Delightful as ever. What a great series. ( )

"The Last Best Party" of 1928 is being held by the Templar Twins, famously beautiful and rich siblings. But they are widely rumored to be going broke, someone is threatening the life of one of them and two children are kidnapped. Phryne Fisher has to solve a series of riddles while navigating the many, many guests and events of the four day party.
The author's period research is thorough and interesting. However, after reading all these menus and recipes I fail to understand how Phryne can remain so slim, my weight would double just after all the cocktails!. ( )

Phryne is invited to the Best Last Party of 1928 at the country estate being rented by a pair of golden twins she had known in Paris, twins who had come into a huge inheritance which they seem determined to run through as quickly as possible. As a result, the multi-day party is as sumptuous an affair as can be imagined, but there are snags: two children go missing, Phryne is plagued by a riddler, and, worst of all, someone is planning to kill one of the twins during the event…. I enjoyed this book as with all the other novels in the series, although at times I felt that Ms. Greenwood was simply showing off - all the quotes in French and Latin, untranslated! However, the period details were interesting and the new characters quite entertaining, so recommended. ( )

Disappointing, the weakest Phryne mystery I’ve read so far. Too few likeable and engaging characters, weird setting, gratuitous orgy scenes (surely Phryne would take Nicholas to her, or his, own private room? I know she’s a liberated woman but she also has standards!) ( )

I have watched a few episodes of this series on PBS and thoroughly enjoyed them. The book does not disappoint.

Phryne (pronounced fry-ney) Fisher is a modern woman in late 1920s. Coming from England, she has settled in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia. She has created her own wealth and enjoys living in a fine house with a staff, owning a motor car and an extensive and luxurious wardrobe. She also is a private detective. All attributes that put her in the upper crust of society.

Phryne has been invited to the Last Best party of 1928. It is a four-day event taking place in the Werribee Manor House. Isabella and Gerald Templar, known as the Golden Twins, are the hosts. She isn't really sure if she wants to go until she receives threats to her if she does attend, at which point she decides to go. She is not one to be told no to.

The attendees are quite varied; a women's polo team, hash eaters, beautiful men and beautiful women, a Goat lady and a rude little boy who was adopted by Gerald Templar, just to list a few. Each day is theme day and night with food, drink and activities.

The threats continue to come in notes with cryptic clues, in small glass particles found in an unusual place, and a coral snake. The young girl, adopted by Isabella, is missing. When the boy disappears, Phryne knows it is very serious and dangerous. It is up to her to solve the clues, that hint of a treasure hunt, and locate the children before anything drastic happens.

I enjoy Kerry Greenwood's writing style and the pace of the book. Phryne's boldness and wittiness, along with the descriptions of the scenes and clothes make a colourful and entertaining read. ( )