Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Concept Document
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Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Concept Document
abc.net.au/phrynefisher r
THE GENESIS
The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher (pronounced Fry-knee) began life in 1989 as the daring lady detective
protagonist of a series of seventeen crime books written by Australian author, Kerry Greenwood. A
glamorous and thoroughly modern woman of the late 1920’s with an acquired taste for the best, but
impeccable working class origins, Phryne was an instant success with readers and still shows no sign of
hanging up her pearl-handled pistol or giving up her ‘adventurous’ love-life for just one man.
The loyal following of the Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery Series includes women from Australia, the UK,
France, Italy and the US. These readers think of themselves as discerning and socially conscious and
enjoy the novels as escapist entertainment in the company of a bold and unorthodox central character,
mostly championing the lot of less fortunate women.
The Phryne Fisher television series is a contemporary rework of traditional period crime shows. The pace
and style is dictated by the quick wit and energy of our central character, but the playful tone tempers an
authentic take on a pivotal time for women in the history of the western world.
THE GENRE
Phryne Fisher conforms to the genre conventions and expectations of traditional period crime drama -
like the Agatha Christie telemovies or Midsomer Murders – and shares the escapist and historical
elegance of these shows. Our sleuth is as shrewd and well-motivated as her better known predecessors,
but her spirit of adventure and active pursuit sets her apart - though she prefers the subtlety of a dagger
in her garter to more showy weapons of destruction.
The Phryne Fisher stories are also distinguished by an underlying preoccupation with social justice.
Phryne is determined to fight for the underdog - in between cocktails and changing her outfits to suit the
occasion.
The crime plots are the engine that drives each episode, providing momentum and dramatic tension
while allowing Phryne an opportunity to impress us with her intelligent, inventive and unpredictable
approach. These stories also offer intriguing insights into the times and into Phryne’s own past so we’re
constantly reminded about what drives her and keen to know more about the ‘mystery’ of Phryne
herself. The crime plots offer clue trails, genuine suspects and red herrings, but keep viewers guessing
until the end. They contribute to the ‘serious intent’ of the series, without sacrificing its more playful
tone.
THE WORLD
The main attraction for our audience is Phryne Fisher herself – an unconventional woman ahead of her
time, revelling in her freedom and trying to help those less fortunate, with optimism, fearlessness and
generosity. Her empathy for those she champions is well-informed by her own tough background, which
has earned her moral integrity.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rShe’s a fantasy figure other women can aspire to – if only they had her wealth, influence, intelligence and
wild spirit - they too could take on illegal abortionists, violent husbands or exploitative bosses,
unhampered by gender, restrictive relationships or inappropriate shoes. Always stylish, socially aware
and never unjust - she appeals to the best aspects of all women.
Another major appeal of this series is the period setting – the sumptuous décor, outfits, and period motor
cars, the formal conventions of the day and major social changes of the times. Historically, the series
begins at a pivotal time for the emancipation of women. Part of the viewing pleasure will be the way in
which Phryne enthusiastically contributes to this ongoing cause and variously alters the views of those in
her social milieu. She’s excited – not by the life society expects her to have – but by the life she knows
she can have. To drive a powerful car or own your own home was an extraordinary thing for a woman in
1928. In 2010 these experiences can be seen afresh as wonderful things.
The emotional core of the series is delivered via our onscreen ‘family’ of characters who reside in, or are
familiar visitors to, Phryne’s house. Along with the weekly draw of the crime stories, our audience returns
to Phryne Fisher each episode to check in with the regular characters and follow the progress of the
series’ character arcs – in particular the delicate balance of Phryne and Jack Robinson’s professional and
personal relationship. Hugh’s and Dot’s courtship - which is frequently tested by their divided loyalties to
Phryne and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson – is also be a major, ongoing thread through the series. The
misadventures of Phryne’s helpers – Cec and Bert – her relationship with her adopted daughter, Jane,
and her management of the loyal Mr Butler, provide secondary story lines and emotional colouring for
the series.
THE CHARACTER
Phryne’s back story is alluded to in the first episode then unfolds gradually over the series as we learn
more about what drives Phryne – the hardships of her poverty stricken childhood, including the
mysterious disappearance of her younger sister, her experiences during the First World War when she
saw so much loss of life, her more recent history including her ill-fated romance with Rene, and her
journey back to Australia. The revelations of Phryne’s back-story are triggered by and intertwined with
the cases she investigates, so the past enriches our understanding of the present.
