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tregina's review
3.0
Probably one of my favourites of the series so far--it managed to be immersive without divorcing Phryne from her usual environment--but again we have a murderer who suddenly turns out to be quite mad and vengeful when found out, and I'd love to see something else because that's just such a narrative letdown every time.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Raisins and Almonds by Kerry Greenwood is the ninth book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Phryne Fisher is enjoying the Foxtrot Competition run by the Jewish Young People’s Society with Simon Abrahams. While the judges are debating on who won the competition (best couple versus best Jewish couple), Phryne is asked to meet with Simon’s father, Benjamin Abrahams. Benjamin wishes to hire Phryne to help Miss Sylvia Lee, owner of Lee’s Books. Miss Lee has been accused of murdering Simon Michaels, a frequent customer, in her shop. Phryne goes over the crime scene and is certain Miss Lee is innocent of the crime. Phryne dives into a new world with this investigation. She must enter the Jewish community to find out more about the victim and tangle with a difficult Rabbi when she needs a Hebrew translation. Phryne is soon knee deep in Yiddish, Zionism, the Jewish cultural, alchemy, and so much more. Phryne with the help of Bert, Cec, the Butlers, Dot and Jack will prove Miss Lee’s innocence and capture the killer.
Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
Raisins and Almonds lets readers join Phryne Fisher on another adventure. I enjoyed the descriptions of Phryne’s gorgeous frocks (I would love her wardrobe). Most of the story was easy to read, but some parts were more difficult. The sections on alchemy, Zionism, chemistry and the Jewish religion were tedious (they will put a person to sleep). Ms. Greenwood needs to find a way to incorporate the information into the story in a more engaging manner (instead it feels like I am in a lecture hall with a professor who talks in a monotone voice). I do commend the author on her excellent research. The book does have good, snappy dialogue. I give Raisins and Almonds 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery was easily solved early in the book. Two tiny little bits of information provide the killers identity. The method of murder was not difficult to figure out. It was no surprise when the solution was revealed. I liked how Phryne’s home life is developing. A puppy joins the family thanks to Phryne’s wards. In Raisins and Almonds, I enjoyed the cozy elements more than the mystery (which everyone knows is not the norm for me).
msdeecm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cr4nkyp4nts's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first Phryne Fisher book, although I've watched all episodes of the television show and find them to be great fun. The book, however, was a bit less fun.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I found my eyes glazing over a few times.
All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.
The mystery was quite well done but much of the chemistry and other information laid out for the reader felt a touch overdone. I found my eyes glazing over a few times.
All in all, Phryne was still a joy and I loved Dot. Any fan of the show will likely enjoy the book, too.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this one. It's being re-released in June.
mjporterauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free E-Arc from Netgalley.
I've said elsewhere that I enjoy these books very much and Raisins and Almonds is perhaps, my favourite to date. The structure of the story works very well, and while Phryne may be up to her normal slightly devilish behaviour, she is a little more sedate in this novel than in others I've read (well -sedate for her).
The story, about the murder of a Jewish man in a bookshop in Melbourne, is quite cleverly woven together - and while I could remember the ending from having seen the TV episode, I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of the book which if fuller and more detailed.
The joy of these books is the ability of the author to wholly involve you in Phryne's 1930's Melbourne - the attention to detail is stunning - and yet do it in such a way that you don't feel as though you're being preached at or lectured.
Another excellent outing for Miss Fisher. Recommended.
I've said elsewhere that I enjoy these books very much and Raisins and Almonds is perhaps, my favourite to date. The structure of the story works very well, and while Phryne may be up to her normal slightly devilish behaviour, she is a little more sedate in this novel than in others I've read (well -sedate for her).
The story, about the murder of a Jewish man in a bookshop in Melbourne, is quite cleverly woven together - and while I could remember the ending from having seen the TV episode, I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of the book which if fuller and more detailed.
The joy of these books is the ability of the author to wholly involve you in Phryne's 1930's Melbourne - the attention to detail is stunning - and yet do it in such a way that you don't feel as though you're being preached at or lectured.
Another excellent outing for Miss Fisher. Recommended.
lisab1991's review
3.0
A nice new and interesting adventure for The Hon. Phryne Fisher and her trusted friends. I was a bit disappointed in ✨Jack✨for jumping to early conclusions, but in the end he made it right and all is forgiven. Because of the current world events this book gets an even deeper significance (even more so knowing what happened in say ten years after this book - it felt eerie thinking about it), and I wanted to take my time reading it.
For some reason, I guessed who the murderer was early on in the story, but I don’t even really know why. I loved the Fisher household scenes, especially those where the pets were involved (gotta love Ember the cat and his puppy Molly!) and the one where Phryne drinks hot cocoa by a Dutch brand (it’s Droste, by the way - gotta love Kerry’s Greenwood’s research in all aspects of the story!).
For some reason, I guessed who the murderer was early on in the story, but I don’t even really know why. I loved the Fisher household scenes, especially those where the pets were involved (gotta love Ember the cat and his puppy Molly!) and the one where Phryne drinks hot cocoa by a Dutch brand (it’s Droste, by the way - gotta love Kerry’s Greenwood’s research in all aspects of the story!).
nikshelby's review against another edition
4.0
Leo Rosten (The Joys of Yiddish) "'I challenge you,' said the young man, 'to tell me the whole of the Torag while standing on one leg,' 'That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your neighbors,' snapped Rabbi Hillel. 'All the rest is commentary. So and learn!'"
>>> "Bert, in his reflective moments, considered that if heaven didn't have a well-appointed pub where a man could sit down over a beer for a yarn with the other angels, then he didnt want to go there."
>>> "Ember snuggled up to the caressing hand, radiating consciousness of being a cat (and therefore naturally superior."
>>> "The formula was concealed inside Phryne's bust band. An obvious precaution. She had removed it that morning from its place in her packet of sanitary napkins. She had gambled on that not being searched. The subconscious male taboo on menstruation worked on customs officers, too."
>>> "Bert, in his reflective moments, considered that if heaven didn't have a well-appointed pub where a man could sit down over a beer for a yarn with the other angels, then he didnt want to go there."
>>> "Ember snuggled up to the caressing hand, radiating consciousness of being a cat (and therefore naturally superior."
>>> "The formula was concealed inside Phryne's bust band. An obvious precaution. She had removed it that morning from its place in her packet of sanitary napkins. She had gambled on that not being searched. The subconscious male taboo on menstruation worked on customs officers, too."
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/day-1091-raisins-and-almonds/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/day-1091-raisins-and-almonds/
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Not the only time Kerry Greenwood has done this type of a villain! One of her Earthly Delights books has a very similar one!