Wed 23 Nov 2022
A Mystery Review by LJ Roberts: KERRY GREENWOOD – The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions.
Posted by Steve under Reviews[3] Comments
Reviews by L. J. Roberts
KERRY GREENWOOD – The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions. Phryne Fisher, short story collection. Poisoned Pen Press, hardcover, 2022. Setting: Australia, 1920s.
Opening: Dear Reader, Thank you very much for buying this book (and if you haven’t bought it yet, please do so — I have cats to feed…)
Only Kerry Greenwood could make an “Apologia” as interesting and delightful to read as the actual stories. Not only do I recommend readers start with that, but also not skip “On Phryne Fisher” which is the author’s introduction. From there, one jumps into the wonderful world of 17 absolutely wonderful short stories. There is also a very helpful Glossary at the end.
As per usual, one always has favorite stories:
“Hotel Splendide,” a case of a missing husband and a missing hotel room, starts one off with the perfect amount of information as to Phryne’s background, her style, her ability to take charge, and her enviable sangfroid.
“The Body in the Library” pairs Phryne and DI Jack Robinson and a not-so-pious reverend.
“Death Shall be Dead” includes DI Jack Robinson and a dog. How can one resist that?
and
“The Bells of St. Paul’s” begins with a tea at the Windsor that leaves one salivating, and a message in the bells.
One wishes a few of the stories were novellas and a couple would make wonderful full-length novels.
The book is probably more for fans of Phryne than those new to her. There’s not a lot of introduction to the secondary characters. The settings and the time at which the story occurs also jumps around a bit. Even so, for new readers, this is an excellent way to experience Phryne and her world, and for those who already love Phryne, there is still the overwhelming desire to be her when one grows up.
The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a treat. Some of the stories were previously published, some have been reworked slightly, and four are brand new. They are piquant, thoroughly entertaining, and not overly complicated. One may read one, a few, or all of them at a sitting as reading them may have the effect of potato chips; one just isn’t enough.
Rating: VG Plus.
November 23rd, 2022 at 11:40 pm
With a title like that, how could a book not be completely fun to read?
November 24th, 2022 at 12:47 am
Greenwood and Miss Fisher are always a delight, Agatha Christie with a touch of sex, or at least a recognition of it, but done so lightly as to be more playful than threatening.
Cozy readers can enjoy them while those of us wanting something more substantial will find it too with Miss Fisher as tough minded as Miss Marple and as accomplished as Modesty Blaise.
Updating Miss Marple with a thigh flask, a sex drive, a gun, and martial arts proves to be a formula for smart and entertaining mysteries with Miss Fisher’s modern views well incorporated into the historical setting.
The “issues” Greenwood manages to work into her plots (race, sexism, social problems) never seem forced and never overwhelm the mystery or the sometime welcome melodrama that accompany them.
Greenwood and Miss Fisher are always near the top of my list.
November 30th, 2022 at 12:56 am
I agree, David. Phryne is such a wonderful character. She’s who I’d like to be when I grow up. 😀