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Phryne Fisher #2
Flying Too High
Phryne Fisher has her hands full in this, her second adventure. And just when we think she s merely a brilliant, daring, sexy woman, Phyrne demonstrates other skills, including flying an airplane and doing her own stunts! Phryne takes on a fresh case at the pleading of a hysterical woman who fears her hot-headed son is about to murder his equally hot-headed father. Phryne, bold as we love her to be, first upstages the son in his own airplane at his Sky-High Flying School, then promptly confronts him about his mother s alarm. To her dismay, however, the father is soon killed and the son taken off to jail.
Then a young girl is kidnapped, and Phryne who will never leave anyone in danger, let alone a child goes off to the rescue. Engaging the help of Bert and Cec, the always cooperative Detective-Inspector Robinson, and her old flying chum Bunji Ross, Phryne comes up with a scheme too clever to be anyone else s, and in her typical fashion saves the day, with plenty of good food and hot tea all around.
Meanwhile, Phryne moves into her new home at 221B, The Esplanade, firmly establishes Dot as her Watson, and adds two more of our favorite characters, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, to the cast."
Then a young girl is kidnapped, and Phryne who will never leave anyone in danger, let alone a child goes off to the rescue. Engaging the help of Bert and Cec, the always cooperative Detective-Inspector Robinson, and her old flying chum Bunji Ross, Phryne comes up with a scheme too clever to be anyone else s, and in her typical fashion saves the day, with plenty of good food and hot tea all around.
Meanwhile, Phryne moves into her new home at 221B, The Esplanade, firmly establishes Dot as her Watson, and adds two more of our favorite characters, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, to the cast."
156 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Kerry Greenwood
82 books2,441 followersKerry 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, is an award-winning children's writer and has edited and contributed to several anthologies. In 1996 she published a book of essays on female murderers called Things She Loves: Why women Kill.
The Phryne Fisher series (pronounced Fry-knee, to rhyme with briny) began in 1989 with Cocaine Blues which was a great success. Kerry has written thirteen books in this series with no sign yet of Miss Fisher hanging up her pearl-handled pistol. Kerry says that as long as people want to read them, she can keep writing them.
Kerry Greenwood has worked as a folk singer, factory hand, director, producer, translator, costume-maker, cook and is currently a solicitor. When she is not writing, she works as a locum solicitor for the Victorian Legal Aid. She is also the unpaid curator of seven thousand books, three cats (Attila, Belladonna and Ashe) and a computer called Apple (which squeaks). She embroiders very well but cannot knit. She has flown planes and leapt out of them (with a parachute) in an attempt to cure her fear of heights (she is now terrified of jumping out of planes but can climb ladders without fear). She can detect second-hand bookshops from blocks away and is often found within them.
For fun Kerry reads science fiction/fantasy and detective stories. She is not married, has no children and lives with a registered wizard. When she is not doing any of the above she stares blankly out of the window.
http://www.earthlydelights.net.au
Kerry has written twenty novels, a number of plays, including The Troubadours with Stephen D'Arcy, is an award-winning children's writer and has edited and contributed to several anthologies. In 1996 she published a book of essays on female murderers called Things She Loves: Why women Kill.
The Phryne Fisher series (pronounced Fry-knee, to rhyme with briny) began in 1989 with Cocaine Blues which was a great success. Kerry has written thirteen books in this series with no sign yet of Miss Fisher hanging up her pearl-handled pistol. Kerry says that as long as people want to read them, she can keep writing them.
Kerry Greenwood has worked as a folk singer, factory hand, director, producer, translator, costume-maker, cook and is currently a solicitor. When she is not writing, she works as a locum solicitor for the Victorian Legal Aid. She is also the unpaid curator of seven thousand books, three cats (Attila, Belladonna and Ashe) and a computer called Apple (which squeaks). She embroiders very well but cannot knit. She has flown planes and leapt out of them (with a parachute) in an attempt to cure her fear of heights (she is now terrified of jumping out of planes but can climb ladders without fear). She can detect second-hand bookshops from blocks away and is often found within them.
For fun Kerry reads science fiction/fantasy and detective stories. She is not married, has no children and lives with a registered wizard. When she is not doing any of the above she stares blankly out of the window.
http://www.earthlydelights.net.au
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,150 reviews
April 1, 2020
4★
“‘There is no room for amateurs in murder, Miss Fisher,’ said the policeman condescendingly. ‘But I am sure that you will be a comfort to the ladies.’
‘I hope that I shall,’ replied Phryne with all the sweetness of a chocolate-coated razor blade. ‘And I hope that you will allow a mere amateur to observe your methods.’”
Oh dear. A mere amateur? The detective inspector has no idea who this delightful private investigator is. I and her thousands (millions?) of fans know her well and enjoy reading about her derring-do. Phryne has ‘good breeding’, connections, and a beautiful car, but she does need to make a living to cater for her tastes and lifestyle.
Her charisma and magnetism are world-class, such that she can charm anyone, not just easily-flattered detective inspectors, into helping her. Bert and Cec are on hand with their old truck, and she and her personal secretary, Dot, are now a permanent duo.
Dot happily takes care of all the organising and housekeeping and enjoys going along for the ride. Well, some of the rides. She’s frankly terrified of the activities which lend this book its title. Who knew that Phryne was a talented pilot? Not me, or if I did, I forgot.
Phryne gets a frantic call from a woman who is sure her hot-headed son is going to murder is equally hot-headed father, and could Phryne please find out what’s going on? Her son Bill is a keen flyer and wants his father to invest more money in his passion to fly over Antarctica. Father has put his foot down. Bill has enough planes and should settle down.
At the same time, a kidnapping is underway, and Phryne is dealing with an understandably distraught family. She has a look at Bear, the child’s favourite toy, which is a little worse for wear but obviously much loved. Candida would go nowhere willingly without him.
“This might be a bear of very little brain, but even his furry body had been moulded, by the hugs of years, to fit Candida’s embrace.”
