Death at Victoria Dock: A Phryne Fisher Mystery

When I first discovered the Phryne Fisher Mysteries, I loved the carefree and lighthearted atmosphere created by the author, Kerry Greenwood, and the narrator, Stephanie Daniel.
Death at Victoria Dock opens with Phryne's windshield shattering from gunfire, and her discovery of a wounded young man who dies in her arms. This beginning signals a Phryne Fisher adventure which is not so lighthearted as the rest.

In trying to solve the murder of the young man, Phryne becomes involved with Latvian anarchists (who apparently really were active in 1920's Australia), some of whom kidnap her secretary Dot. She takes an anarchist known as Peter Smith for her lover, and opposes the actions of the other anarchists, leading a plan which thwarts a planned bank robbery by the Latvians.

In the meantime, Phryne has taken on an investigation into the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl who is assumed by her father to have run away. The girl is in school with Phryne's adopted daughters, so they help with the investigation, which uncovers some unsavory goings-on within the girl's family. Needless to say, Phryne solves the mystery and recovers the girl.

All this is accomplished by Phryne with her usual aplomb, but not quite with the same elan as usual. I think this is probably because of the more serious crimes being dealt with. Even at a slightly less lighthearted level, this tale is fun and enjoyable, and even teaches a bit about Australian history. Stephanie Daniel does her customary extraordinary job of narration, giving life to Phryne, Dot, the girls, Bert and Cec, and all the other characters.

In addition, like the other Phryne Fisher audible books, there is the added bonus of a conversation between the author and the narrator, usually talking about where Greenwood got her ideas for the plot of that particular book, and the historical basis for those ideas.

Once again, I highly recommend the Phryne Fisher books to those who like a mystery which is lighthearted, not too violent, and not too graphic in the lovemaiking department.

I'm a Huge Phryne Fisher fan, and I have read all of the Phryne Fisher books that Audible doesn't have yet. And, I loved this one! It is one of the stories that shows the author's skill in her ability to draw the very complex main character of Phryne Fisher, as well as all of the wonderful secondary characters. Also, as usual, the reader is wonderful. Kerry Greenwood & Stephanie Daniel are a great combination!

Phryne is back--maybe better to say, Stephanie Daniel, the narrator who IS Phryne to those of us who listen to these delightful books--returns to her adoring listeners (of whom I count myself one for sure!)

Here Phryne is working a double mystery. One comes about because she is present when a young man has been shot, she holds him in her arms as he dies, and thereafter intends to avenge his murder. (Partly because he was so "young and pretty.") And when Phryne intends something--she does it. This is really the main story in the book--the one with all the action, but there is a secondary mystery as well--this one involving a young girl who has gone missing. A quieter part of the story, but very touching, and a way to bring in the assistance of Phryne's two adopted girls.

The thing about these narrated productions is the quality of them from beginning to end. They include wonderful 20's style music, some of the best narration of any series I know, and a general sense of fun and engagement, despite there is a serious story going on. Phryne can be serious--but she alternates all her work with a lifestye that is so glamorous and romantic, that it tends to help the whole story keep a light tone.

One tiny remark--and this is my pet peeve about many series, where the author reveals things that have occurred in past books--it happened again here. Suggest you read these from the beginning--even though, if you really don't care about that, this will stand on it's own just fine. Wish there were more stars to give to Stephanie Daniel, who just "is" Phryne Fisher to me. Highly recommend for a great listen!

I must admit I am a bit prejudiced when it comes to the Phryne Fisher novels. I love this book as much as the others. We finally get to meet Collins, and Dot gets to show us how brave and resourceful she is in her own right.

I like the series, but didn't care for the reader, specifically the way she choose to read male voices. I'll get the others as ebooks or hard copy. pity.

Just when you think you know how it will all end another angle enters the story. Mystery is there, Phryne's individual style is paramount to the story. Excellent!