What an absolutely smart, canny, boisterous joy this series is to read! I knew about the tv series before the book series and as usual, the book IS better. In this installment, we open with a bang as Phryne is shot at while driving near the Victoria Docks. Through her cracked window screen, she sees a young man in front of her, shot and dying. As she is checking him, she sees an anarchist symbol tattooed on his neck. The game is afoot!
After the young man's death, Phryne wants to uncover who shot at her, what the A symbol means, and why the "beautiful young man" had to die. She has an eye for good-looking men.

What I enjoy about this series, this being the 2nd I have read, is the detail and research Kerry Greenwood does in bringing the cases to life. It's not just atmospheric Melbourne in the late 20s, it's also wrapped in the mixtures of cultures found there at that time- many people leaving places that are starting to show the signs of unrest that will lead to WW2.

The book has everything- rich atmospheric details, sumptuous costumes, witty and sharp characters, handsome men and well-researched backstories that Phryne uncovers as she investigates. Take all of that and also add in a fiery, feminist, independent, wealthy woman at the center and what more could you need?

Book – Death at Victoria Dock (Miss Phryne Fisher #4)
Author – Kerry Greenwood
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 164
Cover – Cute
POV – 3rd person, multi-POV, omni-present
Would I read it again – Maybe
Genre – Historical, Crime, Australian, Murder Mystery
Content Warning – child abuse, rape, incest, politics, death, violence


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **



As with the other books in this series, I'm left feeling confused as to why every single book has some instance of child abuse, whether it be coercion into sexual activities, kidnapping to be sold as sex slaves, or out and out rape. That wasn't at all what I expected of this series, nor what I signed up to read, but it's been one of the two main crimes investigated in every book, including this one. As a very passionate advocate of trigger warnings for books, I feel it needs to be noted that not a single one of these books mentions the potential triggers subjects within the pages.

The story started immediately with action, which is something I've come to expect and appreciate in this series. There's no dallying around before getting into the action.

I found it very confusing and annoying to read French phrases and not know what was being said. I don't sit with an online translator at the ready, and by the time I've moved past it I don't much care what was said, but it frustrates me all the same. It would nice if – in the same way Phryne constantly rattles through what information she knows in self-dialogue – any form of translation could be offered.

When it comes to plot, there was a whole lot going on in less than 200 pages:
religion, politics, runaway children, murder, misbehaving nuns at convents, fake spiritualists, a Latvian revolution, incest between cousins, incest between brother/sister, sexual relationships between step-mother and step-son.

Unlike previous books, where I've found the investigative techniques lacking and Phryne's involvement minimal, this one had a strong investigation, good pace, a decent length of book for the plot.

Again, I had a few issues with Phryne herself, being a 'modern woman' who didn't seem able to have an empty bed for five seconds, and who lauded beauty and/or brains to be the making of a woman. It certainly sets women back a few decades, despite her penchant for toting guns and tackling the bad guys with gusto. Poor Peter proclaimed his love multiple times, but the second he was out the door, she was on the phone to Lindsay. In fact, there's such a focus on sexuality throughout the book, and throughout every book in the series so far, that it's a little off-putting. Even when Phryne meets someone, one of her first thoughts is on their appearance and their sensuality. Such as the reason she noticed the young man murdered on the docks being because he was so very beautiful; all she says about him throughout the entire book is that there is a lack of such beautiful people in the world.

Although I enjoyed the book overall, I can't ignore the fact there were issues. From the plot content to the characterisation there were things that didn't sit well with me. Perhaps it's because of when they were written – feminism certainly wasn't as well accepted or known in 2006, when the book was originally published – or if it's because of the time of the story, being the late 1920's. For whatever reason, it was more the execution, the constant omni-present POV that was never really necessary, and some of the subject matter that meant that I can't just leave it at “I enjoyed it.”

~

Favourite Quote

“'Wasn't it Little Billy that did for that cop outside the Olympic Games pub?'
Cec nodded.
'Olympic Games? I don't know a hotel of that name.'
'Nah, it's called the Railway Hotel. In 'Roy. They have an SP in the courtyard, see, and when the cops raid 'em there's lots of Olympic events for the blokes who are running away. The long jump, the hundred yard dash, the high-jump over the wall.'”

