Oh, to be rich, beautiful and dangerous in 1920s Melbourne! If you share this dream and haven’t discovered Kerry Greenwood’s masterful Phryne Fisher series or those of you familiar and waiting desperately, tongues hanging out, for this, her seventeenth instalment, what a beautiful day it is. Greenwood’s combination of delicate, comfortable prose and impeccable research creates a deliciously cerebral detective series. They seem to have the best of both worlds: a fantastic historical tour of 20s Melbourne and an old school approach to murder and mayhem.

In this book, Phryne (perfect, as always) has to tangle with suicides, missing illegitimate heirs and nasty bright young things, all whilst suffering a typical St Kilda heatwave. Good thing she’s Phryne Fisher! A perfect summer read, quintessentially Melbourne and full of lust, clothes, food, champagne and excitement.