Earthly Delights: A Corinna Chapman Mystery

W hile Australian Greenwood’s historical series starring iconoclastic feminist sleuth Phryne Fisher (Cocaine Blues , etc.) has spawned a devoted following for its blend of detection and Wodehousian humor, her contemporary series, which makes its U.S. debut with this book, is unlikely to have the same impact. Corinna Chapman, a former accountant who operates a Melbourne bakery, cuts an even unlikelier figure than Phryne Fisher, as Greenwood’s new heroine finds herself involved in probing a series of deaths of junkies. The broadly drawn supporting characters, including a stereotypical handsome stranger with whom Chapman is smitten, are beyond eccentric. Fisher fans shouldn’t set their expectations too high. (June)