I cannot finish this one. The synopsis is good though!

Like a lot of readers in the U. S., I suspect, I first made the acquaintance of the Honorable Miss Phrynne Fisher by way of the Australian TV series The Miss Fisher Mysteries. It was with great delight, then, that I was able to get a copy of #14 in the book series from Poisoned Pen Press. I can now say without reservation the books are even better than the TV series, and the TV series is wonderful.
I mean, really. How can you not expect great things from a book the opening sentence of which is “The elephant was the last straw.”?
Miss Phrynne has been selected as the eponymous Queen of the Flowers in conjunction with the city’s annual Flower Parade. Simple enough? Right?
Not. Recall who we’re talking about. Nothing in which Miss Phrynne becomes involved is ever simple, and this seemingly innocuous event ends up leading to all kinds of nefarious doings. Even so, underneath the sometimes frenetic adventures runs a serious theme that, sadly, applies to the 21st century as much as to the second decade of the 20th.
I could go on and on about the ongoing characters (all wonderfully individual when they could so easily have been placeholders) and the labyrinthine plot (because in reality nothing is ever as simple as too many mysteries make it seem). I can’t compare this latest addition to the earlier books because I haven’t read them yet.
Yet.
So, I’ll just finish by saying if you’ve seen the TV series, you really need to read the books, because this is one of those rare times when even the adjustments necessary for adaptation haven’t ruined the spirit of the original. If you’ve read the previous books but haven't gotten to this one yet, you’ll love it because it’s Miss Phrynne at her very best. And if you’ve done neither—well, for heaven’s sake, why are you just sitting there? Get on with it.

https://portablesoup.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/review-queen-of-the-flowers-by-kerry-greenwood/

Queen of the Flowers, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries #14, finds the socialite lady detective solving the disappearances of several young ladies. The carnival is in town, bringing old friends; several shady characters are looking for Rose--they are so vile the most vile bar has banned them; and Phryne is slated to be the Queen of the Flowers in the upcoming 1928 Flower Parade. Now, if only the Flower Girls would stop disappearing...

I have been watching the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries on Netflex as entertainment while hand appliqueing in the evening. The books are being published by Poison Pen Press and I thought it would be fun to read one.

Miss Fisher goes on the trail of her missing adopted daughter who had been searching for her birth father. She is also hiding Rose, a girl who nearly drowned, and whose life is threatened. Her investigations bring to light instances of abuse against girls, a professor's double life, and the workings of a gambling ship. Girls fight over a vacuous but angelic looking teen. All the gang appear: Dot and her beau Hugh, Detective Jack Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, and Bert and Cec, and of course the ravishing Lin Chung.

I enjoyed the humorous authorial asides such as "Phryne had rescued the girls from slavery at considerable trouble and expense." When Pyryne checks out a lead and is asked about it she replies that it was "Remarkably like being inside the Castle of Otronto without the giant hand, thought it might have put in an appearance later." I also loved her adage, "Guilt is a useless emotion and not to be indulged in."

I thought the book Phryne is very like the TV show one, well-heeled, confident, and nonplussed in the midst of danger. I did cringe a bit over her willingness to be considered her Chinese lover Linn's concubine ("Phryne, fortunately, liked being an amusement.") and her acceptance of prostitution as a welcomed career for impoverished girls.

It was an enjoyable, light read with wonderful historical ambiance and a definite Australian flair.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

When I grow up, I want to be Phryne Fisher! She is the Queen for sure. These books are so fun and charming.The woman characters and their friendships and mentorships are so awesome to read. A stylish, sexy woman who suffers no fools and lives her life on her own terms. She's someone who would be an awesome friend. It's always a comfort, revisiting Phryne's world. I'd love to see some of these books turned into graphic novels. Colorful pages featuring the amazing clothes and parties of that era. And an adult coloring book selection as well.

I requested this through Netgalley as soon as I saw it because I am a big fan of the TV series!

I was a bit worried before I started reading that it wouldn’t live up to the TV version and would just end up ruining it for me. As soon as I started reading I realised my fears were groundless. The book version of Phryne Fisher is smarter, bubblier, sharper, just more than the TV version.

The characters are very likeable and I just love the descriptions of them. Phryne is an absolute delight to read. I love her independence and her outlook on life.

One of my favourite things about the TV series is the banter between Phryne and Inspector Jack Robinson. I thought I would miss it in the book but I actually like that’s it not there because it seemed to give the character of Phryne more room to breathe.

The tone stays light but the mystery ended up going in a quite dark direction, and Phryne does some decent investigating. I feel it does get a bit convoluted with two different stories going on and a few dips into the past thrown in. There were a few too many coincidences in Ruth’s story and it didn’t make sense why some of the people did the things they did.

I liked the main mystery though, and I found that once I read the first chapter I couldn’t put it down.

This is just like a glass of wine in book format. It’s all bubbles and lightness and the story fizzes along. I love the world the author has created and I will definitely be reading more of the series!

Although I enjoy Phryne Fisher adventures, I'm afraid this one didn't fulfil my expectations. It started off very slowly and had one or two twists that were rather unrealistic. I will continue to read other books in the series though.

Phryne Fisher is an expert at maintaining her cool, calm, collectedness even when things are coming apart. This adventure finds Phryne on the trail of a missing girl. A man from her past, a circus in town, and the upcoming Lady Mayoress's Ball and Flower Parade complicate things enough, to say nothing of a member of her own household going missing in the mix...
I had some differences with Phryne in this instance. It is a rarity. Phyrne's key to keeping her cool is to tackle one problem at a time, not to worry about anything that can't be solved in the present moment, and to maintain one's own sanity in the meantime by keeping up regular naps, eating well, and keeping plenty of cocktails (and at least one lover) ready at hand. I was worried a bit there that she wasn't taking things as seriously as they should be... but, that's probably why Phryne is a successful society detective and I am not! Her methods always pay off.
I liked having some further glimpses into Phryne's past as old friends turned up, and I always love to see how she can efficiently and single-handedly tackle day to day planning that would put anyone else in a tailspin, and yet always find time to sprinkle in some encouragement and words of wisdom to others when needed. Truly there is much to be learned from the unflappable flapper, The Hon. Miss Fisher.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Not sure I can write a review about this as I struggled and gave up

Miss Fisher mysteries are always so good and this was no exception. Read these marvelous books before the movie gets made!

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen for a copy of this book. I have read many Miss Fisher books and so far, this is my favourite. A serious subject for the mystery, but many scenes are very funny due to the scenarios and characters. The author's descriptive skills make me imagine I'm in 1920s Melbourne and I feel as if I know the main characters. This effect has been heightened since I bought and viewed the DVDs. A definite 'must read' recommendation for this book.

The carnival has arrived in 1928 St Kilda, Australia, in this, the 14th installment of this classic series. Magic shows, fortune tellers, tea dances, bazaars, tango competitions, lifesaving demonstrations, lantern shows, circus elephants and picnics on the beach are all part of the festivities.

And who else should be chosen to be the parade’s Queen of the Flowers but the gorgeous, charming and terribly fashionable Honorable Phryne Fisher? But Phryne has her hands full with a flock of wayward teenage girls as her Flower maids. When one of them turns of missing and washes up on the beach, she begins to investigate the victim’s unwholesome family. She is aided by her trusty companion, Dorothy, mates Bert and Cec, detective Jack Robinson and Hugh, and, of course, Mr. Butler.

 But when her adoptive daughter, Ruth, also goes missing, Miss Fisher is determined to let nothing, including gambling kingpins, brothel keepers, street criminals, or the return of a long lost lover, stand in the way of bringing the girl home safely.

This was a particularly entertaining story with interesting characters and fascinating details about life in that time period.

