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A few dozen more were named, including some set in more unusual locations: Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher series set in 1920s Australia; Sujata Massey’s Perveen Mistry series set in 1920s India; Ovidia Yu’s Crown Colony series set in 1930s Singapore; and Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight series, set in early 20th-century New York City.

“For what does a beautiful body such as Phryné’s really matter? … Hasn’t life been given to us to become rich in our hearts, even if our appearance suffers from it?”

One flourish missing from Phryne’s return after five years: The film’s planned big-screen release in select cities, which was stymied by the coronavirus-forced closure of theaters.

But the project’s true charm is Phryne herself and Davis’ portrayal of a bold, self-reliant woman who makes her own way in the world with guts and style and without apology.

“She has no respect for the rules,” a male character harrumphs after witnessing a display of Phryne’s determination.