Another great Fisher mystery. I highly recommend this series. Go order your copy, you will not be disappointed in the least!

Book – The Green Mill Murder (Miss Phryne Fisher #5)
Author – Kerry Greenwood
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 173
Cover – Cute
POV – 3rd person, multi-POV, omni-present
Would I read it again – No
Genre – Historical, Crime, Australian, Murder Mystery
Content Warning – shell-shock, gay relationships, PTSD, graphic details of war


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


For a while, I thought this was going to be my favourite of the series so far, then it flipped on its head and became my least favourite of the series so far.

It started by getting straight to the murder on page one, but at the same time, it also immediately started with formatting issues and page numbers, the author's name, and random numbers appearing halfway through paragraphs, scenes, and pages. Instead of the usual page break, there was a repeated appearance of '999', which I assume was a badly/miss-formatted scene break.

The first half of the book was great; it felt fresh, well written, with an intriguing murder case to solve, and plenty of interesting characters. Then, for no reason I can see, halfway through it became something completely different. It began to change the moment Phryne admitted that she knew who the killer was at 50% and wasn't going to tell anyone. She flew off for a week, to search for a missing PTSD-riddled soldier, who she admitted should have been left alone. In the end, all her visit resulted in was the signing of legal papers that could have been sent to him in another way, and yet another love affair that wasn't necessary. It really frustrated me that Phryne views every man she sees as either “yes, I'll sleep with him” or “No, I'm not interested” – even going to visit this self-isolated person, this self-exiled man, who is riddled with PTSD from the war and wants nothing but to be alone and surrounded by silence, yet when Phryne goes to visit him, we get this little gold-mine of self-importance: “One of the goodies she had brought along was her diaphragm. One never knew.” I literally rolled my eyes at this. The more I read about Phryne, the more I see that she's only ever interested in sex, that she's self-absorbed, self-obsessed, and obsessed with sex. She's all ego, very little actual investigative skill, and buys most of her clues through Cec and Burt, or gets them through pillow talk.

There were long, laborious pages and chapters about flying and scenery that weren't necessary and that I ended up skimming after a while. It ruined the good points of the first half of the book, drifting into endless and often pointless mass dumps of description about the mountains, the weather, flying, and sexcapades that weren't needed to show that Phyrne was a modern woman. And, while I appreciate a semi-positive showing of gay men, I did find that they were stereotyped.

Honestly, at this point, I feel like I've given the series a good run, a decent attempt, and an opportunity to improve. For me, it's only gotten worse with each book. If I wasn't bound to complete the series for review, I doubt I would have even bothered to get this far, but I certainly wouldn't go further. The fact that the book ends with Phryne willing to let a killer and an accomplice go free, just because she didn't like the victim, really rubbed me up the wrong way. She was willing to let an accomplice go free because she slept with him. She let a killer remain free for an entire week, while she went off to fly to see Vic, with no idea and no care if anyone else got hurt in her absence, because she didn't speak up. She knew who the killer was at 45%, yet did nothing until 90%.

~

1920's Melbourne must have been a thrilling place to live. Part exhilaration, part danger. And amongst it all the divine Phryne Fisher. Another Kerry Greenwood mystery to savour.

I found this book hard to get into initially but I liked how the murder was introduced early on. I thought the story as a whole wasn't as cohesive as the others in the series but the characters were still engaging and I love the setting and time period.

I always scoop up any Phryne Fisher book I can find and this one was no disappointment. My thanks to Kerry Greenwood for another exciting mystery!

I read this book when it was first released back in 2007.

I watch Phryne Fisher on TV and love the show, the show is based off these books but some of the characters have been changed a little from the books. None the less i've been enjoying the books just as much as the tv show. I've not read the books in order and i've found i don't seem to be missing much, but if you haven't watched the tv show it might be an idea to at least start with book one.

In this book Phryne happens to be at a dance when a murder happens, this then leads her to look into various people and their dark pasts. She has to investigate a few other side cases during this book which detract slightly from the main story. I had guessed who the murdered was part way through the book but that might be because i'd watched the episode at some point and it was lodged in my brain.