I loved this book! It was classic Phryne Fisher: glamorous, stylish, boozy, adventurous, and extremely fun!
Phryne has been chosen Queen of the Flowers for St. Kilda's first Flower Parade. It is a position surprisingly fraught with danger. One of her young attendants vanishes and Phryne is hired to find her. Her investigation is complicated when her adopted daughter, Ruth, is kidnapped. Phryne's investigation takes her through a circus, a carnival, an exclusive brothel, and a secret gambling boat. And then there are the elephants!
I can't recommend this book, or the whole series highly enough.

I love Kerry Greenwood's books about Phryne Fisher, and how she handles herself in all the situations she is involved in. Going onto the gambling ship meeting the Captain Mr, Walker and then meeting with the head of prostitutes, Professor Merckens. I also like to see the play down of Jack Robinson in Kerry's books over what is on the Australian TV series. I like the series but I hope they play down Jack Robinson because of Lin being Phryne's lover, I would feel the series was a little closer to home. The TV series is also more to what her life is like with regard to her wardrobe and I can envision her with everything Kerry states.

"I will be revenged on the whole pack of them! And so I shall, you mark my words..."

It's always a joy to return to Kerry Greenwood's extraordinary Phryne Fisher series. Her books are always so well-researched and the atmosphere feels so genuine and vibrant, it's a joy to get lost in Phryne's world!

This time, Phryne finds herself in the role of the "Queen of Flowers" in a big parade. But her Flower Maidens are hiding secrets, and when one of them goes missing, Phryne has to investigate. But she is not prepared for the revolting things she uncovers.
In the midst of her investigation, Phryne finds herself becoming acquainted with a man who runs the noblest brothel in town and a charming man who runs an illegal gambling ship, becomes reacquainted with an old lover, and to make things worse, one of her adopted daughters is kidnapped...

Listed like that, it seems like an awful lot to happen, but somehow, it works.
I loved the new additions to the already pretty colorful cast of Phryne's acquaintances, and it was lovely to see more of Ruth for a change. She was always just the little romantic to Jane's more pragmatic and more impressive personality, and I really liked the way her search for her father played out.
I am getting a bit tired of the Lin Chung relationship though. It really has been to long since the independent Phryne has been with anyone else. And I hate the way everyone things of her as Lin's "concubine". I know everyone, even his wife and grandmother, is somehow okay with their relationship, but I wish she would go back to her old ways...

All in all, it was a wonderful addition to what is easily becoming one of my favorite series!

This is one of the better paced Miss Fisher books, not that I haven't enjoyed them all, but Queen of the Flowers is jam packed with storyline and it was a real pleasure to read; the conclusion coming at the end, as it should, as opposed to half way through as sometimes happens.
The attention to detail Kerry Greenwood strives to achieve can sometimes be a bit over the top. I don't really enjoy all the descriptions of food and drink, but I know that many people thrive on those little nuggets so I can understand the author including them.
The descriptions of Orkney were entertaining, as were the more exotic locations.
Over all, a good 5/5 to a thoroughly enjoyable novel.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy of Queen of the Flowers, the 14th outing for 1920s Australian society detective the honourable Miss Phryne Fisher.

It is flower festival time in St Kilda and this year, 1928, Phryne is Queen of the Flowers but it is not all plain sailing. There is dissent in the ranks not only among her teenage flower maidens but also her two adopted daughters, Jane and Ruth. Nobody is saying anything and then one of her flower maidens disappears and Ruth asks to see her birth mother.

This is another fun read. Again Ms Greenwood does not shy away from difficult subjects but she keeps it light with Phryne's breezy style. The mystery is satisfying as I couldn't guess exactly where it was going or how it would turn out and as usual it takes a few unexpected turns.

The novel, however, is all about Phryne. She is fabulously wealthy and able to afford the lifestyle to go with it - money is never an object. She is also regarded as eccentric with her hedonistic lifestyle of plenty of drink and sex. She could be quite hateful but she's also kind, egalitarian and determined to punish man's inhumanity to man. Grr, she's just a wonderful character.

The Queen of the Flowers, if you discount the elephants, is maybe not as exotic as some of Phryne's adventures but it's a fun filled few hours which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.