A nice start to a spin-off series!

I’ve been a fan of Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher series for a couple of decades, but I watch almost no TV. So I barely knew that there was a TV series for the original books, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and was completely unaware that there was also a spin-off series, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, featuring Phryne’s niece Peregrine. But then I was offered an advance copy of the novelization of the first episode of the new series, Just Murdered, by Katherine Kovacic, to review for my blog, and the book turned out to be a lot of fun.

Sadly, we find out in the Prologue that Phryne has gone missing in Papua New Guinea, and she’s been missing for long enough that her estate, per her wishes, needs to be distributed. But thus enters Peregrine, who has had a rather chaotic past. Said past has provided her with some odd skills (lock-picking, tight-rope walking, and excellent shooting come to mind), but also has meant she isn’t the best at holding down a job. So when, just after she’s been fired - not without cause - from her latest gig at a hairdressers, a letter arrives on thick, cream-colored stationery, saying something about a meeting and an inheritance, Peregrine takes off for Melbourne right away.

As a bit more of the background gets filled in, we discover that, although it’s now the 1960s in Melbourne, some things never change. There are still good policemen and bad policemen, and the bad ones still seem to have a lot of influence and power. And although women have advanced somewhat in status, there’s still a good bit of misogyny around – mitigated somewhat by the wonderfully named (and mutually-supporting) Adventuresses’ Club. So when one of the Adventuresses, Florence Astor, is first accused of the murder of a model at her own fashion show, and then found dead herself, Peregrine steps in, Phryne-fashion, to clear Florence’s name and find the real culprit. And in the process she grows up a bit and earns her own right to a place in the Club.

Just Murdered is a quick and enjoyable read. I liked watching Peregrine work her way through the clues surrounding the two deaths, and liked even more watching Peregrine run circles around, and help, and maybe even develop a bit of fondness for Detective James Steed, one of the good cops. My only slightly negative comment is that Just Murdered does feel like a novelization of a screen play – it’s a little less fleshed-out in some places than I might have expected from a Phryne Fisher spin-off. But all-in-all, that’s a minor complaint, and I’m hoping that there will be more novelizations to come in the future. Or else I may have to watch TV! (I checked online, and there are a couple of seasons of episodes, at least…)

Finally, my thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for the advance review copy. And of course, I’ll continue to hope that Phryne turns up sometime, with a wonderful story to tell…

Abostly loved this book. Couldn't put it down. 5 star book. Highly recommend it and I plan on rereading it next year. Found this book via netgalley

Since I hadn't seen the tv screenplay by Deb Cox this is based on, I began the book with no expectations. The dialogue rang true and it was easy to visualize how much of the action would play on the screen.

The supporting characters were intriguing, from the thoroughly unlikable Inspector Sparrow, to the strong, multi-talented women of the Adventuresses' Club. I'd definitely like to know much more about them. Detective Steed seems a bit taken about by Peregrine but although constantly under pressure from Inspector Sparrow to arrest Sparrow's designated guilty party, shows promise. I see a budding romance coming. I also liked the growth seen in just this book of the female police officer, who Peregrine earned a few points on my respect monitor for standing up for.

Unfortunately, after a promising opening, I found Peregrine Fisher to be less than charming. She was rather careless and not at all dependable from the very beginning. For example, her flippant attitude toward the poor woman in the hair salon's dilemma after she rushed out to be with her boyfriend without insuring someone would check the progress on the woman's treated hair, was uncaring and caused harm. I also found myself disliking her self-important attitude, especially given that we're frequently reminded she's failed at about everything she's tried, and her "in you face attitude" toward Detective Steed. As noted earlier, I did like that she stood up for the policewoman, however, a sign that maybe there was hope. She's definitely gutsy, gutsy and thinks quickly on her feet.

As the plot progressed, I found myself warming to her, however, and will definitely give future books of this series a chance, I just couldn't get into the idea that she was suddenly worthy of joining the seemingly exclusive Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes. 3.5 overall, rounded to a 4.

Thanks #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for introducing me to Peregrine, who I was warming up to as the book drew to a close. I hope they find her aunt.

