Murder and Mendelssohn, the most recent in this series featuring the Honorable Phryne Fisher, was published in 2013. I had sadly come to the conclusion that there would be no more when author Kerry Greenwood released No. 21, Death in Daylesford. Phryne fans, rejoice!

In this installment, Greenwood narrates two investigative threads: one features Tinker, Jane and Ruth join Sergeant Hugh Collins in investigating the death of a classmate. Meanwhile, Phryne and her maid Dot Williams have their hands full with the disappearance of women and a series of murders at the spa town of Daylesford, Victoria. Needless to say, Phryne figures it out, but what a lovely ride it proves. Highly recommended.

And Ms. Gteenwood, please don’t keep us waiting another eight years for No. 22!

I must admit, I saw this book on net galley and instantly requested it because of the cover... and then impulsively bought the book because I wanted it for my own collection. So I was able to enjoy this beautiful book in all its physical glory, and let me tell you I thought it was amazing. I am typically more of a fantasy reader, but there is something about Kerry Greenwood's writing style that made me forget this was out of my norm...it was just that good. I thought that the whole concept of the book was absolutely gripping. I am someone that has gotten pretty good at figuring out mysteries and who committed crimes, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that I was surprised for once. I have been wanting to read more historical fiction and I truly think that I found my new go to author. Also I know that this was set back in 1920's but I fell in love with this version of Australia. Also I would like to take a moment just to talk about how brilliant the character Phryne Fischer is.... she truly just such a strong and brilliant character, and someone who felt simultaneously ahead of their time, and also someone who encapsulated the time period perfectly. I will be buying more from this series/author that's for sure!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This is the first Phryne book I have read, although I'm a huge fan of the TV series.
Phryne goes on a working vacation and encounters an extra mystery! Meanwhile, everyone who is still at home has another suspicious death to solve - one of the girls' schoolmates.
The author's trademark style carries both plots along while painting a vivid picture of Australia in the 1930s.
I was interested in the feminist subplots, and as usual with a well-written historical story, I wonder how much of the attitudes displayed by the characters are really true-to-life.
Perfect for fans of the TV show, and fans of historical cosies.

Terrific new Phryne Fisher mystery with a twist: all the members of Phryne's extended family become involved in their own mysteries. Following the clues as they solve the intriguing crimes makes for a wonderful read and so very nice to have the whole group in action throughout the book. Welcome back, Phryne! Don't stay away so long this time. Highly recommended.

Phyrne Fisher is looking for respite from the big city, and when she is invited to visit a spa inm the village of Hepburn Springs she jumps at the chance. Captain …. Has turned the spa into a treatment center for soldiers of the Great War who are suffering from shell-shock. Phyrne’s own experience as a nurse in that war makes her want to do what she can to help the doctor in his mission.
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She and her companion Dot make their home base with friends in their charming guesthouse. They dine at the cozy Temperance Hotel, befriending sisters Annie and Jesse, who run the place owned by their lazy and belligerent uncle. Phyrnne quickly becomes aware that all the young men in the town of Daylesford are infatuated with the exquisitely beautiful Annie, but it doesn’t turn her head.
Phryne’s plan to relax is promptly overturned when she learns that several women in the area had vanished, and three young men are murdered. The methods vary, but all occur in broad daylight with many witnesses and a plethora of suspects. The common link: all three were staunch admirers of the lovely Annie. Phryne knows she is matching wits with a clever, bold, and ruthless killer, and she suspects that person is not yet done.
Back in Melbourne, Phryne’s young wards, Jane, Ruth, and Tinker have a mystery of their own to solve. One of their classmates, Claire, has died under suspicious circumstances. The acting detective, a poor substitute for Inspector Jack Robinson, who’s off on special assignment, settles immediately on Claire’s uncle as the only suspect. The trio thing he’s wrong. Hugh Collins, Robinson’s by-the-book sergeant, agrees with them, and with his guidance they set out to find the truth.

This is Greenwood’s sixty-fifth novel, and the quality remains as high as ever. All the characters, many of whom have become beloved to the reader, are sharply drawn and fully fleshed out. Phryne is a heroine for the ages, smart, sexy, fun-loving, a woman ahead of her time who lives life on her own terms. The setting in post-war Australia adds richness and color to the story

Phryne and Dot take a break from St Kilda and heads off to the spa town of Daylesford where she's quickly enmeshed in missing women, murder, and spousal abuse yet still manages to fit in seduction.

Kerry Greenwood shows our beloved cast of characters growing and changing through their relationship with the indomitable Miss Fisher. This volume of the series shows that Tinker, Ruth and Jane are growing up and using their unique interests to solve crimes in St. Kilda, even without Phryne around. The kids, with a little help from Mr. Butler solve a murder on their own, which helps out Hugh who's in turn out on a special assignment of his own. And we see Dot NOT going to Mass, and living to tell the tale. I can't wait to see her upcoming nuptials in a following volume. I mean it - I CANNOT WAIT!