I enjoyed the different views of rural and city Australia in the 1920's that we got to see in this book, you forget that Australia has only been colonised for a very short period of time but this book brings some of that clearly home to the reader. As usual Phryne gets to seduce someone, she detests a lot of the characters, her created family make appearances along with Detective Jack Robinson, and she gets to risk her life in her aeroplane. A typical Phryne Fisher murder mystery! Apart from this time she gets to meet the most hilarious wombat, i don't think i've seen such moments of humour in these books.

Overall this is a great series of historical murder mysteries that aren't too taxing on the brain or too gory. There is a fair amount of sex scenes but they don't go too far in the detail. I recommend this series if you want something nice and light to read maybe on holiday, or between heavier books.

Let's see, what was my history with Miss Fisher before this book … I adore the Corinna Chapman series, and was surprised and impressed by [book:Out of the Black Land], set in ancient Egypt. I did not, however, much enjoy the first Phryne Fisher novel, [book:Cocaine Blues], for some reason. I think it was just discomfiture with the utterly unique and I-don't-careness of Miss Fisher, and her way of breezing in, solving things, sleeping with any attractive man, and breezing out. Still, loving the author, I stocked up on all the books, and have been nabbing them as often as possible on Netgalley. Oh, and I have been loving the Australian TV series, which is QUITE different in some ways. Looking for something reliable and quick, I landed on [book:The Green Mill Murder], and – sure enough. I'm a convert.

Phryne Fisher is marvellous.

Kerry Greenwood, too.

I have to get this out of the way first: I've not read the three books in between Cocaine and Green Mill, so I don't know how the novels treat the relationship between Miss Fisher and Robinson ("Call me Jack"), but in the TV series Jack doesn't say "ain't" and doesn't use double negatives. This is not that Jack. That took some getting used to. I missed him. (I was also a bit startled by the appearance of a Mrs. Butler, but not in a bad way.)

And much as I enjoyed the episode based on this book, I’m kind of happy to say I enjoyed the book more. Characters' motivations were clearer, and the extra time I got to spend with them was appreciated. And there was no wombat in the episode.

The adventure into the Australian Alps and Phryne's time there (note the tap-dancing to avoid spoilers) were wonderful. "I've got a dog and a horse and all the silence in the world." I want that … I really want that, "Lovely and high and far away".

Oh well.

I always seem to learn something from these books; the origins of the words "jazz" and "ragtime" here are nice little bonus tidbits. And I'd never heard of a baby car before – by heck, they were smaller than Mini Coopers, and much as I want one of those I've never been sure I'd feel safe in one.

It's wonderful to have all those Phryne Fishers waiting for me.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.

Review was declined. Thank you for the opportunity.

Even if you’ve never read any of Miss Fisher’s previous mysteries before, but you know who she is because of the TV show, you’ll enjoy it a lot. It had a good plot and a lot of her wit and it moves along at a really good pace. It had some action, interesting characters you like a lot. So when you get a chance, check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

I first came in contact with Miss Phryne through the tv series. I don’t know why, I had a feeling it was going to be a silly show, but since it’s the 1920s and since it’s mystery, I decided to give it a go. I fell in love.

So when I got the chance to read one of the books through NetGalley, I immediately grabbed it. Once again, I was initially put off (it wasn’t the first book in the series and at the beginning I had a hard time getting into it), but then a fell in love all over again.

There is really a lot to love about this series. First of all, Miss Phryne Fisher is a fantastic character: haughty and elegant, but also good-hearted and generous. Clever, educated, self-confident, but also insecure enough to make her not really a superhero.
The cast of characters around her is equally endearing, very easy to love all of them in their own way. This was a huge winning point for me.

