Enjoyably different!

A Death in Daylesford (Phryne Fisher #21) by Kerry Greenwood            

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Detective Inspector Jack Robinson, friend and stalwart figure in Phryne Fisher’s life, a fixed presence who is frequently involved in a love/hate tussle with her, is on secondment investigating a highly hush hush operation that goes to the upper echelons of the police.

Detective Sergeant Hugh Collins, finds himself with a replacement boss who is rather ineffective yet, Oh So sure of himself. Hugh determines that he might have to quietly go his own way in investigative matters. Hugh is Phryne's personal assistant Dot’s intended.

Hugh is living at Phryne's for the moment. Jane and Ruth, Phryne’s adoptive daughters are concerned about a missing school chum. Tinker, another edition to the Fisher household, meanwhile has met up with Cec and Bert down at the wharves after school where they’re fishing for eels. They find a body in the water.

As all this is occurring Phryne and Dot have motored up to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs (sort of north from Melbourne) to visit a sanatorium supporting WW1 shell shocked service personnel. It turns out puzzling things have happened in the area. Accidents are more than they seem and center around a local pub, The Temperance, and a very appealing barmaid. And it seems three women have gone missing in the area.

Phryne is still enamoured with her lover Lin, but the head of the sanatorium is an attractive man.

Excitement and puzzling occurrences are on the agenda for all, from the crew at home in St Kilda, and Phryne and Dot in spa country.

Another enjoyable yet perplexing Phryne Fisher mystery.  She faces an illusive, careful and dangerously clever opponent.

BTW I do love the very stylish cover, just like Phryne!

A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley