Flying Too High

Private detective Phryne Fisher returns in this 1920s Melbourne mystery, the second book in Kerry Greenwood's series. Miss Fisher navigates two cases simultaneously - a potential patricide and a child kidnapping - while settling into her new home on The Esplanade. The investigation centers on a family dispute at a flying school, where tensions run high between a father and his pilot son. Phryne puts her own aviation skills to use as she works to prevent violence and uncover the truth behind a murder. This installment introduces key recurring characters Mr. and Mrs. Butler as household staff, while expanding the rich world of 1920s Melbourne society. The narrative combines elements of traditional detective work with high-flying adventure. The novel explores themes of family conflict, class dynamics in post-war Australia, and the evolving role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields like aviation and criminal investigation.

Readers found this second Phryne Fisher mystery entertaining but less complex than the first book. Many note it provides a lighter, faster-paced read than "Cocaine Blues." Readers appreciated: - The aviation themes and technical details - Character development of Phryne and her household staff - The parallel storylines that eventually connect - Authentic 1920s Melbourne atmosphere Common criticisms: - Plot feels more straightforward than other books in the series - Some found the resolution too neat and predictable - Less mystery-solving and more action/adventure - A few readers wanted more depth to the secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.97/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) "The flying sequences are thrilling," notes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads reader comments that "the mysteries themselves aren't particularly challenging to solve." Several readers mentioned they missed the grittier elements from the first book.

Death in the Stars by Frances Brody A female detective in 1920s Yorkshire investigates a mysterious death during a solar eclipse while navigating high society and challenging gender roles.

A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd A World War I nurse turned investigator solves crimes in post-war England while dealing with class boundaries and social change.

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber A widowed aristocrat in 1830s Scotland uses scientific knowledge to solve murders while facing society's restrictions on women in medicine.

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn An independent female butterfly hunter in Victorian London becomes an amateur detective and challenges social conventions through her investigations.

Death at the Crystal Palace by Jennifer Ashley A Victorian-era cook doubles as a sleuth, solving crimes across social classes in London while incorporating period-specific details about food and society.

🔍 The address 221B is likely a nod to Sherlock Holmes' famous residence at 221B Baker Street, showing Greenwood's playful reference to detective fiction history. ✈️ The aviation scenes in the book are well-researched, as the 1920s marked the "Golden Age of Aviation" in Australia, with many women pilots breaking barriers in the field. 👗 Phryne Fisher's character was partially inspired by real-life adventuresses of the 1920s, including aviatrix Amy Johnson and jazz-age icon Louise Brooks. 📚 This is the second book in the Phryne Fisher Mystery series, which has grown to include 20 novels and inspired the popular television series "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries." 🎬 Kerry Greenwood has a law degree and worked as a criminal defense lawyer while writing the Phryne Fisher series, lending authenticity to the legal aspects of her mysteries.