Title: Unnatural Habits
Author: Kerry Greenwood
First published September 26, 2012
348 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781742372433 (ISBN10: 1742372430)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In Kerry Greenwood’s Unnatural Habits, Melbourne is plagued by the disappearance of young, pretty girls. The situation becomes even more dire when it’s discovered that three of the missing girls are pregnant and were living in the harsh Magdalene Laundry.
When pushy and ambitious reporter Polly Kettle goes missing while investigating the case, it’s up to Phryne and Dot to find her before it’s too late. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a world of piracy, dark cellars, convents, murder, and mystery.
And, as always, Phryne manages to have some fun along the way – finally discovering if it’s true that blondes have more fun.
About the Author
Kerry Greenwood was born in Footscray, a suburb of Melbourne, and eventually returned to live there after traveling the world. She earned a degree in English and Law from Melbourne University, and on April 1, 1982, she was admitted to the legal profession, which holds special significance for her.
Throughout her career, Kerry has written twenty novels, various plays, and children’s books. She has also edited and contributed to several anthologies.
In 1996, Kerry published a book of essays titled Things She Loves: Why Women Kill, which explores female murderers and their motives.
The Phryne Fisher series, pronounced Fry-knee, began in 1989 with Cocaine Blues, which was a massive success. Kerry has written thirteen books in the series, and she plans to keep writing them as long as people want to read them.
Kerry Greenwood has worked in a variety of industries, including folk singing, factory work, directing, producing, translating, costume-making, and cooking. She is currently a solicitor, and when she is not writing, she works as a locum solicitor for the Victorian Legal Aid.
Kerry is also the curator of seven thousand books, three cats, and a computer named Apple.
Kerry enjoys reading science fiction/fantasy and detective stories for fun. She is unmarried, childless, and lives with a registered wizard.
When she’s not working or reading, Kerry can often be found staring thoughtfully out of the window or browsing through second-hand bookstores.
Editoral Review
Unnatural Habits is the 19th book in the Phryne Fisher mystery series by Australian author Kerry Greenwood. First published on September 26, 2012, the book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the seedy underbelly of Melbourne in the 1920s.
Greenwood’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, and she has a knack for creating vivid, multi-dimensional characters that readers can’t help but root for. Unnatural Habits is no exception, featuring a cast of colorful characters that include wealthy socialites, shady journalists, and downtrodden working-class women.
The plot centers around a group of girls who have gone missing from a local convent, and Phryne’s efforts to track them down and bring their kidnappers to justice. Along the way, she must navigate a web of corruption, deceit, and violence that threatens to consume her and those she cares about.
One of the strengths of Unnatural Habits is its historical and cultural significance. Greenwood has a talent for painting a vivid picture of life in Melbourne during the 1920s, and she uses this backdrop to explore themes of social justice, gender equality, and the power dynamics at play in a rapidly changing society.
The writing is top-notch, with Greenwood’s prose flowing smoothly and effortlessly from page to page. The pacing is also spot on, with tension building steadily throughout the book until it reaches a satisfying climax.
Despite its many strengths, Unnatural Habits is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the plot predictable, and the resolution of the mystery may feel a bit rushed.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to give them a greater sense of depth and nuance.
Overall, Unnatural Habits is a must-read for fans of the Phryne Fisher series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery novel. Greenwood’s writing is masterful, her characters are engaging, and the historical and cultural significance of the book make it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. While it has some flaws, Unnatural Habits is a gripping and entertaining read that is sure to delight fans of the mystery genre.
