Reviews

I loved this book because Flavia can do no wrong (IMO). She is quirky and smart and feisty and knows just how to work everyone she meets. She knows the rules of a spy game she's never played and does it splendidly. I did really miss Buckshaw and the wonderful characters from Bishops Lacy (especially Dogger), but this change of scene was very interesting to the series. The characters were mysterious and I never really had a handle of what was going on...but Flavia did. I was stunned by the result and all the different explanations that came out. I wish Flavia could have used more of her chemistry to solve this crime. It was such a fast read because I love the character and the writing. I can't wait for more.

rosecarroll's review against another edition

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5.0

The first syllable of Flavia rhymes with brave or grave??? Why was this not mentioned for 7 BOOKS!!!!

ellipsiscool's review against another edition

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4.0

What a lovely, slightly sadistic little detective Flavia continues to be. I am admittedly not a mystery connoisseur, they Alan Bradley is truly a delight.

I listened to the audio version (of this book and the previous book) and it was so well done, that I'm not sure I could read it in my own voice. Jayne Entwistle is wonderful.

timinbc's review against another edition

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4.0

This is tricky to review. Especially not knowing Bradley's intent. Is this a transition volume, setting Flavia up for a new series back home?

I missed some of the familiar parts, such as Dogger and the village, but I was getting tired of Father and the sisters, and I suspect it was time to set them aside - which this one does perfectly.

This one might have the best zingers, one-liners, and snappy thinks-to-self remarks of all the books.

There is perhaps a bit too much of Flavia fast-talking her way out of trouble. At times, I thought she was talking herself INTO trouble, and wondered why she hadn't made trouble -- but as the plot unfolds we see that some risks were more and some less than they seemed.

The plot's not the best of the series, but it's serviceable, and we don't read these books as entrants in the Most Fiendish Plot category. We're here to enjoy watching Flavia at work, and we get it.

+1 also for not having things the readers knows but Flavia doesn't.

As Nero Wolfe might have said, "Very satisfactory."

larastunkel's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

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