Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

An unidentified woman is discovered murdered outside an air force base that is commanded by Lyle Compton, the former lover of Phryne. The killing ignites a dispute between the military and the Melbourne police, heightening tensions over jurisdiction and the investigation.

Murder and the Maiden is an episode‑style programme that sits within the crime genre. It follows the conventions of a self‑contained story presented as part of a larger series, delivering a concise, hour‑long narrative designed for broadcast. The title hints at a homicide involving a young woman, and the format suggests a focused, single‑case structure. The central incident centres on the killing of an unidentified woman just outside an air force base. That base is under the command of Lyle Compton, who happens to be an old flame of the series’ protagonist, Phryne. The victim’s identity remains unknown, and the crime occurs in the immediate vicinity of the military installation, setting the stage for the ensuing drama. The murder sparks a strain between the armed forces and the Melbourne police. Because the offence takes place on military grounds and involves a commander with personal ties to Phryne, the two authorities find themselves at odds over jurisdiction and investigation. This tension forms the crux of the episode’s conflict, highlighting the uneasy relationship between civilian law enforcement and the defence establishment. Throughout the episode, the investigation hinges on the interplay between Phryne’s personal history with Compton and the jurisdictional tug‑of‑war that follows the murder. Both sides must navigate the delicate balance of authority while trying to uncover the woman’s identity.