe try to help the poor sod? She sleeps with everybody else - why not this one? Or at least find him a psychologist...
Oh, and something I forgot to bring up in the original review - what the hell was going on with Hugh? He was inexplicably, unexplainedly cold and anti-Phryne for 95% of the book, when he wasn't simply absent, and then suddenly it was all chums again. The whole promotion thing doesn't explain his behavior. At all.
If I wanted to take the time, I feel like I could pick apart every aspect of this book. But the more I think about it, the more I hate it. So I'm not going to think about it anymore. And I'll be a little surprised if I read any more Phryne Fishers, honestly.
Oh well. So much for trying to get my reading mojo back. Thanks, Kerry Greenwood.
Anyway. I did listen to Murder on the Ballarat Train, partly to get to sleep one night, and figured since this was newish and available on Everand I'd move on to Williamstown. I kind of wish I hadn't. It was all over the shop, with everybody sleuthing in sundry and varied locations and random parties and so much Hispano Suiza I can't even. (SO much Hispano Suiza. Even more Hispano Suiza than there was food.) And then one of the mysteries (there were - what, eighty-two?) (All right, actually ... three. I think. Maybe four) was resolved, and there was still a lot of book left. Then one by one the others got wrapped up, and ... there was STILL a lot of book left. Oh, great, another party. Honestly, I've seen The Lord of the Rings complained about because people thought it had multiple endings - this took the cake. I'm fine with the children having a portion of the book's focus, and their own investigations - but it all needs to mesh better.
The narrator didn't help. Ballarat Train was read by Stephanie Daniel, and I enjoyed her very much. This one had Wendy Bos, and while I don't think I'll actively avoid her in future, it ... lacked a bit. Part of the problem - a huge part - was in the editing, as the little vignettes between two lovers that were interspersed through the book blended right in, with no more pause before or after than there was for a paragraph in the middle of a scene. I would assume there were markers in the text to separate these bits, rows of asterisks or all italics or what-have-you - somebody failed to make sure those markers were communicated in audio form. It was occasionally startling, and consistently annoying.
And hey, why is there suddenly such an anti-Catholic bent? I'd remember that if it was as obvious in other books, wouldn't I? I think it was particularly vicious here. Did the author make Dot Catholic purely to mock her? The faithful as a whole did not fare well in this book; morals are depicted as pure prudery, and as completely lacking in the two clergymen depicted. Lovely.
All in all, it just seemed surprisingly low-stakes - the murders weren't of anyone I was given any reason to give a damn about, and the non-murder crimes were petty. And it was a little hard to "watch" Phryne, the bold and intrepid heroine, hear a scream and, after a fairly perfunctory attempt to investigate ... pretty much do nothing. She resolves to call a different police station - but not until she's had a nice long bath and a lengthy chat with her new beau.
There were a few times when this book's Phryne seemed more Dot-like than Phryne-like. She seemed a lot more easily unnerved and flustered and rendered incapable - it was a little weird.
And I'm not really supposed to believe that all 22 books in this series took place in the span of a year, am I? That's ... ludicrous.
Yeah. Not a good one. And not helpful to my current anti-fiction prejudice.
Edited to add: For some reason this stupid book haunted me - not in a good way, I hasten to add. I was awake at four a.m. and started thinking about how Phryne's "stalker" was handled. And it irks me. And then I thought about how the whole discovery of who the "stalker" was was handled, and I became more irked. Spoiler: PF gets notes in her mailbox that become threatening. She sets her teenaged boy adoptee to find out more (which involved a full morning of taking over someone else's paper route, when ... couldn't he just have looked at the other kid's checklist? What could have taken him five minutes took hours - yeah, great detective work). Turns out there are three possibilities - and I would need to go back and re-listen or find a text edition, and I don't care enough to, but if Kerry Greenwood didn't outright lie to me in that scene she came damn close, because a few minutes later I, along with Dot, was saying "Wait, what?" as the minister they'd questioned was put in the frame. The misdirection to make me (and Dot) think it was the other guy was - whatever, fine, that's how the game is played. But PF identified herself by name to the minister, and there was no reaction. Is the man supposed to not know her name? No, he does know, because he apparently calls the prostitute he visits "Phryne". So - he's a really good actor?
Anyway. What annoys me more is the aftermath. She yells at him, which he deserves, but then goes on to belittle the fact that he visits a prostitute - although the prostitute has already been interviewed and is always glad to see him, and speaks highly of him, and he already feels guilt and shame about it, and who the hell is Phryne Fisher, ravisher of anyone she decides she'll have, to comment on anyone else's morality? And then she has the gall to tell him she's going to complain to the bishop - with whom (is this irony?) she has slept. And then does so. And the so-upright bishop becomes entirely outraged and says he'll move the minister elsewhere. And Phryne glows with satisfaction. And all I could think was - wait, isn't that what the Catholic church is constantly being criticized for, moving sexually deviant priests from parish to parish without doing anything about their actions? I know Greenwood wants to be historically accurate, but - how is it going to help anyone except Phryne to make the man move? The prostitute will lose his business; he'll be plunked down in another town somewhere, still with the same ... er, needs, and the same inability to fill them without paying for it, and now with additional guilt and shame about this situation added on top of the guilt and shame he was already feeling for being a minister going to a prostitute - so the same, only moreso, and in a new environment. The man apologized - wouldn't a better, more Phryne-like, more advanced solution have been to accept the apology and see what happened, and then if there was any recidivism whatsoever, then going to the bishop? Or - here's a thought - maybe try to help the poor sod? She sleeps with everybody else - why not this one? Or at least find him a psychologist...
