Phryne Fisher loves dancing, especially with gorgeous young Simon Abrahams. But Phryne’s contentment at the Jewish Young People’s Society Dance is cut short when Simon’s father asks her to investigate the strange death of a devout young student in Miss Sylvia Lee’s East Market bookshop. Miss Lee has been arrested for the murder, and Phryne believes that she is a very unlikely killer. … Investigation leads her into the exotic world of Yiddish, refugees, rabbis, kosher dinners, Kadimah, strange alchemical symbols, and chicken soup.
With help from the old faithfuls Bert and Cec, her taxi driver friends; her devoted companion Dot; and Detective Inspector “Call me Jack” Robinson, Phryne picks her way through the mystery. She soon finds herself at the heart of a situation far graver and more political than she at first appreciates.
And all for the price of a song….
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This is actually a review of two books by Kerry Greenwood. Raisins and Almonds and my current listen, Queen of the Flowers. I’m working myself through the entire Phryne Fisher series of mysteries and, as a whole, love them madly. Phryne is a brilliant character who i adore and I will gladly read every book. BTW, the TV series was grand, but the books are much better!
With that said, some books are, of course, better than others. Raisins and Almonds that i listened to a couple weeks ago, was one of the best in the series. Taking place in Melbourne’s Jewish community, the story was complex, informative, and fascinating. My current read, Queen of the Flowers, is the worst of the series so far. Scattered and unmotivated, it’s a book i would stop reading except that i love the series so much and want to see what happens. For a chunk of the book, a 13 year old girl is missing, and no one seems frantic about it. I’ve been tempted to throw my phone at the wall a few times. But honestly, this is a rare miss for the amazing Kerry. I highly recommend the series, which, after the first few books, can be read in any order, but i’ve tried to keep them straight. Phryne forever!
I am pleased to report after the previous book in this series disappointed me, Raisins and Almonds proceeded to show me everything I adore about Miss Fisher’s Mysteries. (Also, based off the long list of sources at the end there, kudos to the author for some thorough research!) Even having watched the corresponding episode of the TV series, this book was delightful and full of surprises (granted, it’s been awhile since I’ve watch that particular episode so I may be forgetting things but still!), Phryne continues to be an utterly delightful character and the supporting cast- Dot, Bert, Cec, Ruth, Jane, Jack and never forget Ember- are endearing and a joy to read. I will happily start reading the next book in this series, but so far Raisins and Almonds may just be my favorite.
Kerry Greenwood writes historical whodunitts set in the late 1920’s in Australia. They are meticulously researched and her language is beautiful. Whenever I’m between books and need an intelligent escape- I pick a Phryne Fisher book. I’ve read about fourteen of them.
In this book Greenwood casts a light on the Jewish community of Melbourne. Present day reader is aware that these former Eastern European Jews that immigrated to Australia have escaped countless horrors- and the book is read through this prism. Their culture and history are paramount to the mystery and story, and familiar as I am with Jewish traditions I’ve learnt some new ones myself.
Phryne Fisher is her usual sassy, confident, lovely self .
A joy.
Yet another riveting addition to this series.
This is another nice mystery adventure of Miss Fisher, the unflappable flapper. It involves the Jewish community of Australia and I really enjoy learning about it. There is a lot of insight into that culture. The Jewish culture and history at large, but also the very specific incarnation of it that was forged in Australia. In the 1920s, this community was fighting to have a new homeland in Palestine. It was kind of strange but very interesting to see how this was perceived inside the Jewish community since there were many different stances toward it.
The mystery was a bit less intriguing, I’m afraid. I’m particularly disappointed that I guessed the murder before it was revealed. But the movement of the story was nice. I enjoyed finding all the usual cast again, which admittedly is one of the cosiest parts of this series. Every time, it’s like going back to a familiar and dear place.
This was a good one.