As the series progresses, Phryne’s character is further revealed through her relationships with our regular
and semi-regular characters. Her wariness of commitment is explored through her relationship with her
Chinese lover, Lin Chung, as the more complicated sexual tension mounts between Phryne and Jack – the
one man she cannot seduce or subdue to obtain what she wants. Her fierce protective instinct shines
through her relationships with Dot and Jane, while Aunt Prudence represents all that Phryne resents
about the injustices of her family’s past.
Phryne is primarily an agent of change, throwing herself at life to improve the world and enjoy herself as
much as she can in the process. Her habitual ‘joie de vivre’ is counterbalanced by a deeper understanding
of the serious preoccupations that motivate her. Whenever Phryne is forced to pause for reflection, she
comes face to face with the demons that continually drive her on again. No matter how hard she tries to
address injustice, she will never make up for the disappearance of her sister or the massive loss of life she
was witness to in the war. And so she will continue to fight…
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rTHE STORYTELLING
Our series begins at the start of 1928 and keeps pace with the year, each episode roughly spanning a
couple of weeks. Phryne Fisher’s arrival in Melbourne, Australia, marks a new beginning in a country free
of the family expectations and more formal conventions of her life in England. It’s also a return to the
town of her troubled childhood before the First World War gave rise to new freedoms, especially for
women.
Our series, like Phryne Fisher herself, never drags its heels. The pace is dictated by quick- witted dialogue
and economic storytelling, avoiding transitional scenes and cutting to the essential drama. Flashbacks are
used sparingly - to recreate vivid past moments that ‘haunt’ Phryne or to revisit elements of the crime
story in order to establish new connections and insights.
From the opening prelude – which provides a suspenseful glimpse into the crime to come - dramatic
tension mounts as the mystery unfolds via action sequences and intriguing clue trails. Phryne takes the
audience along with her as she gathers evidence, canvasses theories, tracks down possible culprits and
lines up her suspects. The truth will be hard-earned and not everyone keeps up with Phryne’s powers of
observation – so when the crime is finally solved the denouement will be a satisfying resolution of strong
suspicions and impressively clever deductions.
Our regular characters – Phryne, Jack, Dot, Hugh, Cec and Bert – are part of most stories, with Phryne’s
growing relationship with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson an ongoing feature of every episode. Our
semi-regular and guest characters – Mr Butler, Lin Chung, Dr Mac, Aunt Prudence, Murdoch Foyle and
Jane - appear whenever they play a role in the crime story, assist with episode or series plot progression,
or further the episodic theme in some way.
PHRYNE FISHER CHARACTER NOTES
Regular Characters Semi regular Characters
Phryne Fisher Jane (Phryne’s adopted daughter)
D.I. Jack Robinson Young Phryne
Dot Williams Young Janey (Phryne’s sister)
Const. Hugh Collins Mr Tobias Butler
Cec Murdoch Foyle
Bert Lin Chung
Aunt Prudence
Dr Elizabeth MacMillan
THE HONOURABLE MISS PHRYNE FISHER
Phryne Fisher embodies the exuberant spirit of the 1920s - an era rebounding from the horrors of war
with a determination to kick up its heels and have a good time. Phryne is gloriously unhindered by any
social conventions which might frown upon the 'gasper' held elegantly between her ox-blood lips, her
passion for aerial stunt flying or her propensity to bed beautiful young men. Phryne will fearlessly
infiltrate an anarchists' lair or become a circus performer to protect her friends from harm. Ask her to
give up her freedom for the confines of a committed relationship, though, and she will run a mile.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rShe will scale tall buildings or take on a group of thugs in a dark alley to champion the cause of those in
need – but heaven help anyone who acts outside of her unique system of justice. Phryne is not above
using bribery, charm or sex appeal as tools in her detective's kit bag, but by far her greatest crime solving
skills come from her sharp wit, powers of observation and her ability to read people. Such a talent for
sleuthing could never have been honed if her life were confined to the drawing rooms of the upper class.