Oh, and something I forgot to bring up in the original review - what the hell was going on with Hugh? He was inexplicably, unexplainedly cold and anti-Phryne for 95% of the book, when he wasn't simply absent, and then suddenly it was all chums again. The whole promotion thing doesn't explain his behavior. At all.
If I wanted to take the time, I feel like I could pick apart every aspect of this book. But the more I think about it, the more I hate it. So I'm not going to think about it anymore. And I'll be a little surprised if I read any more Phryne Fishers, honestly.
Oh well. So much for trying to get my reading mojo back. Thanks, Kerry Greenwood.
December 6, 2022
Murder In Williamstown is the twenty-second book in the popular Phryne Fisher series by award-winning Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. The audio version is narrated by Wendy Bos. Someone is putting postcards in the Hon. Miss Fisher’s letterbox. They’re constructed with letters cut out of the newspaper, and they’re vaguely threatening.
Phryne’s adopted son Tinker has ambitions of joining the police force, and he shows a good deal of initiative in discovering the sender. Then it’s up to Phryne to act on the information. Meanwhile, her adopted daughters Ruth and Jane have been volunteered to work some days at the Blind Institute, where Jane’s talent with figures is put to good use discovering why the latest balance sheet looks so different from previous ones.
If the Institute’s bookkeeper is innocent, if inept, then Phryne will discover who is not, and her ability to bluff comes in handy with a reticent bank manager. Despite being engaged to the recently-promoted Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, Phryne’s loyal companion Dot is troubled that of late, her fiancé is conspicuous by his absence. Is he really working so hard, or is there another reason?
When Phryne decides to take the ferry to Williamstown to rendezvous with a new lover, an encounter with a horse produces a broken fragment of opium pipe. And then the body of an Oriental on the beach. But she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung. The disappearance of Lin’s sister-in-law is similarly out of bounds.
And yet, when she accepts an invitation to the birthday party of a wealthy university lecturer, she finds herself right in the middle of it all. And when it lands in her lap like that, what else can she do? As always, Greenwood easily evokes her era and setting, with popular cultural references, food, attire and global news, and her protagonist’s antics always entertain. Another very enjoyable read.
Phryne’s adopted son Tinker has ambitions of joining the police force, and he shows a good deal of initiative in discovering the sender. Then it’s up to Phryne to act on the information. Meanwhile, her adopted daughters Ruth and Jane have been volunteered to work some days at the Blind Institute, where Jane’s talent with figures is put to good use discovering why the latest balance sheet looks so different from previous ones.
If the Institute’s bookkeeper is innocent, if inept, then Phryne will discover who is not, and her ability to bluff comes in handy with a reticent bank manager. Despite being engaged to the recently-promoted Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, Phryne’s loyal companion Dot is troubled that of late, her fiancé is conspicuous by his absence. Is he really working so hard, or is there another reason?
When Phryne decides to take the ferry to Williamstown to rendezvous with a new lover, an encounter with a horse produces a broken fragment of opium pipe. And then the body of an Oriental on the beach. But she is, in no uncertain terms, warned off investigating, both by DI Jack Robertson and Lin Chung. The disappearance of Lin’s sister-in-law is similarly out of bounds.
And yet, when she accepts an invitation to the birthday party of a wealthy university lecturer, she finds herself right in the middle of it all. And when it lands in her lap like that, what else can she do? As always, Greenwood easily evokes her era and setting, with popular cultural references, food, attire and global news, and her protagonist’s antics always entertain. Another very enjoyable read.
November 12, 2022
Phryne Fisher is a wealthy, aristocratic, private investigator. A beauty, who eschews the social mores of 1920’s Melbourne : she drives a car, flies a plane, has amorous dalliances, and mixes with all society’s stratum. Such an unconventional and alluring character, no wonder this the 22nd book in the popular series that mixes crime, mystery and history with a dash of fashion, romance, good guys and bad.
She has adopted three teens, saved them from the mean streets. The girls, Ruth and Jane, have been sent by their school to volunteer at the Institute of the Blind where they discover irregularities with the accounts and begin enquiries. The lad, Tinker, is set to investigate the threatening messages Miss Fisher is receiving in her letterbox. His idol, the fictional detective Sexton Blake has inspired Tinker to pursue a future in policing, and his efforts are enthusiastic. Phryne has stumbled upon the body of a stabbed Oriental man, a discarded opium pipe and a scream emanating from an abandoned warehouse when visiting her new lover, Jeoffrey, in Williamstown. Jeoffrey’s fellow university lecturer, Hong’s sumptuous birthday party abruptly ends with another murder. Whether the triad is involved, or an opium smuggling ring operating, the police and her long-standing Chinese paramour warn Miss Fisher not to become involved. Stereotypically unheeded advice!
With investigating mysteries a family affair, using unorthodox ways to elicit information, even the puzzle of Phryne’s assistant Dot’s conspicuously absent betrothed Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins and a missing female member of a prominent Chinese family, comes together in a satisfying conclusion.
Kerry Greenwood’s turns of phrase are as vividly elegant as her protagonist – not a ‘humble adjective’ in sight. If you’re like Phryne’s tea table ‘ready to bear champagne and canapes at a moment’s notice’ then settle back to savour Miss Fisher’s latest mystery.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for an advanced reading copy.