The story started off great, a lot of action and a great mystery with many interesting and well written characters. And, it is a story detailed around many important, influential women at a time when women weren't thought to be in this arena, successful, like men. It is about more than one woman being lost and all though one finds her place, well, partly, by the end of the book, still we are left with the mystery of what happened to the main character's aunt, the reason she ends up with her place at this table of influential women. I really loved the book, and promise to read every after as they come out in this new saga, I, now, a life-long fan. And, I read that the series is based on a television show and, like the Monk books, they are just as successful, if not more so, than the show itself. And, while I have not watched this show before I believe I will try it when I get the time, a break from reading (if that ever happens). lol
Ms. Fisher's Modern Mysteries, is what the series is called and the book is based on them. And as I said, had I not read this book, I would never be a fan and something I sorely would have missed out on.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. I can see how this would make for an entertaining TV show, but I found my attention drifting from this book. It didn’t have enough backstory early on to really make me be invested on what was happening with any of the characters. It all felt very hokey and unbelievable. Peregrine was a little too careless from the start for me, frying someone’s hair off so you can frolic on the beach? Not a good introduction to her character, in my opinion. As a former hair stylist myself, it’s extremely disrespectful on her part and really shows how selfish she was. I wouldn’t recommend this read.

Just murdered is a very satisfying fast-paced mystery. The confident upbeat heroine, Peregrine, has been through a lot of upheaval in her life. In spite of this, she is amiable, loyal, and caring.

All the characters in the story are interesting. The women of The Adventuress Club of the Antipode, Samuel its Honorary member and odd-job man, Detective Steed, and many others, are intriguing and readable, making it easy to connect with them. I was quickly drawn into their world and wanted to get to know them and their stories.

The book is set in Australia during the 1960s and the author has included what I consider an accurate portrayal of how women were treated during that time period. I think it adds to the charm of Peregrine as such a strong female. The mystery is well done and Peregrine leads her investigation in an easy manner which was enjoyable to read.

There is a secondary mystery involving her Aunt which added to the back story and created a nice depth to the plot. I would love to read more of Peregrine's adventures. She is a great heroine.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Go Peregrine! Who calls out the policemen treating their colleague, a woman, as a tea lady.

Oh, wouldn't we all want to be like Peregrine, bold and brave, not giving about other people's opinions. Just what we need to read in 2022, as indeed you sometimes think nothing much changed since 1964.

I'm hoping this is the first in a new series, I would love to find out how Peregrine settles with her fellow Adventuresses, together solving more crimes.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Sadly this book wasn‘t for me at all. I made it to like 3/4 of the book but dnfed then because I noticed that I might get into a reading slump if I continue. I just couldn‘t get into the story as much as I‘d like to.

But I might update my review somewhen if I ever read it again. Maybe it was my fault since I had some personal issues that might‘ve influenced my ability to focus.

This was a pretty fun quick read! I typically read a little more extreme murder/mystery novels but this one’s definitely a cozy.

I will start by saying I haven’t seen the television show so I had no expectations or spoilers going in to reading this one.

It was fun, creative writing and a quick read. I do think the development of Peregrine could have been better - we have no idea how this flighty, lost girl had all the skills necessary to solve the mystery..no one can just pick up a gun and have precise enough aim to shoot 4 bullseyes in a row or pick a lock in a matter of seconds.

I did find the ‘whodunit’ very predictable but it was still entertaining to see the steps peregrine took to solve the mystery.

If you are looking for a fun, light whodunit it, this is a good option!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of theirs book

Big shoutout to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing ARC!

The Fisher women have a talent for solving cases; it’s been handed down from aunts to nieces.

Based in the 1960’s this murder mystery will leave you on the edge of your seat. With female leads that showcase an array of talents, and pop culture references that transport you back in time; this novel is not only a fast pace read; but a story that shows how women truly do remarkable things.

Peregrine Fisher, niece of Phryne Fisher, has spent her life floating from one job to another. After falling short in her lastest career as a hairdresser she received a unusual piece of mail from the mysterious Adventuresses Club about an inheritance.
With nothing to lose she now comes to claim her new wealth- a home, a car, a magnificent wardrobe, and a host of possible new friends.
But immediately one of those new friends is accused of murder and it falls to Peri to step into her aunt's high heels and crack the case

I loved this book!
The characters are all smart and likable, with the exception of the dirty cop and he is wonderful to hate.
Phryne Fisher's niece is very similar to her in all the right ways, brave, smart, and deliciously mischievous. I like the 1960's setting and style. I have seen the tv series and must say I like the book even better!

