Scan barcode
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
more 3.5 but as I was sucked into the story and held with an iron grip to the detriment of sleep I'm giving it 4 rather than 3.
As her Chinese Beau is off in Shanghai on business, Phryne is distracting herself with young Simon Abrahams; his father asks her to investigate the death of a young Jewish student in a bookshop, he doesn't believe Miss Sylvia Lee is a murderer and the police have decided that she is the culprit.
With help from the usual suspects Phryne investigates, geting distracted occasionally and finding that prejudice is alive and well.
There were parts that felt a bit preachy but overall it was a very entertaining read and I was sucked in to the story.
As her Chinese Beau is off in Shanghai on business, Phryne is distracting herself with young Simon Abrahams; his father asks her to investigate the death of a young Jewish student in a bookshop, he doesn't believe Miss Sylvia Lee is a murderer and the police have decided that she is the culprit.
With help from the usual suspects Phryne investigates, geting distracted occasionally and finding that prejudice is alive and well.
There were parts that felt a bit preachy but overall it was a very entertaining read and I was sucked in to the story.
rani_reeds's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
yew676's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
words_and_magic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sveta_of_belinsk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There is discussion of Zionism as it was at the time throughout the book. Because of this, it has not aged the best, but I think that it was framed very well for when it was written.
tregina's review against another edition
3.0
Probably one of my favourites of the series so far--it managed to be immersive without divorcing Phryne from her usual environment--but again we have a murderer who suddenly turns out to be quite mad and vengeful when found out, and I'd love to see something else because that's just such a narrative letdown every time.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Raisins and Almonds by Kerry Greenwood is the ninth book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phryne Fisher is enjoying the Foxtrot Competition run by the Jewish Young People’s Society with Simon Abrahams. While the judges are debating on who won the competition (best couple versus best Jewish couple), Phryne is asked to meet with Simon’s father, Benjamin Abrahams. Benjamin wishes to hire Phryne to help Miss Sylvia Lee, owner of Lee’s Books. Miss Lee has been accused of murdering Simon Michaels, a frequent customer, in her shop. Phryne goes over the crime scene and is certain Miss Lee is innocent of the crime. Phryne dives into a new world with this investigation. She must enter the Jewish community to find out more about the victim and tangle with a difficult Rabbi when she needs a Hebrew translation. Phryne is soon knee deep in Yiddish, Zionism, the Jewish cultural, alchemy, and so much more. Phryne with the help of Bert, Cec, the Butlers, Dot and Jack will prove Miss Lee’s innocence and capture the killer.
Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
msdeecm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cr4nkyp4nts's review
3.0
This was my first Phryne Fisher book, although I've watched all episodes of the television show and find them to be great fun. The book, however, was a bit less fun.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I found my eyes glazing over a few times.
All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I found my eyes glazing over a few times.
All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.