In fact, Phryne grew up on the streets of working-class Collingwood, scrounging for food scraps and
avoiding the heavy hand of her drunken father. The hardships of Phryne's early life, including the
disappearance of her younger sister, taught her resilience and street smarts. After the First World War
had cut a swathe through the lineage of Phryne's titled English relatives, the Collingwood Fishers found
themselves unexpectedly borne out of poverty into the luxuries of a fine English country estate. Phryne
was soundly packed off to boarding school by her parents, the new lord and lady of the manor, who
expected her to attain the skills she would need for a life of flower arranging and small talk. Phryne's
mold was already cast, though. Using her newly acquired finishing school manners, she bid farewell to
box pleats and school bullies and boarded a freighter to Boulogne to join an all-women ambulance
brigade attached to the French Army. Soon she was celebrating the end of the war in Paris. Ignoring her
father's demands she return to his house, she forged her own path as an artists' model among the
Bohemian set of Montparnasse. It was here she learned she was beautiful, but she also discovered the
perils of love, trusting her heart to a man for what she vowed would be the first and only time.
When Phryne returns to Melbourne in 1928, the cut of her drop-waisted sailor suit is a far cry from the
grubby rags in which she left the city all those years ago. Nevertheless, she will not forget where she
came from. Her background gives her an unfailing appreciation of the luxuries she can now afford. It
informs her quest for justice in the world and keeps her purse strings loose. Her working-class roots give
her credibility in the eyes of her ex-wharfie offsiders, Bert and Cec, and cast equality over the
relationships within her household.
Phryne has the intelligence and life experience to cut it in any company. Whether it be working the room
in a shimmering Erte gown at the Lord Mayor's Ball, drinking beer with the university set or discussing
alchemy and Zionism with Jewish intellectuals, she is always the centre of attention and she has the good
sense to love every minute of it.
DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JOHN "JACK" ROBINSON
DI Robinson is guided by a moral compass, which prevents him from succumbing to Phryne's charms as
most men do. Jack is committed to his marriage vows despite his wife’s long absence and their
estrangement after he returned from the War and changed man. He remains focused on his police work
and would never allow his path to stray in the direction of another woman, regardless of her beauty, her
intelligence, their common goals - or that infuriating way she shows up at his crime scenes to challenge
and second-guess him. Jack represents Phryne's most enduring relationship with a man. Initially, the
relationship is founded on mutual antagonism, where both parties see the other as an impediment to
their own investigations. They soon come to rely on each other’s complementary skills, though, and
develop an understated mutual respect and admiration. Jack operates within the law. He can flash his
badge to secure the release of a wrongfully imprisoned minor, he can access the autopsy reports needed
to determine ‘cause of death’ or call in reinforcements to ensure a peaceful arrest. Where Jack's ability
to 'uphold the right' ends, though, Phryne's detective skills begin. She is able to get results in areas
where Jack is quite frankly at a loss. He is often left shaking his head over the social sets Phryne manages
to negotiate with ease.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rThe evidence she brings back to the table soon teaches Jack the value of keeping her in the loop. The
relationship between Jack and Phryne is underpinned by a growing attraction and sexual tension, which is
never dissipated - because it can never be consummated. It creates a spark between them but also, down
the track, some moments of real poignancy as they both become aware of a grand passion that will never
be .
Jack grew up in Richmond and comes from working-class stock. He married young and joined the force
before the war, rising to the rank of senior constable before the call of duty saw him enlist for military
service. His police background earned him the rank of Lance Corporal. Like Phryne, he had his fill of the
horrors of war on the battlefields of Europe – and came home with a new set of priorities and values. His
wife became disappointed by this changed man, haunted by memories she didn’t want to share and
reluctant to start a family with such a complicated husband. Her latest sojourn - at her sister’s home - has
dragged on too long for any normal marriage to bear. His wife’s departures and returns, her rolling
ultimatums – for example, that he leave active policing and settle into a respectable desk job – are part of
the roller coaster of his marriage.
After the War, Jack’s affinity for the working-man was stronger than ever. During the 1923 police strike
he stood side by side with his fellow officers to protest the introduction of the force's new supervisory
system – and he still feels a certain sense of guilt over the outcome of the strike. While the government
increased pay and conditions, most strikers were never employed as policemen again. Jack was one of the
lucky ones. Jack admires intelligence and resourcefulness and does not suffer fools lightly, as his hapless
young constable Hugh Collins knows all too well. A self-educated man on the constant search for
meaning, he soon discovered a man could always rely on Shakespeare to hit the nail on the head. When
the evils of the world get him down, Jack turns to the bard: 'O cursed spite! That ever I was born to set it
right'. Still, he gets an undeniable thrill from bringing crooks to justice - and on this point he and Phryne
are in complete agreement.