She has adopted three teens, saved them from the mean streets. The girls, Ruth and Jane, have been sent by their school to volunteer at the Institute of the Blind where they discover irregularities with the accounts and begin enquiries. The lad, Tinker, is set to investigate the threatening messages Miss Fisher is receiving in her letterbox. His idol, the fictional detective Sexton Blake has inspired Tinker to pursue a future in policing, and his efforts are enthusiastic. Phryne has stumbled upon the body of a stabbed Oriental man, a discarded opium pipe and a scream emanating from an abandoned warehouse when visiting her new lover, Jeoffrey, in Williamstown. Jeoffrey’s fellow university lecturer, Hong’s sumptuous birthday party abruptly ends with another murder. Whether the triad is involved, or an opium smuggling ring operating, the police and her long-standing Chinese paramour warn Miss Fisher not to become involved. Stereotypically unheeded advice!
With investigating mysteries a family affair, using unorthodox ways to elicit information, even the puzzle of Phryne’s assistant Dot’s conspicuously absent betrothed Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins and a missing female member of a prominent Chinese family, comes together in a satisfying conclusion.
Kerry Greenwood’s turns of phrase are as vividly elegant as her protagonist – not a ‘humble adjective’ in sight. If you’re like Phryne’s tea table ‘ready to bear champagne and canapes at a moment’s notice’ then settle back to savour Miss Fisher’s latest mystery.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for an advanced reading copy.
October 20, 2025
One of Greenwood’s best. Lively, intelligent, intricately plotted around the central figure of the glamorous Phryne Fisher and her 1920s Melbourne household.
Wonderful escapist fare.
Wonderful escapist fare.
July 23, 2023
In this 22nd entry in the Phryne Fisher series, readers will find three mysteries going on: one involving Melbourne’s insular Chinese community, another dealing with poison-pen letters, and last about some nefarious goings-on at an exceptional school for the blind.
We also meet Phryne’s latest conquest — a staid but incredibly handsome university professor who can’t help but fall under her spell. Miss Fisher has never been particularly chaste, but her lovers seem to take it in stride. An additional treat is how well the three of Miss Phryne’s adopted children exercise their own detective skills. Bravo!
Readers will find this latest novel as clever and funny as author Kerry Greenwood’s usual standard; that is to say, five stars.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
We also meet Phryne’s latest conquest — a staid but incredibly handsome university professor who can’t help but fall under her spell. Miss Fisher has never been particularly chaste, but her lovers seem to take it in stride. An additional treat is how well the three of Miss Phryne’s adopted children exercise their own detective skills. Bravo!
Readers will find this latest novel as clever and funny as author Kerry Greenwood’s usual standard; that is to say, five stars.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2023
Murder in Williamstown is the 22nd entertaining instalment featuring Victoria’s lady private detective Miss Phryne Fisher from Kerry Greenwood.
Much of Phryne’s unconventional household has a mystery of their own to solve in this book. I enjoyed the three puzzles, though unusually there was no common thread between them, and as such the novel felt a little disjointed.
Witty, astute, stylish and provocative, as always, Phryne remains a delight, and her adventures engaging.
Much of Phryne’s unconventional household has a mystery of their own to solve in this book. I enjoyed the three puzzles, though unusually there was no common thread between them, and as such the novel felt a little disjointed.
Witty, astute, stylish and provocative, as always, Phryne remains a delight, and her adventures engaging.
December 7, 2022
This is the first book I have read in this series and it will not be the last, in fact I have started the first book already.
Miss Fisher is a wonderful character to read, she knows her own mind and takes no guff from anyone.
This was a perfect cosy mystery. Set in Australia in the 1920 I loved it from the very start
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review
Miss Fisher is a wonderful character to read, she knows her own mind and takes no guff from anyone.
This was a perfect cosy mystery. Set in Australia in the 1920 I loved it from the very start
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2023
I always love catching up with Phryne and her family (who have finally gotten more space to do their own bit of excellent sleuthing). I could do without her affair with Lin as his wife is expecting now but. Oh well.
As always, this is an expert blending of research and fiction. Ruth and Jane go off investing rumors of fraud at an institute for the blind, while Phryne uncovers opium smuggling and of course a few murders. I love the unique way Greenwood has of making this period come alive, and will always look forward to more adventures of the Fisher household!
*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
As always, this is an expert blending of research and fiction. Ruth and Jane go off investing rumors of fraud at an institute for the blind, while Phryne uncovers opium smuggling and of course a few murders. I love the unique way Greenwood has of making this period come alive, and will always look forward to more adventures of the Fisher household!
*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 16, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I did. But it felt like it had been ghostwritten. The characters felt off, often speaking differently (most notable with Tinker, who's given up calling Phryne 'guv'), or just lacking their usual vivacity. The relationships similarly suffered: Hugh went from being in favour of Dot continuing to work last book, to disapproving of Phryne and being very cold towards her, to suddenly being friendly again at the very end. Camellia is no longer written as Phryne's friend. Li Pen, who I've always loved and was excited to see again, was relegated to "glimpsed chauffeur." Lin Chung and Phryne seem to be moments away from parting ways for good. All of this gave the book both an air of sadness and a sense of being phoned in. I appreciated the idea of the kids getting their own mysteries to solve, but when Jane and Ruth are flatter characters than ever, and Tinker is written to be more and more distant from the family (and suddenly losing interest in Jane), it doesn't strike the same chord.
All in all, it would be nice to see Phryne's world regain its colour and energy, and her friends and family regain their character and bonds with each other. The mysteries themselves don't carry these novels, so when both elements fall flat, it's a disappointment.
All in all, it would be nice to see Phryne's world regain its colour and energy, and her friends and family regain their character and bonds with each other. The mysteries themselves don't carry these novels, so when both elements fall flat, it's a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Definitely better than Daylesford, but not a patch on her earlier books. Some major continuity errors as well…..sloppy editing?
The story itself was ok, but nothing outstanding.
The story itself was ok, but nothing outstanding.
May 15, 2025
I came upon this series when Miss Fisher was originally on Netflix. and I loved it. while the books are a bit different, I can't put them down. this one popped up randomly and I just kept getting drawn in. Totally recommend!
November 25, 2023
An entertaining mystery or three featuring the one-of-a-kind Phryne Fisher, her three adopted children (Jane, Ruth, and Tinker), and her maid Dot. So nice to see Jane and Ruth get their own mystery to solve (involving bookkeeping shenanigans at a school for the blind). Tinker helps Phryne discover the identity of a peeper, while poor Dot needs to know if her steady beau, policeman Hugh Collins has changed his mind about wanting to marry her.
As for Phryne, she's been warned away from investigating the dead Chinese man whose corpse she stumble over while taking a midnight stroll along the beach in Williamstown. She does her best to comply, but events just keep embroiling her in the case.
I always enjoying catching up with Phryne and company. I'll be back, should there be another book.
As for Phryne, she's been warned away from investigating the dead Chinese man whose corpse she stumble over while taking a midnight stroll along the beach in Williamstown. She does her best to comply, but events just keep embroiling her in the case.
I always enjoying catching up with Phryne and company. I'll be back, should there be another book.
November 16, 2023
It's not the best, I reviewed Daylesford saying that there were errors, in the timeline, in the characters and it's worse in this one. Jane's hair, Camellia is a whole new person with a new family, no longer friends with Phryne, Phryne is different. It's like it's a tired old story now which is a shame. The older books are so vibrant. There were some continuity issues from Cocaine Blues to Ballerat, Dot Bryant to Dot Williams, but it wasn't a massive issue. These are. It throws off the whole reading experience and I couldn't wait to finish it and hide it in my bookshelf.
June 18, 2024
It was so odd to read a book set in Australia, I didn’t connect with the characters or the plot, so it wasn’t enjoyable for me, but I can see people really enjoying it!
February 10, 2023
In the previous book in the long and much loved Phryne Fisher series, DEATH IN DAYLESFORD, author Kerry Greenwood felt it was time for the younger members of the Fisher household to do some investigating of their own. Not surprisingly Ruth, Jane and young Tinker turned out to quite the dab hands, and they continue their activities in number 22 in the series - MURDER IN WILLIAMSTOWN.
Whilst the murder, and Phryne's latest dalliance do centre around the Melbourne bayside suburb of Williamstown, there's also an investigation underway at the Blind Institute, courtesy of Ruth and Jane spending time there as part of their school's outreach program. Then there's the strident, and somewhat biblical warning notes being deposited in the Fisher household letterbox, and a peeping tom at Phryne's bedroom window - an investigation commenced by Phryne, and nicely wrapped up by young Tinker, who isn't quite the dab hand at surveillance he'd like to think he is. Meanwhile, in Williamstown, it's not all charming suppers in the house of her latest admirer, Phryne also stumbles upon some very odd goings on in a local warehouse, and a dead body on the waterfront.
Whilst these investigations are all independent of each other, at the centre of nearly all the nefarious goings on in Melbourne at the time of these books, sits Phryne Fisher, along with her sleek car, gorgeous clothes, numerous lovers (always including the married Lin Chung), and the various members of her household. As the younger three step up a bit, Dot and the Butlers do seem to take a little more of a backseat, although Dot's worried that her fiance is developing cold feet, and the Butlers are busy coming up with the perfect refreshments for every guest, including the wife of Lin Chung when she calls asking for Phryne's assistance in the matter of a missing sister, and that aforementioned dead body. The Chinese community in Melbourne at the time being made up of two distinct groups - those of the respectable middle class, and those engaged in more dodgy pursuits. Phyrne's invitation to a magnificent party provides the link between the mysterious Mr Hong, and some of the concerns of the extended Chung family, just as Tinker's surveillance leads to the exposure of some awfully hypocritical behaviour. Meanwhile Jane and Ruth manage to flush a particularly nasty bit of financial shenanigans with only the smallest amount of assistance from Phyrne when it comes to a few loose ends.
I will confess that I read these novels for the sheer entertainment factor (I do miss Stephanie Daniel, who was a frequent participant in long drives as we listened to the audio versions of books 1 - 20 in the series which she voiced before her untimely death in around 2014). And as entertainment, either in the written form or audio they excel. Clever and witty, pacey yet historically accurate (worth reading the author's note in this one to find out about the veracity of the research done and the directions it pulls the author in), these are perfect to while away an evening or two. With a glass of sparkling, or a gin and tonic in hand, feet up, wondering what could have been if only you'd been born in an earlier time, in a different place, with a completely different head of hair, attitude and physical capacity...
The first Phryne Fisher novel, COCAINE BLUES, was published in 1989 - 34 years ago and Ms Greenwood is still writing, here's hoping the health issues she mentions in the aforementioned author's notes are not affecting her too much, and this reader's condolences on the loss of the magnificent Princess of Cats, Belladonna.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Whilst the murder, and Phryne's latest dalliance do centre around the Melbourne bayside suburb of Williamstown, there's also an investigation underway at the Blind Institute, courtesy of Ruth and Jane spending time there as part of their school's outreach program. Then there's the strident, and somewhat biblical warning notes being deposited in the Fisher household letterbox, and a peeping tom at Phryne's bedroom window - an investigation commenced by Phryne, and nicely wrapped up by young Tinker, who isn't quite the dab hand at surveillance he'd like to think he is. Meanwhile, in Williamstown, it's not all charming suppers in the house of her latest admirer, Phryne also stumbles upon some very odd goings on in a local warehouse, and a dead body on the waterfront.