The era reconstruction is absolutely outstanding, one of the best I’ve read. It is plain clear this author did a lot of research and – this is the tricky part – integrated them into the story seamlessly. Greenwood’s 1920s world is vivid, real, and still different enough that you know it is not the world we’re living now. Still she depicts it in such natural tones you can’t help feel you’re there.

The mystery was clever and well constructed as well as the investigation. I even like the romantic parenthesis Phryne takes at some point, though that went on for a little bit too long for me (but hey, I’m not particularly fond of romances, so…). I really liked the connection with WWI, which – like all the rest – was integrated beautifully in the story.

It’s a great series. Read it!

The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood is the fifth book in The Phryne Fisher Mystery series. Phryne Fisher is out dancing the Green Mill with Charles Freeman. A forty-eight-hour dancing marathon is winding down with just two couples left on the floor. Phryne is enjoying the music of Tintagel Stone and the Jazz Makers (they are without their singer, Nerine, though). Phryne is dancing with Charles to “Bye Bye Blackbird” when a man collapses on the floor behind her. The man did not fall down from exhaustion. He appears to have been stabbed in the chest. The police are called and soon Detective Jack Robinson arrives on the scene. He is, of course, not surprised to see Phryne on hand. Phryne hangs out with the band while waiting her turn to be questioned (and manages to ask some probing questions of her own). Charles who was quite squeamish at the sight of a body, bolted off towards the gent’s room. When it is finally time for Phryne to leave the dance club, Charles has failed to return. Charles has disappeared which does not bode well especially for Phryne who will have to explain to Charles’ overanxious mother. Charles fails to return home to his mother by the next morning, and Phryne is hired to locate him. After some investigation, Phryne discovers that the older Freeman son, Victor is not dead. Mrs. Freeman now wishes Phryne to locate both of her sons. Phryne will take to the skies in her Gypsy Moth Rigel to get the answers Mrs. Freeman seeks. Join Phryne on her latest adventure in The Green Mill Murder.

The Green Mill Murder is well-written, has a wonderful (and engaging) main character, and a beautiful setting. I appreciate and enjoy the other characters as well (Mr. Butler, Dot, Bert, Cec and especially Jack). I loved the complex mysteries and the unique method of murder (the writer came up with a good one this time). There was more than one case for Phryne to solve in this novel. She ends up having to find an errant husband and help the dance competition winners get their prize. I give The Green Mill Murder 4.25 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Green Mill Murder has blackmail, murder, a romantic liaison, two missing people (well, technically one is hiding), a jazz band, and a high-flying adventure. The readers are also provided descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous clothes and the scenery she views from her airplane. I loved the addition of the fun-loving wombat who loves potatoes (thankfully). I look forward to reading the next book in The Phryne Fisher Murder Mysteries.

I received a free E Arc from Netgalley.

This is the third Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries book that I've read and I think, the most enjoyable to date. It is filled with the glamour of Jazz clubs in Australia in the late 1920's and the quieter moments of how men dealt with the aftermath of World War I (a theme often to be found in these books and one that is always handled compassionately), and as such takes the reader away from the city and into the hinterland of Australia and its vastness.

The murder mystery is intriguing enough to keep you interested until the end, although, as so often with these books, the solving of the mystery is never as straight-forward as it could be, and neither is it the author's only intention. The portrayal of 1920's Australia is also a very important element of the books - the glitz, the glamour and the seedier side as well.

I am definitely a firm Miss Fisher fan and will continue to read the books even though I've now watched all the TV episodes (which I must also say, often slightly veer away from the books and therefore provide even more enjoyment.)

Phryne flies high!

