Apart from laying out a splendid story told at a cracking pace, Greenwood takes care in setting out a marvellous 1928 Melbourne backdrop. The class divisions are clearly drawn, as are the lines between the sexes. Miss Fisher is an elegant, emancipated woman of wealth and taste, but even she must be careful to distinguish between liberation and social impropriety. At the risk of sounding crass, one wonders why the adventures of Phryne Fisher haven't found their way on to the big or even small screen. Greenwood's storytelling is wonderfully visual and yet economical.
Pacing is superb and the plots are tight without being impenetrable.
On the page or on the screen, the Phryne Fisher tales make for lively entertainment. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.