Whilst these investigations are all independent of each other, at the centre of nearly all the nefarious goings on in Melbourne at the time of these books, sits Phryne Fisher, along with her sleek car, gorgeous clothes, numerous lovers (always including the married Lin Chung), and the various members of her household. As the younger three step up a bit, Dot and the Butlers do seem to take a little more of a backseat, although Dot's worried that her fiance is developing cold feet, and the Butlers are busy coming up with the perfect refreshments for every guest, including the wife of Lin Chung when she calls asking for Phryne's assistance in the matter of a missing sister, and that aforementioned dead body. The Chinese community in Melbourne at the time being made up of two distinct groups - those of the respectable middle class, and those engaged in more dodgy pursuits. Phyrne's invitation to a magnificent party provides the link between the mysterious Mr Hong, and some of the concerns of the extended Chung family, just as Tinker's surveillance leads to the exposure of some awfully hypocritical behaviour. Meanwhile Jane and Ruth manage to flush a particularly nasty bit of financial shenanigans with only the smallest amount of assistance from Phyrne when it comes to a few loose ends.
I will confess that I read these novels for the sheer entertainment factor (I do miss Stephanie Daniel, who was a frequent participant in long drives as we listened to the audio versions of books 1 - 20 in the series which she voiced before her untimely death in around 2014). And as entertainment, either in the written form or audio they excel. Clever and witty, pacey yet historically accurate (worth reading the author's note in this one to find out about the veracity of the research done and the directions it pulls the author in), these are perfect to while away an evening or two. With a glass of sparkling, or a gin and tonic in hand, feet up, wondering what could have been if only you'd been born in an earlier time, in a different place, with a completely different head of hair, attitude and physical capacity...
The first Phryne Fisher novel, COCAINE BLUES, was published in 1989 - 34 years ago and Ms Greenwood is still writing, here's hoping the health issues she mentions in the aforementioned author's notes are not affecting her too much, and this reader's condolences on the loss of the magnificent Princess of Cats, Belladonna.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
November 4, 2022
My review of Kerry Greenwood’s newest Phryne Fisher book, Murder in Williamstown is a five. However, my rating of Goodreads itself is a big fat zero. Since the format change, Goodreads seems to be ignoring the Audible version of new books, so I have to mark that I’ve read either the Kindle, hardback, or paperback versions. I’m finding this extremely annoying since I do much of my reading via Audible or Libby these days.
That said, this is a typical Phryne Fisher book: light, easy to read or listen to, engaging, and with a group of characters who grow along with Ms. Fisher. In this book, for example, it is observations by Phryne’s adopted children – Jane, Ruth, and Tinker – that provides the keys to solving several mysteries. What it means in terms of impact is that each time I pick up a new Phryne Fisher mystery I get to visit with a bunch of old friends and (depending on what happens to some of the newcomers) maybe even make some new ones. When you are locked in at home due to health issues, this is one of the best ways to keep from going batsh*t crazy.
The other thing that keeps me coming back for more is Phryne Fisher herself. I first heard of her when PBS imported a series they just called “The Miss Fisher Mysteries,” about an aristocratic lady private investigator who wasn’t anything like the “girl detectives” I grew up reading. Set in Australia in the 1920s, Phryne is the epitome of an independent woman. She has traveled, drives a car, flies a plane, has open relationships with various interesting people, has friends and some relatives who are non-binary, and basically lives life to the tune of her own drummer. Oh, yeah, and she is smart and beautiful on top of it all. Even now, at age 70, I find myself saying I want to be either her or Granny Weatherwax (yes, I am a Terry Pratchett fan) when I grow up.
In this book, there are two major mysteries to be solved – the financial issues that could create a major scandal for a local charity, and the murders of several people involved in illegally importing opium from China to Australia. (Sorry, you have to actually read the book to get to the very satisfying endings.)
If you do decide to take the plunge, this is one series I really recommend reading in order (the first book is called Cocaine Blues), or you will miss the way her chosen family grows. And, quite frankly, I hope you do take the plunge.
That said, this is a typical Phryne Fisher book: light, easy to read or listen to, engaging, and with a group of characters who grow along with Ms. Fisher. In this book, for example, it is observations by Phryne’s adopted children – Jane, Ruth, and Tinker – that provides the keys to solving several mysteries. What it means in terms of impact is that each time I pick up a new Phryne Fisher mystery I get to visit with a bunch of old friends and (depending on what happens to some of the newcomers) maybe even make some new ones. When you are locked in at home due to health issues, this is one of the best ways to keep from going batsh*t crazy.
The other thing that keeps me coming back for more is Phryne Fisher herself. I first heard of her when PBS imported a series they just called “The Miss Fisher Mysteries,” about an aristocratic lady private investigator who wasn’t anything like the “girl detectives” I grew up reading. Set in Australia in the 1920s, Phryne is the epitome of an independent woman. She has traveled, drives a car, flies a plane, has open relationships with various interesting people, has friends and some relatives who are non-binary, and basically lives life to the tune of her own drummer. Oh, yeah, and she is smart and beautiful on top of it all. Even now, at age 70, I find myself saying I want to be either her or Granny Weatherwax (yes, I am a Terry Pratchett fan) when I grow up.
In this book, there are two major mysteries to be solved – the financial issues that could create a major scandal for a local charity, and the murders of several people involved in illegally importing opium from China to Australia. (Sorry, you have to actually read the book to get to the very satisfying endings.)