DOROTHY WILLIAMS
(early 20s) hoped for little more in her life than a good job in a respectable household; perhaps to meet a
nice young man and settle down. That was until Phryne Fisher breezes into her world. Previously the
maid's greatest fear was being dispatched from a job without references. With the sudden death of her
lecherous employer, though, Dot finds herself under suspicion of murder. Little wonder she accepts with
gratitude Phryne's card and offer of assistance. Dot responds instinctively to Phryne's generosity and lack
of airs. Despite her conservative Catholic ways, Dot can't help but feel drawn to Phryne's confidence, her
independence, and the ease with which she brushes aside all impediments. Dot is quick to throw her
loyalties behind Phryne and is rewarded with the role of Phryne's maid and companion. Suddenly, a door
is opened for Dot onto a big wide world. With Phryne she experiences things she never imagined growing
up in the small workers’ cottage in Carlton, scrubbing floors and tending to infant siblings with the croup.
For the first time in her life she has a room of her own and expensive clothing, though she maintains a
preference for demure outfits in shades of brown and green. Dot quickly becomes invaluable to Phryne,
not just for the neat and tidy way she manages her mistresses' wardrobe or worries about her safety. Dot
is shrewd, an excellent judge of character and has observational powers equal to Phryne's, though hers
tend to be confined to the domestic settings she has come to know so well. Dot can easily spot whether a
young lady's glove is missing from her private quarters, or whether a floor has been recently waxed - the
type of details, which provide essential clues in many of Phryne's cases. In quiet moments, Phryne often
runs through her evidence with Dot, knowing the younger woman will pick up on anything out of place.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rWhile Dot trembles at the prospect of picking up one of those new-fangled telephones and grows pale
when forced to endure Phryne's daring driving skills, she demonstrates her own form of dogged bravery.
She will enter the lair of an illegal abortionist or help dismantle a Lewis Gun while being held prisoner by a
group of anarchists, anything so long as it will help Miss Fisher.
While Dot's life is firmly embedded in Phryne's household, she has her own private concerns, in particular
her blossoming relationship with police constable Hugh Collins. Dot is an old-fashioned girl, who baulks at
the idea of taking a lead in their courtship. With Phryne's influence, however, Dot starts to question this
passive role. Eventually Dot and Hugh become engaged, but Dot's loyalty to Phryne continues to create a
source of friction in the relationship. The longer Dot is with Phryne, the greater her confidence and life
experience. Hugh finds the changes in Dot confronting but and the relationship they eventually settle on
may end up a much more modern partnership than either of them had thought possible.
CONSTABLE HUGH COLLINS
(early 20s) tries his very best to be all things to all people, and most of the time fails miserably. His best
intentions are hamstrung by youth, inexperience and a lack of confidence, all of which regularly earn him
the sharp edge of his boss' tongue and a look of disappointment in Dot's eyes. Hugh is enthusiastic and
keen to make something of himself in the force, but he is too soft-boiled to be sure he has collected all
the evidence or sufficiently grilled the suspects. Phryne takes pity on Hugh's hapless nature, inventing
ways for him to elevate himself in the eyes of Jack Robinson. Phryne also leans on Hugh to let her in on
vital pieces of police information. Hugh feels his loyalties divided but is too good-natured to refuse
Phryne's requests, especially if they give him another opportunity to see Dot. Hugh may be innocent but
he is not obtuse and eventually his policing skills are sufficient that Jack entrusts him investigations all of
his own. Hugh loves Dot for her calm, uncomplicated nature, her domesticity, and her appreciation of
simple pleasures. A traditional man himself, his idea of a relationship between a man and a woman is
forced to change as Phryne shakes up the lives of everyone around her.
BERT
(early 40s) still lives in a boarding house in the rough-and-tumble area of Port Melbourne where he grew
up. He is tough and stocky and working-class to the core, which manifests in his staunch support for the
International Workers of the World. Despite his tough exterior, Bert is a bit of a softie at heart. He and
Cec rely on each other unhesitatingly, and have done so ever since they served together on the Western
Front.. Bert is older than Cec, and as such looks out for the younger man with something of a paternal
eye. When work became scarce at the Melbourne docks, Bert came up with the idea of buying a taxi -
mainly so he would not have to set foot beyond the inner city landscape in which he feels most
comfortable. Bert is not one for the quiet of country life. To make their way in the world, Bert and Cec
had no qualms about getting involved in little bit of cargo pilfering and trading on the black market. Nor
were they averse to relieving rich people of their cash. But they have their own line of morality and would
never rip off someone poor or hit a woman. Phryne earns their loyalty with her own belief in equality,
her tough background and the common ground they share courtesy of their war-time experiences.