4.4/5

What a pleasure it is to settle down to enjoy another outing with Phryne, Dot and the rest of our favorite characters. This is almost a two in one as we follow Phryne and Dot on a week long vacation to a country spa in Hepburn Springs at the invitation of Captain Spenser who runs a spa for WWI vets. What does the Captain want from Phryne? Turns out there is lots to investigate, including murder committed in plain sight.
While Phryne and Dot are tracking down a killer, back home Jane and Ruth, Phryne's adopted daughters, are solving their own case of who killed one of their classmates as they work with Tinker. The police are clueless hence the independent investigating. Both mysteries are excellent from start to finish.
Even though this is the 21st of the series, it works as a stand alone. Just be warned, reading just one mystery in this delightful series is not enough. Every one is a well written puzzle with wonderfully developed characters that become old friends of the reader as the series continues.
My thanks to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

You can never go wrong when picking up a Phrynne Fisher book! You know you will get great characters, sharp dialogue and a challenging mystery. This book continues the pattern for loyal readers while also providing a great entry piece for new fans.

If I see Phyrne anywhere, I am definitely there to grab the book, the clip the whatever. I find her innate style, her grace, her manner so very appealing and this book did not detract from any of that, alongside the faithful Dot.
Jack is still only a glimmer on the horizon but he can wait!

The story set in Daylesford a spa town and supposed to be a holiday for Phyrne is really a busman's holiday. Thrown headlong into mystery (and murder) Phyrne unravels everything in a delightful manner much to the annoyance of the local constable. There is a mystery of disappearing women, and then there is a series of murders almost right in front of everyone.
On the other side of Victoria, Phyrne's three wards are solving a mystery of their own under the guidance of Hugh Collins.

Loved the style of writing, as well as all the characters that went into making this story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
I loved the Phryne Fisher tv series and I watched it twice completely before it was taken off Netflix but this is the first time I read a book about this lady detective.
I really enjoyed the mystery: Phryne and her companion Dot are going to the countryside for a couple of days but soon they are surrounded by mysteries. Of course, Phryne wouldn’t be Phryne if she did not try to solve them.
In the meantime, her adopted family is trying to solve the mysterious death of a young girl as well.

I have to say, I didn’t really mind for this secondary mystery plot line. I never liked when we switched from Phryne and Dot’s storyline to Hugh’s and Tinker’s.

In my mind I saw the actors and actresses from the tv series the whole time wile I read this book, which I really liked. It only shows how well the book and cast match.

Enjoyably different!

Detective Inspector Jack Robinson, friend and stalwart figure in Phryne Fisher’s life, a fixed presence who is frequently involved in a love/hate tussle with her, is on secondment investigating a highly hush hush operation that goes to the upper echelons of the police.
Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, finds himself with a replacement boss who is rather ineffective yet, Oh So sure of himself. Hugh determines that he might have to quietly go his own way in investigative matters. Hugh is Phryne's personal assistant Dot’s intended.
Hugh is living at Phryne's for the moment. Jane and Ruth, Phryne’s adoptive daughters are concerned about a missing school chum. Tinker, another edition to the Fisher household, meanwhile has met up with Cec and Bert down at the wharves after school where they’re fishing for eels. They find a body in the water.
As all this is occurring Phryne and Dot have motored up to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs (sort of north from Melbourne) to visit a sanatorium supporting WW1 shell shocked service personnel. It turns out puzzling things have happened in the area. Accidents are more than they seem and center around a local pub, The Temperance, and a very appealing barmaid. And it seems three women have gone missing in the area.
Phryne is still enamoured with her lover Lin, but the head of the sanatorium is an attractive man.
Excitement and puzzling occurrences are on the agenda for all, from the crew at home in St Kilda, and Phryne and Dot in spa country.
Another enjoyable yet perplexing Phryne Fisher mystery. She faces an illusive, careful and dangerously clever opponent.
BTW I do love the very stylish cover, just like Phryne!

A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley

Phryne Fisher returns to dazzle us again in another adventure. While Phryne is away solving murders at a spa with Dot, her kids and Hugh have a mysterious death to figure out at home. It’s a fun romp as always! Thanks #netgalley for the advanced copy.

Welcome back Phryne and Dot! A new novel with these beloved characters is always cause for rejoicing. This time, Phryne and Dot make their way to a spa for recovering WWI soldiers. It may sound like a peaceful retreat but series regulars know that mayhem is sure to follow, along with a resolution by the end of the novel.

