Reviewed by: Cecilia Jansink

The Honourable Phryne (pronounced fry-nee) Fisher is certainly not your typical amateur sleuth. Then again the delightful, unflappable and just a tad crazy Aussie born gentry isn’t your typical anything. The 1920’s was a decade known for its decadence, darkness and rule flaunting and even in an era where women started taking the bull by the horns, Phryne firmly makes her mark.

Phryne decides to leave the stuffiness of English society for the excitement of Melbourne, Australia. After all it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective. But not even Phryne expected so much action so quickly. There are backyard abortionists to nab, possible poisonings to prevent and a cocaine ring to dismantle. Hold on to your hat; this is one exotic and erotic adventure.

I had been dying to get my hands on this series after reading Greenwood’s work previously and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. This is a truly delectable new take on the classic detective tale in the traditions of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple but with a strong girl power twist. The 1920’s have never been so racy and addictive.

Greenwood’s style of storytelling is all encompassing and so vividly rich that you are automatically swept away with the action and drama. The pace is fast and flows flawlessly from one twist to the next. The mystery is impeccably woven and the red herrings will continually keep you guessing and wondering just how our Miss Fisher puts it all together so seamlessly.

From the very first time you make Phryne’s acquaintance you will find yourself thoroughly invested in her world, even if you’re not quite sure what to make of her. And the colourful array of characters certainly doesn’t end with our “lady detective”. There’s the delightful Dr MacMillan with her men’s clothes and no- nonsense approach to the male hypocrisy rife at the time.  A wonderful reminder that once women had to fight tooth and nail for the choices we take for granted. Then there are the roguish Bert and Cec, the red ragger taxi drivers who soon become her investigative assistants and prove themselves more than handy in a pinch.  And of course Phryne’s maid and social secretary the delightful Dot, who in true Phryne style came into her employ in the most unusual of circumstances.

If you haven’t entered Phryne’s wonderful world of mayhem yet, you will soon get the chance to make her acquaintance in the “flesh” on the small screen with the T.V adaptation coming to ABC1 sometime this year. But for those of you who don’t want to wait,  discover the magic from the very beginning in “Cocaine Blues”.

Cocaine Blues- Kerry Greenwood

Poisoned Pen Press

ISBN: 9781590583852

175 Pages

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