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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
I feel like I have been waiting for this book for...ev...er. There was a time the readers of this series believed that The Golden Tresses of the Dead was the conclusion to Flavia's adventures. As much as I loved this whole series, it just never felt complete to me, so when I learned that Alan Bradley was going to do more, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm and as soon as it was available on my library's request list (before it was even released, as I recall!), my name went on it. I am stingy with awarding five stars, but this book deserves every last one of them.
What I liked about What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust:
All the beloved characters - It was like being reunited with a group of old friends. I fell right back into the relationship.
The relationship between Flavia and Undine - This was so believable based on the history between these two characters. And if you're at all familiar with Flavia, the basis of their "chemistry" (ha) is so obvious.
Flavia - I absolutely adore her character development. There was a time in books nine and ten when it felt like she was growing out of her charm. I am not sure what drove those particular feelings, but they were nowhere to be found in this latest visit to Buckshaw. Perhaps growing up got a bit awkward for our Flavia? Which, truthfully, is accurate. But she seems to have embraced her increasing maturity while maintaining her innate Flavia-ness, and it is pure delight.
Alan's writing style - I had forgotten just how much I love the way Mr Bradley turns a phrase. His writing is clever and his wit is sharp. These translate so well into Flavia's various observations and quips.
Enough plot twists to give you whiplash - I mean this as the highest compliment. There were some revelations in this book that nearly knocked me right out of my bed. Putting the book down to go to sleep was a challenge because I was so invested and so astonished. There was a particular boom lowered that made me wonder just how long Alan Bradley had this book percolating in his mind. Sheer brilliance.
What I didn't care for:
I can't think of a single thing - This book was perfection. Please, God, let there be more.
This book did not disappoint or fall short of my expectations, which were through the roof. It is my favorite book in this series (at least so far, and I believe there are still more coming!) and that is saying a lot, because this is a favorite series as a whole. I cannot wait to see what Mr Bradley has in store next for my precocious friend!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
I was surprised and delighted to see another Flavia de Luce book available (and I see that there is a planned TV series with a very good writer involved)
Please do yourself a favour and read the series if you haven't already - it's so unique in the mystery genre.
12 (13?) year old Flavia is now an orphan in the post war British countryside and has become the de facto caretaker of an estate and her annoying younger cousin. The two of them, her deceased father's batsman turned gardener and Mrs. Mullet - much more than a cook - get involved in the death of a local resident, to the dismay of the local police.
Flavia's inner monologue shows that she's growing up, and taking on the responsibilites she's been left with, and some big secrets she has to decide what to do with.
As always, the author's prose and the characters are a delight, I just zoomed through this, so I'm happy there will be at least one more.
I was surprised and delighted to see another Flavia de Luce book available (and I see that there is a planned TV series with a very good writer involved)
Please do yourself a favour and read the series if you haven't already - it's so unique in the mystery genre.
12 (13?) year old Flavia is now an orphan in the post war British countryside and has become the de facto caretaker of an estate and her annoying younger cousin. The two of them, her deceased father's batsman turned gardener and Mrs. Mullet - much more than a cook - get involved in the death of a local resident, to the dismay of the local police.
Flavia's inner monologue shows that she's growing up, and taking on the responsibilites she's been left with, and some big secrets she has to decide what to do with.
As always, the author's prose and the characters are a delight, I just zoomed through this, so I'm happy there will be at least one more.
Another delightful installment of the Flavia deLuce mysteries, this time involving the murder of a retired hangman, and Mrs Mullett is the prime suspect! Flavia has to exonerate her and find the true murderer, which requires her to infiltrate a US army base near her manor.
Flavia is at her plucky best, while dealing with Undine, her cousin, and helping faithful Dogger with his PTSD.
Flavia is at her plucky best, while dealing with Undine, her cousin, and helping faithful Dogger with his PTSD.