Readers who enjoy fashion, wit and spas are sure to love this latest entry in the series. After reading this, many will look for other titles by Ms. Greenwood or they may want to watch the Miss Fisher mysteries on Acorn TV. Whichever way readers choose to encounter Phryne, they can’t go wrong.

Also note the gorgeous cover of this novel. The artwork is magnificent and Miss Fisher shines.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

This 21st instalment in Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher series is as fabulous as ever!
The Hon. Phryne Fisher, accompanied by the ever-faithful Dot, accepts an invitation to visit the dashing but mysterious Captain Herbert Spencer in Hepburn Spa, near the town of Daylesford in Victoria's thermal region. Captain Spencer runs a rehabilitation facility for shell-shocked returned WW1 servicemen, utilising the famed mineral waters of the area. Phryne and Dot stay at the comfortable Mooltan House, and - true to form - are immediately drawn into several local intrigues.
A local young man is killed in an apparent accident at the Daylesford Highland Gathering, as Phryne and Dot look on. Days later, they're also present when a second man collapses and dies at a dance in a church hall. Phryne suspects murder, and notes that both young men were suitors of Annie Tremain, the stunningly beautiful but innocent barmaid at the Temperance Hotel. Also piquing Phryne's detective interest is the fact that several local married women have disappeared from their homes in the Daylesford area over recent months - have they met with foul play, or is there an alternative explanation?
Meanwhile, back in Melbourne, the remaining members of Phryne's household have a mystery of their own to solve. Tinker, while catching up with Cec and Bert at the docks, has discovered the body of a young woman floating in the water. She's soon identified as Claire Knight, a schoolfriend of Ruth and Jane's who'd been reported missing from her home. Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins is staying at Phryne's St. Kilda home to keep an eye on Tinker and the girls, and puts all three unofficially to work in determining what happened to Claire. It seems they've each absorbed a variety of skills from their benefactress!
This was a highly entertaining read, with several intertwining mystery plotlines and plenty of historical and artistic detail, particularly as regards Phryne's fabulous sartorial choices. Several of Kerry Greenwood's creative similes had me laughing out loud. The central characters are all in sterling form, with the exception of Jack Robinson, who makes only a brief appearance in the concluding chapter. The cast of supporting characters, based both in Melbourne and in the spa region, are well developed and interesting. Greenwood explores many themes around women's rights, social and gender inequality and even competing religious denominations. She skilfully intertwines into the narrative many descriptive and historical details of one of south-eastern Australia's most visually stunning regions.
Death in Daylesford is another triumph for Kerry Greenwood, and I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending it, both to existing aficionados of the series, and those who are yet to discover its delights.
My thanks to the author Kerry Greenwood, publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Death in Daylesford by Kerry Greenwood is anther of her wildly successful Phryne Fisher Mysteries. It is difficult to put into words how enjoyable this book was. Aside from having several mysteries to solve, it is written in more formal English with a variety of upscale vocabulary, some Australian and some not. It turns the brain on to read about Phryne's and Dot's adventures because her mysteries are of a higher level than those of many cozies and there are always several in any story. This book was all about women: women who have chosen to love other women; women who have chosen to leave abusive relationships; women who are choosing to live traditional lives, if circumstances allow; and, of course, Phryne, who continues to live as she chooses. It is a feminist novel without hitting one over the head with it. This makes it all so exceptional.

Phryne and Dot are off to the country for a vacation week and also to visit a spa where a man is treating soldiers who have returned from war suffering from shell shock. He is being successful and has invited Phryne to convince her to make a donation. Along the way Phryne becomes engrossed in several other mysteries: wives are disappearing; suitors of a particularly lovely young woman are dying (or being murdered?); and a young woman disappears. People are misrepresenting themselves, not that that is unusual. Back home, Hugh and the children are investigating the death of the girls' school chum. Jack is off on special assignment, certainly a dangerous one. All comes right by the conclusion of the book. It was an engrossing and enjoyable novel, reasons not the least of which are due to Phryne's charms. Please read it.

I was invited to read Death in Daylesford by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #deathindaylesford

This is #21 in the Phryne Fisher series, but don't let that scare you! I have not read any of the preceding books, and I had no issues with confusing back stories or anything like that. It very easily stands on it's own.

The characters are fun, with witty banter, and the author fills the book with gorgeous descriptions of everything from the food to the landscape. It's very escapist, without being trite, and thoroughly enjoyable. I especially loved how there were several mysteries happening at the same time, but they were easy to follow. The story was nothing new or groundbreaking, but still managed to be interesting.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Death in Daylesford is a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages long after I should have turned out the lights. Miss Phryne and Dot are out of town, solving not one, but two mysteries. Meanwhile, back home, her wards, Jane, Ruth and Tinker, are assisting Sergeant Hugh Collins in solving their own mystery. Each of the three mysteries is cleverly plotted with surprising twists that kept me guessing to the surprising reveals. The characters are very well developed, and although the stories take place in 1929 readers will recognize issues that are still being dealt with today. Detailed descriptions allowed me to form mental pictures of people and places, making me feel like I was part of the story. And, of course, there is plenty of adventure.
It is such a pleasure to read about so many strong female characters bucking the societal norms in order to take care of themselves and each other.
I highly recommend Death in Daylesford, and I hope there are more adventures for Miss Fisher and her chosen family.

