First Line: It was as black in the closet as old blood.
Favorite Character: Flavia de Luce, an eleven-year-old chemistry genius who has a "passion for poisons", and a penchant for exacting revenge on her two older sisters whenever they cross her. She has a quick temper, a bright mind, and an unexpected knack for solving mysteries.
My Thoughts:I don't know how I missed this gem by Alan Bradley when it was first published back in 2009, but I won't ever miss any of his Flavia de Luce novels again. I loved this book! It's so well-written. And articulate and funny Flavia is the perfect narrator. At one point she describes herself this way: "I felt my inner cauldron beginning to boil: that bubbling pot of occult brew that could so quickly transform Flavia the Invisible into Flavia the Holy Terror." How can you resist a character like this?
Bradley's skill as a writer, his descriptive prowess, and his style and use of imagery really elevates this novel above the ordinary. I liked his mystery, too. It involves Flavia's father, two rare stamps that have gone missing, and a murdered man found in the de Luce's garden. This book was so much fun to read. I can't wait to read the rest of the Flavia de Luce mysteries!
One of Flavia's "Rules of Life": When you want something, bite your tongue.
So glad you've discovered this series! Isn't Flavia wonderful? Just wait until you catch up....I'm very eagerly awaiting the latest in the series.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of the second book and I've got the third book on hold at the library. And Flavia gets better with each one.
DeleteI love these books! Flavia is such a great character. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series as much as this one.
ReplyDeleteWithout your blog post on Bradley's latest Flavia de Luce mystery, I may never have picked this book up...and that would be so sad. So thank you! I'm already halfway through book two, and loving it.
DeleteFlavia is so much fun. I like to think that I was a bit like her as a child, although I didn't know how to make poisons...
ReplyDeleteI'd be a little worried if you did. :)
DeleteThis sounds like a great character. I am adding this one to my booklist. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you like it.
DeleteThis is an author I've been meaning to try for ages - I even have the book! I'm delighted to know you enjoyed it. That certainly boosts it up the tbr mountain!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you like it...Flavia is a new favorite of mine. Let me know what you think of it.
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