Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl (Fiona Britton, A&U)

Fiona Britton’s debut crime novel, Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl, offers readers a glimpse into 1930s Sydney—from a peek behind the curtain of the upscale brothel, Maison des Fleurs, to the dangerous gangs who fought for power on the streets against an unlikely band of amateur sleuths and saviours. Violet Kelly and The Madame are both orphans and survivors who are thrust into the dangerous underbelly of human trafficking in order to save the life of a mysterious girl plagued by an ancient curse. Lives are lost, sold and gambled away and Violet will stop at nothing to help those who have everything to lose. Britton’s characters possess charm and likeability, and the vivid descriptions skilfully transport the reader to each setting, immersing them in the era. While the dialogue may occasionally feel overthought, this doesn’t prevent the story from being engaging. There are moments when the writing doesn’t flow seamlessly between the interactions of the protagonists and the narrative, which can be somewhat distracting. However, as the high-stakes game of cat and mouse escalates, the story finds its rhythm and becomes more captivating. Overall, the novel offers an enjoyable romp, and the antics of Violet Kelly and her gang of associates are highly readable. Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl will appeal to readers of historical crime fiction, particularly fans of Kerry Greenwood and the contemporary cosy crime capers of Pamela Hart.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Kate Frawley is a former bookseller and a librarian in training. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews