Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates

[chroniclesofreading]

TITLE: Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates
BY: Kerry Greenwood
SERIES: Phryne Fisher (#1)
RELEASES: April 18, 2013 by C & R Crime
GENRE: Mystery, Crime
AGE RANGE: Adult
RATING: 3 out 5
SYNOPSIS: Bored socialite Phryne Fisher leaves the tedium of the London season for adventure in Australia!

Tea-dances in West End hotels, weekends in the country with guns and dogs... Phryne Fisher - she of the grey-green eyes and diamante garters - is rapidly tiring of the boredom of chit-chatting with retired colonels and foxtrotting with weak-chinned wonders. Instead, Phryne decides it might be amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective - on the other side of the world!

As soon as she books into the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne, Phryne is embroiled in poisoned wives, drug smuggling rings and corrupt cops... not to mention erotic encounters with beautiful Russian ballet star Sasha de Lisse; England's green and pleasant land just can't compete with these new, exotic pleasures!

REVIEW: A bored London socialite leaves the tedium of her London season for an adventure in Australia! In Melbourne, Phryne is immediately involved in poisoned wives, drug rings, and corrupt cops, not to mention erotic encounters with Sasha de Lisse, a beautiful Russian ballet star; England couldn't compete with these exciting new experiences!

I found Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates to be an interesting first book series. Our story begins with Phryne, a bored socialite of 1927 assigned to investigate the potential abuse of a social acquaintance's daughter. As soon as she arrives in Australia, there is more to the story of the abuse case.

The book follows Phryne as she navigates the dangerous and exciting world of 1920s Melbourne, uncovering secrets and solving crimes with her wit and charm. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters and faces challenges that test her courage and determination.

Three stars? Why?

Every few pages, Phryne changes her clothes, which requires a significant amount of description about her new outfit. This frequent detailing causes me to lose interest in the story. The story was essentially two mysteries at once (catching the backstreet abortionist and finding out who was importing cocaine). There are too many characters. A lot of it is unnecessary.

Is it fair to say that it was fairly predictable at times? It was pretty obvious who the cocaine kingpin was going to be from the beginning. It was pretty obvious who the cocaine kingpin was going to be from the start. The book could have been better if it had focused more on one mystery and developed the characters more deeply.

What makes this book appealing to me?

Despite some minor nitpicks, I found the story to be entertaining. Phryne is unapologetic, and I admire that about her. The main character's wit and charm make up for the book's flaws. Her unapologetic nature and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. Despite its predictability, the book is an enjoyable read.

Ultimately, the book's engaging protagonist and entertaining plot make it a worthwhile read, despite its predictability and minor flaws.