Raisins and Almonds
by Kerry Greenwood (Allen & Unwin, 1997); audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (ABC Audio, 2010)
Greenwood’s ongoing survey of 1920s Melbourne leads Phryne to investigate its Jewish culture and the interbellum migrant experience (plus a largely incidental murder). The story sweeps along at Miss Fisher’s heels and proves a charming way to learn something of Australian history.
Ruddy Gore
by Kerry Greenwood (McPhee Gribble, 1995)
audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (Bolinda, 2010)
A light mystery that mostly solves itself, under cover of Daniel’s poised audiobook reading and the infectious enthusiasm carried over by Greenwood from her copious research into 1920s Melbourne (especially Chinese immigrant culture), the theatre and Gilbert & Sullivan (Ruddigore in particular).
Death at Victoria Dock
by Kerry Greenwood (Poisoned Pen Press, 1992)
audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (ABC, 2011)
Stephanie Daniel’s audiobook reading lends vivid personality to all the characters; Greenwood’s depiction of interbellum Melbourne society suggests considerable research; yet Phryne herself has become more goddess than investigator. She is adored and feared to the extent of encountering too little resistance.
Murder on the Ballarat Train
by Kerry Greenwood (Penguin, 1991); audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (Bolinda, 2009)
As with ‘Flying Too High’, the mystery is not so much solved as forced to recognise the unstoppable poise and authority of Miss Phryne Fisher. An easy read of historical interest and with characters made even more memorable by the TV series.
Flying too High
by Kerry Greenwood (Penguin, 1990); audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (Bolinda, 2011)
Two fairly straightforward cases (not investigations as such) brought concurrently to heel by the redoubtable Miss Fisher. In prose and plot, this is a simpler novel than Cocaine Blues. Nonetheless it sails along nicely on the strength of its characters and setting.
The Portrait of Molly Dean
by Katherine Kovacic (Bonnier, 2018); audiobook read by Casey Withoos (Wavesound, 2020)
What would have been a hardboiled detective story in 1930s Melbourne (the setting of the murder) turns to a more cosy mystery in 1999 (when art dealer Alex Clayton attempts to solve it). Kovacic’s easy narrative style cannot quite bridge the disparity.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 3
(ABC, 2015)
A fitting conclusion to the trilogy of series. The character arcs run their course without falling into a maddening cycle of fulfilment and denial. The mysteries remain cosy and the Melbourne setting retains its charm. A rare instance of quitting while ahead.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 2
(ABC, 2013)
The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson team up for another series of murder-mystery-solving in 1920s Melbourne. While the characters continue to develop, thankfully their stories don’t intrude too much on the detective work. A diverting, light-hearted period drama.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 1
(ABC, 2012)
A series that stands far better when viewed in its own right, rather than as an adaptation of Kerry Greenwood’s novels. Set in 1920s Melbourne, the mysteries comprise a well-pitched blend of (not-too-)quirky characters, serious crime and light-hearted societal comings and goings.
Cocaine Blues
by Kerry Greenwood (McPhee Gribble, 1989); audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (Bolinda, 2010)
Greenwood evinces as no-nonsense an approach to plotting as does the irrepressible Phryne Fisher to solving mysteries and bucking societal norms. The result is a fast-moving romp through 1920s Melbourne, more worldly than Wodehouse but with a similarly delightful turn of phrase.