Blood and Circuses: A Phryne Fisher Mystery

Overcome by boredom, Phryne allows herself to be convinced by some circus friends to join a travelling circus in order to discover who is behind a string of "accidents" which threaten to shut the circus down. She gets hired as a rider in the trained horse act by learning and then demonstrating her ability to stand and stay standing on a cantering horse.

This balancing act is explained in terms that allow me to understand how it can possibly be done. That's one of the side benefits that I enjoy about reading Phryne Fisher books -- Kerry Greenwood always gives the reader some tidbit of knowledge, whether it is some bit of Australian geography or history, cultural history, or how to balance on a moving horse.

This is the first tale of Phryne working independently, with none of her ordinary backup team. Thus she is in more danger and less sure of herself. That makes this 6th Phryne Book a bit more serious than the others. And it also involves a sexual liaison which is more serious than in other books. But, of course, Phryne discovers and exposes the villain with her usual style and grace.

This book was very enjoyable for me, even though it is not as lighthearted as previous books in the series. As usual, Stephanie Daniel does a top notch job of narration. I especially enjoyed the conversation at the end between author and narrator, including the author's story of learning how to stand on a moving horse when she was a child.

Well worth you time.

This series is wonderful and a fun listen. I love Phryne's adventures. Kerry Greenwood is an excellent author and Stephanie Daniel's voice superb. Don't worry if you start with this book, all is explained, so you won't be lost wondering who is who.

All the Phryne Fisher books rank near the top of my favorites. I love Phryne Fisher

Phryne is my favorite character because I was very much like her in my youth.

I have listened to other Phryne Fisher books and Ms. Daniel's reading is always wonderful. I love her different voices but her reading style doesn't distract from the story.

Phryne heads for the Big Top.

A lovely window on '20's Australia. Not to be missed!

I wasn't sure I was going to like this one but the experienced reading by Stephanie Daniel keep me interested. It is a rare artist who can perform male and female voices without irritation. Phryne however irritates me just a little more than she entertains me - and I'm not sure why her social standing allows her not to be called a tramp given her penchant for bedding any male she comes across. I enjoyed my trip back to the country circuses and the insight into the moral world of circus folk.

We find our heroin ,under the big top of a struggling circus,board with her mundane life she gives up the maids and a soft bed for the rugged and harsh circus grounds ,were she is tested socially and psychically finding solace in the arms of a sad clown. There is a lot of swearing in this thanks to the very lovable lizard Elsy ,I only mention in case this turns you away from the ever entertaining Miss Fisher,which would be a great pity.

I haven't read the print version but I'm sure this is better because of the narrator.

All of her performances in the Phryne Fisher books have been wonderful. I haven't listened to other recordings she has done.

The Phryne stories I like best are ones that involve her family; my favorite is Dead Man's Chest. However, this one is very interesting. Ms. Greenwood has researched thoroughly and also has had some personal experience.

Narrator is good, though I find her pacing a bit odd. Story is farfetched and mystery was slight.

If a story does not grab my interest right out of the box I seldom finish it.This one had me all the way to the end. I am anxious to read the rest of Kerry,s stories. Lucky I picked this one first because I feel it gives me a background for the people in future books.

Yes, but with the caution that the story takes a darker less comical turn towards teh end.

Not really.

It sounded like she had could our allergies. You could hear hear her sucking on her teeth at the end of paragraphs.

Phryne returning home.

Rather graphic attempt to rape and kill the main character at the end of the book.

This book ranks well in the Phryne series. Interesting plot and sub-plots and excellent reader - Kerry Greenwood writes a wonderful yarn and Stephanie Daniel brings it all to life.

The detail of circus life and the training required by the horse folk.

I've seen the ABC1 version and truthfully unless you take all of the book and are true to the Kerry Greenwood Phryne I'm not certain it would be a good move separate from the series.