Review: Death at Victoria Dock

Death at Victoria Dock Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Kerry Greenwood
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Woman Main Character
Series: Phryne Fisher # 4
Poisoned Pen Press, Hardcover, 176 pages, $24.95

In the 1920's all across the world, political experimentation was on the move. In Australia, young veterans back from a devastating war were trying on new mantles, contributed to by appalling working conditions. One such political movement which seemed bent on overthrowing the capitalist system in the soonest way possible was the anarchist. Author Greenwood puts a human face on these thugs and criminals and lets the reader discover there are sympathetic anarchists and well as murderers and thieves in the movement.

Titled and wealthy, and strikingly good-looking to boot, Private Investigator Phryne Fisher is headed home in her racy Hispano-Suiza, a huge and powerful vehicle, when a bullet shatters the vehicle's windscreen. Understandably upset, Phryne slams on the brakes and is thus able to see a drama played out. Two men, one repeatedly firing a pistol at her, climb the wall at the Melbourne Gas Works, situated on the Victoria Dock. Phryne then discovers a third man, grievously wounded, lying on the apron. He dies in her arms after inconveniently spilling blood on her silk- clad alabaster body. So here, in just the first couple of pages we learn volumes about this emancipated wealthy young woman, her character, her situation and the basis of this murder mystery.

Author Greenwood's economical mastery of the forms and language of the mystery are all evident in these first pages. Our principal character, Phryne Fisher is not unique among female private detectives, nor is this story, which will follow her into some parts of Melbourne live that don't make it into the tourist brochures. But Greenwood's hand ling of the character, the clear-eyed, insouciance with which this young woman moves through her privileged life and times is a delight. One could do far worse than spend a few hours in the presence of Phryne Fisher.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carl Brookins - RAM

Book Review: Death at Victoria Dock