My first introduction to Phryne Fisher came through the TV series, but that led me to read as many of the books as I could get my hands on. Phryne's character is so strong, as are those of the supporting characters, that the transition was easy for me.

From the first few paragraphs of this book I knew that the language was going to hook me as much as the characters and the setting. I love a well-written book which uses language to convey setting as well as emotion, and that's key here. I enjoyed experiencing some new words and the plot kept me turning the pages.

Interesting structure, in that Phryne and Dot head into the Australian mountains to solve a series of crimes, while the gang at home-- Hugh Collins, Tinker, and the girls-- solve another one on their own. It was all very clever and enjoyable.

Death In Daylesford is the twenty-first book in the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood.

This book has two stories for the price of one. Phryne and Dot, her lady’s main/companion, are off for a week’s holiday in Daylesford to stay at the Hepburn mineral springs. They also plan to visit with Captain Spencer, who works with shell-shocked soldiers who have returned from the Great War.

Meanwhile, Phryne’s adopted daughters, Jane and Ruth, and ward Tinker, stay home with Mr. and Mrs. B, butler and housekeeper.

Phyrne and Dot soon travel to the nearby town of Daylesford. They learn of a couple of women who have gone missing. Not being one to shy away from getting involved in a mystery, Phryne and Dot begin searching for the women. Before long, there are a couple of murders that occur, which they also will start investigating.

At home, Tinker heads for the harbor after school to visit with Cec and Bery, two men that Phyrne uses in her investigations. Before he finds them, he notices a body floating in the harbor. It turns out to be the body of a school-age girl. The police soon zero in on the girl’s uncle, who lives with the girl and her mother. Tinker, Jane, and Ruth don’t believe that the police have the murderer and will begin their investigation with the help of Hugh, a police constable, and partner of Phryne’s friend, Detective Inspector Jack Robinson. They will find enough information to convince the police that they have the wrong person and lead the police to the murderer.

It’s always interesting to visit Phryne, her family, and friends, and this book was no exception. The story is well-written and plotted, with a bit of humor thrown in. The characters are believable and well-developed. There was plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end as to who the murderers were.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.

Death in Daylesford is the 21st book in the wildly popular historical mystery series Phryne Fisher by Kerry Greenwood. I'm often late to the party when it comes to starting a series. In this case the party is well underway by the time I arrive...it's my first foray into Phryne's world! However, it won't be my last. This is the first historical mystery I've read set in Australia, and it was a fun change of pace.

Retired Captain Herbert Spencer runs a spa in rural Victoria spa country for shell-shocked veterans of WWI. He sends Phryne Fisher an invitation for a spa holiday, so she and her loyal servant/companion Dot Williams head off for a short vacation to see what Capt. Spencer has to offer. A quiet holiday? Not likely! Soon they are involved with a murder at a Highland gathering, which is only the first murder to occur. Not only that, but there's also a mystery concerning the disappearance of a number of women. So much for peace and quiet, but intrepid detective Phryne is definitely in her element! Meanwhile, on the homefront, Phryne's three wards have their own mystery to enravel concerning a pregnant school mate found dead in the water near the docks.

It's often hard to keep up with a story when you start a series on the 21st book; however, I was lucky because both mysteries stood on their own. Phryne is quite a character! She's glamorous, an incredible detective and a woman who knows what she wants...including male companions. I would love to know the backstory of how Phryne comes to adopt three children and I've started to collect previous books to discover their history. Phryne doesn't seem to fear much, from speeding in her car to throwing herself into whatever mystery comes her way. I absolutely loved her companion Dot, who's engaged to policeman Hugh Collins. She's the exact opposite of Phryne: she only dresses in shades of beige and brown, is religious and is terrified to be in a car when Phryne is driving. However, she's the perfect foil for her outgoing employer. Phryne's wards were great characters and her detective skills seem to be rubbing off on them. There were many other supporting characters and all were entertaining and well written. I absolutely loved Ms. Greenwood's writing style. Her descriptions were outstanding and clever, and I loved the way she used capital letters To Make A Point. I did get a bit confused as to some of the Australian terms. Also, I like to think of myself as articulate and fairly intelligent, but there were many words I had to look up and it made me feel a bit ignorant! Lol. I loved my first visit with Phryne and friends and look forward to many more of their adventures!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.