Phryne comes across the dying body of a young man with a rather strange tattoo and a school girl who has run away. I did find the mystery about the girl more interesting.

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

A short little escapism read. This was my first Phryne book, tho it is number 4 in the series.. I had just started watching the tv series (at the recommendation of a good friend) and thought it was quite fun. I saw this book available for request on NetGalley (a long while back- 2016) and downloaded it, but, didn't get to it til this summer break. I think it's entertaining and I feel I know the characters much better having read one of the books. Phryne is unforgettable and I like her as a sleuth very much.

I see there are many summaries already posted here on Goodreads, so I will skip that. Two good mysteries here....that of a man she sees murdered at the dock and that of a the disappearance of the friend of one of her adopted daughters. Of course Phyrne jumps in to solve both and we love how she does it. I do recommend this book for those that especially like a good who-dunnit mystery in the likes of Miss Marple, Sherlock, Jessica in Murder She Wrote. Phryne has a lot of class and guts. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty, but she does like the good things in life. She keeps those she cares about close.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting me a review copy to read. Very entertaining!

When Phryne Fisher finds herself in the middle of a murder scene culminating in a beautiful young man with an anarchist tattoo dying in her arms, she is determined to discover who is responsible. At the same time, a young classmate of Phryne’s adopted daughter goes missing and she is hired to find her. The two plots run simultaneously for much of the novel although they are not connected. But they both lead Phryne into some very dark territory, one into a sinister plot to rob a bank and the other into some shocking family secrets.

Death at Victoria Dock is the fourth in the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries series by author Kerry Greenwood and the first that I have read although it is not my first introduction to them – it has been made into a TV series, one of my favourites, and the reason I wanted to read the books. This is a very enjoyable entertaining cozy mystery with a nice touch of humour and Phryne is a strong, independent, and resourceful protagonist. Although this is one of a long series, I found it worked well as a stand-alone and I liked it enough to want to read more in the series.

3.5

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Exciting and delightfully downplayed!

I have to say I love Phryne Fisher. I love her spirit of independence and savoie faire, a sleek fashionable woman, whose exterior hides a determined and compsionate heart. And
The epitome of the cool flapper detective and thoroughly modern woman fresh from the horrors of the European war theatre where she drove ambulances. Now she is here in Melbourne flouting convention at every turn, during the time between the wars when lives were recovering from unspoken terrors and full of hope. And her two side kicks, archetypal ex-diggers Cec and Bert are fabulously under-spoken, laconic characters.
Knowing the areas of Melbourne the story is set against, I enjoy figuratively walking down the streets that Phryne treads in her pursuits of information.
In this case, a late night encounter with an errant shot that smashes into her window screen and a dead body draws Phryne knee deep in Latvian anarchists and revolutionaries, whilst pursuing a second case of a missing school girl.
In this story her maid Dot meet Constable Hugh Phillips for the first time and Phryne forms an attachment (short term) with a marvellously soulful anarchist.
When Dot is kidnapped, Phryne does not take kindly to such underhanded play. The chase is on!

A NetGalley ARC
(February 2017)

This book is set around the docks and involves a man being shot and Phryne Fisher being shot at. A most enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading more in the series. I have posted a review on Amazon.co.uk

4 stars

I, too, was introduced to this series via the television series. It is a wonderful series, and the actress, Essie Davis, who plays Phryne Fisher is an absolute gem.

In this book, Phryne’s windshield is shot out on her way home from a friend’s house down on the Victoria Docks. When she sees someone in the road, she rushes over but only catches a few words before the young man dies.

Phryne’s off on another adventure!

I love it every time she lights a “gasper!” This is the first series I’ve heard cigarettes called that.

This is another great book in the series. Funny, unflappable and smart, Phryne always gets her man – or woman as the case may be.

In this book she meets a man called Peter who makes an indelible mark on Phryne.

All in all, a fun read, perfect for any time you have a couple of hours to spare.

A big thanks goes to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting my wish to read this most delightful book!

Death at Victoria Dock by Kerry Greenwood is the fourth A Phryne Fisher Mystery. It is 1928 in Melbourne, Australia. The Honorable Phryne Fisher is driving home late one night when her windshield is shot out. Someone is shooting at her. Phryne sees two men fleeing and another man on the ground. She quickly stops the car and runs to his aid. The man whispers a few words to Phryne before succumbing to his wounds. The young man was only seventeen years old and did not deserve to die. Phryne promises to find the men who killed him. This pledge will lead Phryne to anarchists, a socialist bookshop, a tattoo parlor (where Phryne shocks the men within), a “spiritualist”, and Peter Smith (if you know Phryne, I bet you can guess where Peter will end up). But what happens when the anarchists take Dot Williams, Phryne’s companion? Phryne must split her time between finding the young man’s killer and her latest case. Mr. Waddington-Forsythe’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Alicia has been missing for three days. He would like Phryne to locate her quickly and discreetly. According to Phryne’s two adoptive daughters, Alicia was not well liked at The Presbyterian Ladies College. Alicia collected secrets which she then entered into her purple leather diary. Did Alicia threaten to spill someone’s secret? Phryne will need all her investigating abilities and the help of her friends to solve these two cases.

Death at Victoria Dock is a well-written and engaging mystery novel. I love the character of Phryne Fisher. Phryne is an intelligent, vibrant and witty woman (she is full of life). Phryne is a woman who does not let anything stand in her way (I admire her). The novel has just the right amount of humor and romance. I give Death at Victoria Dock 4.25 out of 5 stars. The novel is a quick and easy read. The book has a good pace (except in a couple of spots) and two good mysteries (one is more complex than the other). Death at Victoria Dock can be read as a stand-alone book. All the information a reader needs is provided within Death at Victoria Dock. You might, though, upon completion find yourself hunting out the other novels in A Phryne Fisher Mystery series. I do wish that Detective Inspector Jack Robinson had been included in this story. I will definitely be reading more books in A Phryne Fisher Mystery series.

A very young man with muddied hair, a pierced ear and a blue tattoo lies cradled in Phryne's arms. But sadly it's not another scene of glorious seduction - this time it's death.

The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher, beautifully dressed in loose trousers, a cream silk shirt and a red-fox fur has just had her windscreen shot out inches in front of her divine nose. But worse is the fate of the pale young man lying on the road, his body hit by bullets, who draws his final blood-filled breath with Phryne at his side. Outraged by this brutal slaughter, Phryne promises to find out who is responsible. But Phryne doesn't yet know how deeply into the mire she'll have to go - bank robbery, tattoo parlours, pubs, spiritualist halls and the Anarchists.

Along this path, Phryne meets Peter, a battle-scarred, sexy Slav, who offers much more to her than just information. But all thoughts of these delights flee from Phryne's mind when her beloved maid, Dot, disappears. There's nothing Phryne won't do to get her back safely.

I love these adventures of the Right Hon. Phryne Fisher. I love the way Kerry Greenwood melds 2 separate investigations seamlessly through the narrative. As always, well plotted and written, with a good set of characters.

Always an enjoyable delight to read a Miss Fisher mystery.

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

The Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, the unflappable flapper. Phryne is one tough bird. I think this was one of her most dangerous and weightiest adventures yet. At no point prior has there been so much on the line at once.
I love the ongoing development of characters that are added as the series goes along. I'd love to know a bit more about Mr. and Mrs. Butler, but I like continuing to see Bert and Cec, and of course Dot.
In this installment, Phryne finds herself deeply involved with some serious Anarchists. But when Phryne sets her sights on solving a mystery, she just does it. Failure is not an option. And she instills courage and confidence in those who must stand at her side.
I absolutely love that when something bad happens, the first thought of those closest to Phryne is always to ask what happened to the other guy first. They know Phryne always comes out on top.
This is such an entertaining series. There are some heavy issues involved in this book, but nothing graphic. I recommend this book to all lovers of flapper fiction, historical fiction fans, even if you think this time period isn't your cup of tea, and as the first place to go for an introduction to the Roaring Twenties.

I admit I've only watched the television show based on this series, but now I see how Essie Davis was able to breathe life in to one of my favorite fictional characters, Phryne Fisher, it's all there on the page!
Great characters, great plot!

This book is absolutely packed with action! Sometimes the Miss Fisher series can meander a bit, but this book really packs it all in. It's quite exciting, but of course you still get Phryne's gorgeous clothes, incredible food & drink, and a lover or two.