Kerry Greenwood (1955–2025)

The passing of Kerry Greenwood earlier this year brings I suspect a closure the wonderful Miss Phryne Fisher series.

Our first introduction to Phryne way back in 1989, was of a woman who knew her own mind and was sassy. She quickly created a legion of supporters, a television series was spawned, a movie was crowd funded (beyond initial expectations) and there are conferences held celebrating all things Miss Fisher.

It is truly exceptional, not often recognised or celebrated how Kerry show more Greenwood's creation of this extraordinary woman evolved into a juggernaut that no other Australian series of novels has achieved.

So, knowing this is probably it, makes coming to these pages somewhat bittersweet.

In Murder in the Cathedral, we are in Bendigo, with Phryne attending the consecration of her beloved friend Lionel. As the title gives it away there is a murder and our intrepid, Miss Fisher is on the case. What starts off as seemingly locked room mystery becomes far more complex. There are plenty of twists and turns, a plethora of possible suspects and a series of connecting mysteries that need Phryne's brilliant mind to unravel.

Phryne's connections to those who journey with her is the core of the narrative and that means Dot. Phryne's appreciation of Dot shines through and their relationship has always been one to admire. For here you have two women who support and encourage each other. Phryne's extended family make appearances, and it is wonderful to discover where they are in life. Phryne is at her best, bold, brassy, take no prisoners and living life to the fullest. There are moments of sheer delight, the golden gun, the flying, and the brashness. The ending was just perfect, simple but touching.

The spark, the confidence, that Kerry Greenwood provides through Miss Phryne Fisher will truly be missed. This book is a celebration. show less

Fans of the fabulous Phryne Fisher have reasons to rejoice — and to mourn.

They should rejoice because so many of the Honorable Phryne Fisher’s entourage — the Butlers, her adopted daughters Ruth and Jane; her loyal maid and friend, Dot Williams; Inspector “Call Me Jack — Everyone Else Does” Robinson, “red-raggers” Cec and Bert, Phryne’s sister Eliza and the worldly wise Dr. Elizabeth MacMillan — figure in a most cleverly plotted novel featuring not one but three show more mysteries. Phryne is drawn into the world of the Melbourne Harmonic Choir and Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah through the murder of the choir’s loathsome director.

As always, author Kerry Greenwood subtly wove in early Australian history with a suspenseful story: I learned so much about amateur opera singing and about espionage during the Great War. And Greenwood introduces us to several new characters whom I hope to revisit in future novels. I couldn’t stop devouring Murder and Mendelssohn!

And, speaking of future novels, now to the sad part: Murder and Mendelssohn, No. 20 in the series, was released in 2013. Four years later, and there is still no 21st novel! Why not? Kerry Greenwood, please know that new Phryne Fisher novels are as essential as a steady supply of “considering cocktails” to Phryne herself. And that’s saying a lot! show less

When one of Phryne’s intimate acquaintances, a carousel operator in a carnival attached to a circus, asks her to go undercover to investigate a series of mishaps at the circus, culminating in the death of a performer, Phryne is happy to give it a try. Her maid Dot wonders when Phryne has ever had to do anything entirely on her own, but that question just spurs her on to test her mettle, both as an investigator and in the role of a trick rider in the circus. But even with the aid of a show more juggler, a dwarf, a clown, a strong man and a bear, Phryne may just find that she has bitten off more than she can chew….This is the sixth entry in the Phryne Fisher series, and one of the more engrossing. The worlds of the circus, carnival and attached gypsy camp are separate and unequal, but all thrive with the inclusion of each other, and that symbiotic relationship is nicely portrayed. Phryne is indeed tested rather more sternly than has been the case up to now, which I enjoyed as she had been becoming rather too ensconced in her very privileged world. I would point out to watchers of the television show that this story bears almost no resemblance to the episode of the same name; some characters and the circus setting are the same, but that’s about it, making this an entirely new story which is a good thing! Recommended. show less

Phyrne's frolics once more intrigue!

Just from Greenwood's opening line I could feel the 1929 summer Australian sunlight coming in through that St Kilda window warming me. Greenwood's highly evocative prose had me picturing Phryne 'sitting in her jasmine bower, drenched in scent.' All made even more delectable and real by the wonderful cover, the divine Phyrne in her equally divine 'green silk gown embroider in phoenixes.' I am transported back to that time and place instantly. Of course show more Phyne nibbles croissants and sips cafe au lait!
I am smitten by these scenes before moving further! I have to pause to drink it all in.
I have long been a fan of Kerry Greenwood and Phryne Fisher's marvellous exploits. She is a wonderful twenties woman.
This episode does not disappoint. We have a murdered orchestra conductor on one hand and are renewing acquaintances with dear John Wilson from Phyrne's war days as an ambulance driver on the other. But John brings more murder attempts on a different front, John's friend Rupert Sheffield, mathematical genius, ex code breaker, beautiful to look at and without the slightest idea of how to win friends and influence people, is at risk. Phyrne's interesting menagerie, or rather 'family' and adherents are of course all there to lend a hand, including Molly the dog and Ember the cat (who is more autocratically decorative than anything else). Jane and Ruth are growing up, each in such a different way, and I'm quite delighted by Tinker, the ragamuffin fisher lad from Queenscliff. Every now and then I flash onto 'Auntie Mame' particularly when Phyrne and her family and friends are interacting, only Phyrne is just so much 'more' in every way.
An enchanting read with the delectable, unpredictable Phynre.

A NetGalley ARC show less