The London season is in full fling at the end of the 1920s, but the Honourable Phryne Fishershe of the green-gray eyes, diamant garters, and outfits that should not be sprung suddenly on those of nervous dispositionsis rapidly tiring of the tedium of arranging flowers, making polite conversations with retired colonels, and dancing with weak-chinned men. Instead, Phryne decides it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective in Melbourne, Australia. Almost immediately from the time she arrives, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned wives, cocaine smuggling rings, corrupt cops, and communismnot to mention erotic encounters with a beautiful Russian danceruntil her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street.