Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl

Overview

An arch, out-of-the-box debut historical crime caper for fans of Phryne Fisher.

A centuries-old curse, a house of secrets and a young woman determined to find out the truth.

Sydney, 1930: In a well-heeled corner of Paddington, just a short distance from the razor gangs of Darlinghurst and Kings Cross, sits La Maison des Fleurs, an upscale brothel run by the indomitable Madame. The star of La Maison is Violet Kelly - beautiful, clever and determined to make something of herself in a world that has already taken so much.

When a former associate of Madame's emerges to claim a long-owed favor involving a kidnapped girl and an ancient curse, Violet is drawn into a risky game of cat and mouse that takes her from dangerous underworld dealings to raucous parties to untold stories about her own past, and, eventually, right into the heart of La Maison des Fleurs. But how much is she willing to risk to save her friends, her home and the life she's come to love? And will it be enough?

Violet Kelly is Agatha Christie with a Beretta tucked into her French lingerie.

Reviews

Shortlisted for the Ned Kelly 2024 Best Debut Crime Fiction award.

Shortlisted for Best Debut Fiction, Danger Awards for Crime Writing. 

"Britton’s characters possess charm and likeability, and the vivid descriptions skilfully transport the reader to each setting, immersing them in the era. . . .  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

“The cinematic plot moves at a steady clip, bolstered by confident prose and immersive period details. A sequel would be welcome.” — Publishers Weekly
 

Author Biography

Fiona Britton is a Sydney writer, living and working on Bidjigal land. She has a PhD in English (Creative Writing) from University of Western Australia. While waiting to be an overnight success, Fiona has worked as a toy shop assistant, chip fryer, sandwich maker, bartender, clown doctor, aerialist, hula hooper, stilt walker, and as an editor, writer, and communications manager for business. Fiona likes stories about funny, fearless women who get to have it all.