Phryne is attending a dance marathon at a jazz club with 'a tedious but socially acceptable escort', Charles Freeman. Tintagel Stone the band leader leader and banjo player has a delectable pair of blue eyes. The last two marathon couples are exhausted but still dancing. One stumbles and falls--never to rise again. Phryne is flung headlong into murder, blackmail, missing persons, and a brief liaison--or two, although lamenting from time to time her anarchist lover met in Death at Victoria Dock.
The story ranges from St Kilda to the Australian Alps. Flying with Phyrne in her Tiger Moth through that area, up through Mansfield and on to Mount Howitt plains were highlights of the story. Having walked some of this area I was instantly transported back there, to the sights, smells and sounds. Thank you Kerry Greenwood! As Phyrne reflects when walking to a hut, 'this cold wilderness was utterly unfamiliar, but it did not feel hostile, just indifferent to her fate. If she fell off this path and was broken into a hundred pieces nothing up here would be one whit interested.'
Here are places where some find solace and others inspiration. The descriptions of this part of the world and the people, priceless! As Phyne says, 'they did not talk much and therefore liked to give every word its proper weight. She reflected that a writer might find this touching. Words were seldom given the respect they deserved.' (I loved this last sentiment)
The war references--Gallipoli and Pozières, and the effect of these battles on the veterans as always are stark reminders of the costs paid.
Enjoyable as always.

A NetGalley ARC
(February 2017)

Phryne Fisher is doing one of her favourite things dancing at the Green Mill (Melbourne's premier dance hall) to the music of Tintagel Stone's Jazz Makers, the band who taught St Vitus how to dance. And she s wearing a sparkling lobelia-coloured georgette dress. Nothing can flap the unflappable Phryne especially on a dance floor with so many delectable partners. Nothing except death, that is.

The dance competition is trailing into its last hours when suddenly, in the middle of Bye, Bye, Blackbird a figure slumps to the ground. No shot was heard. Phryne, conscious of how narrowly the missile missed her own bare shoulder, back, and dress, investigates. This leads her into the dark smoky jazz clubs of Fitzroy, into the arms of eloquent strangers, and finally into the sky, as she follows a complicated family tragedy of the great War and the damaged men who came back from ANZAC cove.

Phryne flies her Gypsy Moth Rigel into the Australian Alps, where she meets a hermit with a dog called Lucky and a wombat living under his bunk .and risks her life on the love between brothers."

These books are enjoyable, entertaining, and well worth reading.

As always Kerry Greenwood plots a well written, crafted mystery, with a good set of characters. With historical settings, that make you want to find out more about that time period.

This reprint edition is published by Poisoned Pen Press, and is available in hardback, paperback, Kindle/e-book and audio download.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Poisoned Pen Press and download via NetGalley.

The Green Mill Murder

by Kerry Greenwood

I am delighted to belatedly discover that Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries were novels before they were films. Usually I find that in such cases the book is better than the movie. This is true in The Green Mill Murder which is the fifth in the series by this prolific, award winning Australian author. I should add, however, that I have very much enjoyed the films and having seen them added to my ability to visualize the setting and beautiful dresses and accessories that the heroine, Phryne Fisher, wears.

Phryne Fisher is quite a character. She is rich, but down to earth. She shares her wealth and offers personal help to those in need. Her morals are outrageous (in the 1920’s); and although she is clearly a lady, she never lets her gender limit her actions.

The Green Mill Murder has a basic mystery: a man is killed by unknown means in a dance hall during the waning hours of a dance marathon in plain sight. Phryne is there and so is able to help the detective Jack with his investigation. In the process, several more mysteries arise, which include issues of a missing husband, blackmail, and inheritance.

I so enjoyed this mystery starring a witty private investigator who can conceal a flask or a small gun as needed in a sexy outfit one day and fly a Gipsy Moth the next. The Australian English (e.g. collywobbles) and the 1920’s laws and customs add to the interest.

Phryne’s independence is exhilarating, and I look forward to more of her adventures. Greenwood says she will keep writing Miss Fisher mysteries as long as readers want more. Currently there are twenty mysteries in this series, thirteen of which have been made into movies for television.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery & Thrillers

Notes: There were various earlier publications of this book

Publication of Current Edition: February 7, 2017--Poisoned Pen Press

Memorable Lines:

“She enjoys bad health, Dot. the woman hasn’t been well since 1915, and she’s as strong as a horse.”

