Review
What makes this work is a deftly crafted plot, crisp dialogue, and an unusual - but nonetheless believable - main character. (MYSTERY SCENE )
I cannot think of a happier choice of gift either for a bright ten-year-old or for someone now grown up or even old who remembers the magic of those books that freed us from the ordinary world of adults and school to take absurd and glorious risks in the pursuit of truth. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
Flavia's spirited intelligence and vivid imagination make her an original character, and this story, with its authentic period setting and typically fresh, vigorous narrative, will appeal equally to fans of the earlier books in the series and readers discovering the young heroine for the first time (GOOD BOOK GUIDE )
I loved Alan Bradley's first book, 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie' but haven't read any of his books since. I was therefore a bit apprehensive about picking up this latest offering as I may have missed some important developments but happily I was easily able to slip back into the world of Flavia de Luce. She is this writer's greatest asset, an eleven year-old going on thirty who blithely goes about her investigations without heed to danger or the finer subtleties of adult life. The book is written in a humorous tongue-in-cheek style, which I don't normally enjoy reading but absolutely loved here. Flavia's encounters with her elder sisters are particularly well done. (CRIMESQUAD )
This story conveys Flavia's daring and inquisitive nature, whilst her interactions with Aunt Felicity and Dogger, the general factotum who pops up when needed, show levels of maturity and insight that add depth to her personality and warmth to the story. Recommended. (HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW )
This book is unique. It is deceptively simple and yet unusual and creative and a wonderful lightness pervades the writing. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
I cannot think of a happier choice of gift either for a bright ten-year-old or for someone now grown up or even old who remembers the magic of those books that freed us from the ordinary world of adults and school to take absurd and glorious risks in the pursuit of truth. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
Flavia's spirited intelligence and vivid imagination make her an original character, and this story, with its authentic period setting and typically fresh, vigorous narrative, will appeal equally to fans of the earlier books in the series and readers discovering the young heroine for the first time (GOOD BOOK GUIDE )
I loved Alan Bradley's first book, 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie' but haven't read any of his books since. I was therefore a bit apprehensive about picking up this latest offering as I may have missed some important developments but happily I was easily able to slip back into the world of Flavia de Luce. She is this writer's greatest asset, an eleven year-old going on thirty who blithely goes about her investigations without heed to danger or the finer subtleties of adult life. The book is written in a humorous tongue-in-cheek style, which I don't normally enjoy reading but absolutely loved here. Flavia's encounters with her elder sisters are particularly well done. (CRIMESQUAD )
This story conveys Flavia's daring and inquisitive nature, whilst her interactions with Aunt Felicity and Dogger, the general factotum who pops up when needed, show levels of maturity and insight that add depth to her personality and warmth to the story. Recommended. (HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW )
This book is unique. It is deceptively simple and yet unusual and creative and a wonderful lightness pervades the writing. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
Book Description
The fourth novel in Alan Bradley's addictive Flavia de Luce mystery series.
Product Description
With the family finances in a parlous state, Colonel de Luce has, with deep misgivings, rented Buckshaw to a film company for a location shooting. Naturally enough, director, crew and stars do nothing to endear themselves to the household - especially the servants - until, when a heavy snowfall cuts off Bishop's Lacey from the rest of the world, the actors are talked into staging a benefit performance in the parish hall. But old jealousies surface, and the leading lady is murdered. Flavia, who has been enlisted to help out behind the scenes, finds herself up to her knees in snow - and murder!
About the Author
Alan Bradley is a former professor at the University of Saskatchewan, where he lectured on screen writing. He is the author of a memoir, THE SHOEBOX BIBLE.
