This final Phryne Fisher detective story is a fitting end to author Kerry Greenwood’s stellar career.
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
Australian author and lawyer Kerry Greenwood, best known for her Phryne Fisher Detective series which went on to became a highly successful ABC TV show, was the author of more than 50 novels. Sadly, this will be the last we hear from Phryne as Kerry Greenwood died in March 2025. Fans will be saddened, but she has left an amazing legacy both in the literary world and with her work with legal aid in Victoria.
Murder in the Cathedral brings together all those characters we have come to love: Dot, Detective Inspector Mick Kelly, Mr Lin, Hugh Collins, Bert and Cec, and Lionel Watkins, who is to become the new Bishop of Bendigo. Watkins has invited Phryne and Dot to his ordination. But of course, this mini holiday was never going to be simple. After the ordination service, one of the deacons is found dead in his pew. But how could he have died without anyone noticing?
And so begins Phryne’s chance to solve one more murder. She, as usual, does it with class, glamour, and intuition, always dressed in the most dazzling outfits. Dot of course helps her along the way, assisted by Colleen, the niece of Inspector Kelly. Tinker, the young lad who now lives in Phryne’s ever growing household, also does his part.
For those who have never read one of Greenwood’s novels and only watched the television series, you may perhaps be surprised at how easy these detective mystery novels are to read. And having the characters already in your mind, maybe even those who are not usually readers will find them easy to follow.
This is not a tricky murder for the reader to solve, but the setting and characters are what makes it a rollickingly good read. There are of course some other surprises along the way, and the past manages to resurface for some. There is nothing Phryne cannot do. She still drives like a crazy woman and manages to fly a Gypsy Moth from Bendigo to Portland, about 350 kilometres away, in record time. But her ability to charm all who come in contact with her also applies to the reader.
Generally fast paced, but with the occasional gin-and-tonic-fuelled lie down, Murder in the Cathedral is a fitting end to an illustrious career.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: November 2025
RRP: $34.99
More News
