Queen of the Flowers (Phryne Fisher Series #14) Book

*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

"I will be revenged on the whole pack of them! And so I shall, you mark my words..."

It's always a joy to return to Kerry Greenwood's extraordinary Phryne Fisher series. Her books are always so well-researched and the atmosphere feels so genuine and vibrant, it's a joy to get lost in Phryne's world!

This time, Phryne finds herself in the role of the "Queen of Flowers" in a big parade. But her Flower Maidens are hiding secrets, and when one of them goes missing, Phryne has to investigate. But she is not prepared for the revolting things she uncovers.
In the midst of her investigation, Phryne finds herself becoming acquainted with a man who runs the noblest brothel in town and a charming man who runs an illegal gambling ship, becomes reacquainted with an old lover, and to make things worse, one of her adopted daughters is kidnapped...

Listed like that, it seems like an awful lot to happen, but somehow, it works.
I loved the new additions to the already pretty colorful cast of Phryne's acquaintances, and it was lovely to see more of Ruth for a change. She was always just the little romantic to Jane's more pragmatic and more impressive personality, and I really liked the way her search for her father played out.
I am getting a bit tired of the Lin Chung relationship though. It really has been to long since the independent Phryne has been with anyone else. And I hate the way everyone thinks of her as Lin's "concubine". I know everyone, even his wife and grandmother, is somehow okay with their relationship, but I wish she would go back to her old ways...

All in all, it was a wonderful addition to what is easily becoming one of my favorite series!