Salutations! I hope all of you are having a good Monday (as good as Monday's get). I have to run to the pharmacy today and then do some work around the house (my life is so glamorous). I want to remind you that Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs releases tomorrow. It is the latest A Tea Shop Mystery. If you enjoy this series or just love cozy mysteries, you will want to pick up a copy of Pekoe Most Poison. I will be reviewing it tomorrow.
Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood is the sixth book in the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phryne Fisher is home alone on a Sunday, and
she is bored. Then the doorbell rings
and she finds Samson, Alan Lee and their friends on her doorstep. They need Phryne’s assistance with problems
that are plaguing Farrell’s Circus and Wild Beast Show. If the person behind
these nasty incidents is not found, the circus may go under. Phryne agrees to go undercover as a trick
rider if she can learn the routine in the next week. Meanwhile, Constable Tommy Harris responded
to a call at Mrs. Witherspoon’s boarding house on Brunswick Street. Mr. Christopher was found dead inside his
room. Miss Amelia Parkes is arrested for
his murder, but Tommy does not believe Miss Parkes committed the crime. Detective Inspector Jack Robinson is of a
similar mind, but they need proof.
Phryne with the help of her companion, Dot gets ready to join the circus
as Fern Williams. Phryne needs clothes
that are more aligned with her new station as a performer (no silks or satins
for Fern). Phryne learns how to do
tricks on a horse and is soon ready to set off with the others for Farrell’s
next performance. Tommy is out at night
trying to get intel and quickly lands in hot water. Thankfully, Lizard Elsie comes to his rescue,
patches him up and returns him to his police superiors. It turns out that the problems besetting the
circus and the murder of Mr. Christopher are tied together. Jack quickly sets out for Farrell’s latest
location and hopes that he is not too late to save Phryne. See if Phryne makes it back home to Dot, Mr.
& Mrs. Butler, and her extended family in Blood and Circuses.
Blood and Circuses is nicely
written, but it is different from the prior books in the series. Phryne is not quite herself in this edition. I missed Phryne’s engaging personality. She seemed more subdued and contemplative. I was, though, happy to see more of Jack in
this novel. What I enjoy most is the
interactions between Phryne and Jack.
They are always fun and witty together.
When you first start reading the story, there are two different
storylines. They are eventually tied
together and it all makes sense. It can
be a little confusing in the beginning especially with the introduction of the
two gang factions (Roy Boys and the Brunnies).
The pace is sluggish as well (which always makes a book feel longer than
it is). Figuring out the identity of the
killer is not rocket science. I wish it
had been more complicated (like the storylines). If you have watched the show that relates to
this book, you will find it different in many regards (there are similarities). In a way, I preferred the show (I found it
more entertaining). There is extreme
violence and intimate relations included in Blood and Circuses. Phryne finds herself with two lovers in this
book. I give Blood and Circuses 3.5 out
of 5 stars. There is circus lingo that I
found difficult to interpret. I did find
the second half of the book more entertaining the first part (as the separate storyline
tie together and there are fewer people to keep track of). While I did not find Blood and Circuses as
enjoyable as the first five stories in the stories, I will definitely keep
reading the series. Ruddy Gore is the seventh book in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
I appreciate you visiting and taking the time to read my latest book review. I hope you have a delightful day (even though it is Monday). I am currently reading Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss. I will see you tomorrow when I return. Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
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