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The Fabulous Phryne Fisher Trivia Quiz

Phryne Fisher, glamorous 1920s detective, is the star of the novels by Australian author Kerry Greenwood. How much do you know about the delectable and feisty Phryne and her friends in the first of the series "Cocaine Blues"? (NO SPOILERS)

A multiple-choice quiz by ellabell. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
ellabell

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
260,461

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
251

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is Phryne Fisher's title? Hint

Miss Phryne Fisher

The Honourable Phryne Fisher

Lady Phryne Fisher

Countess of Suffington

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these is the best physical description of Phryne? Hint

Tall red-head with peaches and cream complexion. Green eyes, naturally

Medium framed brunette, heart shaped face, bobbed hair and a rosy glow

Small build, dutch doll face, green eyes, pale skin and black hair cut in a "cap"

Blonde, buxom and beautiful (with blue eyes and a great tan)

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Question 3 of 10

3. How is "Phryne" pronounced? Hint

Py-ran-ya

Fern

Fry-knee

Purr-rain

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Question 4 of 10

4. When Phryne first arrives in Melbourne where does she stay? Hint

The Windsor Hotel

At her friend Lin Chung's apartment in Ballarat

The St. Kilda Backpacker's Inn

With Bert and Cec, her new acquaintances

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Question 5 of 10

5. For what purpose has Phryne traveled to Melbourne? Hint

She is engaged to be married to an Australian politician.

She is employed to investigate the murder of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

She fancies a holiday in warmer climes.

She is employed as a detective to report back to a retired Colonel and his wife who are worried about their daughter

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Question 6 of 10

6. Phryne meets a young lady called Dot who becomes her companion and lady's maid. Under what circumstances do they meet? Hint

Dot is about to throw herself in front of a train. Phryne prevents her from doing so.

Phryne employs her from a Domestic Agency when she solves the mystery of a burglary.

Phryne sees Dot has a knife and is going to attack a young man with it. She intervenes to prevent Dot from doing the deed

Phryne falls over while chasing a villain and Dot comes to her assistance.

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Question 7 of 10

7. Phryne makes a number of friends in her debut novel who reappear in subsequent books.
Who is the policeman she meets who becomes a useful ally in many of her adventures?
Hint

Inspector Morse

Sherlock Holmes

Detective Inspector Jack Robinson

Superintendent Brownlow

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Question 8 of 10

8. Bert and Cec, who make regular appearances throughout the series of novels, work as taxi drivers. Which of the following descriptions best apply to them? Hint

A couple of ex-soldiers with communist tendencies.

A couple of ex-criminals who are trying to "go straight".

A couple of Toffs who are down on their luck and need to make some money quickly.

A couple of shady, petty criminals with links to the underworld crime scene.

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Question 9 of 10

9. There are lots of recurring characters in the Phryne Fisher series. Which one of these characters is the only one to make an appearance in the first novel? Hint

Lin Chung

Mr Butler

Jane

Doctor Elizabeth MacMillan

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Question 10 of 10

10. Phryne goes back to England at the end of the novel ready to solve a new mystery in the next book "Whitechapel Woes"

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is Phryne Fisher's title?

Answer: The Honourable Phryne Fisher

The Honourable Phryne Fisher was as poor as a churchmouse until her father inherited the title and life changed. Phryne grew up in Australia but moved to England with the family when Dad inherited the "family home". Phryne arrives back in Melbourne in the opening chapters of the novel.

2. Which of these is the best physical description of Phryne?

Answer: Small build, dutch doll face, green eyes, pale skin and black hair cut in a "cap"

Phyrne is style with a capital "S". She dresses in the most glamourous of gowns and the most fashionable of outfits. She is a real glamour girl!

3. How is "Phryne" pronounced?

Answer: Fry-knee

Phryne rhymes with "briny"
Phryne's dad did not intend to name her this. Things got a bit confused at the christening and Phryne was named after an ancient Greek courtesan. With her predilection for "pretty young men" this has probably ended up being quite appropriate!

4. When Phryne first arrives in Melbourne where does she stay?

Answer: The Windsor Hotel

Phryne travels in style and stays in style! Bert and Cec deliver her to the Windsor. Phryne has yet to meet Lin Chung who lives in Melbourne.

5. For what purpose has Phryne traveled to Melbourne?

Answer: She is employed as a detective to report back to a retired Colonel and his wife who are worried about their daughter

Phryne is at a loose end. Social work got too much for her in the end. She does not want to stay at home playing at being a lady. By coming to Melbourne she can delay making some decisions about her future.

6. Phryne meets a young lady called Dot who becomes her companion and lady's maid. Under what circumstances do they meet?

Answer: Phryne sees Dot has a knife and is going to attack a young man with it. She intervenes to prevent Dot from doing the deed

Dot's employment as a housemaid is terminated when she accused of throwing herself at the son of the household. In reality, he has been harassing Dot and the knife is to kill him as Dot thinks she will not be able to gain reputable employment again. In inimitable Phryne Fisher fashion, Phryne takes revenge on the young man by sneaking up behind him and cutting his braces and underpants to leave him exposed and ridiculous in the eyes of his friends.

She promptly offers Dot a job, having earned Dot's admiration, gratitude and loyalty.

7. Phryne makes a number of friends in her debut novel who reappear in subsequent books. Who is the policeman she meets who becomes a useful ally in many of her adventures?

Answer: Detective Inspector Jack Robinson

Thought I'd better throw an easy one in! Inspector Morse is Colin Dexter's creation. Superintendent Brownlow appeared in "The Bill" in its early years. Interestingly, the fictional Sherlock Holmes resided at 221B Baker Street in London and when Phryne eventually sets up house she chooses one at 221 The Esplanade in St. Kilda and adds the "B" as a bit of a tribute. I seem to recall Phryne herself makes some throwaway line about having chosen it for the address!

8. Bert and Cec, who make regular appearances throughout the series of novels, work as taxi drivers. Which of the following descriptions best apply to them?

Answer: A couple of ex-soldiers with communist tendencies.

Bert and Cec make their appearance fairly early in this novel when they deliver Phryne to the Windsor. According to Bert, "When the revolution comes, we'll all be staying at the Windsor".
I'm still waiting for that!

9. There are lots of recurring characters in the Phryne Fisher series. Which one of these characters is the only one to make an appearance in the first novel?

Answer: Doctor Elizabeth MacMillan

Lin Chung has a significant role in Phryne's life but does not make an appearance until the novel "Ruddy Gore" (book 7) based on a performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan light opera.
Jane is Phryne's adopted daughter who joins the clan in the third book.
Mr Butler is, indeed, the butler and makes his debut, along with his wife, when Phryne settles in her St Kilda home.
Dr MacMillan does not appear in every book but she is called on occasionally to help Phryne sort out problems or treat victims who need medical assistance.

10. Phryne goes back to England at the end of the novel ready to solve a new mystery in the next book "Whitechapel Woes"

Answer: False

Phryne stays in Australia and her next book "Flying Too High" includes her traveling to the High Country of Victoria.
I hope you have enjoyed my quiz.

Source: Author ellabell

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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