A Question of Death: an Illustrated Phryne Fisher Treasury by Kerry Greenwood

Phryne (prounounced Fry-knee) Fisher is a liberated woman of the 1920's who lives in Australia. Rich and titled, but coming from a decidedly humble background, Phryne lives a life devoted to good food, even better cocktails, and solving the mysteries that seem to inevitably tumble into her lap.

This book collects thirteen very short tales of Phryne Fisher solving mysteries from Urban Legends ("The Hotel Splendide") to ones which eventually became full-length novels ("The Hours of Juana the Mad" and "Carnivale"). Many of them were written to see if an idea that Kerry Greenwood had could support an entire novel.

In the foreword to the book, the author discusses the genesis of Phryne Fisher, who is apparently physically based on the author's younger sister, and whose name comes from a famous Greek courtesan who offered to rebuild the destroyed walls of Thebes if she could put a carving on them which read: "The Walls of Thebes; Ruined by time, Rebuilt by Phryne the Courtesan". She owes as much to James Bond and female wish fulfillment (able to eat, drink and party without worrying about her weight and figure and with a boundless self-confidence.

At the end of the book is a glossary of terms used in the story, but whose meanings may not be known. For instance, American cloth is a term for an early form of linoleum, and the term "Wet arse and no fish" meaning an unsuccessful venture.

I've always enjoyed the Phryne Fisher books, and this is one of the best, with thirteen short and interesting tales that one can read in the space of a few minutes (me) or an hour or so (people who take longer to read). And if you don't particularly enjoy one of the stories, it will soon end and sweep you on to another. Each of the stories is short enough to be read quickly, but long enough to satisfy with regards to the ending, and for those who enjoy Phryne Fisher, or who are just discovering her books, this is an excellent addition to the series.

Not only does the book have the stories, but the pages between each are filled with recipies for drinks and the occasional cake or snack, allowing readers to pretend, as they eat or drink, that they are also a part of Phryne's world and enjoying a cocktail with her. Highly recommended.