Luz says: Apparently, this is a mystery series. But, this was the first book (and last) that I read in the series. Where do I start on describing why I feel generous giving this book 2 stars? Unbelieveable main character, absent (and irresponsible) Father, holes in the story, etc. I mean Flavia is an 11 year old CHILD - who walks alone & fearless in underground catacombs at night, is obsessed with poison, cleaned her coat by mixing her own dry cleaning solvents....REALLY?!? Wow.... rayshibu says: This is a consistently fascinating mystery series. It's young heroine is such a charming mix of ambitions, insecurities, innocence, foolishness and wit. This particular entry in the series focused as much on Flavia's familiar relationships (with her Father and two sisters) as it did on the case at hand, and Flavia had a touching scene with each of them. Bradley continues to embrace dark and disturbing story lines and subplots, and the central mystery was surprising and engaging. My only c...aveat is with the pacing. Bradley seems committed to describing every event of every day over the course of the novel, surrounded the potent family or mystery scenes with somewhat tedious descriptions of bike rides and breakfasts. These "slice of life" scenes aren't complete filler, and are certainly a reason the word of Buckshaw and Bishop's Lacey is so vividly rendered, but it comes at the expense of a driving plot and diffuses much of the potential suspense. Perhaps Bradley's sense of urgency will develop over time, or perhaps it's current speed is something I will simply have to accept as a toll for entering Bishop's Lacy--it certainly won't inhibit me from returning.MoreLessShow More Show Less
User Reviews: