Murder on the Ballarat Train

A Phryne Fisher Mystery

By: Kerry Greenwood

Narrated by: Stephanie Daniel

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In Phryne's third adventure, Phryne is off to Ballarat for a week of fabulousness, but the sedate journey by train turns out to be far from the restful trip she was planning. What was planned as a restful country sojourn turns into the stuff of nightmares: a young girl who can't remember anything, rumours of vile white slavery, and the body of an old woman missing her emerald rings. And Phryne is at the centre, working through the clues to arrive at the incredible truth before another murder is committed. Fortunately, Phryne can still find a little time for a discreet dalliance and the delicious diversion of that rowing team of young men.

Solve another case with Phryne Fisher.

©1991 Kerry Greenwood (P)2010 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"This latest mystery to feature the irrepressible Phryne Fisher, Melbourne's uninhibited 1920s private detective, begins with Phryne saving the lives of a group of travelers when someone chloroforms their train compartments. Unfortunately, an elderly woman is discovered missing and then found murdered. It's left to Phryne to unmask the killer while rescuing a young girl who suffers from amnesia. This series continues to offer a feisty main character and a vividly created and definitely unusual historical setting - the flapper Down Under." ( Booklist)

Love Phryne Fisher!

A beautifully read audiobook of the Phryne Fisher series. I am a great fan of the TV adaptation, and the audiobook does not disappoint. This is a great listen for those new to Miss Fisher, as well as longtime fans.

Excellent story, reader inconsistent

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The villains were not stick figures, but believably bad. The reader did an excellent job with Phryne’s voice, but her portrayal of Chicago Pete and the voodoo priest were dreadful. I grew up in the southern US, and it amazes me how badly the accents are portrayed. Why can’t actors find a decent recording on the internet and imitate it?

Trains and Mischief

This book is my absolute favorite. All the characters mesh to firm a while with each part flowing to the next. The character interaction are just right for this story as fun and serious balance. The reader is able to catch the mood changes with her voice.

One of the big pluses to this and all her books, I learn a little something new. So in many ways it fits many of my reading needs.

There is additional relationship grounding as the character emotion fits both character as he or she fits into whole and their personalities grow and mature just the right amount. The past time frames in Phryne’s life provide a greater depth to her but also keep he actions outlandish actions allow the listener to keep her in the fictional realm of fiction.

All the aspects of a great story are there.

Individuality, family, sex, a sense of inclusion for the different life style decisions
Perhaps just saying this blends the listener into the story. I’ve read the book several times but listened to it beyond 10 times and it has always held my interest.a big thank you for this series

smashing story, great reader

As always, neither Ms Greenwood nor dear Phryne fails to satisfy the discerning reader. If you have only watched the TV programs (or is it programmes?), do not fail to give the audiobooks a listen!

Phryne delights again!

Where does Murder on the Ballarat Train rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Greenmwood's books are not great literature for the ages, but they are greatly entertaining with a wide range of characters, wonderful storyline, and delicious descriptions, including the musical intros!

If you’ve listened to books by Kerry Greenwood before, how does this one compare?

Greenwood has found her successful niche, and hope she continues! This just chugs along like a train of fun.

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

NA

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Greenwood's books have laugh out loud moments!

Any additional comments?

These are too short, but just fun.

Another lovely Phynne story

A very enjoyable read! Miss Fisher is a delightful protagonist, and I love how smart and capable she is. A compelling mystery added to the fun. My one drawback is the narrator’s singing! Took me completely out of the story. Please just read the words, we don’t need to hear your melodic interpretation!

Train

Great book. Very entertaining with good characters and storyline. Humor is subtle and witty.

What fun! A romp through 1920s Australia

The Phryne Fisher series is great fun, featuring a heroine who is beautiful, smart, sophisticated, wealthy, independent, courageous and funny. As indicated by the title, this installment features a murder committed on a train under mysterious circumstances. Phryne, of course, takes the lead in solving the murder with great panache. She is assisted in various ways by her maid Pat, her friend Inspector Robinson, and her pet taxi drivers and investigators Bert and Cec. Along the way, she acquires two adopted daghters (Jane and Ruth), a cat (Embers), and the obligatory new lover (this one a young law student).

These books are lighthearted and filled with atmosphere. However, each book does deal with a serious subject. In this case, it is sex trafficking of young girls.

Phryne is the epitome of the independent woman of the 1920s, displaying great elan, living life on her own terms, and breezing through all challenges and difficulties. The very essence of Phryne is enhanced by the wonderful performances of Stephanie Daniel, who depicts Phryne's character exactly with a breezy, self-assured voice that is perfect for these books.

Highly recommended for a lighthearted break from all those dark mysteries and thrillers.

Another hit!

Yet another fantastic adventure of Miss Fisher. I love these books. I both read and listen to them. Just a wonderful series and the narrator is superb.

Good read!

Enlightened strong women abound in series. Have enjoyed TV series but wanted to listen to series. Of course, the books are much better...which days a lot as the TV series is most excellent!