Phryne allows them enough job security to at least attempt to ‘go straight’, though she comes to depend
of Bert and Cec to handle some of the less savory aspects of her investigations. She is happy to turn a
blind eye to their past borderline criminal activities, unlike Jack Robinson who does everything by the
book.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rBert and Cec keep a wary distance from Jack whenever possible, but they will occasionally work with him
in order to help Phryne. She, in turn, welcomes them into her household, feeds them, pays them and
relies on their down-to-earth company.
CEC
(early 30s) lives in a different boarding house to Bert, but still in the Port area. He is younger, taller and
more motivated by his heart than his head, picking up stray animals and happy to help anyone in need.
No matter what problem Phryne throws in Cec and Bert's direction, Cec is able get help from the
seemingly endless array of his family members who populate inner city Melbourne. Though Cec is way
too unsentimental to admit it and is renowned for keeping his thoughts to himself, he would be lost
without Bert. The pair thinks in different ways but are a devoted and perfect team. Their relationship is
unshakeable, even when Cec meets and falls in love with Alice.
SEMI REGULAR CHARACTERS
MR TOBIAS BUTLER
Highly perceptive and superbly discreet, Mr Butler has an impeccable sense of timing and a sixth sense
when it comes to knowing when his presence might be required. He takes great pride in his work. He
arrived with the highest recommendation , pleased that his late wife would have approved of his
employment with a ‘spinster who likes the quiet life’ and is related to royalty. It doesn’t take long for him
to realise life in Phryne's household will be far from quiet and keeping the Hispano-Suiza motor car and
the household weaponry in order are unexpected delights. Despite any personal qualms about Miss
Fisher’s lifestyle , he is the essence of discretion and learns early on to turn a blind eye to Phryne's
colourful love life – grateful that young men are cleaner around the house than pets. Phryne, in turn,
deeply appreciates his cool, calm and collected steadiness and his flair for preparing exotic cocktails at
exactly the right moment.
JANE
Phryne's adopted daughter. Like Phryne, she has suffered poverty and abuse. She was slaving in a
boarding house before circumstances led her to become part of Phryne's family. As such, she never takes
for granted her new life, with its comforts, securities and opportunities for a better future. Jane is highly
intelligent with a passion for anatomy and medical science. Once ensconced as a boarder at Warleigh
Grammar, she excels and stays on her best behaviour, secretly fearing that disappointing Phryne may
lead her to be returned to her former life. Jane brings a cozy and lively presence to Phryne's household
and thrills to the intricacies of Phryne's investigations. She happily rises to the challenge when Phryne
asks her to help with her work, and is not beyond taking investigative matters into her own hands if she
thinks it will help her out.
AUNT PRUDENCE
Phryne’s mother’s older sister. Prudence and Phryne’s mother were born into money, however Phryne’s
mother chose to walk away from her inheritance to marry Phryne’s father, impoverished as he was. Aunt
Prudence always knew Fisher was a cad and maintained an “I-told-you-so-attitude” towards her younger
sister, believing she got what she deserved by making such a foolish decision.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rSo Aunt Prudence’s nose was put thoroughly out of joint when, as a result of the deaths of distant
relations during WWI, her little sister and her no good husband were suddenly elevated to the title of
Lord and Lady, complete with wealth and an English country estate. Prudence is a Melbourne society
matron through and through. Prudence is not an evil character but it’s easy for Phryne to resent her for
the hardships her family suffered and in particular for the disappearance of her younger sister, when
Prudence and her husband had enough money to have helped more with the search and the battle for
justice. Phryne will find out that Prudence’s reluctance to become involved with Jane’s disappearance
was for more complex reasons than she understood at the time.
Prudence is a vigorous woman of achievement. She has a social conscience and works for major charities
in Melbourne. Nevertheless, her attitude to the less fortunate is different to Phryne’s. Phryne believes all
people are equal and she has a respectful ‘there but for the grace of circumstance go I’ attitude to the
disadvantaged. Her aunt, on the other hand, has more of a noblesse oblige attitude to the poor – it is her
responsibility to do what she can, financially and morally, but they are of a different class and never the
twain shall meet. The exception she makes for Phryne is not total. Phryne is bright but she grew up on
the streets and, for Aunt Prudence, this explains her ‘moral instability’.
