i found the first phyrne in a wonderful used bookstore in portland, oregon, and started searching for the rest. i had to order most of them used from australia.
now, at last, she's back, in a uniform edition yet.
ms. greenwood writes well, and, as the series progresses, her plots, her characterizations, the atmosphere all become increasing fine. she writes with humor, an impressive depth of understanding of people (and animals), a monumental grasp of the 20s and the First World War--the historical details are fascinating. her ethical standards are exemplary, as is her compassion.
you might think ethics and compassion are strange things to include in the review of a murder mystery, but ms. greenwood's books are more than murder mysteries--there are elements of social satire, comedy, and tragedy of course. readers of golden age mysteries will enjoy ms. greenwood's take on the conventions.
_ruddy gore_ adds a ghost story to a theatrical setting. ms. greenwood's familiarity with actors and singers is hilariously obvious--but she equally obviously likes stage people.
i did not guess the murderer, though the clues were there--i haven't guessed the villain in any of the books since the third (_murder on the ballarat train_).
so, if you like wonderful writing, interesting history, humor, and really good mysteries, read this series. it's the bee's knees' and the cat's meow.
