Murder in Williamstown

 

Murder in Williamstown is the 22nd mystery featuring expat British aristocrat Phryne Fisher and her entourage written by Kerry Greenwood. First released in late 2022, this reformat and new release 7th Nov 2023 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint is 288 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in this most excellent long running series are also currently available on KU.

This is such a well written romp, full of action, eccentric characters, skullduggery, and the returning cast of regulars doing what they do best. This installment provides an intricate interlocking set of puzzles including murder, embezzlement, poison pen letters, and the disappearance of a young family member of Phryne's lover Lin Chung. Hugh, Dot, Cec, Burt & Tinker, and Phryne's adopted daughters are along for the adventure as always. 

Although it's the 22nd book in the series, it works quite well as a standalone. I heartily recommend the entire series, but caveats apply - they're variable in pacing and writing (all worth reading, but uneven). For readers unfamiliar with Phryne & co., she's redoubtable, fiercely independent, intelligent, and outspoken. She and her companion Dorothy investigate crimes and thwart criminals great and small. There's always a lot of wit and some light comedy in the books, but they're also very intelligent with unexpected twists and turns. The denouement and resolution here are satisfying, the clues are fair play, and Phryne is (as always) unflappable and resilient.

It's a well researched historical diverting read, full of Antipodean charm, dependable fun characters, and a good ending. The language is mostly clean (a few damns and bloodies, nothing worse). There is some strongly suggestive light erotic content (completely consensual) between Phryne and a lover, but nothing explicit. I love her pragmatic view of sex and food and her hedonistic honesty. It's pure wish fulfillment and fantasy of course, but it's an awful lot of fun to read.

Four stars. Phryne's a delight.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.