Reviews

The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley

madmooney's review against another edition

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5.0

I had received this book in advance of its publilcation date, so I was among the first cohort of fans to receive momentary closure on the final "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA?" moment in 'Speaking from Among the Bones', the previous novel.

So Flavia's mother is found, and she is coming home...what will this mean for the DeLuce's? What will this mean for Buckshaw's crumbling halls, and the financial weight that has plagued the Colonel from book 1?

The book certainly satisfies many questions I have had about the series so far, many mysteries have been dragged out into the light. One would argue this is the point where the book was eventually going to hit, as the series concludes.

However, once again, the quickening moments in the book's final chapter not only puts those feelings of series-finality to rest, but it makes me SO VERY EXCITED for where the story will go next!!!! *cough*Toronto*cough*

amiew's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective

5.0

alidottie's review against another edition

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4.0

Not my favorite Flavia mystery, but still a worthwhile read and an important piece in the books that will follow. Changes are afoot!

vibeke_hiatt's review against another edition

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5.0

Flavia is still Flavia and I love her so. She seems a little preoccupied in this book, but her character is really growing and it feels natural. Bradley has a wonderful way with words and it's still fun to see how well he understands 11-year-old girls. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I just hope the reports are correct that he has been contracted for 10 books.

virgoshoyru's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

colleengeedrumm's review

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3.0

Good news, has no place in the midst of tragedy, when it cannot be fully appreciated-when it is dampened and diluted by the atmosphere in which it is announced and robbed of its healing power.

Catharsis cannot come until the bitter end. - Aristotle

It was more than sad-it was a damned shame.

Can you keep a secret?
None have ever been as much a master of the zipped lip as Flavia de Luce.
"In blood," I vowed. It was an oath known to very few.

teresaalice's review against another edition

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4.0

I always enjoy this series. The writing style, the characters and their little quirks. Based on this ending, I am hoping it's not the end of the series.

sammiemitten's review against another edition

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mysterious sad

5.0

omegabeth's review against another edition

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4.0

less mystery-to-be-solved, more back story

And I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I can totally see why some reader feel it is uneven compared with Bradley at his best, but I found the story and the reveals on many characters quite enjoyable.

geekwayne's review against another edition

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4.0

'The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches' by Alan Bradley finds young Flavia de Luce sleuthing her heart out. To call her precocious is perhaps a bit too precious, but she is certainly a unique enough character.

In this book, we discover what happened to Flavia's mother Harriet. Upon Harriet's arrival by train, a stranger mouths the phrase "pheasant sandwiches" into Flavia's ear and then is found dead under the train a few minutes later. There is a reel of film that must be developed using Flavia's chemistry knowledge. There is some interesting backstory about Dogger. Flavia meets a younger cousin that may be brighter than even she is. She also finds an interesting connection to Winston Churchill himself. There are also bike rides and airplane rides. Ultimately, Flavia's life is changed in good and bad ways, and it will be interesting to see what comes next for her.

There is not so much a mystery here as general skulking about with some interesting characters. Not that the mystery is all that crucial. Threads of the story are tied up a bit, and the series is sent off into a new direction, which is probably a good thing. The writing is what hangs it all together so nicely, and the ever so bold Flavia. Willing to act like a grown up, even though she is lacking the life experience and some of the street smarts. The supporting characters are also interesting for the most part. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more in the series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.