ARC Review: Death in Daylesford by Kerry Greenwood

Death in Daylesford
Author: Kerry Greenwood
Series: Phryne Fisher Mystery (Book 21)
Publication: Poisoned Pen Press (June 1, 2021)

Description: Taking the waters has never been more delicious―or dangerous...

When a mysterious invitation for a spa holiday arrives for Miss Phryne Fisher from an unknown retired Captain Herbert Spencer, Phryne's curiosity is piqued. Spencer runs a retreat in Victoria's rural spa country for shell-shocked veterans of World War I. It's a cause after Phryne's own heart, but what can Spencer want from her?

Phryne and her faithful servant Dot set out for Daylesford, viewing their rural sojourn as a short holiday. While Dot gets to know the remarkable women who run the hotel where they are lodging, Phryne enjoys an enticing meal―and dessert―with the attractive Captain Spencer. But their relaxation is short-lived as they are thrown into treacherous Highland gatherings, a mysterious case of disappearing women, and a string of murders committed under their very noses. Meanwhile, back at home, Phryne's three wards are busy solving a mystery of their own when a schoolmate is found floating facedown near the docks―and pregnant at the time of her death.

With her usual pluck and deft thinking, Phryne methodically investigates the strange goings-on in this anything-but-tranquil spa town.

My Thoughts: In this 21st adventure, the Honorable Phryne Fisher finds herself traveling to Australia's spa district with her loyal maid Dot on a mysterious invitation from a Captain Herbert Spencer who is running a retreat for shell-shocked young men. Of course, mystery finds her.

Women are disappearing and young men who are potential beaus of a local beauty are dying in a number of different ways. Both Phryne and Dot soon find themselves involved in the different cases. Phryne is her usual self: confident and unconventional. And Dot is her usual self too: loyal and conforming.

There are a wide variety of interesting characters in this one including the local beauty Annie Tremain and her loyal sister Jessie, and Colleen O'Rourke who's another popular young lady. Phryne's hostesses at their lodging have secrets of their own too. In fact, the town is filled with secrets that Phryne manages to unravel during her short stay.

Meanwhile at home, Phryne's wards have a mystery of their own to solve when one of the girls' schoolmates is found floating in the bay. They band together along with Hugh Collins, who needs to work around a particularly stupid boss, to solve that mystery too.

The story was filled with local scenery, high fashion, and dodgy characters. I like Phryne's approach to life and enjoyed this story. I had previously only read the first two books in the series and am now eager to catch up on her earlier adventures.

Favorite Quote:

Phryne had never seen the attraction of leaning on someone else's shoulder--after all, she had two of her own--and she found it trying in others. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.