Dead Man's Chest

Dead Man's Chest by Kerry Greenwood (2010) 259 pages

This 18th installment of the Phryne Fisher mystery series delves more into Phryne's family life than usual--her adopted daughters are featured, as well as Dot, her beloved companion. The group arrives at a vacation destination four hours from home in Australia (although with Phryne driving, it was just three hours away). They discover that the rental home is missing the married couple who were to provide care and meals for them. After exploring the place, and finding no evidence of a murder, but only of a hasty retreat, they decide to stay after all, with one of Phyrne's daughters eager to try her hand at cooking. A local young man whom Phryne dubs Tinker is asked to join the group to provide some muscle as well as to sleep near the kitchen for protection. As much as Phryne, a detective, attempts to stay off the job during this holiday, a number of people show up in need of her services. The group has its share of excitement.

This was an enjoyable read; nothing terribly deep, but as always, Phryne's personality and opinions provide entertainment.