Earthly Delights

April 23, 2007
W
hile Australian Greenwood’s historical series starring iconoclastic feminist sleuth Phryne Fisher (Cocaine Blues
, etc.) has spawned a devoted following for its blend of detection and Wodehousian humor, her contemporary series, which makes its U.S. debut with this book, is unlikely to have the same impact. Corinna Chapman, a former accountant who operates a Melbourne bakery, cuts an even unlikelier figure than Phryne Fisher, as Greenwood’s new heroine finds herself involved in probing a series of deaths of junkies. The broadly drawn supporting characters, including a stereotypical handsome stranger with whom Chapman is smitten, are beyond eccentric. Fisher fans shouldn’t set their expectations too high.

Starred review from May 1, 2007
Owned and operated by the larger-than-life Corinna Chapman, Earthly Delights is a Melbourne, Australia, bakery housed on the ground floor of an eccentric apartment building designed in the Roman style. One morning in the alley outside the bakery, Corinna discovers a half-dead junkie, the latest victim in a string of heroin overdoses. Then someone threatens the building's occupants, and Corinna and her neighborsMeroe, the witch; Mistress Dread, proprietor of an S& M shop; and the Lone Gunmen, three computer nerdsjoin forces. This series debut from the Australian author of the Phryne Fisher mysteries comes equipped with sassy, sexy characters; snappy dialog; and a plot that devotes more time to baking bread than to throwing red herrings. Put on the coffee pot, whip up a batch of muffins (yes, two recipes are included), and enjoy this thoroughly original tale. Strongly recommended for fans of offbeat mysteries.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.