Scan barcode
jrmarr's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read, although there's something about Greenwood's writing that doesn't suit me. Sometimes it's a bit abrupt or even a bit too cynical, but I do like the way her books are very 'melbourne'. And there are certainly specific Melbourne references that I appreciated. Not sure if I'll seek out others, but this one was alright.
hannahhbic's review against another edition
2.0
I'm disappointed. I couldn't finish this novel and I had pretty high expectations. I adore the Phryne Fisher books and hoped this would be similar. It wasn't. Present day with quite a lot of romance. The best quality about this book in my opinion was a very diverse cast of characters.
danielle_mcdonald's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
gabmc's review against another edition
3.0
Kerry Greenwood is better known for her Phryne Fisher series (which has been made into a TV series). In this first book in the Corinna Chapman series, Greenwood introduces us to her new detective, describing her as a baker and reluctant detective. The book starts with Corinna waking at 4am to bake her goods for the day. At 6 she opens the doors to the bakery and finds a young girl on the verge of death. Thus she becomes involved in investigating the overdose of several young people across Melbourne. She also receives a nasty letter and graffiti painted on her wall, so she has to discover if the overdoses and threats are connect.
knitterscasket's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Blood
Minor: Transphobia
mooncheye's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
knit_the_resistance's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think if I read this book while on vacation, I would have enjoyed it as a mindless, fluffy detective novel (that also has some dark twists). It's full of bizarre characters, behaving unrealistically. It's one of the worst depictions of a token Jewish Israeli sexy guy I've ever seen, not that it's a trope you ever get to see. So I guess I'm grateful for the token sexy Jewish guy?
vtb's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of setting up series characters. Not much time dedicated to mystery. Quick wrap up of mystery. Lots of potential for series. Will read another.
essjay1's review against another edition
1.0
I loved the Phryne Fisher TV series yet I found the books lacked the colour of the film so perhaps it’s not surprising that I did not love this book either. I do think this could be successfully converted to TV the same as the other series (it’s a very similar premise, set many decades later).
For me, the plot was too predictable (& some frankly unbelievable scenes to do with police procedure) but I do like her recipes and the various mythical references.
For me, the plot was too predictable (& some frankly unbelievable scenes to do with police procedure) but I do like her recipes and the various mythical references.
topangaismyhero's review against another edition
5.0
Fun mystery and an endearing cast of characters. It gets a little dark, but nothing too x rated.