Meanwhile, she is moving from her digs at the hotel to a house, where she has hired staff, sight unseen. Dot is concerned about how a staid older couple is going to take to her flamboyant boss.
“Dot wondered how she was to mention Phryne’s habit of strewing her boudoir with beautiful naked young men. She could not think of a method of introducing the subject and decided to leave it to Phryne to cope with.”
And of course, we have the fun of watching Phryne enchant various fellows and cope very well indeed. The plots are fun, Phryne has a stirring adventure while aloft, and Dot manages to keep the boss’s wardrobe in good shape. The clothes as described are spectacular, and I think the TV series has done them justice.
Some of the meals are as elegant as her clothing, but there are countless references to cups of tea and toast on the run – or when finally sitting down.
Phryne is a take-charge sort who seems to instil confidence in those around her, like Dot, who is a bit mousy, but is coming out of her shell and growing a backbone. When they are visiting in another home, Phryne takes it upon herself to buck up the maid.
“ Amelia wrote down the address. She was uneasy. She was about to speak when a scruffy maid ran in and announced shrilly: ‘That cop’s here again, Miss.’
‘Put your cap straight,’ ordered Phryne. ‘Wipe your face on that apron and stand up. A tragedy in the family is no excuse for panic. There. Now, be a good girl. We all need your help, you know. Where would the house be without you?’
Phryne smiled into wide brown eyes and tucked a whisp of hair back under the cap. ‘There. Now, who is at the door?’
‘Detective-inspector Benton, Miss Amelia,’ announced the maid and walked proudly out.
‘Phryne,’ cried Amelia, ‘you are wonderful. Please don’t leave me.’
‘I shall be here. Sit down again.’”
She is wonderful, and I’m so pleased to know she’ll be where I can find her and her extended family.
“‘There is no room for amateurs in murder, Miss Fisher,’ said the policeman condescendingly. ‘But I am sure that you will be a comfort to the ladies.’
‘I hope that I shall,’ replied Phryne with all the sweetness of a chocolate-coated razor blade. ‘And I hope that you will allow a mere amateur to observe your methods.’”
Oh dear. A mere amateur? The detective inspector has no idea who this delightful private investigator is. I and her thousands (millions?) of fans know her well and enjoy reading about her derring-do. Phryne has ‘good breeding’, connections, and a beautiful car, but she does need to make a living to cater for her tastes and lifestyle.
Her charisma and magnetism are world-class, such that she can charm anyone, not just easily-flattered detective inspectors, into helping her. Bert and Cec are on hand with their old truck, and she and her personal secretary, Dot, are now a permanent duo.
Dot happily takes care of all the organising and housekeeping and enjoys going along for the ride. Well, some of the rides. She’s frankly terrified of the activities which lend this book its title. Who knew that Phryne was a talented pilot? Not me, or if I did, I forgot.
Phryne gets a frantic call from a woman who is sure her hot-headed son is going to murder is equally hot-headed father, and could Phryne please find out what’s going on? Her son Bill is a keen flyer and wants his father to invest more money in his passion to fly over Antarctica. Father has put his foot down. Bill has enough planes and should settle down.
At the same time, a kidnapping is underway, and Phryne is dealing with an understandably distraught family. She has a look at Bear, the child’s favourite toy, which is a little worse for wear but obviously much loved. Candida would go nowhere willingly without him.
“This might be a bear of very little brain, but even his furry body had been moulded, by the hugs of years, to fit Candida’s embrace.”
Meanwhile, she is moving from her digs at the hotel to a house, where she has hired staff, sight unseen. Dot is concerned about how a staid older couple is going to take to her flamboyant boss.
“Dot wondered how she was to mention Phryne’s habit of strewing her boudoir with beautiful naked young men. She could not think of a method of introducing the subject and decided to leave it to Phryne to cope with.”
And of course, we have the fun of watching Phryne enchant various fellows and cope very well indeed. The plots are fun, Phryne has a stirring adventure while aloft, and Dot manages to keep the boss’s wardrobe in good shape. The clothes as described are spectacular, and I think the TV series has done them justice.
Some of the meals are as elegant as her clothing, but there are countless references to cups of tea and toast on the run – or when finally sitting down.
Phryne is a take-charge sort who seems to instil confidence in those around her, like Dot, who is a bit mousy, but is coming out of her shell and growing a backbone. When they are visiting in another home, Phryne takes it upon herself to buck up the maid.
“ Amelia wrote down the address. She was uneasy. She was about to speak when a scruffy maid ran in and announced shrilly: ‘That cop’s here again, Miss.’
‘Put your cap straight,’ ordered Phryne. ‘Wipe your face on that apron and stand up. A tragedy in the family is no excuse for panic. There. Now, be a good girl. We all need your help, you know. Where would the house be without you?’
Phryne smiled into wide brown eyes and tucked a whisp of hair back under the cap. ‘There. Now, who is at the door?’
‘Detective-inspector Benton, Miss Amelia,’ announced the maid and walked proudly out.
‘Phryne,’ cried Amelia, ‘you are wonderful. Please don’t leave me.’
‘I shall be here. Sit down again.’”
She is wonderful, and I’m so pleased to know she’ll be where I can find her and her extended family.
March 21, 2017
The book "Flying Too High" is the second in the "Fisher" series, and I went ahead and purchased the first three books in the series of twenty. I enjoy the T.V. show (24 February 2012 to an ongoing active 3 seasons as of now) quite a bit due to is subtle humor and subversive sexiness. I guess now I will find out if it's the show's star Essie Davis who portrays Phryne Fisher, as a kind of roaring twenties Emma Peel, and or Kerry Greenwood's writing, In 2016 Essie Davis was interviewed and stated she would be open to continuing the series on film.
You may be asking why am I spending so much time on the T.V. show, when this is supposed to be a book review. And the short answer is, I guess I like the T.V. show a bit more than this the first book that I have read in this series.