5 stars on goodreads
I received this book free from netgalley and am providing a fair and honest review.

A Vocation…
The novelisation based on the Miss Fisher Modern Mystery series. It may be the swinging sixties but Peregrine Fisher is most definitely not having a swinging time. Fired from her job, she is somewhat desolate. However, all that is about to change in dramatic fashion. As events run away with themselves, mayhem and chaos ensue, but Peregrine soon realises that she does indeed possess a flair for sleuthing. Has she found her vocation at last? It seems that she just may have. A fun and wholly enjoyable romp with a well drawn cast and a swiftly moving storyline.

A super fun read! Peregrines Fisher is a delightful character that is a welcome addition to readers. This is my first intro to Miss Fischer's Murder Mysteries but will not be my last! I loved this book! Does an excellent job of describing vivid pictures of Peregrine's world. Thanks #netgalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Poisioned Pen Press and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Whimiscial characters, a lovely mystery you'll tell evveryone to read.

liked the premise of this book and enjoyed this book. I really liked it and wanted to read more. this book had it all.

A cute book that is an easy read, and fun for both fans of the TV show and newbies alike

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This was a fun cozy mystery that kept me interested. I did not know this was an adaptation of a TV series. Time period based in the 1960 and Peregrine Fisher is not your average 60s gal. With her unknown Aunt's inheritance her life has totally changed and she's determined to become an Adventuress like her aunt as a detective.
I found this book well written and witty. I had a few laugh out loud moments. It kept me guessing who the killer was.

I really loved the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Ms Fisher's Modern Mysteries TV series and the books by Kerry Greenwood. So, when I saw this book adapted from the first episode of Ms Fisher's Modern Mysteries, I of course wanted to read it. I think that there are always a few things lost novelizing a TV show, but that the author did a wonderful job keeping the essence. Her world building made it feel like 1960s Melbourne and Peregrine is still the same fun, likable, gutsy, determined, heroine. I could really see the episode play out as I read the book. I will say that, I think for anyone who hasn't watched the Ms Fisher's Modern Mystery TV series but has read the books by Kerry Greenwood, it is probably missing that little something which made those books so special. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love a cozy, fast-paced, historical fiction, mystery story.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

JUST MURDERED, a novelization of the first episode of Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, introduces Peregrine Fisher-- the vivacious, plucky neice to the beloved Phryne Fisher. Never quite fitting in after a nomad life, Peregrine suddenly recieves word that her unknown-to-her aunt has disappeared and she's become the lucky inheritor of her estate. However, not to be placated with just material belongings (though, admittable, her aunt's taste in fashion and decor are admirable) Peregine jumps at the chance to solve a murder to help her aunt's Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes,.

I am a huge fan of the original Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries tv-show, and genuinely had no idea there was a second series in production! The premise is so much fun, and it's easy to tell a lot of the heart from the originial show has been passed on to the new.

The book itself does a great job at world building-- it's so easy to picture exactly where and what is happening. The falling point for me is the dialogue (but honestly, to be expected when translating from script to novel), certain parts felt stilted or awkward to read and the first part of the book was on the slower side.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fans of Phryne Fisher, 1960s-era fiction, and murder mysteries!

It's the swinging '60s, and Peregrine Fisher is a bit adrift. She's just been fired from her most recent lousy job when she receives a mysterious letter on fine stationery from The Adventuresses' Club of the Antipodes, saying only: Please attend urgent meeting regarding inheritance. Peregrine, it turns out, is private investigator Phryne Fisher's long lost niece. Aunt Phryne, sadly, had gone missing in the deep jungles of Papa New Guinea six months prior, but her will clearly stipulated that Peregrine should inherit not just Phryne's fortunes, but also her seat in the Adventuresses' Club.
After making a less than stellar first impression in Melbourne, she is eager to prove herself worthy of a seat at the Adventuresses' table. When a fellow club member is accused of murder, Peregrine jumps at the chance to help on the case. Initially dismissed by the investigating detective and then obstructed by the chief inspector, it seems she's set herself an impossible task. But her aunt's true legacy is not the fancy home and car; Peregrine has also inherited Phryne's flair for sleuthing and for putting herself in harm's way. When a second murder victim turns up, Peregrine knows it will take more than the Fisher name to keep her from becoming the third.
Absolutely enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one really gripping and totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press
I just reviewed Just Murdered by Katherine Kovacic. #NetGalley