I wasn’t sure that I needed another series of books well into double figures in my life, but as soon as I heard about her I knew that I had to meet the Honourable Phryne Fisher.
As the story opened she was a socialite, in London, in the Roaring Twenties. And, lovely though that may sound on a damp, grey evening in the twenty-first century, she was just a little bit bored.
A misjudged practical joke at a society party was the catalyst that changed her life. Phryne saw what had happened, and stepped in to save the day with a wonderful combination a charm, diplomacy and quick thinking. I couldn’t help but like her.
The next day Phryne was summoned by a Colonel and Mrs Harper. They had concerns about their daughter in Australia. They had doubts about her husband. Would Prynne consider making the long journey to find out what was going on?
Our heroine was intrigued. She had been born in Australia, and her family had been dirt poor until they received a substantial legacy from a distant relation and stepped into a brand new life. That made her a very interesting proposition: a wealthy, independent, modern young woman with a depth of understanding that her contemporaries lacked.
No wonder she was bored with London society!
And of course she said yes!
From then on the story was a whirl.
Phrynetravelled with a pioneering lady doctor – like Prynne, a supporter of Doctor Stopes – and that brought a backstreet abortionist to her attention. She had to do something about that!
She found a young woman in a desperate situation and stepped in to help, transforming her into a lady’s maid.
And of course there was the case that sent her to Australia in the first place. Phryne would become entangled with a handsome young ballet dancer, a drugs baron and a communist plot before she found some quite unexpected answers.
The juxtaposition of serious issues – birth control and drug addiction – and frivolity – a wonderful array of frocks and dalliances with young men – is rather strange. Most of the time I liked it, but I did have moments when I was heartily sick of wardrobe details and just wanted something to happen.
Phryne was wonderfully capable in all of her dealings, always a step ahead, and on some days that would have bothered me a great deal but on the day I read this book it bothered me just a little.
Because the story was as colourful as its cover. It had plenty going on, the characters were simply but clearly drawn, the period and the settings were well realised … and the heroine is a star.
In the end I have to say that this was a charming, undemanding period piece, with just enough substance to hold it down.
*****
The Crime Fiction Alphabet is hosted by Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise.
“Each week, beginning Monday 21 May 2012, you have to write a blog post about crime fiction related to the letter of the week …”
So next week, H is for … ?
Fleur in her World 
I’ve read some of these, but I much prefer her other series, with Corinna Chapman, a baker in modern-day Melbourne. I can’t think of an H right off-hand, except Georgette Heyer. I enjoy her mysteries.
I’m not finding H too difficult – I have possibilities among my green Penguins – Holly Roth and Helen McCloy – but I’m going for something more contemporary with a title beginning with H. I could be difficult though, because I’m not sure I’m in the mood for Michael Innes.
I’d noticed that other series, and I would happily pick up more of Kerry Greenwood’s books when that sort of thing calls.
Jane – Oh, I absolutely love Kerry Greenwood! I’m so glad you’ve chosen her for the letter G. Both this series and her Corinna Chapman series are well-written and with just the right touch of humour. And what I think makes her especially talented is that the two series are different. She’s one of my especial favourites.
I have this somewhere – not yet read, so might dig it out! Like all book lovers, I buy more than I read!
I like the sound of this series – maybe will look out for it – although I have far too much to read already : )
Phryne Fisher is one of my favorites!! Her books get MUCH better as they go along. Try Ruddy Gore or Murder at Montparnasse! Excellent!
I love Kerry Greenwood’s books but they are so hard to get hold of here!
I have exhausted the library’s selection but the ones I have seen on Amazon cost more than I am prepared to spend on a mystery as I very rarely keep them.
I’ve got this book on the shelf and started it but the aforementioned frivolity did put me off a bit so I put it back after about 20 pages as I started to find the main character a bit irritating really (very easy to be so high and mighty when you are rich). I think though that I’ll have to give it another go though just to see how miuch more to it there is.
I don’t have a blog, but I have been following along with the alphabet!
I LOVE the cover of Cocaine Blues. It’s beautiful.
Next week, ‘H’ is for ‘Huntress Moon.’ I saw it for free on Freebooksy today (for Kindle), so it’s perfect. Here’s the link if you want to read it – sounds like a great FBI novel. http://www.freebooksy.com/freebooks/2012/7/11/huntress-moon-free-kindle-book.html