Blood and Circuses (Phryne Fisher Mystery, #6)

by Kerry Greenwood

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 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.

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I like circuses - I just wasn't sure how keen I was on Phryne being in one. But as with the rest of the series I found myself flying through pages and was 40% in before I blinked.

I mean I still didn't really like the circus setting but I did enjoy it. I was disappointed though that we didn't get to see as much of Dot or the Butlers or Bert and Cec. Jack Robinson did appear a bit though and I liked Constable Tommy Harris - he was such a sweetie.

Plot wise the mystery was good. I loved the ending. Definitely thought Phryne was a gonner there but I loved how she managed to turn it all around. Particularly with the lion that wasn't a lion but a bear. I was pretty terrified myself at that point. The idea of the lion in the cage with her...shivers. A terrible way to die. I loved how she fought back against Jones though and her spirit.

A surge of strength went through her like an electric current. They might rape her. But she would not be a victim.

Greenwood, Kerry. Blood and Circuses: 6 (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries) (p. 178). Sourcebooks. Kindle Edition.

It was admirable. Overall it was an enjoyable read. Not as good as the other books but pretty good. 3 stars.