Murder in Williamstown: A Phryne Fisher Mystery

Greenwood brings back socialite and amateur sleuth Fisher for a breezy 22nd cozyish mystery (after 2020’s Death in Daylesford) set in 1920s Melbourne. Miss Fisher is busy juggling a host of cases: a Chinese laborer has been murdered; a peeping Tom has been leaving nasty anonymous letters in her mailbox; someone has been embezzling funds from a charity for the blind; and a prominent socialite has been killed during an elaborate party at his home. This time out Miss Fisher’s three adopted children—Ruth, Mary, and Tinker—pitch in to help their mother sniff out clues and tail suspects. Their assistance leaves Miss Fisher free to visit her lover, Lin Chung, drop by her seamstress to order fabulous gowns for her teenage wards, and enjoy high society gatherings. Newcomers may be less than satisfied by the lackadaisical pacing and fondness for fashion over crime solving, but those who’ve grown fond of Miss Fisher over the decades will get what they came for: lavish outfits, dashing romance, and fantasies of wealth. This is a diverting romp. Agent: Sandra Buol, Allen and Unwin. (Nov.)