RAISINS AND ALMONDS

A Phryne Fisher mystery, set in 1920s Australia, is as delicious and indulgent as a box of bonbons and a glass of champagne. Happily, the series has long been read by Stephanie Daniel, who does a marvelous job with the series' insouciant mix of sex, silliness, and drama. She has the many voices and the pacing—as quick and light as a dance—and she's clearly having fun. In this installment, when a Jewish immigrant drops dead of poisoning in Phryne's favorite bookstore, Phryne asks her new young paramour, Simon Abraham, to introduce her to Melbourne's Jewish community. Strains of a foxtrot put you in the mood for a plot involving Jewish politics, alchemy, good food, and delicious love. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]