The glorious Phryne Fisher returns to the spotlight in her seventh adventure. Fisher is an independent, unconventional PI with competence, unflappability and flamboyance in equal measures.
Running late to the Hinkler gala performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore, she meets some thugs in a dark alley and handles them convincingly before they can ruin her silver dress. Phryne then finds that she has rescued a gorgeous Chinese, Lin Chung, and his grandmother, and is briefly mistaken for a deity. Denying divinity but accepting cognac, she later continues safely to the theater. But it's an unexpected evening as her night is again interrupted by a most bizarre death onstage.
What links can Phryne possibly find between the ridiculously entertaining plot of Ruddigore, the city's Chinese community, and the actors treading the boards of His Majesty's Theatre? Drawn backstage and onstage, Phryne must solve an old murder and find a new murderer, and, of course, banish the theater's ghost, who seems likely to kill again.
©2006 Kerry Greenwood; (P)2006 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
"Scented, dangerous, and highly enjoyable." (The Weekend Australian)
"Phryne Fisher sparkles with wit and champagne elegance. Stephanie Daniel performs with genteel ease. Her upper-class Australian accents and her wild assortment of reputable and disreputable characters are truly amazing." (AudioFile)
anelar
"Great fun!"
What a marvelous book! Lovely story and I learned SO much. I didn't even know that Gilbert and Sullivan had written a play called Ruddigore. I learned about it, about Australia in the 1920's and had a marvelous murder mystery to boot!
If you're into sex, suspense and sadistic gore, this is NOT the book for you, but if you love old-fashioned whodunits, download this book today!
The narrator is wonderful and she even sings! (Quite well, too!). More Phrynie Fisher please!! She's wonderful!
"Sadly Sung"
Kerry Greenwood's character Phryne comes to life again This is one of my favourites, but the singing of the reader greatly mars the overall effect of the story, and almost made me fast forward! It is worth gritting your teeth though the singing, just to meet Lin.
rambunctiously soft spoken.
"Smoke and mirrors"
It's happened and it's terrible I didn't like this one ,I know you are all shouting at your screen "how is that possible " but it is never the less true ,this tale is set in theater ,where the titles play is read constantly and sung, I love this narrator but singing is not her forte and I started finding it quite annoying ,I would never say don't read these books but just be warned ."on the plus side we are introduced to Miss Fishers Chinese gentleman friend about time.
"I love this series"
Yes
I do love this series. If you want to love it too, suspend disbelief; this is a getaway into a fantasy world. Everything works out for Phryne; she is an excellent pilot, can defend herself physically, smokes gaspers, has perfect shiny hair, a wardrobe to die for and can have any man she wants. Then, of course, there are all the murders that happen around her with exotic characters involved. The powers that be (police, lords and ladies, etc.) put great stock in her guidance. And there's just enough tasteful sex (on silk sheets) to add a some piquancy. It's not gritty reality, it's fun fantasy in a decade that I have always wanted to time-travel to. Stephanie Daniel's narration is flawless. She captures Phryne Fisher's aplomb and cool poise perfectly. Escapism WITH some interesting and accurate historical references at its best. Brava Kerry Greenwood and Stephanie Daniels.
This particular book will definitely appeal to those who enjoy the theatre and, most especially, Gilbert & Sullivan. As my family has performed in so many G&S productions, it was particularly appealing to me.
"A Delightful Read"
Kerry Greenwoods books provide a wonderful picture of Melbourne between the wars. With Phriony Fisher and the competent, smart and beautiful lady detective who none can get the better of. A delightful read (listen) beautifully read.
"Enjoy the music and the story"
Another solid entry in the Fisher series. Stephanie Daniel is a fabulous match for these mysteries. Fabulously entertaining! When I re-listen it is like visiting an old friend. More Phryne please!