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Murder on a Midsummer Night: A Phryne Fisher Mystery    by Kerry Greenwood Amazon.com order for
Murder on a Midsummer Night
by Kerry Greenwood
Order:  USA  Can
Poisoned Pen, 2009 (2009)
Hardcover, Softcover, CD
* *   Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth

Oh, lucky readers! Phryne Fisher is back in a new escapade in Kerry Greenwood's Murder on Midsummer Night. It's 1929 in St. Kilda near Melbourne, Australia. Phryne is making out a list of guests to invite to her 29th birthday party. Her sister Eliza (a woman of good works) appears with a companion in tow and the story begins.

The son of an antiques shop owner has been found dead, apparently a suicide. His mother scoffs at the idea of her son committing suicide. She's convinced he has been murdered. Along with this baffling case, Phryne is commissioned to find the illegitimate heir to a woman's fortune. The child was adopted at birth. Phryne takes all this in stride and sets about doing what she does so well. Detecting.

Her endeavors involve her amorous friend Lin Chung, her assistant Dot, her two adopted daughters Jane and Ruth, her household staff Mr. and Mrs. Butler, and various and sundry others who might prove helpful. All the while Phryne dresses to the teeth – her 1920s clothing makes one wish these styles would come back in fashion again in a big way. Luxurious. The liquids the characters imbibe sound extremely refreshing for a hot summer's day. And the food. Oh, my, the food! Luscious.

I'm rather glad I'm not driving on the same streets while Phryne is at the wheel. She must feel rules and regulations of the road don't apply to her. Of course, she winds up both cases, maybe not to everyone's satisfaction. But they are solved. Murder on a Midsummer Night is another tour de force and great summer reading. Don't miss our Phryne in her latest.

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