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The Green Mill Murder
(Phryne Fisher #5)
by
Phryne Fisher is doing one of her favorite things—cutting the rug at the Green Mill, Melbourne’s premier dance hall. In a sparkling lobelia-colored georgette dress, dancing to the stylings of Tintagel Stone’s Jazzmakers, nothing can flap the unflappable flapper. Nothing except death, that is.
The dance competition is trailing into its final hours when suddenly, in the middl ...more
The dance competition is trailing into its final hours when suddenly, in the middl ...more
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Kindle Edition, 209 pages
Published
January 11th 2012
by Poisoned Pen Press
(first published January 1st 1993)
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Start your review of The Green Mill Murder (Phryne Fisher, #5)
The Green Mill was hosting a dance-a-thon, with the grand prize of a brand new car for the winning couple. Miss Phryne Fisher was there, dressed to kill and enjoying the company – although the torturous dance-a-thon wasn’t making her happy. When one of the male contestants suddenly collapsed, his partner fell to the floor in angst – the young couple who were left standing after over 42 hours of non-stop dancing were the winners. They also collapsed in sheer exhaustion. But the first man to hit t
...more
Jul 07, 2021
Paul E. Morph
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2021
Another Phryne Fisher mystery kicks off with a murder in a jazz club and gets ever more twisty from there. This was a solid, fun read. I was really starting to wonder how the two separate plots were going to become relevant to each other at one point but, as usual, the two stories were joined together seamlessly in the final chapter and all became clear.
It was nice that there was no child abuse or sexual violence in this one, as those elements were becoming quite grueling in the previous books o ...more
It was nice that there was no child abuse or sexual violence in this one, as those elements were becoming quite grueling in the previous books o ...more
Jan 18, 2017
Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-2017
The Green Mill Murder is book five in the Phryne Fisher series and you can read them as stand-alone's, although you probably will get a better insight into the characters by reading from the beginning. I have so far read all but one prior to this book, but I have also seen the TV-series. And, have you seen the TV-series will you definitely both have a familiar feeling reading these books, but also feel that so much is different. And, the one thing I miss most of all is the flirtatious relationsh
...more
This is what, by now, counts as a fairly typical story for Phryne, featuring two different lovers, some acts of derring-do, and little glimpses of the found-family going on with Ruth, Jane, Bert, Cec, the Butlers, Dot, and Phryne. Oh, and some very unpleasant people in society. Actually, I would quite like to see Phryne getting on with some people that she doesn’t want to sleep with and doesn’t despise, in her own social class… not that social class matters much to her; it just feels like a gap.
...more
I've got to confess...I was very disappointed with this book. Usually Kerry Greenwood has a tight, clean, writing style, but this one was vague and all over the place. It seemed to be more of a showcase on the research that Ms. Greenwood did on 1920s jazz. In most mystery stories, it is common practice at the end of the book to actually solve the murder. But the murder is never solved! Instead, we are detoured to endure a sounding board for gay rights and a look into emotional abuse. That's fine
...more
Nothing like a charming Phryne Fisher mystery to improve the day. This one was one of my favorites so far. Over the course of her investigation into a Jazz club murder, Phryne ends up out of her element which just shows how likable she is under all that sophistication.
This book wins for the wombat ex machina alone.
Other than that, on a reread this felt a bit all over the place. There are two overlapping mysteries: one a murder, and one a disappearance. There’s two romances, one of which actually makes me feel kind of squicky inside now I think about it — it’s not often Phryne makes a judgement about who to sleep with that I really disagree with (heck, that’s the point of Phryne; she makes her own decisions)… but one of the two is certainly twisted in his mora ...more
Other than that, on a reread this felt a bit all over the place. There are two overlapping mysteries: one a murder, and one a disappearance. There’s two romances, one of which actually makes me feel kind of squicky inside now I think about it — it’s not often Phryne makes a judgement about who to sleep with that I really disagree with (heck, that’s the point of Phryne; she makes her own decisions)… but one of the two is certainly twisted in his mora ...more
My favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed the book better than the revised version in the televised series. The Australian lady detective is at a dance hall in the late 1920s when one of the men of the last remaining dance marathon couples drops dead at her feet. Her dance partner, Charles, disappears. Despite his reprehensible and over dramatic mother, she is on the case looking for Charles, who has gone into hiding, helps the winning dance couple get their prize, becomes a lover of jazz (bot
...more
Delightful, as always.
Let's see, what was my history with Miss Fisher before this book … I adore the Corinna Chapman series, and was surprised and impressed by Out of the Black Land, set in ancient Egypt. I did not, however, much enjoy the first Phryne Fisher novel, Cocaine Blues, for some reason. I think it was just discomfiture with the utterly unique and I-don't-careness of Miss Fisher, and her way of breezing in, solving things, sleeping with any attractive man, and breezing out. Still, loving the author, I stock
...more
Rating: 2.5* of five
Okay, no adolescent girls in jeopardy this time, so I will continue reading the books.