If you do decide to take the plunge, this is one series I really recommend reading in order (the first book is called Cocaine Blues), or you will miss the way her chosen family grows. And, quite frankly, I hope you do take the plunge.
October 19, 2023
***A big thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.***
I've always had a deep affection for the Phryne Fisher series. Phryne herself is a character of remarkable depth, and the vivid portrayal of life in Melbourne during that era is utterly captivating, even if through a fictional lens.
'Murder in Williamstown' goes beyond Phryne's own escapades. The members of her household evolve into amateur detectives in their own right, with Phryne guiding their research and resolutions.
Amidst all this, Phryne doesn't miss out on her share of fun, embarking on a new relationship with a charming young man, yet ultimately returning to Lin. It's a bittersweet aspect, as there seems to be no long-term future for their relationship. But, let's not dwell on that somber thought and savor her adventures while she's reveling in them.
Ruth and Jane, Phryne Fisher's adopted daughters, take on significant roles as well. Ruth excels in the kitchen and assists the cook, while Jane, with her mathematical prowess, stumbles upon discrepancies in the accounts, leading to a conversation with Phryne about how to proceed. Meanwhile, Tinker aids Phryne in unraveling the mystery of the unsettling notes left in their letterbox.
When Phryne receives an invitation to a party in Williamstown, she decides to attend, accompanied by a male friend. The festivities, featuring dancing, libations, and lively music, promise an evening of top-notch entertainment. However, an unforeseen event abruptly disrupts the party and brings the police into the picture. Can Phryne crack this new puzzle, while Ruth and Jane work to solve their own mysteries?
'Murder in Williamstown' marks the 22nd chapter in the captivating Phryne Fisher series penned by the talented Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. I found it thoroughly engrossing, particularly due to the increased involvement of Ruth, Jane, and Tinker, alongside the usual diligent presence of Dot. Even Cec and Bert make a brief appearance. My adoration for this series continues to grow, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you haven't already, I highly recommend giving it a read.
I've always had a deep affection for the Phryne Fisher series. Phryne herself is a character of remarkable depth, and the vivid portrayal of life in Melbourne during that era is utterly captivating, even if through a fictional lens.
'Murder in Williamstown' goes beyond Phryne's own escapades. The members of her household evolve into amateur detectives in their own right, with Phryne guiding their research and resolutions.
Amidst all this, Phryne doesn't miss out on her share of fun, embarking on a new relationship with a charming young man, yet ultimately returning to Lin. It's a bittersweet aspect, as there seems to be no long-term future for their relationship. But, let's not dwell on that somber thought and savor her adventures while she's reveling in them.
Ruth and Jane, Phryne Fisher's adopted daughters, take on significant roles as well. Ruth excels in the kitchen and assists the cook, while Jane, with her mathematical prowess, stumbles upon discrepancies in the accounts, leading to a conversation with Phryne about how to proceed. Meanwhile, Tinker aids Phryne in unraveling the mystery of the unsettling notes left in their letterbox.
When Phryne receives an invitation to a party in Williamstown, she decides to attend, accompanied by a male friend. The festivities, featuring dancing, libations, and lively music, promise an evening of top-notch entertainment. However, an unforeseen event abruptly disrupts the party and brings the police into the picture. Can Phryne crack this new puzzle, while Ruth and Jane work to solve their own mysteries?
'Murder in Williamstown' marks the 22nd chapter in the captivating Phryne Fisher series penned by the talented Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. I found it thoroughly engrossing, particularly due to the increased involvement of Ruth, Jane, and Tinker, alongside the usual diligent presence of Dot. Even Cec and Bert make a brief appearance. My adoration for this series continues to grow, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you haven't already, I highly recommend giving it a read.
July 22, 2023
I've enjoyed all the previous books that I've read by this author, so I was excited to be approved for a copy of this to review.
This is the new instalment in the Miss Fisher series, which are cosy mysteries set in 1920s Melbourne. I've enjoyed the previous books that I've read from the Miss Fisher series, and I enjoyed this one as well. It was a light, entertaining read, but it was also fast-paced, and I was turning the pages quickly.
I really like Phryne as a protagonist - I like her warm personality, and the way she connects with the other characters. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries and cosy mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This is the new instalment in the Miss Fisher series, which are cosy mysteries set in 1920s Melbourne. I've enjoyed the previous books that I've read from the Miss Fisher series, and I enjoyed this one as well. It was a light, entertaining read, but it was also fast-paced, and I was turning the pages quickly.
I really like Phryne as a protagonist - I like her warm personality, and the way she connects with the other characters. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries and cosy mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
November 5, 2023
The Veuve Cliquot is going flat. The last few Phryne books have been a little uneven for me, but Murder in Williamstown had such odd pacing, and characters not themselves, that it felt as though it had been written by someone who only had Cliff's Notes for the backstory and behavior. Another possibility is that this was a manuscript from earlier in the series that got brushed off and not quite cleaned up enough to remove the continuity issues.
There may be some spoilers.
The main mystery for Phryne involves the Chinese community and a drug ring. Phryne tries to get information from her lover, Lin Chung, but he goes from ignoring her to warning her off. His wife's sister is somehow involved, but neither Lin nor his wife, who has been friendly with Phryne up till now, reach out for help.
Phryne has acquired a mysterious Peeping Tom who is leaving threatening messages to repent of her evil ways. Phryne sets Tucker to investigating, but their interactions feel very distant. Maybe it's because Tucker is almost grown, but she treats him more like she does Bert or Jack than as a member of her household.
