It was inevitable that my great love of books and my obsession with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries would one day combine. After spotting a few books at work which reminded me of certain episodes, I had a lightbulb moment and realised how much fun it would be to curate a reading list based on the series!
Aside from Kerry Greenwood's original novels about the phenomenal Phryne, what else might one read to immerse oneself in her wonderful world of 1920s detective adventures? Read on and find out...
Cocaine Blues - Queen Bees by Sian Evans
As the blurb of this fascinating book says, 'In an age when the place of women was uncertain, becoming a hostess was not a chore, but a career choice.' Though we are all glad Phryne chose the racier career of lady detective, even she can't escape the odd evening of hostessing. This is a glittering biography of six of her contemporaries.
Murder on the Ballarat Train - Lady Chatterley's Lover by DH Lawrence
If you're British, the appearance of this title in episode two might have been confusing. Wasn't it published in the 1960s? But the clever folks behind MFMM know their stuff. The novel was actually published privately in several countries, including Australia, in 1929.
The Green Mill Murder - Tales of the Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in America rather than Australia, Fitzgerald's short fiction is nonetheless an excellent read to capture the spirit of the jazz generation.
Death at Victoria Dock - Pietr the Latvian by Georges Simenon
I could have picked a tome on Latvian history, but instead I've gone for another detective novel which also explores tensions in the Baltic region during the 20s. Originally published in 1931, this classic crime novel features another mysterious Latvian named Peter who may or may not belong to a crime gang.
Raisins and Almonds - Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction
If like me you came into this episode with only a sketchy knowledge of Jewish history, try a nice short introduction to help make sense of the characters' plight. Or, if the mention of alchemy is what interests you, check out this gorgeous Taschen guide (or another favourite fictional series of mine, A Discovery of Witches!) to find out more.
Ruddy Gore - Theatre by Somerset Maugham
Although published in 1937, Somerset Maugham's Theatre is set in the First World War and through the 1920s. Based on Maugham's experiences as a playwright at the time, it should appeal to those who particularly enjoyed the greasepaint and rivalries of Ruddy Gore's theatrical atmosphere.
Murder in Montparnasse - In Montparnasse by Sue Roe
Phryne's time in Paris was during the emergence of Surrealism (as you might be able to tell from Rene's artwork!). This book explores the lives of artists at the time, as well as 'the salons, cafe life, friendships, rows and love affairs that were their background.'
Away with the Fairies - The Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
There is surprisingly little written about women's magazines or female journalists of the 1920s - budding researchers take note! In lieu of a decent history book about women like Miss Charlesworth and Miss Lavender, I recommend the closest thing to Dot's favourite fairy stories (but with fewer monitor lizards), Cicely Mary Barker's classic flower fairies.
Queen of the Flowers - Lost Girls: The Invention of the Flapper by Linda Simon
Phryne's troupe of flower maidens includes some seriously troubled girls, so what better read to accompany this episode than a biography of the ubiquitous 'flapper': racy young ladies whose controversial style shocked the world.
Death by Miss Adventure - Dorothea's War by Dorothea Crewdson
Just as with lady journalists, it has sadly proven difficult to find a decent novel or history book about pioneering female doctors like our favourite Dr Elizabeth Macmillan. Instead I've gone for a nurse in the First World War to reflect both Mac and Phryne's pasts as medical heroines.
Blood and Circuses - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
If you can't get enough of the circus atmosphere in this glitzy tale, you'll love Water for Elephants which is set in America in the same year as MFMM, 1929. And if you'd prefer a factual read about 1920s circuses, try this Taschen guide full of gorgeous photos and illustrations.
Murder in the Dark - A Curious Invitation by Suzette Field
With those fabulous costumes and copious amounts of champagne (and forgetting some of the slightly racist costumes!), Cousin Guy's engagement party looks like one to remember. A Curious Invitation dishes the dirt on forty of the greatest parties in literature and promises to be a really fun read.
King Memses' Curse - The Egyptian Myths by Garry J. Shaw
With 'Tutmania' all the rage in the 1920s after Howard Carter's opening of Tutankhamun's tomb, it's no surprise that the makers of MFMM decided to end the first season with an extravaganza of Egyptology. Brush up on your ancient mythology to feel more like a fashionable 1920s lady detective.
Stay tuned for a season 2 reading list!