Phryne does, however, interact with two more stereotypes: The neurasthenic, crying gay interior decorator and the outdoorsy, rough lesbian couple.
Try something a little less cardboard, Miss Greenwood. I am losing heart.
The structure of the book isn't great. The eponymous murder takes place, is investigated, and left unresolved. I think I know who did it, but I have no idea why...or at least ...more
Okay, no adolescent girls in jeopardy this time, so I will continue reading the books.
Phryne does, however, interact with two more stereotypes: The neurasthenic, crying gay interior decorator and the outdoorsy, rough lesbian couple.
Try something a little less cardboard, Miss Greenwood. I am losing heart.
The structure of the book isn't great. The eponymous murder takes place, is investigated, and left unresolved. I think I know who did it, but I have no idea why...or at least ...more
The Green Mill murder by Kerry Greenwood is the 5th book in the Phryne Fisher Murder mystery series. Phryne is attending a dance competition at the Green Mill when one of the competitors is stabbed dead without anyone noticing anything. I enjoyed this book very much. I listened to the Audible versionwhich added to my enjoyment as the narrator did a wonderful job in bringing the different characters to life and also sung the jazz and blues songs. It also included an interview with the author at t
...more
“Well, well, pet, don’t take on. Corpses can happen to anyone, you know”
“Well, well, Miss Fisher, I ought to run you in for complicity; corpses bloom like daisies wherever you go, don’t they?”
Corpses do indeed seem to spring forth from where Miss Fisher goes; from the dance floor of Melbourne’s premier jazz club to the great frozen silence of the Australian Alps. Another enthralling entry to the series full of mystery and adventure set in Australia during the roaring 20’s.
“Well, well, Miss Fisher, I ought to run you in for complicity; corpses bloom like daisies wherever you go, don’t they?”
Corpses do indeed seem to spring forth from where Miss Fisher goes; from the dance floor of Melbourne’s premier jazz club to the great frozen silence of the Australian Alps. Another enthralling entry to the series full of mystery and adventure set in Australia during the roaring 20’s.
I'm wishing now that I wasn't reading these out of order, because this volume is much improved over the #2 and #3 that I have read. Greenwood slows down a bit in order to describe things more, and allow the characters (and readers) more time to absorb events rather than skip along just taking note of them.
The Great War continues to be a background theme - much as it was to Australian life at the time (the 1920s), I'm sure. It's more directly so here, as one of the key characters "had a bad war, ...more
The Great War continues to be a background theme - much as it was to Australian life at the time (the 1920s), I'm sure. It's more directly so here, as one of the key characters "had a bad war, ...more
Jun 09, 2015
Maggie Anton
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
The series is getting better with each book. The characters in this one really came to life, and I appreciated how the realities of WW1 came into it.
One BIG problem for those reading the hardcover version - THE LAST CHAPTER IS MISSING. Thus I only found out the murderer's identity and motive by reading Goodreads reviews. The publisher will send a pdf of the final chapter if a readers emails them for it, but I didn't know this until later. ...more
One BIG problem for those reading the hardcover version - THE LAST CHAPTER IS MISSING. Thus I only found out the murderer's identity and motive by reading Goodreads reviews. The publisher will send a pdf of the final chapter if a readers emails them for it, but I didn't know this until later. ...more
In this book it is 1928 and Phryne is attending a dance marathon when on the second day, one of the dancers collapses - dead! But not from exhaustion. With a murderer afoot, Phryne takes on the case, as well as the case of finding a jazz singer's husband, flying in her Gypsy Moth Rigel, and still finds the time to study the then short history of jazz. Accompanied with many quotes by the great W. C. Handy, who is known as 'The Father of the Blues'.
...more
A very clever mystery. The main family Phryne works with here are just so unpleasant that it was not quite as fun a read.
Such fun
These books are so much fun. I really enjoy 1920’s Australia. Phryne is such a dynamic character and so ahead of her time. I’ll go flying with her anytime!
These books are so much fun. I really enjoy 1920’s Australia. Phryne is such a dynamic character and so ahead of her time. I’ll go flying with her anytime!
Phryne flies high!
