Murder in Williamstown by Kerry Greenwood


 Kerry Greenwood has written the 22nd novel in her Phryne Fisher series called Murder in Williamstown, and while I am not new to the series, I admit there was new information that I might have learned from an earlier novel. That said, there was enough detail to keep me from being lost in the woods. I would say that a cursory explanation of who each character is would be sufficient enough to then make this a standalone novel.

The novel begins with Phryne Fisher receiving unpleasant notes in the post. She enlists Tinker, one of her three adopted children, to assist her in discovering the culprit. Meanwhile Jane and Ruth, the other two adopted children, are tasked by their school to assist at the Institute for the Blind. However, Jane discovers discrepancies in the Institute’s bookkeeping, and informs Miss Fisher. Phryne is also invited to dinner with one of her male acquaintances at his home in Williamstown. She discovers a broken opium pipe in the park, and a body on the shore. She later discovers that the body is Chinese and may have ties to her lover Lin Chung.

I always stay engaged with a Phryne Fisher story, whether it is in novel or television method. While reading I can imagine Essie Davis and the other actors, and that assists the imagination. It is a light-hearted novel with such elegant details that gives the novel a moderate, but steady pace. Phryne is such a strong female character, but I enjoyed seeing her guide the children into being independent and strong as well.  

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars. 

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