Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Allen & Unwin (2002), 264 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Historical Fiction. HTML: "One of the more complex and somber cases in the career of Greenwood's Australian Jazz Age amateur sleuth Phryne Fisher." �??Publishers Weekly Phryne Fisher's contentment at the Jewish Young People's Society Dance is cut short when her dancing partner's father asks her to investigate the strange death of a devout young student in Miss Sylvia Lee's East Market bookshop. Miss Lee has been arrested for the murder, but Phryne believes that she is a very unlikely killer. The investigation leads her into the exotic world of refugees, rabbis, kosher dinners, Kadimah, strange alchemical symbols, Yiddish, and chicken soup. Picking her way through the mystery, Phryne soon finds herself at the heart of a situation far graver and more political than she expected. And all for the price of a song....… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member JenneB
I thought this one was kind of boring. She got a dog. She learned about Jewish culture. She found a formula for artificial rubber.
I did love Miss Lee. I want a whole book about Miss Lee.
I did love Miss Lee. I want a whole book about Miss Lee.
LibraryThing member annbury
This is number nine in the Phryne Fisher series, but it is hardly run of the mill -- which is not necessarily a good thing. In this novel, Phryne becomes involved with the Jewish community in Melbourne. The author spends a great deal of time on the folkways, dialects, and political preoccupations
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of members of the group. She does, as another reviewer noted, fall into stereotype at times, but she also brings out the fact that different Jews and groups of Jews have very different attitudes and beliefs. This is all interesting enough (though probably less interesting to a New Yorker than it would be to many Austrialians) but it gets in the way of the story: indeed, it takes it over. The romantic interest is unconvincing, but that's not unheard of for Phyrne's more fleeting affairs. All in all, an atypical Phryne Fisher, and what I want in a series isn't really atypicality. Show Less
LibraryThing member AliceaP
Because I just couldn't help myself I grabbed another Phryne Fisher mystery, Raisins and Almonds. (I realized after starting it that I definitely went out of order as I missed a lot of backstory so I do encourage you if you're reading the series to continue with Flying Too High after Cocaine
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Blues.) This time Phryne has taken a new lover by the name of Simon Abrahams and his father hires her to absolve a woman of murder. The entire affair is mixed up with the Jewish culture of Australia (and the rest of the world actually). Greenwood even included a Yiddish dictionary at the back of the book as it was used liberally throughout the story. I have to be honest here...I didn't find this one as entertaining as the first of the series. The characters weren't nearly as vivid and the mystery itself was pretty dull. However, learning about the Jewish culture was very interesting so I'm going to let it pass with a solid C. Show Less
LibraryThing member AliceaP
Because I just couldn't help myself I grabbed another Phryne Fisher mystery, Raisins and Almonds. (I realized after starting it that I definitely went out of order as I missed a lot of backstory so I do encourage you if you're reading the series to continue with Flying Too High after Cocaine
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Blues.) This time Phryne has taken a new lover by the name of Simon Abrahams and his father hires her to absolve a woman of murder. The entire affair is mixed up with the Jewish culture of Australia (and the rest of the world actually). Greenwood even included a Yiddish dictionary at the back of the book as it was used liberally throughout the story. I have to be honest here...I didn't find this one as entertaining as the first of the series. The characters weren't nearly as vivid and the mystery itself was pretty dull. However, learning about the Jewish culture was very interesting so I'm going to let it pass with a solid C. Show Less
LibraryThing member jguidry
Kerry Greenwood does an excellent job describing life in Australia during the 1920s. I love Phryne Fisher's character and the cast of characters Greenwood has surrounding her. I will admit to missing Phryne's usual lover, Lin Chung, but I enjoyed reading the history behind her current lover, Simon
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Abrahams. The Jewish study of Kabbalah and the Philospher's Stone was intriguing. My only complaint was that the murderer was way too easy to pick in this episode. But the rest of the story made up for it. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
While her boyfriend, Lin Chung, is in Shanghai for business, Phryne is amusing herself with Simon Abrahams. His father asks her to investigate the death of a young Jewish student where the bookshop owner, Miss Sylvia Lee is held to blame because she doesn't present herself as distressed enough by
There were moments where I found myself wanting her to get over the pointing at prejudice and get down to the story, but overall I found it entertaining and could only put it down when I couldn't read the words any more. Sleep is for the weak.
