(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

An orchestral conductor has been found dead and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson needs the delightfully incisive and sophisticated Miss Fisher's assistance to enter a world in which he is at sea. Hugh Tregennis, not much liked by anyone, has been murdered in a most flamboyant mode by a killer with a point to prove. But how many killers is Phryne really stalking?
At the same time, the dark curls, disdainful air and the lavender eyes of mathematician and code-breaker Rupert Sheffield are taking Melbourne by storm. They've certainly taken the heart of Phryne's old friend from the trenches of WW1, John Wilson. Phryne recognises Sheffield as a man who attracts danger and is determined to protect John from harm.
Even with the faithful Dot, Mr and Mrs Butler, and all in her household ready to pull their weight, Phryne's task is complex. While Mendelssohn's Elijah, memories of the Great War, and the science of deduction ring in her head, Phryne's past must also play its part as MI6 become involved in the tangled web of murders.

What more can be said about the Phryne Fisher novels? This is the 20th book in the series and there seems to be no letting up in the intriguing world of Phryne.

There are plenty of positives in this novel: the overarching mystery - the murder of an orchestra conductor - may have been one of the lighter plots in this series, but it is handled with aplomb. Not to mention with a great deal of sass and humor. The lengths that Ms. Fisher goes to in the search for an answer are always inventive and intriguing - this is no exception. There is a secondary plot as well involving her friend from WW1 is also just as engaging. Both plots are handled well and brought together excellently.
Featuring a lot of music, poison, spies, forgery, and an attempted drowning, this book will have plenty of interest for most historical mystery fans.

So why not five stars? For me, it may have been just a tad heavy on the musical aspects of the story. Constant references to songs and conducting made it just a little heavy going in places...but it certainly didn't weaken the plot at all!

Highly recommended!


Paul
ARH

I love discovering a new mystery series and I can't believe this one has got to 20 books without me knowing about it. An interesting range of characters. Can't wait to go back to the beginning.