309 pages
Pub date: 17 November 2026
Mystery & Thriller
Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts:
I have long followed Phryne Fisher’s life and adventures in book form, as well as in the TV series. Miss Fisher is an eccentric character who has a wide circle of friends and connections, all of whom have their own distinct personalities.
This time, Phryne and her assistant Dot take the train to Bendigo. They are going there for the service making Phryne’s friend Lionel a Bishop. Phryne suspects that Lionel has an ulterior motive and, indeed he does as he involves Phryne in an investigation.
I love the characters, the settings throughout Australia in the books, the relationships and the cases. I particularly enjoyed the ecclesiastical background in this one.
I am so sad to know that this is the last book in this historical mystery series as sadly Kerry Greenwood is no longer alive. Long term friends, enjoy this last one. Others, you are lucky if you are able to go back and start the series from the very first book.
Fans of historical mysteries with minimal gore will enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Post first published on 19 October 2026
Description:
from the publisher
The indefatigable Miss Phryne Fisher returns to solve what may be her most puzzling murder to date!
When Phryne Fisher is invited to Bendigo to witness the investiture of her old friend Lionel, who is being made a Bishop, her expectations of the solemn and dignified ceremony do not include a murder in its midst.
Phryne is soon working with local Constable Watson and eagle-eyed Inspector Mick Kelly to identify the perpetrator. It becomes quickly apparent the murder victim had been an overzealous deacon with a nose for trouble. Nobody seems very inclined to mourn his passing.
Applying her quick wits and magnetic charm, Phryne and her expanding team of sleuths discover murky layers of church politics, social scandals, business scams, and blackmail. Soon, possible suspects begin to form a long list, all with excellent motives for killing the deacon. Could the murderer be his own wife? A visiting dignitary? The mysterious organist? The angelic Brookes? The unemployed teacher? And why is the Bishop’s Court being burgled?
The final–and perhaps most impossible–Phryne Fisher Mystery by beloved author Kerry Greenwood takes readers inside the often-unholy world of the clergy, where deception and murder lurk beneath the rustling vestments and in every shadowed corner.
Editorial Reviews:
“This is an essential addition to historical mystery collections.” ― Library Journal
“While the mysteries remain clever, it’s the sharp characterizations that keep this long-running series fresh and relevant.” ― Kirkus Reviews