A similar case could be made of the James Bond books, the originals written by Ian Fleming, which were better ? The books or the movies ?
Often the books win.
Nuff said.
You may be asking why am I spending so much time on the T.V. show, when this is supposed to be a book review. And the short answer is, I guess I like the T.V. show a bit more than this the first book that I have read in this series.
A similar case could be made of the James Bond books, the originals written by Ian Fleming, which were better ? The books or the movies ?
Often the books win.
Nuff said.
September 30, 2013
At the risk of being called blasphemous by my fellow reading buffs, I announce that this is the rare occasion when a movie is better than a book it’s based on. Or a TV series, as is the case here. I’m a big fan of the Australian mini TV series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. I love everything in it: the characters, the cast, the directing, the screen writing, and the cinematography. It’s one of my all-time favorite series, following the detecting adventures of Phryne Fisher, the glamorous and cunning minx of a PI from Melbourne in the 1920s. I cheered when they announced their second season.
Because of the TV series, I picked up this book, the first I’ve ever read by this author. It will be the last too, because the book is rather blah. The characters are flat, the emotional involvement is zero, and the story is boring despite its entanglement with a murder and a kidnapping.
Instead of reading more books in this series, I’m going to watch the second season, when it’s released by the studio. I anticipate lots of fun and I don’t want to spoil my enjoyment of the charming and mischievous Phryne Fisher in the skillful rendition of Essie Davis. The actress portrays her heroine much better than the author does.
I love the cover art though.
Because of the TV series, I picked up this book, the first I’ve ever read by this author. It will be the last too, because the book is rather blah. The characters are flat, the emotional involvement is zero, and the story is boring despite its entanglement with a murder and a kidnapping.
Instead of reading more books in this series, I’m going to watch the second season, when it’s released by the studio. I anticipate lots of fun and I don’t want to spoil my enjoyment of the charming and mischievous Phryne Fisher in the skillful rendition of Essie Davis. The actress portrays her heroine much better than the author does.
I love the cover art though.
January 28, 2019
The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher had secured her new home on The Esplanade, along with Dot who had been with her for three months. Mr and Mrs Butler had come recommended and Phryne already agreed with that recommendation. It was the visit by a clearly hysterical Mrs McNaughton that set the ball rolling for a new case – murder – which Phryne was determined to solve.
Midway through the murder investigation, the kidnapping of six-year-old Candida brought Phryne into that family’s lives as well. Bert and Cec, with their new taxi, were happy to assist Phryne and she also called on her old friend Detective Inspector Robinson to sort out some intricate parts of the law.
But it was Phryne’s experience, nerve and skills with flying that earned respect – and helped with a devious plan – plus put her in danger, much to Dot’s horror. Would the outcome to both cases be as Phryne wanted? Everyone had confidence in her – except maybe the policeman, Benton…
Flying Too High is the 2nd in the Phryne Fisher Mystery series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Phryne’s character is excellent! She’s certainly outrageous, but gets what she wants every time. I’ve read the series all over the place, so going back to #2 was refreshing and fun 😊 Highly entertaining and definitely recommended.
Midway through the murder investigation, the kidnapping of six-year-old Candida brought Phryne into that family’s lives as well. Bert and Cec, with their new taxi, were happy to assist Phryne and she also called on her old friend Detective Inspector Robinson to sort out some intricate parts of the law.
But it was Phryne’s experience, nerve and skills with flying that earned respect – and helped with a devious plan – plus put her in danger, much to Dot’s horror. Would the outcome to both cases be as Phryne wanted? Everyone had confidence in her – except maybe the policeman, Benton…
Flying Too High is the 2nd in the Phryne Fisher Mystery series by Aussie author Kerry Greenwood, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Phryne’s character is excellent! She’s certainly outrageous, but gets what she wants every time. I’ve read the series all over the place, so going back to #2 was refreshing and fun 😊 Highly entertaining and definitely recommended.
July 9, 2016
Phryne Fisher is back in Flying to High, the sequel to Cocaine Blues. In this book, she has to help a man accused of murdering his father, rescue a kidnapped child and of course, seduce some men.
I didn't find this book as good as the first one. I like Phryne Fisher, she's a great character, but the story in this book wasn't as captivating as it was in the first book. I found myself doing other things so even though the book wasn't that thick did it take me a while to finish it. Also, all this seducing of men, I find it a little bit boring. Fine she likes sex, but come on, is this what's going to happen in every book? 1-2 cases in every book and some sex scenes, then it's going to be a bit repetitive.
But the biggest problem I had with the book was there was too darn little Inspector Jack Robinson. Yes I know, he's not the star of the book and I can't compare the book series with the TV-series (but I do it anyway). But he was hardly in this book and that made me not a happy camper.
I didn't find this book as good as the first one. I like Phryne Fisher, she's a great character, but the story in this book wasn't as captivating as it was in the first book. I found myself doing other things so even though the book wasn't that thick did it take me a while to finish it. Also, all this seducing of men, I find it a little bit boring. Fine she likes sex, but come on, is this what's going to happen in every book? 1-2 cases in every book and some sex scenes, then it's going to be a bit repetitive.
But the biggest problem I had with the book was there was too darn little Inspector Jack Robinson. Yes I know, he's not the star of the book and I can't compare the book series with the TV-series (but I do it anyway). But he was hardly in this book and that made me not a happy camper.
March 10, 2017
I think this book is firmly a three star read. We get introduced to Mr. Butler, though in the book series he has a wife. We have Phryne once again being led by her libido. At least she has good deductive reasoning though. Though I will say that whole last act was unnecessary with Phryne and I found myself bored senseless reading about her clothes and how much food she had eaten. She also makes an agreement with one of the culprits in this book that I found to be gross and offf-putting. I am still going to read the next book in the series though.
"Flying Too High" is the second book in the Phryne Fisher series. I fell in love with the tv show and then decided to start reading the books afterwards.
