It’s the 1920s in Melbourne and Phryne is asked to investigate the puzzling death of a famous author and illustrator of fairy stories. To do so, Phryne takes a job within the women’s magazine that employed the victim and finds herself enmeshed in her colleagues’ deceptions. But while Phryne is learning the ins and outs of magazine publishing first hand, her personal life is thrown into chaos. … chaos. Impatient for her lover Lin Chung’s imminent return from a silk-buying expedition to China, she instead receives an unusual summons from Lin Chung’s family followed by a series of mysterious assaults and warnings.
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Once again, I was immersed into the fabulous and mysterious world of Phryne Fisher. I’ve watched the TV series version of Away with the Fairies a few times. And I have to say I enjoyed the book more.
I loved the interaction between Lin Chung and Phryne. As much as I miss Jack, I love the romance in the book. It feels VERY Phryne.
We get more depth into the various suspects and the magazine in the book. I was drawn into the mystery. And, the insight into Phryne’s personality when Lin Chung goes missing.
Enjoyed this so much. Definitely 5 stars.
Another fun adventure with Miss Fisher! The last few books of this series were meh in my opinion but this one feels like we’re hitting our stride again. Phryne is as fabulous as ever and we have a lot of the cast making their apperances- Bert, Cec, Dot, and Jane and Ruth all play their parts admirably. As for the similarities between this particular book and the tv episode of the same name? Well, there’s spoilers if you’ve seen the episode but it’s still great fun to read.
Entertaining and funny with a fast-paced plot, as is the netflix series by the same name: Phryne Fisher. A very enjoyable series. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mysteries)
Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood is the eleventh book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Marcella Lavender, children’s author, was found dead in her home. The Honorable Phryne Fisher is asked to assist on the case by Detective Inspector Jack Robinson. Miss Lavender had recently come to the police about threatening letters she had received, but she was not taken seriously (which distresses Jack). Miss Lavender was a contributor to Women’s Choice magazine (the advice column). Phryne goes undercover at the magazine to see if she can discover who wanted Miss Lavender dead. Phryne’s attentions are not fully on the case though. Phryne’s lover, Lin Chung has failed to return from his latest buying trip and Phryne is worried. Lin’s family is less than helpful (they do not approve of Phryne) leaving Phryne on her own. Miss Fisher will need to work overtime if she is to catch Miss Lavender’s killer and rescue Lin Chung especially since someone is determined to stop her by any means necessary.
Away with the Fairies is well-written and full of action. The two mysteries keep the story lively (murder, adventure, international intrigue). I do wish, though, that the killer of Miss Lavender had been harder to identify. I believe many people will be surprised who is behind Lin Chung’s disappearance. The book has nice pacing and flow which makes for an easy to read story. I am giving Away with the Fairies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The language or word usage suits the time period (people had a better vocabulary back then). I love the characters especially Phryne Fisher (I wish I was more adventuress like her). Phryne is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. She is not willing to change to conform to societies standards or expectations. Phryne is a strong, passionate, confident woman who will protect those she loves and cares about (her family and friends). I do recommend reading the books in the series in order. Otherwise, you will be missing some pertinent details. Away with the Fairies is an entertaining historical mystery.
Away With the Fairies, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries #11 by Kerry Greenwood
Another wonderful mystery featuring Phryne Fisher but with a twist! The story has delightful and a wild array of characters as usual for these books. I like the theme of women in a changing modern world and this is cleverly addressed as Phryne gets busy solving a case in the death of one of the contributors for a magazine, Women’s Choice. Miss Lavender was a bit eccentric and appeared was obsessed with fairies. She was writing “Hilda and the Flower Fairies” when she died abruptly.
I adore the interaction of Dot with Phryne. Her character adds so much to Miss Fisher’s escapades as she solves local common crime.
Now here is where we get into another twist! Lin Chung is Missing!
I won’t post spoilers but you faithful readers know he is Phryne’s L O V E R ! SO, the book gets serious and Phryne gets seriously worried, and then very, very angry at what has befallen her beloved! All Miss Fisher fans will enjoy this book! It has two mysteries and Phryne is not going to play around where Lin Chung is concerned.
Loved the book, and I think you will too!
Well, I must say, this must be one of the most facinating audiobooks I’ve ever listened to … this is full to the brim of little surprises … we have a few confessions with pleading and crying, a fake ear, a real Raphael Madona, a discussion over which is better – vegemite or marmite, a Fitzroy Cocktail that gets you digbatted, I discovered that
Phryne Fisher likes German china, everything was served with gingernuts and tea instead of scones and tea, find out that there is quite a bit of wit with a dog called McTavish, the terrior, who can sniff out Catholics, trots and likes to bite stockings, enjoyed the quote
“…. a very well dressed lady with shoulder blades you could have used to cut cheese….. ”
and also
“what say they? let them say.” (but it’s the cadence that it was said
and hints of flowers
“…. Miss Lavenders cottage always smelt strong, all those different scents, roses, almonds … ”
and also there is singing… “roll me over, in clover” sung by a Cantonese person on a ship and yes, there are even pirates!
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Well as you can see it’s quite an active audiobook and I’m definitely giving this a 5 star review/recommendation. You will like this if you like cozy murder mysteries, and Agatha Christie books.