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tokengeekgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I like the Phryne Fisher series in general, but this book was not as good as the others. I did get rather early on that it was a parody of other golden age mysteries, especially Agatha Christie. After that, it became a lot more about spotting the reference to tropes of the mysteries than paying attention or even caring about the mystery itself. There wasn't even as much about the wonderful clothes and jewelry that I love about reading these books.
However, I did like the upfront and modern attitude that Phryne shows both in her treatment of LGBTQ characters, and defending her Chinese lover from bigots. It is refreshing to read a book centered in this time period that has both period-typical racism and homophobia, and a clear statement that these ideas are wrong and should be confronted when found. The previous time Phryne had a gay character, she reacted more stereotypically, if indifferently, so this was a nice change.
All in all, a good read, and a fun case of spot-the-reference, but not one of the best Phryne Fisher novels.
However, I did like the upfront and modern attitude that Phryne shows both in her treatment of LGBTQ characters, and defending her Chinese lover from bigots. It is refreshing to read a book centered in this time period that has both period-typical racism and homophobia, and a clear statement that these ideas are wrong and should be confronted when found. The previous time Phryne had a gay character, she reacted more stereotypically, if indifferently, so this was a nice change.
All in all, a good read, and a fun case of spot-the-reference, but not one of the best Phryne Fisher novels.
cupkate147's review against another edition
5.0
This is the one that's supposedly written with the classic rules of the detective club...and guess which one I've loved the most?! She might have tried resisting Agatha Christie plot points, but Kerry Greenwood still slipped into them. Thoroughly entertaining!
albloomy's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
This was one of my least favourite Phryne books. It is set at a house party in rural Victoria so is missing the geography and many characters readers are used to seeing. The guests are a bit one dimensional which makes it less interesting to read.
This was one of my least favourite Phryne books. It is set at a house party in rural Victoria so is missing the geography and many characters readers are used to seeing. The guests are a bit one dimensional which makes it less interesting to read.
sophiereads21's review against another edition
3.0
In this installment, Phyrne heads to a country house and ends up solving a murder! I enjoyed this one, possibly because of the country house setting is so stereotypical for a murder mystery
ahbuggrit's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
sjoerdbol's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.25
lauratoria's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tobyyy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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
The redoubtable Phryne Fisher returns…! I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Phryne never gets old! And honestly with my track history of struggling with series, I’m shocked that I’m still reading and enjoying this one. Hooray for finding ways around ADHD “boredom”!