A delightful read and everything I wanted from a murder mystery novel: a likeable protagonist, clever twists, intertwined threads, vibrant writing and a satisfying conclusion. Who needs grumpy ol’ donut-eating detectives when there’s Phryne Fisher?

I have a confession to make. Despite adoring Kerry Greenwood’s Corinna Chapman series, I have tried, more than once, to read the Phryne Fisher series but never gotten past Cocaine Blues. To be fair, that was some time ago and at least a decade or two before Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries made its debut on TV, a show I’ve now binge-watched in it’s entirety on at least three (or five) occasions. So when I learnt that a new Phryne Fisher mystery was being published, I absolutely had to to get my hands on it. I was a teeny bit apprehensive, but thankfully I loved it.

In Death in Daylesford, Miss Phryne Fisher, accompanied by Dot, travels to country Victoria at the invitation of a war veteran who hopes to win her patronage for the spa retreat he runs for shell-shocked returned soldiers. Accommodated near Daylesford, Phryne is looking forward to a week of leisure, but almost immediately finds herself hunting a brazen murderer, three missing women, and a kidnapper, despite the objections of the oafish local officer.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson on special assignment, Detective Sargent Hugh Collins’ lazy temporary supervisor is choosing the path of least resistance to solve a murder. Taking matters into his own hands, Hugh drafts Miss Fisher’s wards, Jane, Ruth, and Tinker, who are in the care of Mr and Mrs B, to help him, when it is revealed the victim is a school friend of the girls.

That makes four mysteries which Greenwood deftly develops in Death In Daylesford, skilfully laying red herrings and clues. Each of them are interesting in their own right, though the most intriguing relates to the very public murders of three young men. Deducing the perpetrator and their motive is a rare challenge for Phryne, even though the deaths occur right in front of her. My early theory was proved right, but there was a twist that took me by surprise..

I couldn’t help but visualise the actors from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries as the story unfolded, but even if you are entirely unfamiliar with the series in any form, the characters have a strong presence. Phryne is her usual unconventional, stylish and seductive self, and Dot, her stalwart, beige-clad companion. Much is made of a barmaids beauty, her suitor’s brawn, the haggard appearance of a battered wife, and a Captain eager to please.

Greenwood’s writing is wonderfully descriptive, with the era coming across in all the details of the setting and styling, she excels at showing, not telling. I’m a fan of the Phryne’s quick wit, and dry observations, the author has a great sense of timing, and and an ear for natural dialogue.

Fans of the Phryne Fisher book series are sure to delight in this newest mystery, published seven years after the last, as should those viewers mourning the possible demise of the TV series. Entertaining and clever, Death in Daylesford is a charming, and satisfying read.

Diverting but disappointing

The book felt sluggish. There were odd errors: like Ember becoming a female young kitten, and Dot being so censorious about Phryne's affairs, and Phryne being so disapproving of Dot's fashion choices. Some of the conversation and terminology didn't seem appropriate to the time period- like when Peggy says, "Sweet!" in celebration of getting help- this is a much more modern exclamation.

This feels almost like it was partly written as an earlier book in the series, before Dot really became comfortable with her position and became the confident young woman she currently is. Also, Greenwood missed the chance with the wombat to have Phryne reflect on the wombat that had saved her life in a previous novel. This really does feel like a partly developed novel that had the secondary mystery with the girls, Tinker, and Collins shoehorned in to fill it out.

Despite all that, it was diverting and a fun read.

Kerry Greenwood (and her creations) are national treasures.

Her research for every book is enormous. And it shows, in everything from location, to fashion, to the language her characters use. But it never gets in the way of the story.

Another wonderful read.