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Book Review of Unnatural Habits (Phryne Fisher, Bk 19)

Unnatural Habits (Phryne Fisher, Bk 19)
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Unnatural Habits by Kerry Greenwood is the nineteenth book in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. It is 1929 in Melbourne, Australia and the Honorable Phryne Fisher is on her way to a meeting of the Adventuresses Club with Dr. Elizabeth MacMillan (Mac). Along the way, they encounter a woman being attacked by some thugs. After rescuing Polly Kettle, they take her along to the club. It seems that Miss Kettle is a reporter for the Daily Truth working on a story about girls who have gone missing from Magdalene Laundry at Abbotsford Convent. The three young women were pregnant and no one seems to care that they have disappeared. Miss Kettle is determined to stick with her story and soon departs. The next day Phryne gets a visit from DI Jack Robinson who reports that Polly has been abducted and asks Phryne to investigate. Phryne needs to retrace Polly's steps in order to find the missing reporter. Will Phryne and her compatriots be able to find Polly in time?

Unnatural Habits follows Phryne Fisher on another investigation. I found the mystery to be complicated with multiple parts. It was a little convoluted at time, but it was interesting. I did feel, though, that the story was a little too long. The author could have cut out some of the eating and bathing (we do not need details on every bath and meal) for a more concise story. Unnatural Habits has entertaining characters with Phryne at the forefront. Phryne is smart, sassy, strong, social and so much more. I wish the author had not made Jack so bland. He fades into the background. The author did an amazing job at capturing the time-period (clothes, language, food, cars, entertainment, etc.). While Unnatural Habits is the nineteenth book in the series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the details a reader needs. I am giving Unnatural Habits 4 out of 5 stars. Pick up a copy of Unnatural Habits to go on another adventure with Phryne Fisher and her troupe of family and friends.