Angela Reimann

A CWA classic. Country cooking, sensible and tested. Easy to sub in your own preferences.

The Phryne Fisher series sadly seems to be dwindling down. I truly loved the books up until Dead Man's Chest or there about. Droll, always on the mark with Australian speech habits of that era. She's often had me in fits of fond laughter of recognition. There is a cleverness, but never any meaness. I love the yin and yang of Phyne and Dot, the Bert and Cec squinty observations and the brilliant swearing from street ladies and carters. Phryne is a delicious creation, impish, brave and greedy. Greenwood has written about drug addiction, the aftermath of war, abortion, abuse, prostitution and bullying. She handles this with a seasoned eye and with compassion. Sadly, the last few books have almost wooden writing, relying on past key words such as 'minions'. The joyfulness has evaporated. I have a deep respect for Greenwood's solid contribution to iconic Australian writing.