Her adopted daughters get their own case, at a local school for the blind, and while it's a bit far-fetched that the school would ask a schoolgirl from another school to review their financial information, it at least makes for an interesting mystery.
Hugh, Dot's fiance, is studiously avoiding both Dot and Phryne. There's an unsatisfactory explanation at the end of the book. His coldness felt unnecessary to me.
Why you should read this book: Even an average Phryne is worth a read.
Why you might not want to: If you've read the early Phryne books, you may find this one a little flat.
3.25/5 stars
I received an advance copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There may be some spoilers.
The main mystery for Phryne involves the Chinese community and a drug ring. Phryne tries to get information from her lover, Lin Chung, but he goes from ignoring her to warning her off. His wife's sister is somehow involved, but neither Lin nor his wife, who has been friendly with Phryne up till now, reach out for help.
Phryne has acquired a mysterious Peeping Tom who is leaving threatening messages to repent of her evil ways. Phryne sets Tucker to investigating, but their interactions feel very distant. Maybe it's because Tucker is almost grown, but she treats him more like she does Bert or Jack than as a member of her household.
Her adopted daughters get their own case, at a local school for the blind, and while it's a bit far-fetched that the school would ask a schoolgirl from another school to review their financial information, it at least makes for an interesting mystery.
Hugh, Dot's fiance, is studiously avoiding both Dot and Phryne. There's an unsatisfactory explanation at the end of the book. His coldness felt unnecessary to me.
Why you should read this book: Even an average Phryne is worth a read.
Why you might not want to: If you've read the early Phryne books, you may find this one a little flat.
3.25/5 stars
I received an advance copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2023
Quite a good book, but I found it a little bit disjointed.
October 19, 2023
The Joire de Vivre of Phyrne!
The Honourable Phyrne Fisher, glamorous private investigator, is visiting Williamstown for a lingering dinner with Jeoffrey Bisset, a rather dishy lecturer in Classics and English. Somehow she finds herself in the midst of unseemly happenings. Phyrne decided not to drive over there but to take the ferry and then train to this out-of-way suburb on the other side of Port Philip Bay. These events include the finding of a smashed opium pipe in the botanical gardens, a scream coming from a warehouse, and then later the drowned body of an unknown Chinese worker.
Back home, Phyrne’s been receiving cards through her letterbox branding her with rather harsh words!
Meanwhile Dot’s worried because Hugh seems so distant. Hmm!
Ruth and Jane are doing well at school and have been assigned to work at the Institute for the Blind over the next couple of weeks as part of their school’s Good Works program. The girls have really flourished. Although Jane has been helping the Institute's accountant and has found something suspicious (of course!)
That’s just for starters.
As always an evening spent with Phyrne has plenty of action, fabulous understatement, and ironic sense of play.
As always the cover art is a delight.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The Honourable Phyrne Fisher, glamorous private investigator, is visiting Williamstown for a lingering dinner with Jeoffrey Bisset, a rather dishy lecturer in Classics and English. Somehow she finds herself in the midst of unseemly happenings. Phyrne decided not to drive over there but to take the ferry and then train to this out-of-way suburb on the other side of Port Philip Bay. These events include the finding of a smashed opium pipe in the botanical gardens, a scream coming from a warehouse, and then later the drowned body of an unknown Chinese worker.
Back home, Phyrne’s been receiving cards through her letterbox branding her with rather harsh words!
Meanwhile Dot’s worried because Hugh seems so distant. Hmm!
Ruth and Jane are doing well at school and have been assigned to work at the Institute for the Blind over the next couple of weeks as part of their school’s Good Works program. The girls have really flourished. Although Jane has been helping the Institute's accountant and has found something suspicious (of course!)
That’s just for starters.
As always an evening spent with Phyrne has plenty of action, fabulous understatement, and ironic sense of play.
As always the cover art is a delight.
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
August 20, 2023
Another charmer from Kerry Greenwood.
It seems strange to use the term world building when referring to a Historical Mystery, but Kerry Greenwood always creates such a lush, full setting that it feels apropos. Phryne’s world has a touch of the ridiculous to it, but it’s such a delight to spend time there that the improbability of much of it doesn’t really register.
I liked the secondary mystery in this one better than the central mystery, though that’s not to say that both aren’t well rendered. The goings on at the school for the blind just proved to be more intriguing, largely because the setting was so well drawn. And I love that Ruth and Jane kind of get their own mini mysteries to solve.
Greenwood is so good with atmosphere no matter where the particular installment of the series is set, and yet the mysteries themselves never seem to suffer as a result, as often happens in this subgenre. And the Author’s Note was—as is always the case with those in this series—a delight to read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
It seems strange to use the term world building when referring to a Historical Mystery, but Kerry Greenwood always creates such a lush, full setting that it feels apropos. Phryne’s world has a touch of the ridiculous to it, but it’s such a delight to spend time there that the improbability of much of it doesn’t really register.
I liked the secondary mystery in this one better than the central mystery, though that’s not to say that both aren’t well rendered. The goings on at the school for the blind just proved to be more intriguing, largely because the setting was so well drawn. And I love that Ruth and Jane kind of get their own mini mysteries to solve.
