NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Hailed as “a combination of Eloise and Sherlock Holmes” by The Boston Globe, Flavia de Luce returns in a Christmas mystery from award-winning author Alan Bradley.
In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.
Praise for Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d
“Mystery fans seeking novels of wit, an immersive English countryside setting, and rich characterizations will be rewarded with this newest entry in the award-winning series.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“There is such a thing as willing suspension of disbelief brought on by sheer outlandish charm, and that’s what [Alan] Bradley and some delicious writing have tapped.”—London Free Press
“Flavia’s first-person narration reveals her precocious intellect as well as her youthful vulnerability.”—Shelf Awareness
“Flavia is once again a fun, science-loving protagonist. . . . This series entry ends on a note that begs for the next story.”—Library Reads
“An eleven-year-old prodigy with an astonishing mind for chemistry and a particular interest in poisons.”—The Strand Magazine (Five of the Best Historical Heroines)
“Bradley’s preteen heroine comes through in the end with a series of deductions so clever she wants to hug herself. So will you.”—Kirkus Reviews
She's back! Our favorite pint-sized sleuth is back, and as usual, trouble has followed her. When running an errand, she discovers the dead body of a local wood carver. Since death is, to Flavia, as peanut butter is to a dog, she begins trying to solve the murder. In the meantime, her father is sick in the hospital, giving her free reign (mostly) to come and go as she pleases.
This Flavia book has a slightly darker tone to it, which matches the fact that our girl is beginning to grow up a little bit and has experienced some bumpy roads. But she's still dear Flavia, and she makes her own way in this book, as she has in the others. As far as the story itself, it is heads and tails better than the short story that came before - that felt like fluff meant to appease readers until this showed up. Thankfully, things are back on track.
Some of the usual characters pop up here, including the Inspector and the Vicar's wife. There are some new ones, of course, and an old friend from her brief time at boarding school (the short story).
Overall, it was (as usual) a great read and a fun way to pass the time. I'm not so keen on the ending - not necessarily because of what happened, but because of the abruptness of it. However, I look forward to reading more about Flavia in the future!
