DEATH BY WATER

Phryne Fisher hits the high seas for her latest adventure. The management of a luxury liner, the S.S. HINEMOA, are worried because there's been a spate of jewel thefts on the ship. Phryne has been called in to investigate as the ship sails to New Zealand. Narrator Stephanie Daniel expertly recreates the mood and vocabulary of the 1920s. She also excels with the diverse accents of Dot, Phryne's feisty maid and companion; the Maori staff; and the ship's all-female orchestra. As Phryne wears a priceless jewel and puts herself in danger, she flirts "naughtily" in the line of duty. These scenes are cleverly rendered by Daniel. Both the story and its narration are a delightful reminder of a bygone era. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]