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jacqui_des's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tregina's review against another edition
2.0
This one just didn't work for me, which is surprising because I thought I would be all about a mystery in the theatre. Perhaps it took place too much in isolation from the rest of Phryne's world. That said, I liked Phryne's relationship with Lin Chung and hope that, as implied, it lasts more than this one book.
yew676's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood is the seventh book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phyrne Fisher is attending a gala performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore at His Majesty’s Theater. Along the way, Phryne and her aviator friend, Bunji Ross encounter some trouble and must rescue an elderly Chinese woman and her grandson, Lin Chung (good thing Phryne is handy with an axe). Phryne is enjoying the performance until Walter Copland, playing Sir Ruthven, collapses on the stage. The theater’s manager and an old friend of Phryne’s, Sir Bernard Tarrant requests Phryne’s assistance, but the performance must go on first. Robert Craven takes over the part of Sir Ruthven and, near the end of the play, it is obvious that something is wrong with the man. It turns out that both men were poisoned. The production has been plagued with problems and some believe there is a ghost in the theater. Sir Bernard hires Phryne to investigate. When Walter Copland does not last the night, Detective Inspector Jack Robinson is out to find his killer. Jack is glad to have Phryne involved with this case (he dislikes theaters). But the person responsible is not done tormenting the production. Can Phryne and Jack find the culprit before there is another fatality? And Phryne has not seen the last of the fetching Lin Chung.
Ruddy Gore is an entertaining novel. It is always delightful to revisit the vivacious Phryne Fisher. The story starts out a little slow while Phryne is enjoying Ruddigore, but the pace picks up after the performance. The book has an overabundance of characters. Readers are introduced to the cast of the play and the people who work behind the scenes at the theater. I do wish there had not been so many characters to weed through and that some of the core characters had been included in Ruddy Gore (Bert, Cec, Dot, Ruth, Jane, the Butlers). In addition, I missed Phryne’s over-the-top personality. She was more subdued in this novel. Lin Chung is a nice addition to the series, and I am sure we will see him again in the future. I give Ruddy Gore 3.5 out of 5 stars. I found the mysteries (there is a thirty-year-old one too) entertaining, but they can be solved (if you pay close attention). It was interesting to see the differences between the book and the show by the same name. Personally, I was more a fan of the show. It had more focus. If you are not a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, I do not recommend Ruddy Gore. Information about the play and characters are discussed in length. While reading Ruddy Gore, you need to remember that the book is set in 1928. People’s views towards Chinese were very different than they are today. If you are a fan of Miss Fisher and her antics, you will enjoy this seventh installment in the series. Those who have not read the earlier books in the series may not enjoy Ruddy Gore.
Ruddy Gore is an entertaining novel. It is always delightful to revisit the vivacious Phryne Fisher. The story starts out a little slow while Phryne is enjoying Ruddigore, but the pace picks up after the performance. The book has an overabundance of characters. Readers are introduced to the cast of the play and the people who work behind the scenes at the theater. I do wish there had not been so many characters to weed through and that some of the core characters had been included in Ruddy Gore (Bert, Cec, Dot, Ruth, Jane, the Butlers). In addition, I missed Phryne’s over-the-top personality. She was more subdued in this novel. Lin Chung is a nice addition to the series, and I am sure we will see him again in the future. I give Ruddy Gore 3.5 out of 5 stars. I found the mysteries (there is a thirty-year-old one too) entertaining, but they can be solved (if you pay close attention). It was interesting to see the differences between the book and the show by the same name. Personally, I was more a fan of the show. It had more focus. If you are not a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan, I do not recommend Ruddy Gore. Information about the play and characters are discussed in length. While reading Ruddy Gore, you need to remember that the book is set in 1928. People’s views towards Chinese were very different than they are today. If you are a fan of Miss Fisher and her antics, you will enjoy this seventh installment in the series. Those who have not read the earlier books in the series may not enjoy Ruddy Gore.
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
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book number seven in the delightful Phryne Fisher series of cozy mysteries set in 1920s Melbourne, Australia.
Phryne is attending the latest performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Ruddigore, when the star actor collapses on stage. Her friend, and theater producer asks her to investigate. Seems it was not a heart attack, but rather, poison. To further compound matters, a ghost is terrifying the other performers and staff, and the theater is in trouble.
I like Phryne as a character. She is her own woman and quite modern in her thinking. She’s independent, curious, observant and can take care of herself. She’s also beautiful and wealthy. And she quite enjoys time in the bedroom with a gentleman. Brava, Phryne!
Phryne is attending the latest performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Ruddigore, when the star actor collapses on stage. Her friend, and theater producer asks her to investigate. Seems it was not a heart attack, but rather, poison. To further compound matters, a ghost is terrifying the other performers and staff, and the theater is in trouble.
I like Phryne as a character. She is her own woman and quite modern in her thinking. She’s independent, curious, observant and can take care of herself. She’s also beautiful and wealthy. And she quite enjoys time in the bedroom with a gentleman. Brava, Phryne!
jenrkeeling's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
3.5
Great fun and unpredictable, as always. Kerry Greenwood is wonderful!
mjporterauthor's review
4.0
Netflix keeps suggesting that I watch the TV series of these books and so I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to read a free E-Arc in exchange for a review from Netgalley.
So, I knew that this was a period piece and I do love a good mystery and I wasn't disappointed. The writing style is light and infectious (if occasionally a little muddled with Gilbert and Sullivan quotes - something I'm not very familiar with), and the characterisation of Miss Fisher is excellent. It didn't matter that this was book 7 and the first one I was reading.
I very much enjoyed the attention to detail of both being in a theatre and the 1930's in Australia, as well as the back story in London, and I might just listen to Netflix and give the TV series a view as well.
Would recommend to all those who like a good period piece who done it.
So, I knew that this was a period piece and I do love a good mystery and I wasn't disappointed. The writing style is light and infectious (if occasionally a little muddled with Gilbert and Sullivan quotes - something I'm not very familiar with), and the characterisation of Miss Fisher is excellent. It didn't matter that this was book 7 and the first one I was reading.
I very much enjoyed the attention to detail of both being in a theatre and the 1930's in Australia, as well as the back story in London, and I might just listen to Netflix and give the TV series a view as well.
Would recommend to all those who like a good period piece who done it.
words_and_magic's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sveta_of_belinsk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
The slurs that get used are very in your face, but Phryne consistently denounces the use of them and racism altogether.