I was excited to see a new Flavia de Luce novel coming out. I had feared that the series was done.
This novel has many of the beloved characters and settings that we have grown accustomed to in the series.
While not mentioning her age, it feels like Flavia has grown a year or two before this book takes place. She is less focused on the approval of Inspector Hewitt and more focused on just solving the crime.
With her usual focus on chemistry, usage of her impressive lab and with a sidekick, Undine, by her side for much of the novel, Flavia dives right in to solving the murder.
Another excellent novel in this series. Well written, great use of poems, novels and other references throughout the novel.
You have an idea of what is going to happen but with just enough twists to keep you guessing.

It has been 5 years since The Golden Tresses of the Dead and this was well worth the wait. Flavia and the gang are back and better than ever. The storyline is riveting and keeps you guessing right till the end. This book was a delight to read.

I was so excited to see that the last book was not the last, that I finished this one in 1 setting. I just Love the Flavia books and recommend them all the time.

4.5 stars. I want to thank Netgalley and Random House Canada (Doubleday) for the advance copy of Alan Bradley's newest addition, the 11th book in the Flavia de Luce series. This was a surprise, as the previous book, released five years ago, was reported to be the final one in the series. Flavia is a 12-year-old prodigy who delights in her ability as an amateur sleuth and her expertise in chemistry, especially when murder is involved.

Flavia revels in crime; the more vile and gross the scene, the more she enjoys it. For those who have not had the pleasure of being acquainted with Flavia in print yet, here are some of her thoughts expressed in an earlier book:

(A friend remarks that it must have been a shock to find the body. "Yes," I said, "it was ghastly. I'd rather not think about it."
I was fibbing, of course. How can iI tell ..... that finding another dead body was everything but dreadful? On the contrary, It was thrilling; it was exciting; it was invigorating, to say nothing of electrifying and, above all, satisfying. How could I tell the dear man that murder made me feel so gloriously alive?)
Flavia takes pride in solving killings, often before the local police. Her skill in chemical analysis from crime scenes is often a factor. She is becoming rather conceited by her skills. I find the exploits of Flavia a joy to read, but if met in real life, she would be insufferably annoying.

Flavia is now an orphan and has inherited Buchshaw Manor, where she grew up. Her older sisters, Feely (Ophelia), married and moved away, and Daffy (Daphne), always immersed in a book, will soon attend University. She must now contend with running a large property at a young age. Luckily, she has the dependable help of two people who are her dedicated friends. There is Mrs. Mullet, the longtime cook and housekeeper. She has a secret history and a jealous husband. The groundskeeper and handyman, Dogget, has proven to be a knowledgeable and insightful partner in her crime investigations. He suffers from occasional PTSD from his time in WW2. Her cousin, the younger Undine, joined the household after becoming an orphan.

The child is obnoxious, loud, and crude. Flavia is annoyed with her ward's presence and embarrassing behaviour but tolerates and even loves her for interfering in her investigations through her ability to trespass, steal evidence and her observations. Undine is a mini-me of Flavia but lacks her older cousin's restraint. Flavia is often urged to get emotional and behavioural counselling for Undine.

Flavia inserts herself into the investigation of the murder of Major Greyleigh, a nearby recluse and former hangman. The police are having little success with the case, and their suspicion falls on Flavia's friend and housekeeper, Mrs. Mullet. The Major was poisoned and died after being served a breakfast of mushrooms picked and cooked by Mrs. Mullet. Flavia always wanted to do a chemical analysis of poisoned mushrooms and other foodstuffs and is intent on finding the woman innocent.
Her scientific skills and clues lead Flavia deep into a wide-ranging secret conspiracy whose solution is complex and convoluted. I wish the plot had been tighter and less confusing.

I am in awe of the erudite author's literary talents. His use of words is a delight and adds to the enjoyment of the narrative.
The suspense becomes intense and frightening for Flavia. She is led through a series of dark tunnels built under a nearby American military base. What she learns is shocking and a surprise to both Flavia and the reader.

Highly recommended to fans of Flavia de Luce and others who might enjoy this dark mystery. The book will be published on September 03, 2024.