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 … 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
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Alan Bradley’s books never fail to delight. What a wonderful character he has created!
A young girl solving mysteries in an adult world. Loved this book!
This is a great book if you’re looking for an easy reading, cozy mystery that takes place in 1950’s England.
Oh, gosh, where to start? Another Flavia de Luce I couldn’t put down. She may be one of my favorite literary characters of all time. She remained as clever and outrageous as always, and I do so enjoy her adventures. My one “big complaint” in book eight was that I had 95% of the story figured out very early on. Even the big “bomb drop” I felt coming almost from the get-go. It certainly didn’t make me stop reading, though, because, as I’ve said, I love the character of Flavia and I also love the way Bradley weaves his tales with just the right amount of description. A couple of times, I did feel like his writing got a little lazy, right toward the end of the book — a couple of phrases repeated in close proximity, making the reading uncharacteristically awkward — but isn’t that what editors are supposed to be for? Those few factors kept my rating scaled back to just four stars, but I already have my hands on book nine and I will not be waiting long to dive in.
Love, love, love all the Flavia DeLuce mysteries.
Flavia Stories Never Disappoint
PG-13
Completely appropriate for middle school to adult
No sex
Limited strong language (zero F-bombs)
No violence
Flavia is now 12 (do not mistake her age as an indication that this book is written mostly for teen audiences) and has returned home from boarding school only to discover that her father has been hospitalized and cannot be allowed visitors.
While she awaits permission to see him, Flavia becomes embroiled in another mysterious death. Chemistry again plays an important part in pointing to the solution.
Thoroughly delightful.
Sometimes bittersweet.
Best if read in order, but Flavia stories can stand on their own.
Recommended!
It’s December 1951, and Flavia is back from her exile in Canada. However, her welcome home doesn’t go as planned. Her father is sick and in the hospital, and her older sisters and younger cousin are as obnoxious as ever. However, she finds the perfect distraction when an errand to the next village ends with her finding the body of a wood carver hanging upside down from his bedroom door.
As much as I enjoyed Flavia’s adventure in Canada, it was good to be back in familiar surroundings with familiar characters. The usual crew are up to their usual antics, which was fun. I especially enjoy Flavia’s interactions with her cousin since she doesn’t see the parallels between that and her old sisters. The mystery was good and a focus of much of the book, although I did figure a couple pieces of it out early. Still, the ending surprised me.
Love the character Flavia- an 11year old chemist living in a gothic style manor with a disfunctal family. Amusing with lots of twists and surfs. Great series! Can’t wait for the next book.