Play Book Tag discussion

Since the protagonist uses chemistry to solve a murder, I thought it would be appropriate for the Science theme, even though it is a cozy mystery.

This cozy mystery builds on the charm and wit of its precocious protagnist, Flavia de Luce. In the eleventh book of the eponymous series, the ever-twleve year old, young detective’s is often observed journeying through the quirky English village of Bishop’s Lacey on her beloved bicycle, Gladys, where her insatiable curiosity and sharp intellect has once again embroiled her in the investigation of another murder. This pre-adolescent has encountered more murders in one year than most people have in a lifetime.

The murder this time is the next-door neighbor, Major Greyleigh, the hangman for the community, who appears to have been poisoned. The primary suspect is the de Luce's longtime beloved cook, Mrs. Mullet, who has been working part time cooking for the major. Knowing that she is innocent of the crime, Flavia begins to investigate.

One of the book's standout elements is its sense of atmosphere including Bradley’s depiction of the small village and the spacious de Luce family home. The series also engages the reader through Flavia's relationships with the supporting characters, including the ever-gruff Inspector Hewitt; her irritating and omnipresant cousin, Undine; and the enigmatic and co-conspiratorial gardener, Dogger.

I thought the previous novel in this series was the last, but I have read that there is a twelve book planned. I hope that before ending the series, Alan Bradley writes one with Flavia as a young woman. I would be interested in seeing what she becomes.

Absolutely these books should be tagged science! I went on a Flavia binge a couple years ago but only made it to book six. She is a wonderful character, very precocious yet charming as you say.

I haven't read this because my library network doesn't have the audiobook version of it. Due to the unevenness of the series, I find it best to let Entwistle help even them out with her reading.

I stand corrected; they now have the Libby audiobook I just checked), but I prefer to listen by CD. Plus it's possible it's only available for the library that pays for it, rather than the entire network (from different towns.)