Prudence embraces the opportunity to have a niece to introduce to society, despite Phryne’s constant
lack of co-operation, and even finds herself enjoying the company of Phryne’s ward. She believes Jane
could ‘improve her prospects’ if Phryne stopped filling her head with books and science. Prudence
regards the frivolous aspects of Phryne’s life – the fast car, the flying, the beautiful outfits, the dancing
and flirting – as totally unnecessary. Phryne and Prudence clash constantly, in particular over Phryne’s
attitude that the Great War was good for women. Prudence and Phryne will never see eye to eye on the
legacy of the warfare, but as time passes and personal histories are revealed, the two women draw
closer. Of course, Phryne and Prudence are happy to stand united in the face of a common enemy –
whether that’s the all-male Board of a major hospital or men who are violent criminals.
DR ELIZABETH MACMILLAN
(early 40s) is a sounding board for Phryne, being one of the Hon. Miss Fisher's oldest friends. The pair met
during the war, when Dr Mac was working in the field hospitals of the Western Front. After the war, they
spent time together in Paris. Dr Mac was there to help Phryne pick up the pieces after her devastating
relationship with Rene. She’s been a role model and a mentor to Phryne, privy to her personal demons,
but she’s also relied on Phryne's strength in moment’s of sheer terror – usually involving flying over
impossible terrain in barely airworthy craft. Their language is peppered with shared experiences, short
cut references, affectionate criticism and dry humour. With her Eton cropped hair and penchant for
trousers, Dr Mac is the antithesis of Phryne's glamorous ways – but the women have more in common
than meets the eye. They are both smart, independent women who flout social convention to live the
lives they want to live. Dr Mac is happy to share her medical knowledge if it helps Phryne. She respects
her younger friend as a woman who could simply fritter away her private income, but has decided to
make a difference because she can.
LIN CHUNG
(early 30s) is a member of a Chinese family, that arrived in Victoria during the 1850s gold rush. Many of
them now live in a compound off Little Bourke Street. Lin attended Melbourne Grammar and Cambridge
University, before becoming a trader with the family silk importing business. He meets Phryne at Her
Majesty’s Theatre in Episode 6, attracted to Phryne with her black hair, bow lips and white skin. Lin is
urbane, sophisticated and sensual.
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rPhryne is easily attracted to beautiful men, but Lin is one of the few who manage to hold her attention.
Lin has suffered racism in his life but when mixing with Melbourne's establishment, he often trades on his
ethnicity - greeting potential clients with a Chinese bow because it is good for business. Lin and Phryne
are the same in that they judge people for who they are, not where they come from – and neither of
them gives a damn if society condemns their relationship. In different circumstances, Phryne could love
him in a way that was thoroughly modern and devoid of possessiveness. Lin Chung, however, is a man
with modern aspirations - who cannot embrace the old-fashioned practice of keeping both a concubine
and a wife.
MURDOCH FOYLE
Murdoch Foyle is Phryne’s nemesis – the only man she believes knows the truth about her sister’s fate.
Though the police were convinced Murdoch Foyle had murdered Janey Fisher and dumped her body, they
could never prove it. He has been imprisoned over the attempted kidnap and assault of another girl
around the same age, in the same area of Melbourne, surrounding the Carnival. Murdoch Foyle made no
admissions, remaining dignified, enigmatic and implying that the police and the public who accused him
had no idea what kind of man he was or what his utopian aims might be. When Phryne returns to
Australia he is due for release, but Phryne – now wealthy and influential – makes sure this is prevented.
She visits Murdoch Foyle to demand information about her sister, to confront him with her determination
and to share thoughts about Janey with a man who – even as her killer - must have known her intimately.
Murdoch Foyle will hold his own with Phryne whenever she visits, toying with her vulnerabilities and
eventually offering her a deal – to tell her the truth in exchange for his freedom. Phryne will be sorely
tempted but eventually Foyle will outsmart them all, challenge her confidence as an investigator, lure her
into a dark world of cults and sacrifices – and once more come after those she holds dear.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Credits
Starring: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Ashleigh Cummings and Miriam Margolyes
Based on the Phryne Fisher mystery series of books by Kerry Greenwood
Producers: Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation presents an Every Cloud Production “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries”, produced in
association with Screen Australia and Film Victoria
© 2011 Every Cloud Productions Pty Ltd, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Film Victoria and Screen Australia
abc.net.au/phrynefisher rYou can also read
