Dead Man's Chest
by Kerry Greenwood is a great addition to her list of mysteries featuring Phryne Fisher
Too much mayhem and mystery has gotten Phryne Fisher longing for a few weeks sojourn at the seaside and she promises her ‘family’ no murders. As she arrives in the town of Queenscliff it looks like the perfect place to relax, but a mystery is afoot as they step into the rented home of a friend. Where are the Johnsons who were supposed to meet Phyrne’s group? Did they leave with their furniture or did someone else take it? And why was the kitchen left completely empty, without so much as a teabag for a restorative cup of tea upon their arrival? In typical fashion Phryne sorts out the problems and looks to her two adoptive daughters, Jane & Ruth, her companion, Dot, and even her dog, Molly, (she’s good at barking, but not too daring) to get things underway. Ruth, who wants to be a chef, would like to work on the kitchen, develop a few menus (at least 4 courses for the main meal each day) and starts listing foodstuffs the household will need during their stay. A neighbor lends a kitchen girl to help with peeling, slicing and dicing and a boy, eager, but used to living on the streets, is given a job as general factotum. As usual, Phryne is soon on the trail of ne’er-do-wells, but as to her promise of no murders, you’ll have to decide that one for yourself.