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what happens. Along the way she discovers that prejudice is alive and well and that things aren't as simple as they seem, and that modern science and alchemy aren't always strangers.There were moments where I found myself wanting her to get over the pointing at prejudice and get down to the story, but overall I found it entertaining and could only put it down when I couldn't read the words any more. Sleep is for the weak.
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LibraryThing member DrLed
Synopsis: Phryne meets a young Jewish man whose father wants to save one of his tenets from being charger for a murder she didn't commit. Young men in the Jewish community are trying to reclaim Palestine for the Jews and have come up with a chemical formula that they think will bring in lots of
Review: A Nice look at the Jewish community in Australia in the 1920s.
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money. Phryne must save the woman and unmask the murderer.Review: A Nice look at the Jewish community in Australia in the 1920s.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
Raisins and Almonds by Kerry Greenwood is the ninth book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phryne Fisher is enjoying the Foxtrot Competition run by the Jewish Young People’s Society with Simon Abrahams. While the judges are debating on who won the competition (best couple versus best Jewish
Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
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couple), Phryne is asked to meet with Simon’s father, Benjamin Abrahams. Benjamin wishes to hire Phryne to help Miss Sylvia Lee, owner of Lee’s Books. Miss Lee has been accused of murdering Simon Michaels, a frequent customer, in her shop. Phryne goes over the crime scene and is certain Miss Lee is innocent of the crime. Phryne dives into a new world with this investigation. She must enter the Jewish community to find out more about the victim and tangle with a difficult Rabbi when she needs a Hebrew translation. Phryne is soon knee deep in Yiddish, Zionism, the Jewish cultural, alchemy, and so much more. Phryne with the help of Bert, Cec, the Butlers, Dot and Jack will prove Miss Lee’s innocence and capture the killer.Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
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LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
While attending the Jewish Young People’s Society Dance, Phryne Fisher is asked by Benjamin Abraham to investigate an unusual death. A young student has died at an East Market bookshop. It appears he was poisoned. Miss Lee, the bookstore owner, has been arrested for the crime but there are no
Phryne not only learns much more about Simon, her dance partner, but also the world of Judaism, refugees, alchemism, kosher diet, Yiddish, Jewish politics and the dynamics within the Jewish family.
Phryne’s independent attitude, curiosity and boldness to get the information she needs to solve her cases and keep the plot moving. The other characters: Dot, Bert, Cec and Detective Inspector Robinson provide good support for the story line and the pace of the book.
This is the 10th book I’ve read in the series. I’m still enjoying it and looking forward to reading more.
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clues or reasons for her to be the murder. Abraham, a community leader, is worried there could be a connection to anti-Semitism feelings in the community.Phryne not only learns much more about Simon, her dance partner, but also the world of Judaism, refugees, alchemism, kosher diet, Yiddish, Jewish politics and the dynamics within the Jewish family.
Phryne’s independent attitude, curiosity and boldness to get the information she needs to solve her cases and keep the plot moving. The other characters: Dot, Bert, Cec and Detective Inspector Robinson provide good support for the story line and the pace of the book.
This is the 10th book I’ve read in the series. I’m still enjoying it and looking forward to reading more.
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LibraryThing member Vesper1931
1928 Melbourne and a Jewish scholar is killed in a bookshop rented by Miss Sylvia Lee. The community leader Benjamin Abrahams, father of Miss Fisher's latest partner, asks her to investigate.
This mystery in this series really didn't catch my imagination, nor did I get interested in the
A NetGalley Book
This mystery in this series really didn't catch my imagination, nor did I get interested in the
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characters.A NetGalley Book
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LibraryThing member charlie68
A better than average mystery with Melbourne,Australia as the locale with the incomparable Ms Phryne Fisher as your companion and the Roaring Twenties as the era.
LibraryThing member amcheri
This was my first Phryne Fisher book, although I've watched all episodes of the television show and find them to be great fun. The book, however, was a bit less fun.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I
All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I
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found my eyes glazing over a few times. All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.