Greenwood is so good with atmosphere no matter where the particular installment of the series is set, and yet the mysteries themselves never seem to suffer as a result, as often happens in this subgenre. And the Author’s Note was—as is always the case with those in this series—a delight to read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 20, 2022
This is an entertaining story, but has so many internal consistencies with the rest of the Phryne Fisher series, which has the effect of pulling the reader out of the story when these moments happen
February 16, 2025
Phryne Fisher and her household are back in action. There are strange goings-on in Williamstown and Phryne is drawn in when she makes a short trip to the city. While strolling through the local park she discovers a discarded opium pipe. So far Australia has been spared the evils of opium smuggling, but perhaps that's changing. Especially since a police raid (searching for smuggled items) targets her long-time paramour Lin Chung. Since Lin is an honest man, there's nothing to find and the over-eager sergeant who led the raid receives a dressing down. Then when Phryne and her latest young man, Jeoffrey Bisset, are taking a walk along the beach they discover the body of a Chinese man who has been stabbed to death. Are all of these incidents connected? And if so, how? And why are her friendly policemen Jack Robinson and Hugh Collins, as well as Lin Chung warning her off?
Her interest in events is increased when she and Jeoffrey attend a party hosted by Hong, a white man born Thomas Browning who has a great affinity for all things Chinese. There's a definite tension in the air of the party. The girls of the dancing troupe brought in for entertainment most definitely don't want to be there. And then a figure dressed all in black rushes towards Hong, stabs him in full view of the party guests, and rushes out into the night. When Phryne tries to follow, a group of five men bearing weapons block her path and suggest (in Chinese) that she go back and "say nothing."
Meanwhile...Phryne's adopted daughters have, as part of their school assignments, been spending time at the Blind Institute. Ruth, with her love of cooking, is assigned to help out in the kitchen, but Jane, a math whiz, not only assists in the math lessons but is asked by Miss Thomas to give a hand in the business office. Miss Thomas believes that something is very wrong with the accounting, but isn't sure if Mr. Blake (the bookkeeper) is to blame or is being hoodwinked. She'd like Jane to see if she can get to the bottom of it without attracting the attention that a full audit would bring.
And...someone has taken exception to Phryne's lifestyle. She begins receiving anonymous notes mad up of words cut from newspapers labeling her the "Whore of Babylon" and indicating the fate of sinners such of herself. She's not too concerned until one evening she chases off a man who climbs up to her window. So she decides that some investigation is in order. She assigns Tinker the task of finding out as much as he can about the notes and their author.
It was great fun to step back into Phryne's world. I always enjoy visiting with the grown-up's Nancy Drew (as I think of her). I really like watching her adopted children (Ruth, Jane, & Tinker) take on the investigations in the side stories. They are turning into quite the sleuthing team and I can't wait to see where Greenwood takes them next. One small complaint, however--why are all the men (Jack, Hugh, & Lin) all freezing Phryne out? You'd think this was the first time they'd encountered her in a mystery and they didn't know how good she is at detecting. But they've all known her for quite a few years. I understand that the official investigation needs to be kept under wraps, but Jack and Hugh both know that Phryne can be trusted. They could at least be a little warmer in their "Sorry, Miss Fisher, but we just can't tell you anything this time" responses. The tone just seems really off for people who know each other well.
The mysteries are fairly straightforward--not much in the way of suspects and red herrings, so the reader should spot the villains in each case fairly easily. If I weren't so enthusiastic about the cast of characters and Greenwood's writing, I'd probably give this a flat three stars or possibly less if I were rating the mystery factor alone. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Her interest in events is increased when she and Jeoffrey attend a party hosted by Hong, a white man born Thomas Browning who has a great affinity for all things Chinese. There's a definite tension in the air of the party. The girls of the dancing troupe brought in for entertainment most definitely don't want to be there. And then a figure dressed all in black rushes towards Hong, stabs him in full view of the party guests, and rushes out into the night. When Phryne tries to follow, a group of five men bearing weapons block her path and suggest (in Chinese) that she go back and "say nothing."
Meanwhile...Phryne's adopted daughters have, as part of their school assignments, been spending time at the Blind Institute. Ruth, with her love of cooking, is assigned to help out in the kitchen, but Jane, a math whiz, not only assists in the math lessons but is asked by Miss Thomas to give a hand in the business office. Miss Thomas believes that something is very wrong with the accounting, but isn't sure if Mr. Blake (the bookkeeper) is to blame or is being hoodwinked. She'd like Jane to see if she can get to the bottom of it without attracting the attention that a full audit would bring.
And...someone has taken exception to Phryne's lifestyle. She begins receiving anonymous notes mad up of words cut from newspapers labeling her the "Whore of Babylon" and indicating the fate of sinners such of herself. She's not too concerned until one evening she chases off a man who climbs up to her window. So she decides that some investigation is in order. She assigns Tinker the task of finding out as much as he can about the notes and their author.
It was great fun to step back into Phryne's world. I always enjoy visiting with the grown-up's Nancy Drew (as I think of her). I really like watching her adopted children (Ruth, Jane, & Tinker) take on the investigations in the side stories. They are turning into quite the sleuthing team and I can't wait to see where Greenwood takes them next. One small complaint, however--why are all the men (Jack, Hugh, & Lin) all freezing Phryne out? You'd think this was the first time they'd encountered her in a mystery and they didn't know how good she is at detecting. But they've all known her for quite a few years. I understand that the official investigation needs to be kept under wraps, but Jack and Hugh both know that Phryne can be trusted. They could at least be a little warmer in their "Sorry, Miss Fisher, but we just can't tell you anything this time" responses. The tone just seems really off for people who know each other well.
The mysteries are fairly straightforward--not much in the way of suspects and red herrings, so the reader should spot the villains in each case fairly easily. If I weren't so enthusiastic about the cast of characters and Greenwood's writing, I'd probably give this a flat three stars or possibly less if I were rating the mystery factor alone. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up here]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
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