In the second book we have Phryne investigating two cases. One involving a kidnapped child and another a murder of a man who was detestable in every single way.
The two cases do not relate to one another at all so you are going to have to follow two plot lines.
I can honestly say I don't care that much for book Phryne at all. She is smart, but I find her ability to sleep with anyone and not care if they are in a relationship or not, not something to be admired.
Book Dot is a bit judgmental of Phryne, but loyal. I did like the parts of the book showing how Dot was so happy to have a room of her own with a door she can lock.
We get reappearances of Detective-Inspector Jack Robinson who has learned to not underestimate Miss Fisher. And we also get Bert and Cec.
The kidnapping case was okay, but I still feel dirty about the deal that Miss Fisher makes with one of the kidnappers. And we find out that Miss Fisher's grand scheme was unnecessary in the end so I was annoyed about reading it. It didn't make much sense honestly.
The murder case was a bit too much to swallow for me. I did like the characters in that one, it be nice to see what happens to Amelia and her brother Bill.
The writing was okay, but at times I found myself bored with the endless description of Miss Fisher's clothes, shoes, and hats. Also I don't really care what she eats for dinner or tea. There were long soliloquies about tea and I found myself yawning.
The setting of Australia does make this series appealing to me and I do like trying to get a sense of the country from this time period (pre-WWII).
The ending was a little odd though both cases are wrapped up rather neatly.
"Flying Too High" is the second book in the Phryne Fisher series. I fell in love with the tv show and then decided to start reading the books afterwards.
In the second book we have Phryne investigating two cases. One involving a kidnapped child and another a murder of a man who was detestable in every single way.
The two cases do not relate to one another at all so you are going to have to follow two plot lines.
I can honestly say I don't care that much for book Phryne at all. She is smart, but I find her ability to sleep with anyone and not care if they are in a relationship or not, not something to be admired.
Book Dot is a bit judgmental of Phryne, but loyal. I did like the parts of the book showing how Dot was so happy to have a room of her own with a door she can lock.
We get reappearances of Detective-Inspector Jack Robinson who has learned to not underestimate Miss Fisher. And we also get Bert and Cec.
The kidnapping case was okay, but I still feel dirty about the deal that Miss Fisher makes with one of the kidnappers. And we find out that Miss Fisher's grand scheme was unnecessary in the end so I was annoyed about reading it. It didn't make much sense honestly.
The murder case was a bit too much to swallow for me. I did like the characters in that one, it be nice to see what happens to Amelia and her brother Bill.
The writing was okay, but at times I found myself bored with the endless description of Miss Fisher's clothes, shoes, and hats. Also I don't really care what she eats for dinner or tea. There were long soliloquies about tea and I found myself yawning.
The setting of Australia does make this series appealing to me and I do like trying to get a sense of the country from this time period (pre-WWII).
The ending was a little odd though both cases are wrapped up rather neatly.
July 30, 2016
I am happy to tell yout that Phryne Fisher is still perfect in everything she does!
In this book we learn that she is also a great pilot and a perfect shot!
She also uses her awesome pilot skill to almost scare somebody to death who wasn't nice to her on one occasion but it's OK because he is a jerk and Phryne is of course perfect and nothing she does could ever be morally questionable!
She also has perfect sex! Occasionally with guys that are actually engaged to somebody else but it's OK because the woman knows that her fiancee cheats on her and is fine with it.
Mind you, the only other men this woman had closer contact with were her father who abused her and her brother who is massive jerk and doesn't appreciate her work so the concept of men not being assholes might be new to her and Phryne could have introduced her to it but instead she just sleeps with her fiancee and wishes them a great life together afterwards.
I bet theirs will be a long and happy marriage!
Full disclousure: jerky brother does get better in the course of the book for absolutely contrived reasons and fiancee promises to be faithful after the marriage...I have my doubts but hey...it might happen...on the other hand fiancee also says things about her like she being the perfect model (for artists) because she is like an empty canvas and he can form her in anything he wants which is not creepy AT ALL!
Where was I? Right, Phryne only doing things that are in no way morally questionable.
Phryne just knows what is right and wrong and in general simply knows everything...so there is not really much investigating going on. At least Phryne doesn't do much, she simply knows immediately what happened and then just sends other people out to do the legwork and find proof for her theories.
(Well she does pay them well and she can clearly afford to do so because the way she throws money at everybody makes you think she's got a gold-shitting donkey in the basement).
All through the book Phryne continues to be right about everything and never doing anything morally questionable like making sure a pedophile murderer gets his last wish...oh excpt she does but it's for The Greater Good so it's alright!
On the plus side: in the first book I was somewhat annoyed by the extensive descriptions of dresses. There are still some in this book but not quite as much and I found them actually quite interessting. The case was also quite interesting and I can imagine that this could actually be a really good series if the main character had some actual flaws the reader is supposed to see as flaws.
In this book we learn that she is also a great pilot and a perfect shot!
She also uses her awesome pilot skill to almost scare somebody to death who wasn't nice to her on one occasion but it's OK because he is a jerk and Phryne is of course perfect and nothing she does could ever be morally questionable!
She also has perfect sex! Occasionally with guys that are actually engaged to somebody else but it's OK because the woman knows that her fiancee cheats on her and is fine with it.
Mind you, the only other men this woman had closer contact with were her father who abused her and her brother who is massive jerk and doesn't appreciate her work so the concept of men not being assholes might be new to her and Phryne could have introduced her to it but instead she just sleeps with her fiancee and wishes them a great life together afterwards.
I bet theirs will be a long and happy marriage!
Full disclousure: jerky brother does get better in the course of the book for absolutely contrived reasons and fiancee promises to be faithful after the marriage...I have my doubts but hey...it might happen...on the other hand fiancee also says things about her like she being the perfect model (for artists) because she is like an empty canvas and he can form her in anything he wants which is not creepy AT ALL!
Where was I? Right, Phryne only doing things that are in no way morally questionable.
