the actress is 20 years older than the book character

She IS a bit long in the tooth for the role, isn't she?

As I never read the books, I didn't have any preconceptions, and have enjoyed the series, despite the age thing.

ignore it. i was also concerned about another 20 year age difference between actors and their roles in something else but i just ignored it in the end. it's just entertainment

I know nothing of the books and honestly kept thinking they were calling her Friday Fisher.
Anyway, I was excited at first because I was hoping it would be very similar to Mrs Bradley Mysteries. Unfortunately, not. But the actress seemed so young-looking to me, in her twenties. I guess that is,showing my age.....
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"You're the doctor; I'm the mother. I outrank you" Mother to House, MD

Ok, now it makes sense! I never knew this was a book series. I watched the first episode on Netflix and hated it. Part of what bothered me was how the main character's age seemed ambiguous. Something just didn't *feel* right to me. It seemed to me that we were supposed to be fooled into thinking that she was younger than what she really was. I know people don't like to get hung up on age, but this woman is around my age and it seemed kind of odd that she was acting like a 30-year-old. I just didn't buy it.

I didn't know there were books and so had never read them. I didn't know what age she was supposed to be.

But seeing the series for the first time on Netflix, she looked to me to be in her early 30s. No wrinkles, no sagging, a to die for body, great skin. Early 30s tops. In real life, she was 42 when the series first aired. So she looked 10 years younger, not unusual for someone who lives a healthy lifestyle. She's absolutely gorgeous. Not too many people look good with that haircut, even though it's a cute cut.

I loved the series. It's not as high quality as Agatha Christie's Poirot with David Suchet. There are gaps in the plot, some scenes that looked like snippets were edited out when they shouldn't have been. Sometimes it's hard to follow the plot. But the series is fun, exciting, the costumes awesome, and I love Miss Fisher's personality and unbelievable sleuthing.

I loved the other characters, too. A really good series. Lots of fun. Her clothes are something else, too. And she wears them so well.

I don't know the books but it does seem odd when characters who are the same age as the actress call her "child". But if you don't look at her wrinkles too much it's not too hard to believe the character is in her late twenties, given how youthful the actress is making her be through her acting. She might be technically too old, but she's perfect for the part. I wouldn't want anyone else playing that role, so I'm fine with it.

The books were often optioned, but I held out for my conditions: I get to pick the actress for Phryne and I get to vet all the scripts for historical accuracy. No one would agree to that until the ABC and Film Australia decided to fund Everycloud Productions and they agreed to my conditions. And Essie Davis is PERFECT as Phryne and the set designs and the dialect is wonderful.

I love the series and especially the actress. SHE is the main reason for its success. Who cares about her age? (I don't think the actress is pushing 50, unlike your post subject says. If she is, she looks terrific!)