Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood is a thrilling addition to the Phryne Fisher series. The book is set during the Christmas season of 1928, and Phryne has been invited to attend the Last Best party of the year being held at the luxurious Werribee Manor House.

At first, Phryne is hesitant to attend the party, but when threatening letters start arriving in the mail, she decides to go anyway. Upon arriving at the Manor House, Phryne is assigned to the Iris room and immediately immerses herself in the party’s festivities. She mingles with polo-playing women, glamorous young men, and an extremely rude child named Tarquin.

As the party continues, Phryne discovers that the acolytes of the Golden Twins, the party’s hosts, are smoking hashish and have become increasingly unhinged. To make matters worse, three people, including the abominable child, are kidnapped, and Phryne must use her wits and problem-solving skills to decipher the cryptic clues left behind in a scavenger hunt to rescue the hostages and save the party from disaster.

Kerry Greenwood’s writing is as delightful as ever in this book, with vivid descriptions of the lavish party and its guests, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the midst of the action. Phryne remains a fascinating and intelligent protagonist, and the book is filled with quirky and memorable characters.

The mystery is well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. The pacing is fast and exciting, and the book is a page-turner from start to finish.

Murder in the Dark is a fantastic addition to the Phryne Fisher series and is sure to delight fans of the genre. It’s a thrilling and entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.