Phryne just knows what is right and wrong and in general simply knows everything...so there is not really much investigating going on. At least Phryne doesn't do much, she simply knows immediately what happened and then just sends other people out to do the legwork and find proof for her theories.
(Well she does pay them well and she can clearly afford to do so because the way she throws money at everybody makes you think she's got a gold-shitting donkey in the basement).
All through the book Phryne continues to be right about everything and never doing anything morally questionable like making sure a pedophile murderer gets his last wish...oh excpt she does but it's for The Greater Good so it's alright!
On the plus side: in the first book I was somewhat annoyed by the extensive descriptions of dresses. There are still some in this book but not quite as much and I found them actually quite interessting. The case was also quite interesting and I can imagine that this could actually be a really good series if the main character had some actual flaws the reader is supposed to see as flaws.
April 29, 2018
(Read again for #whodunitbymail, just as fun as ever.)
December 29, 2021
Phryne is back again in this second book in the Miss Fisher series. She is hired to prevent a son killing his father who is a bully. However, just after being engaged for this purpose the bully is found murdered.
At the same time a six year old girl is kidnapped and held to ransom.
Miss Fisher sways through this chaos with her usual style and panache.
Happy to recommend this and looking forward to book three.
At the same time a six year old girl is kidnapped and held to ransom.
Miss Fisher sways through this chaos with her usual style and panache.
Happy to recommend this and looking forward to book three.
December 5, 2015
Flying Too High is the second book in the Phryne Fisher mysteries. Cocaine Blues gave the reader introduction into sassy, intelligent life of Phryne, who’s just settled into Melbourne, trying to set up her profession as a private detective, with the help of new friends Cecil, Bert and Dot. We know from the first book that she likes fast cars and has a fondness for flying, and we did get a glimpse of that. While Cocaine Blues was a delightful introduction, Flying Too High does really highlights how talented Phryne Fisher can be; with her acrobatic stunts in (and out of) a small plane in mid air. And it’s proven, that while she’s unashamedly brazen, flaunts her wealth, and loves the finer things in life - and of course fashion, - she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty as we see her hanging on for dear life at the rear of a moving truck!
Phryne is on the go in this book. She is trying to solve two crimes simultaneously while setting up her new home she recently bought. In the first crime she helping a mother’s plea to prove her son’s innocents who was charged for the murder his father. And in this crime we see what a great asset Cecil and Bert have become to Phyrne, doing their fair share legwork, interviewing potential witnesses to help solve the crime. The second crime is more serious in nature. A young girl was abducted by a group of thugs, held for ransom from her parents, who had won a large sum of money from the lottery. I even detected a slight hesitation in Phryne as to whether her rescue plan to would work - due one of the thugs being a paedophile, and age of the girl.
I chose to listen to this series as oppose to reading it. Stephanie Daniel has a terrific voice as narrator and imitates Phyrne voice well. She does read rather fast, and I didn’t mind it in Cocaine Blues. But in this book I would have liked if Stephanie slowed down in some parts. In particular where we had two unrelated crimes running parallel, and where one unrelated scene shifts to another. Stephanie read it with no break or pause in her voice. So it felt like it was a continuation of the previously scene. I had to pause several time to work out where I am. But otherwise it was fun, fast and adventurous and would definitely continue with the series listening to Stephanie.
Phryne is on the go in this book. She is trying to solve two crimes simultaneously while setting up her new home she recently bought. In the first crime she helping a mother’s plea to prove her son’s innocents who was charged for the murder his father. And in this crime we see what a great asset Cecil and Bert have become to Phyrne, doing their fair share legwork, interviewing potential witnesses to help solve the crime. The second crime is more serious in nature. A young girl was abducted by a group of thugs, held for ransom from her parents, who had won a large sum of money from the lottery. I even detected a slight hesitation in Phryne as to whether her rescue plan to would work - due one of the thugs being a paedophile, and age of the girl.
I chose to listen to this series as oppose to reading it. Stephanie Daniel has a terrific voice as narrator and imitates Phyrne voice well. She does read rather fast, and I didn’t mind it in Cocaine Blues. But in this book I would have liked if Stephanie slowed down in some parts. In particular where we had two unrelated crimes running parallel, and where one unrelated scene shifts to another. Stephanie read it with no break or pause in her voice. So it felt like it was a continuation of the previously scene. I had to pause several time to work out where I am. But otherwise it was fun, fast and adventurous and would definitely continue with the series listening to Stephanie.
December 8, 2019
Πέρυσι τον Δεκέμβριο κυκλοφόρησαν δυο βιβλία της σειράς με ηρωίδα την Φράινι Φίσερ, από τις ολοκαίνουργιες εκδόσεις Κουκουβάγια: Το πρώτο και το τρίτο. Διάβασα φυσικά το πρώτο, με τον τίτλο "Το μπλουζ της κοκαΐνης" και άφησα στην άκρη το άλλο, για να το διαβάσω λίγους μήνες αργότερα. Τελικά το ξέχασα, όμως μάλλον έγινε για καλό, γιατί πριν λίγες μέρες κυκλοφόρησε στα ελληνικά το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς. Λοιπόν, πότε το ξεκίνησα και πότε το τελείωσα, ούτε που κατάλαβα. Έχουμε να κάνουμε και πάλι με ένα πολύ ευχάριστο και ιδιαίτερα ψυχαγωγικό ιστορικό μυθιστόρημα μυστηρίου, η ιστορία του οποίου διαδραματίζεται λίγους μήνες μετά το τέλος της ιστορίας του προηγούμενου βιβλίου. Η πλοκή είναι καλούτσικη, με λίγο μυστήριο, αρκετή δράση και λίγη τρέλα, βασικά προσόντα του βιβλίου όμως είναι η φοβερή ατμόσφαιρα, το σέτινγκ της Μελβούρνης της δεκαετίας του '20, καθώς επίσης και η απίθανη πρωταγωνίστρια, η Φράινι Φίσερ, που κάθε φορά δίνει ρέστα με το ταμπεραμέντο της. Επίσης η γραφή είναι πολύ ευχάριστη και ευκολοδιάβαστη, με ωραίες περιγραφές και ζωντανούς διαλόγους. Γενικά, τα βιβλία της συγκεκριμένης σειράς είναι απόλυτα ψυχαγωγικά, προσφέρουν μυστήριο και δράση, παράλληλα όμως σε ταξιδεύουν και σε κάνουν να ξεχνιέσαι. Μέσα στο 2020 σίγουρα θα διαβάσω το τρίτο βιβλίο, ενώ πραγματικά ελπίζω να δούμε και επόμενα βιβλία...
August 26, 2016
I'm a bit OCD with reading a series so I am reading Phyrne in order, it took me quite a while to pick up the second book because it wasn't easy to get from the library, finally it was my turn and this book did not disappoint.
Book two starts with Phyrne taking tea with a new client who thinks that her grown son is going to kill her husband. Her husband is a cruel man and her son is hot headed so it does sound like a recipe for disaster. The Son is a pilot so Phyrne heads to the airfield and we soon discover that Phyrne is quite the flyer.
This book brings back all of our favourite characters, including the wonderful Dot, Cec and Bert plus we are introduced to the rest of her household staff as she has moved from the Windsor hotel into her new home, Mr and Mrs Butler as the housekeeper and butler, and they are great additions to the cast.
Phyrne needs to solve two cases and we are meet a great mix of characters, my only problem with this book was that we only had a tiny bit of Detective Inspective Robinson. One of my favourite scenes in the book is when they are at the Queenscliffe Hotel, I can only dream of something like that.
This was another thoroughly wonderful book, the story was wonderful and I can't wait to read the next book.
Book two starts with Phyrne taking tea with a new client who thinks that her grown son is going to kill her husband. Her husband is a cruel man and her son is hot headed so it does sound like a recipe for disaster. The Son is a pilot so Phyrne heads to the airfield and we soon discover that Phyrne is quite the flyer.
This book brings back all of our favourite characters, including the wonderful Dot, Cec and Bert plus we are introduced to the rest of her household staff as she has moved from the Windsor hotel into her new home, Mr and Mrs Butler as the housekeeper and butler, and they are great additions to the cast.
Phyrne needs to solve two cases and we are meet a great mix of characters, my only problem with this book was that we only had a tiny bit of Detective Inspective Robinson. One of my favourite scenes in the book is when they are at the Queenscliffe Hotel, I can only dream of something like that.
This was another thoroughly wonderful book, the story was wonderful and I can't wait to read the next book.
May 21, 2021
Simply delightful!
December 30, 2011
Rating: 3* of five
Any series needs its "jokes" or established tics and tropes that let dedicated series readers build a sense of friendly familiarity with a character, a place, a group gestalt. This series promises to do that with a vengeance. Phryne's tics and crotchets are consistent...wit, sexual freedom, social conscience unexpected in a rich girl...and the recurring characters around her are given their own lovable ways to a greater extent than is necessarily good for the plot of the series.
But no matter. Cec and Bert and Dot are companions one simply can't ignore, and some new additions to the cast bid fair to capsize our already laden Ship of State; still, I can see them all becoming like the cousins one sees at reunions, wakes, and funerals, and wonders idly but fondly about in between.
The mysteries in this installment of Phryne's Australian adventure are not particularly well-crafted, and if all one is looking for is a mystery to solve, stop reading at once and go pick up one of Ben Rehder's Blanco County books; he's equally gifted at creating laugh-out-loud funny characters and situations but far more able to make them operate in believeable ways.
The central conceit of this book is Phryne flying a plane. Or so one would imagine from the title. No, Phryne is shown flying once, and thereafter others do the flying. It is simply annoying that the flying parts require, in the author's opinion, Phryne's personal involvement; the flying scene could have been eliminated and that thread of the mystery would not have suffered a bit. It could become annoying that Phryne Does It All if this unnecessary character-building goes on in future books.
Some very lovable minor characters appear here, at least one of whom I am certain we will see again; of the two love interests in this book, I predict one will be back; and I am hopeful that these probable additions to the cast will require Greenwood to BEEF THESE BOOKS UP to address some of her so-far trademark laconic background building.
So...recommended...for the reader who enjoys characters and settings that vary from the ordinary. Pure mysterians, walk on by...nothing to see here....
Any series needs its "jokes" or established tics and tropes that let dedicated series readers build a sense of friendly familiarity with a character, a place, a group gestalt. This series promises to do that with a vengeance. Phryne's tics and crotchets are consistent...wit, sexual freedom, social conscience unexpected in a rich girl...and the recurring characters around her are given their own lovable ways to a greater extent than is necessarily good for the plot of the series.
But no matter. Cec and Bert and Dot are companions one simply can't ignore, and some new additions to the cast bid fair to capsize our already laden Ship of State; still, I can see them all becoming like the cousins one sees at reunions, wakes, and funerals, and wonders idly but fondly about in between.
The mysteries in this installment of Phryne's Australian adventure are not particularly well-crafted, and if all one is looking for is a mystery to solve, stop reading at once and go pick up one of Ben Rehder's Blanco County books; he's equally gifted at creating laugh-out-loud funny characters and situations but far more able to make them operate in believeable ways.
The central conceit of this book is Phryne flying a plane. Or so one would imagine from the title. No, Phryne is shown flying once, and thereafter others do the flying. It is simply annoying that the flying parts require, in the author's opinion, Phryne's personal involvement; the flying scene could have been eliminated and that thread of the mystery would not have suffered a bit. It could become annoying that Phryne Does It All if this unnecessary character-building goes on in future books.
Some very lovable minor characters appear here, at least one of whom I am certain we will see again; of the two love interests in this book, I predict one will be back; and I am hopeful that these probable additions to the cast will require Greenwood to BEEF THESE BOOKS UP to address some of her so-far trademark laconic background building.
