Book 10: Queen of the Flowers by Kerry Greenwood
Book 10: Queen of the Flowers (Phryne Fisher #14) .
Author: Kerry Greenwood, 2004.
Genre: Period Fiction. 1920s Australia. Crime Fiction. Cozy Mystery.
Other Details: Unabridged Audio Book (8 hrs, 20 mins). Read by Stephanie Daniel.
St. Kilda's streets hang with fairy lights. Tea dances, tango competitions, lifesaving demonstrations, lantern shows, and picnics on the beach are all part of the towns first Flower Parade. And who should be Queen of the Flowers but the Honourable Phryne Fisher? It seems that the lovely Phryne has nothing to do but buy dresses, drink cocktails, and dine in lavish restaurants. Unfortunately, disappearances during this joyous festival aren’t limited to the magic shows. One of Phryne’s flower maidens has simply vanished. And so, Phryne is off to investigate aided by Bert and Cec and her trusty little Beretta. When her darling adopted daughter Ruth goes missing, Phryne is determined that nothing will stand in the way of her investigation. Phryne must confront elephants, brothel-life, and perhaps worst of all an old lover in an effort to save Ruth and her flower maiden before it is too late. - synopsis from Poisoned Pen Press website.
This was another in the series that stressed family ties with focus upon Phryne's adopted daughters, Jane and Ruth. It was quite different to the TV episode of the same name, though that often is the case.
It didn't prove to be one of my favourites in the series; Phryne came across a little too cool and collected for my taste when Ruth went missing. I still rated it 4-stars on Goodreads as I do enjoy the series and a little dip now and then is to be expected.
Stephanie Daniel, the narrator, was singing again and in the closing interview this aspect of the novels was discussed with Kerry Greenwood. Kerry also mentioned that she had moved the date of the first Flower Parade from 1929 to 1928. A small point though it emphasised for me how committed Kerry is to historical accuracy to mention taking this small license.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.