Phryne is attending a dance marathon at a jazz club with 'a tedious but socially acceptable escort', Charles Freeman. Tintagel Stone the band leader leader and banjo player has a delectable pair of blue eyes. The last two marathon couples are exhausted but still dancing. One stumbles and falls--never to rise again. Phryne is flung headlong into murder, blackmail, missing persons, and a brief liaison--or two, although lamenting from time to time her anarchist lover met in Death ...more
Phryne is attending a dance marathon at a jazz club with 'a tedious but socially acceptable escort', Charles Freeman. Tintagel Stone the band leader leader and banjo player has a delectable pair of blue eyes. The last two marathon couples are exhausted but still dancing. One stumbles and falls--never to rise again. Phryne is flung headlong into murder, blackmail, missing persons, and a brief liaison--or two, although lamenting from time to time her anarchist lover met in Death ...more
Jul 16, 2018
Maddie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery,
audiobooks
This book is the one that differs the MOST from an episode of the TV show (that I've read - and yes I get that it's only No. 5 but still). I purposely re-watched the episode before starting the audiobook (and stellar narration as always). The basic premise starts more or less the same - dancing at a Jazz club and witnessing a murder - and the method of the murder and the murderer are all the same but that's pretty much where the similarities end. There are of course many side plots in the story
...more
I give 5 stars for the series. Standing alone it may not be a 5, but if read in order you become invested in the characters and delight in their successes. I like Phryne. She's clever, accomplished, trampy and she cares deeply for those deserving. She's just the right amount of "flawed" to be real and likeable. In fact, I think I'd like to be her. :)
Ps. Don't tell anyone about the "trampy" side of me. :)
Australia 1928 ...more
Ps. Don't tell anyone about the "trampy" side of me. :)
Australia 1928 ...more
Dec 07, 2011
Bettie
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-thriller,
glbt,
tbr-busting-2012,
autumn-2012,
fraudio,
series,
published-1993,
music,
australia
Quite liked this one as well. These are nice short, frothy reads. I can see why they changed the plotline of this particular mystery when they adapted it for TV though, (view spoiler)
I do like a lot of the ...more
I do like a lot of the ...more
This book was all over the place with plots and story lines. I had the murder figured out early. Worth reading to keep up with all the characters, though.
Again, a one day read as are all in this series. While the tiniest bit predictable I find that I really like the sensibilities of the author. I will read a couple of these in a row with three or four other novels inbetween rather than a steady diet of these. They are easy reading, interesting and involving. This one is sited high in the remote mountains of Australia, and in a dancehall in Melbourne. Roaring 20’s era mysteries, brilliant descriptions of attire and of characters.
Book – The Green Mill Murder (Miss Phryne Fisher #5)
Author – Kerry Greenwood
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 173
Cover – Cute
POV – 3rd person, multi-POV, omni-present
Would I read it again – No
Genre – Historical, Crime, Australian, Murder Mystery
Content Warning – shell-shock, gay relationships, PTSD, graphic details of war
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
For a while, I thought this was going to be my favourite of the series so far, then it flipped on its head and became my least favourite of ...more
Author – Kerry Greenwood
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 173
Cover – Cute
POV – 3rd person, multi-POV, omni-present
Would I read it again – No
Genre – Historical, Crime, Australian, Murder Mystery
Content Warning – shell-shock, gay relationships, PTSD, graphic details of war
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
For a while, I thought this was going to be my favourite of the series so far, then it flipped on its head and became my least favourite of ...more
I discovered this series a while ago, and they are rather a lot of fun. The protagonist, Phryne Fisher is an interesting and definitely risqué character who solves murders which seem to happen quite a bit around her -- rather like many detectives in the literature. The location is interesting -- Melbourne, Australia -- as is the timeframe -- post WW1. The writing is quite entertaining, and the plots interesting -- on the whole, a good, light read.
My wife and I have been enjoying the "Miss Fisher ...more
My wife and I have been enjoying the "Miss Fisher ...more
I liked the story. I met again my usual Phryne: sparkling, witty and shameless!
"Bear up, man, it is not the dead you have to be afraid of. The living are much more dangerous."
"That being so, I shall put myself to bed. Pity there's no one in it but me, but there it is."
I was glad Inspector Robinson (dear Jack) was a bit more present. I enjoyed their funny conversations. A little shame about the end, too fast and without a clear explanation of the murder.
...more
"Bear up, man, it is not the dead you have to be afraid of. The living are much more dangerous."
"That being so, I shall put myself to bed. Pity there's no one in it but me, but there it is."
I was glad Inspector Robinson (dear Jack) was a bit more present. I enjoyed their funny conversations. A little shame about the end, too fast and without a clear explanation of the murder.
...more
This was the best book so far for Phryne Fisher. It was changed drastically from the book for the TV story. I love to watch the TV version anyway 6 or 7 times.
For a murder mystery, it was both boring and predictable. Weakest installment in the series so far.
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Readers also enjoyed
Kerry Greenwood was born in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray and after wandering far and wide, she returned to live there. She has a degree in English and Law from Melbourne University and was admitted to the legal profession on the 1st April 1982, a day which she finds both soothing and significant.
Kerry has written twenty novels, a number of plays, including The Troubadours with Stephen D'Arcy, ...more
Kerry has written twenty novels, a number of plays, including The Troubadours with Stephen D'Arcy, ...more
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