So...recommended...for the reader who enjoys characters and settings that vary from the ordinary. Pure mysterians, walk on by...nothing to see here....
March 17, 2017
Gospođica Fisher leti, vozi, drhti, krvari i zavodi, sve da bi riješila problem(e) nestalog djeteta i mrtvog grubijana. Još jedno zabavno štivo u nizu.
Ok, zavođenje je za osobne potrebe, ali sve drugo je u službi općeg dobra ;)
Ok, zavođenje je za osobne potrebe, ali sve drugo je u službi općeg dobra ;)
March 15, 2017
I can’t believe I didn’t notice, first time round, that Phryne manages to move into house number 221… and then adds a B. I love the little references to other detectives — like the Megatherium Trust, for example (a reference to Sayers). Phryne, I love your wit. Or is that Greenwood?
Anyway. Flying Too High is another fun instalment, which I enjoyed rereading. I love that Phryne can fly a plane and that it’s a part of several later stories, and I love the women that come into her story being awesome in their own ways. Dr MacMillan, in the first book, and in this book, Bunji Ross. One’s a female doctor, the other’s one of the most daring fliers in the area. Just gotta love it.
Not all of Phryne’s found family has joined her yet, by this book, and so it’s missing a few of the domestic comforts I love. But it does have Mr and Mrs Butler, who are just perfect. And I adore the loving way Phryne’s clothes and food are all described. She’s so unashamedly feminine, and so unashamed of enjoying the good things in life.
Originally posted on my blog.
Anyway. Flying Too High is another fun instalment, which I enjoyed rereading. I love that Phryne can fly a plane and that it’s a part of several later stories, and I love the women that come into her story being awesome in their own ways. Dr MacMillan, in the first book, and in this book, Bunji Ross. One’s a female doctor, the other’s one of the most daring fliers in the area. Just gotta love it.
Not all of Phryne’s found family has joined her yet, by this book, and so it’s missing a few of the domestic comforts I love. But it does have Mr and Mrs Butler, who are just perfect. And I adore the loving way Phryne’s clothes and food are all described. She’s so unashamedly feminine, and so unashamed of enjoying the good things in life.
Originally posted on my blog.
November 23, 2015
Pretty much binging on this series at the moment, I have to admit. As I write up this review, I’m already two books ahead. I find the books so readable, and since each one has clocked in under 200 pages so far, they’re not a huge time investment. Phryne is a lovely character: independent, smart, fearless, honest and true to her own principles — and non-judgemental of others.
I don’t really have much to say about the plots: these books remind me of Sayers’ mysteries, where what I care about is more the characters and how they deal with the situation. Phryne is a little too good to be true, but I want to see what she does anyway. She has a spark and a love of life that animates the novels for me. I hear Essie Davis does a great job with the character in the series, so I’m quite excited to get round to it on Netflix. Just… you know… me being me, excitement still might mean it takes me another year to get to. (Sorry, Charlie Cox-as-Daredevil.)
Originally posted here.
I don’t really have much to say about the plots: these books remind me of Sayers’ mysteries, where what I care about is more the characters and how they deal with the situation. Phryne is a little too good to be true, but I want to see what she does anyway. She has a spark and a love of life that animates the novels for me. I hear Essie Davis does a great job with the character in the series, so I’m quite excited to get round to it on Netflix. Just… you know… me being me, excitement still might mean it takes me another year to get to. (Sorry, Charlie Cox-as-Daredevil.)
Originally posted here.
September 14, 2017
Flying Too High is book two of the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. Phryne Fisher is an amateur detective and on her first day in Melbourne got involved with a murder case and kidnapping case. The readers of Flying Too High will follow the twist and turns of Phryne investigation into both cases.
I enjoyed reading Flying Too High a historical crime mystery set in Melbourne during the 1920's. I like the way Kerry Greenwood describes living in Melbourne during the 1920's. Kerry Greenwood does an excellent job in portraying her characters that allow her readers to become engaged with the story. I like the way Kerry Greenwood entwine the two investigations throughout the book. Reading Flying Too High at times made me laugh with what the characters get up to especially Dot.
Readers of Flying Too High will learn about law enforcement procedures in Melbourne during the 1920's. Also, readers of Flying Too High will learn about flying a Tiger Moth.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Flying Too High a historical crime mystery set in Melbourne during the 1920's. I like the way Kerry Greenwood describes living in Melbourne during the 1920's. Kerry Greenwood does an excellent job in portraying her characters that allow her readers to become engaged with the story. I like the way Kerry Greenwood entwine the two investigations throughout the book. Reading Flying Too High at times made me laugh with what the characters get up to especially Dot.
Readers of Flying Too High will learn about law enforcement procedures in Melbourne during the 1920's. Also, readers of Flying Too High will learn about flying a Tiger Moth.
I recommend this book.
January 17, 2021
Very odd mixture of very light and airy situations (no pun intended) and extremely dark elements (pedophilia and rape) which are treated with the same nonchalance. This made me really uncomfortable, especially since the author dwells on the culprit's last wishes at the end in a very nauseating move. She also seems to think that rape and incest is something women can get over if they're coaxed 'out of their shells by the right man'.
I knew I was to expect deep themes (the first book did tackle the topic of abortion) but I'm not sure I adhere to the author's handling of them.
That being said, Phryne is a really well-fleshed character and very endearing most of the time which made the book feel very odd but not wholly unpleasant.
I knew I was to expect deep themes (the first book did tackle the topic of abortion) but I'm not sure I adhere to the author's handling of them.
That being said, Phryne is a really well-fleshed character and very endearing most of the time which made the book feel very odd but not wholly unpleasant.
April 28, 2020
Set in the 1920's our heroine is one of a kind. She is always on the hunt for adventure and is ever ready to help out those in need. When a woman comes to her to ask her to prevent her son from killing his father, Phryne steps right in. It doesn't hurt that it involves planes, which she loves. And of course, she can fly and do stunts, it's Phryne Fisher after all!
I love these stories! Phryne is a bit like Holmes but without the psychopathic tendencies. (Don't take this wrong, I love Sherlock Holmes.) Her brain is quick to connect the dots and she is not afraid to ask for help. If you haven't seen the tv series about her, don't miss it. It's brilliant!
I love these stories! Phryne is a bit like Holmes but without the psychopathic tendencies. (Don't take this wrong, I love Sherlock Holmes.) Her brain is quick to connect the dots and she is not afraid to ask for help. If you haven't seen the tv series about her, don't miss it. It's brilliant!
June 5, 2021
The second of Phryne Fisher's adventures involves the kidnapping of a child and lots of 1920s aeroplanes. As usual, Phryne is called in to investigate one case which ends up being connected to another, far worse, crime.
This was a pretty dark story, involving child abuse of a sexual nature, so best avoided if such things being depicted in fiction are too much for you. Other than this, though, it's a rollicking adventure story, which would particularly appeal to people who are into vintage aircraft.
My next book: An Island in the Moon
This was a pretty dark story, involving child abuse of a sexual nature, so best avoided if such things being depicted in fiction are too much for you. Other than this, though, it's a rollicking adventure story, which would particularly appeal to people who are into vintage aircraft.
My next book: An Island in the Moon
December 20, 2021
Phryne Fisher has two new cases in this book, as she must simultaneously rescue a kidnapped child and prove a man's innocence in his awful father's murder.
I enjoyed, of course, the vintage glamor of this book as well, though I thought the dual plotlines made for some confusing reading, as though the author could not decide what to focus on. I wonder if it would have worked better as a pair of novellas?
I enjoyed, of course, the vintage glamor of this book as well, though I thought the dual plotlines made for some confusing reading, as though the author could not decide what to focus on. I wonder if it would have worked better as a pair of novellas?
January 5, 2024
Murder Mysteries are my go-to reads. When I want something sassy, easy, bravery, and fashionable, they normally give me what I want.
However, this book did not keep my interest. It was just okay.
I am putting the series on the back burner for now. I will re-vist Phyrne Fisher at a later date.
However, this book did not keep my interest. It was just okay.
I am putting the series on the back burner for now. I will re-vist Phyrne Fisher at a later date.
February 23, 2018
This one was fun too, although I think I liked it less than the previous one. I continue to like the characters, but this one felt almost a little too simple almost. I still like Phrynne, and thinks she makes sense as amateur detective, but somehow there was something missing.
And child kidnappings are not my favourite mystery plotline.
On the other hand, I love how Phrynne's reaction to a sexist man who is accused of murder is to hire him a female lawyer, who he immediately thinks is great because of how competent she is.
That said, it turns out that:
2018 Reading Challenge - A book with song lyrics in the title.
And child kidnappings are not my favourite mystery plotline.
On the other hand, I love how Phrynne's reaction to a sexist man who is accused of murder is to hire him a female lawyer, who he immediately thinks is great because of how competent she is.
That said, it turns out that:
2018 Reading Challenge - A book with song lyrics in the title.
June 29, 2020
The second in the series, Lady Detective Phryne Fisher after three months bids a fond farewell to the Windsor Hotel, and moves into her new home staffed by Mr. And Mrs. Butler. Dot is thrilled to have her own room. A desperate mother hires Phryne because is afraid that her hot headed son is going to kill his father. Phryne confronts Bill McNaughton at his Sky-High Flying School by showing off her pilot and wing walking skills. Despite his agreement not to confront his father at home, his father is found dead and Bill is arrested. Phyrne is called in to investigate as Detective-Inspector Benton is convinced that Bill is the killer. Her friend, Jillian Henderson, is hired to represent Bill. Meanwhile, Bill’s friend, Jack Leonard, discovers that Candida, the young daughter of friend and pilot Henry Maldon is missing. When Henry and his wife, Molly, learn she was kidnaped, Phryne becomes involved. Accompanied by Bert, Cec, Dot, and an assorted cast, she is off to solve the murder and kidnaping. What would a Phryne mystery be without a seduction or two, enter the sculptor Paolo Raguzzi and the young Dr. Fielding. I started reading these books after discovering the television series. A quick read.
March 13, 2016
This is hardly a cozy mystery, as there's a surprising, if not shocking scene of sex in the book. That dismissed, the story itself is divided into two uneven adventures, or mysteries, if you will. There's a murder, and a kidnapping. Whether the kidnapping was going to be solved by the police, had they been informed, is anyone's guess. It was straightforwardly solved by the daring, larger than life, avant-garde, secular, charming, accomplished, learned, sporting heroine Phryne Fisher. The best thing about this book is the way the murder is solved halfway through the book, yet the author reveals her hand only at the very end. No one complains because of the kidnapping. The heroine's talent for flight helps handily in the latter. Altogether 3/5 is an average score which means the story held some promise. This book provides some maybe much needed escapism to housewives and the likes of yours truly. However be warned that if you want to be served a detailed account of what 1928 Melbourne looks like, be prepared to be disappointed. The book is very to the point. So yeah.
April 15, 2020
Thoroughly fun reading. I loved that Phryne easily tackles two separate mysteries here. As in the television series I don't love her sexual liaisons, but the book as a whole is so well done that I find I can still enjoy it while gliding past them.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book with a three-word title
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book with a three-word title
April 10, 2018
This is such a fun series, full of clear thinking, great generosity, and madcap antics by Phryne. In this edition she solves a murder, calms a bully and props up a talented artist, and rescues a kidnapped child. Oh, and wing-walks on a deHavilland Moth, just for fun.
August 19, 2020
Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood is the second book in the Phryne Fisher series and hooked me into the story from the first page. Phryne is definitely a woman before her times and doesn't defeat easily. A fast paced plot with two mysteries to solve and new friends for readers to meet as she tracks down suspects.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
I received a copy of this book from my public library.
March 10, 2021
2,5 - 3*
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