Book Review: An Intriguing Melbourne Crime Novel
The Shorthand Sleuth – Transcribing Death by Carmel Taylor is an engaging historical fiction crime novel set in 1950s Melbourne.
The story follows Phillis Philpot, a pioneering young woman who carves out a career in the untapped niche field of forensic phonography. Her shorthand skills and independent spirit drive her to challenge the societal expectations of the era.
Book Review: The Shorthand Sleuth – Transcribing Death
Meet Phillis Philpot: Forensic Phonographer
Phillis, a shorthand court reporter for Victoria’s Supreme Court, believes untranscribed shorthand notes could contain crucial evidence.
Her investigations often begin with unexpected discoveries—a friend’s diary, a mysterious note in a shorthand class, or a chance find in a second-hand bookshop. Phillis’s intuition and insatiable curiosity soon earn her a reputation as “Phil Philpot, Forensic Phonographer.”
Melbourne’s Rich Shorthand Legacy
Author Carmel Taylor was inspired to write The Shorthand Sleuth after publishing With Pencils Poised – A History of Shorthand in Australia. This groundbreaking book is the only work documenting Australia’s shorthand history, highlighting Victoria as the first state to legislate shorthand transcripts in its Supreme Court—a step that promoted equity in the legal system.
“Shorthand has played a vital role in recording our history. It has provided us with historical records, enabling research by historians, authors and the general public,” said Carmel.
“Victoria was the first state to legislate to provide shorthand transcripts in its Supreme Court, again so important, as it provided equity for defendants who may not have had finance to hire their own stenographer.”
The Author’s Journey into Shorthand History
Carmel’s interest in shorthand arose when her aunt gifted her a 1915 edition shorthand book. She was hooked from that time on. After working as a stenographer, then personal assistant Carmel accepted a teaching position which included teaching shorthand.
The 1915 shorthand book was the start of Carmel’s growing collection of antiquarian shorthand books, some dating back to early 1700’s.
During a visit to Buenos Aires, where she inspected the rare shorthand book collection in the Argentinian Congress Library, Carmel met the Director of Stenographers of the Congress of Argentina. It was due to this meeting that Carmel decided to write With Pencils Poised.
“The Director asked if I could provide some history on shorthand in Australia to be used in the weekly radio program about shorthand, appropriately called ‘Drawn Words’. It is broadcast worldwide from the Congressional Library.”
Carmel agreed, thinking she’d simply look up what had been written and send on that information. She was surprised to find that no one had documented Australia’s rich shorthand history.
She knew then she’d have to rectify this, and as a result, her book on Australia’s shorthand history was written and then published by Australian Scholarly. Many segments of the book have been broadcast on the Drawn Words.
“Shorthand has given me so much enjoyment,” said Carmel.
Shorthand for Fun and Brain Health
As a volunteer with U3A Melbourne, Carmel tutors a Pitman shorthand revision class designed to train the brain while having fun. Participants engage in puzzles, games, and even deciphering old postcards, which echoes the sleuthing spirit of Phillis Philpot.
“Like all languages, shorthand is wonderful for good brain health. A pilot study in Germany showed that shorthand writers who wrote shorthand regularly retained or improved their memory during the course of the five-year study. We have shorthand writers attending U3A who haven’t written shorthand for decades. They’re amazed at how quickly it comes back to them.”
Carmel’s course is based on revision using shorthand stories, crossword puzzles, What Am I’s, and card games – with clues in shorthand. It’s all fun, with no tests or pressure.
“My motto is ‘we’re here for enjoyment, not for employment’, which pretty well sums it up.
Sometimes, we decipher old postcards written in shorthand – doing a little bit of sleuthing ourselves – just like Phillis Philpot in ‘The Shorthand Sleuth.’”
A Unique Slice of Melbourne History
Readers interested in Melbourne’s history, women’s independence or niche careers will find The Shorthand Sleuth captivating. Phillis Philpot’s adventures showcase how her finely-tuned skill can solve mysteries and challenge conventions.
Where to Buy
The Shorthand Sleuth – Transcribing Death is available here on Amazon Australia.
With Pencils Poised…: A History of Shorthand in Australia is available here on Amazon Australia.
Sign up for Carmel’s Shorthand Course or find other interesting courses at U3A Melbourne here.
Heading off on some Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
