The Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries television show is a familiar TV mystery series that might not be all that familiar. Most Cozy Mystery readers of this site are very familiar with Kerry Greenwood‘s Phryne Fisher Mysteries. Some of you read the series while others have probably seen it recommended (several times) by other Cozy Mystery readers in the monthly recommendation posts.
It wasn’t until very recently that I heard of this very clever television mystery series. Several Cozy Mystery readers sent me letters telling me about their enjoyment of the show. (Thank you!)
My husband and I have recently started watching the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and we are both enjoying the shows a lot. They are based on Kerry Greenwood’s wildly popular Phryne Fisher mysteries. Phryne is a 1920s flapper (dictionary.reference.com defines flapper as “a young woman, especially one who, during the 1920s, behaved and dressed in a boldly unconventional manner.”)
Phryne, although not born into money, is now rich enough to be able to afford the many luxuries that her bank account can buy. She is able to employ as many people as she wants, live as luxuriously as she deems necessary, and buy whatever trinkets (like airplanes!) she chooses. She is quite wealthy!
This Australian period-piece television mystery series stars Essie Davis, who plays the Phryne lead to perfection. She is brazenly upfront with her very modern 1920s views. Phryne has a deliciously wicked twinkle in her eyes.
The always-exasperated Detective Jack Robinson is played beautifully by Nathan Page. The attraction between Jack and Phryne is palpable. However, not being a girl who sits around waiting for the married Jack, Phryne is not adverse to quick romances. (Not to worry >>> nothing graphic!)
When I was doing my research for this entry, I found out that Kerry Greenwood was actually involved with this TV series as writer for all thirteen episodes of the 2012 productions. So even though the (+/-) 55 minute episodes do a lot of abridging, it’s nice that Greenwood was involved with the condensed versions of her mystery books.
We have only watched the first several delightful episodes of the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, but from these I can say that the costumes are absolutely wonderful. Phryne wears only the most beautiful fashions. As for the sets, they are full of fringe, tassels, velveteen, crystal, satin, period furniture, and beautiful wall papers.
I highly recommend Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. What’s not to like about a TV mystery series that has a butler named Mr. Butler?
For more Cozy viewing ideas, click on my Cozy Mystery TV & Movies page.