Vic had been delightful, but he and his surroundings were a passion to be indulged in sparingly, like absinthe, which sooner or later sent the drinker mad.

“Oh, how clean I am and how lovely hot water is! Great invention. No wonder the Romans ruled the world.”

I have a thing for female aviators. Who doesn’t? Especially those from the 1920s. I met Phryne Fisher in Cocaine BLues long ago, so when I saw another installment of her adventures, with her dressed up in aviator togs on the cover, I just had to read it.
Phryne Fisher is her usual self. Fearless, carefree, and quite the femme fatale. She’s dancing the night away in a Melbourne hotel when someone drops dead at her feet. Phryne suspects the jazz band that’s playing. She hooks up with one of them and there’s some jazz history thrown in for lovers of the jazz and blues era. Phryne unofficially investigates and also takes on another case, that of her missing date, and then yet another missing person.

The Australian setting, and Victoria in the 1920s is different and enchanting. Purists might be shocked by what she gets up to in her spare time. So this book is Victorian, sans Victorian hangups. And that’s a poor pun if there ever was one. I enjoyed reading about Phryne’s airplane, and the way she soars into the sky. Fuel is sent on ahead a few days before her trip so that she will have it when she lands at a certain place to refuel. The whole village comes to greet her when she lands, and they offer her tea. Now how cute is that? Can you see that happening today?

I had no idea there were Australian Alps. But it seems there is such a mountain range and there was even a Gold Rush over there. One of the reasons I love reading is to find out new things. I found out a fair number in the Green Mill Murder.

If you like a good mystery and a heroine who has a flair for adventure with a devil may care attitude, this book is a must read for you.

This wasn't the best book of the Miss Fisher books. There was very little character development and the mystery was a bit predictable. I would recommend this series to those who are new to the series.

The Green Mill Murder finds Phryne enjoying a night out dancing at a jazz club, where she is once again thrown into the middle of a murder investigation when someone drops dead during a dance marathon.

We also get to see Phryne testing out her flying skills when she flies her Gypsy Moth on a quest to unravel a mystery that started at the end of the Great War.

As always, I can't get enough of Phryne, and I could not recommend this series highly enough. 4 stars!

Kerry Greenwood’s The Green Mill Murder features the insouciant series detective Phryne Fisher. It is the fifth in the series so Phryne’s character is well-established. The story begins at a jazz club when one of the men competing in a dance marathon nearing its 48th hour is killed–murdered. Phryne, who is alway on the spot when murder is afoot, actually trips over his body. She is a good witness for detective Jack Robinson, pretty much eliminating everybody.

Her date rushes off, nauseated by the blood, and disappears into the night. This is certainly suspicious behavior, especially when he is still missing, in hiding, the next day. His mother hires Phryne to take the case, to prove her son Charles did not kill the victim and while she’s at, perhaps look for her elder son who seems to have disappeared several years ago. She was quite happy about it at the time, but now it’s inconvenient.

I have watched the Miss Fisher series and love Phryne for her vivacity, her generosity, her open-minded acceptance of people as they are. She’s quite the lovely Jazz Age woman. That some of her attitudes are a bit anachronistic is fine with me. And how exciting that she has a GoGirl™ way back then. I checked, because that is just who I am, and sure enough a female urination device was patented in 1922.

The Green Mill Murder is fair. I figured it out the who, how, and why of the murder fairly quickly, certainly before Phryne said she had twigged it, but that is not the whole story. There are other plots afoot, also fair. Many things must resolve before there is anything resembling a happy ending. I don’t know that my idea of a happy ending meshes with Phryne. I think she made a mistake for the sake of true love that could have disastrous consequences for someone else, someplace else, that Phryne will probably never know about. I disagree with her choice, in fact, I would not have delayed the revelation of the murderer and the arrest to go off on searching for the missing brother. I would have been calling Robinson immediately, but then I am not a fictional siren solving murders while charming men and women across the continent.

The Green Mill Murder will be released February 7, 2017. I was provided an advance e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.

★★★★