Reviewed by Beth C. on
Having been a huge fan of the Flavia de Luce series this far, it was a bit disappointing to read this one. The writing is as it has always been, but the story seems almost like it should have been set outside of the series as a whole. Part of the problem seems to be that Alan Bradley has made Bishop's Lacey and Buckshaw, where all the prior novels were set, characters within their own right. There is a sense of missing those presences which is somewhat jarring. In addition, the ending seems a bit...implausible. Granted, the whole series could be termed that, at least to a degree. However, it has been fairly easy to set that aside in the past, whereas this just didn't work quite the same.
Having said all of that, there is little doubt that Flavia remains a whirlwind and a force to be reckoned with, and the next book in the series will still be eagerly awaited.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 15 November, 2014: Finished reading
- 15 November, 2014: Reviewed