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LibraryThing member funstm
Phryne Fisher is a likeable, charming and vibrant individual. She's kind and generous to those she meets, smart and logical when faced with problems or obstacles and adventurous in her dislike of boredom. She is brave and tenacious and brutal when faced with injustice.
A few deaths of distant
Being an Aussie and a proud Melbournian - the Melbourne setting was a highlight. Recognising the street names and places was fun. And Melbournians will understand the delight in recognising how strange our weather is to outsiders.
As far as the genre goes, I don't know if I'd really say it was crime or historical. I mean it is a historical period but it felt kind of modern. The crime was good but it was interspersed with character relationships. There was romance but none of it was meaningful or relevant. It was too lowbrow to be literary and too much reality to be chick lit. It's an odd mix that was an enjoyable read but likely not for everyone.
It's also fairly different from the tv show (and she's a lot younger in the books) but the main elements are present - like Phryne's love of clothes, her humour, confidence and loveable charming personality.
Character wise, I love them all! Phryne, Dot, Dr Elizabeth MacMillan, WPC Jones, Inspector Robinson, Bert and Cec, Mr and Mrs. Butler, they were all fantastic and had me giggling throughout. And I adore the way women are portrayed in this series. I love that all the female characters are strong willed and fierce and able to look after themselves - even when it doesn't always seem like it. I also really like how the cops aren't written as useless or inept - but rather unable to significantly help without someone willing to speak up and testify.
The mysticism in this book was a bit much for me to appreciate but apart from that it was an alright read. Dot learning to bribe was hilarious. The love interest, Simon, was a total whinger, although I didn't hate that he was the virgin in the relationship. I didn't understand the bit about the Russian spy. Why did she even suspect there was a Russian spy? The logic on that one lost me. It wasn't my favourite but it was an entertaining read. 3.5 stars.
A few deaths of distant
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relatives were all that stood between her life of poverty and her ascent into luxury at the age of 12 and she never takes her wealth and social standing for granted. The result of which is a kind and generous soul who is always willing to speak up for the victims, the downtrodden or the underdogs and one who relishes fine food, fine clothes and the myriad of pursuits open to her. Her open mindedness leads to an unique and vibrant cast pulled from all walks of life. Being an Aussie and a proud Melbournian - the Melbourne setting was a highlight. Recognising the street names and places was fun. And Melbournians will understand the delight in recognising how strange our weather is to outsiders.
As far as the genre goes, I don't know if I'd really say it was crime or historical. I mean it is a historical period but it felt kind of modern. The crime was good but it was interspersed with character relationships. There was romance but none of it was meaningful or relevant. It was too lowbrow to be literary and too much reality to be chick lit. It's an odd mix that was an enjoyable read but likely not for everyone.
It's also fairly different from the tv show (and she's a lot younger in the books) but the main elements are present - like Phryne's love of clothes, her humour, confidence and loveable charming personality.
Character wise, I love them all! Phryne, Dot, Dr Elizabeth MacMillan, WPC Jones, Inspector Robinson, Bert and Cec, Mr and Mrs. Butler, they were all fantastic and had me giggling throughout. And I adore the way women are portrayed in this series. I love that all the female characters are strong willed and fierce and able to look after themselves - even when it doesn't always seem like it. I also really like how the cops aren't written as useless or inept - but rather unable to significantly help without someone willing to speak up and testify.
The mysticism in this book was a bit much for me to appreciate but apart from that it was an alright read. Dot learning to bribe was hilarious. The love interest, Simon, was a total whinger, although I didn't hate that he was the virgin in the relationship. I didn't understand the bit about the Russian spy.
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997-01-01
Physical description
264 p.; 5.12 inches
ISBN
1865088803 / 9781865088808
Local notes
Phryne Fisher loves dancing, especially with gorgeous young Simon Abrahams. But Phryne's contentment at the Jewish Young Peoples Society Dance is cut short when Simons father asks her to investigate the strange death of a devout young student in Miss Sylvia Lees bookshop located in the Eastern Market.