Cocaine Blues

By: Kerry Greenwood

Narrated by: Stephanie Daniel

Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Unforgettable characters and a fascinating 1920s setting.

It's the end of the roaring twenties, and the exuberant and Honourable Phryne Fisher is dancing and gaming with gay abandon. But she becomes bored with London and the endless round of parties. In search of excitement, she sets her sights on a spot of detective work in Melbourne, Australia. And so mystery and the beautiful Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse, appear in her life. From then on it's all cocaine and communism until her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street.

©2006 Kerry Greenwood (P)2006 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

“A delicious bon-bon of a book that will have readers eagerly looking forward to the sequel." ( The Weekend Australian)

"A scintillating start to the series." ( The Advertiser)

Weird chapters

I enjoyed the book - it was a bit different from the tv show. My main complaint is that the chapters are numbered wrong and they make no sense.

Highly disappointed in the narration and editing

Usually the books are better than the movies/television shows. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I loved the Ms. Fisher series on television and thought the books would be the same. Wrong. It did follow along the most part, but what made it not so enjoyable was the narration and editing. It was like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard listening to the voices of some of the characters portrayed. It was also very distracting (and not so appealing) to hear the narrator repeatedly smack her lips and make noises like she is in dire need of a drink of water. To top it off was the extremely poor editing. There were long pauses in the middle of speaking parts or action sequences and chapter breaks were just randomly inserted. No rhyme or reason. I had purchased three other books in the series to which I will be returning and I will be removing the remaining selections from my wish list. I do not think I can take another audible book in this series if it is anything like what I just finished....

Clever Female Detective!

The first chapter catches your attention because Phryne identifies a robber within seconds of the theft.
I had trouble getting used to the writing style and narration as both are very clipped due to short sentences. But I got over that halfway thru the book.
She's very clever. The book moves at a decent speed so you don't get bored. A nice, easy, interesting read.

Could have been so good

Reminded me of Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series or Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell books. But I’m had some really unfortunate events and characters, including, at times, the heroine, who slept around without compunction. Might try more but hope the author makes the heroine more likeable. Otherwise I will not recommend this series.

Can't believe this was hiding in TBR pile!

1920s, Australia, investigation, fun

I'm so glad that I saw the TV series first! Of course the plots are only loosely resembling each other, but it really helps to have the visual images when reading about things like the Hispano Suisse! Did I mention that I prefer the original (as in books)? Loved it!

Could hear the narrator swallowing, etc.

I enjoyed the characters. history, and plot. The performer's swallowing & other non-speaking sounds were distracting.

Brilliant however you find it!

I was introduced to the Phryne Fisher series via the excellent ABC TV adaption. However, if you think that having seen the TV series spoils the books for you then think again! The plots of the books are quite different to that of the TV adaption and, whilst I could see the origins of the episodes in the books, I was completely enthralled by the books. In fact, it was quite fascinating to consider the differences and similarities while listening.

Without taking anything away from Kerry Greenwood's masterful writing, I can say without any hesitation that Stephanie Daniel's reading made the series come alive for me. Her style captures the character of Phryne perfectly and her versatile voice somehow manages to give every single character their own distinct recognisable voice.

I cannot recommend this series more highly. You will not regret your purchase!

Bit of "romantic" Fluff with mystery thrown in

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not-- very light weight though entertaining in parts

What could Kerry Greenwood have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Daniel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Do you think Cocaine Blues needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

This is part of a series but I gather they don't follow this subject--just Phrynne the main character.

Any additional comments?

It is a good book to listen to when your mind doesn't want to be burdened. The heroine's sexual dalliances are gratuitous but obviously part of her persona. I thought at times I stumbled into a seamy romance novel.

The time just flew

This is a new series for me. I was reluctant to purchase. I am so happy that I took a chance. I was so enthralled that the story was over before I knew it. I will be purchasing the rest of the series and look forward to many hours of listening pleasure.

I am hooked on the Miss Fisher mysteries!

Would you listen to Cocaine Blues again? Why?

Cocaine Blues is fun mind bubble gum. I could definitely see myself on a long drive, or during chores, replaying this and maybe other books in the series again. It is a character-driven period piece set in the 20s. Kerry Greenwood has written a very whimsical book that benefits being read aloud. Stephanie Daniel reads the text using all the different voices in the book.

What did you like best about this story?

Phryne Fisher is a fun character. The book has more characters than the TV series (of which I am a fan). There is a sense of history and Australia in the 20s. It is not great literature, but it is a well-written novel that is very entertaining, spicy, and expects its reader to be intelligent and imaginative.

Have you listened to any of Stephanie Daniel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard Stephanie Daniels before. I will look for her performance reading other books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If time had allowed me to listen to it in one sitting, I could have. It transported me through a number of bus rides and chores.

Any additional comments?

It is a relief that I don't feel the TV series or the books are better than the other. Yes, there are differences, but you can enjoy each of them. On to the rest of the gooks and episodes.