What a delight to receive another installment of Flavia's story. I very much enjoyed how her voice is evolving -- she is, alas, growing into young womanhood and it's beginning to show. I as not as surprised by some of the reveals as I might have been -- I feel that the series is continuing strongly in directions that were firmly laid down in previous books. I wonder if there will be more. I wonder how they will continue to evolve if so. Flavia is every true to herself and beginning to choose more carefully who she wants to be. Enjoyed it.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

A few years ago, book 10 in this series was supposedly the last. I was beyond thrilled to find out there would be another book, and squealed aloud when the publisher approved me to get a galley. I adore Flavia and was happy to step into her world again.

The action begins, of course, with murder. A local man, Major Greyleigh, is found dead, and Buckshaw's own Mrs. Mullet stands accused because she cooked him mushrooms for breakfast. The suspicion seems weak, as the woman knows her mushrooms, but Flavia is ever keen on solving murder, so embroils herself in the investigation. Greyleigh was a hangman involved in various important cases. Flavia's efforts are dogged--and helped--by her new annoying shadow, her cousin Undine, who is like a cruder version of young Flavia. Her investigation takes her into dangerous new territory, and a revelation that will shatter her world.

I really didn't expect this book to go where it did. If I hadn't been reading in a library, I would have yelped out loud. I do like how this book fits into the broader plot arc of the series. That said, it wasn't as strong a book as others. Many of the usual cast members are absent, with the book really focused on Flavia, Undine, Dogger, and Mrs. Mullet. I missed the banter with Flavia's sisters. Chemistry didn't play as much of a role, either, and I missed that side of her investigative talents. Really, this feels like a bridge book, and as I know that Bradley is working on the 12th novel now, I wonder how things will end up connecting. ( )

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

When retired Major Grayleigh is found murdered . . . from eating poison mushrooms for breakfast . . . Mrs. Mullet is accused of the crime. Flavia sets out to find the real murder and to clear Mrs. Mullet’s name.

But who did kill the retired military man? And why?

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Set in Bishop’s Lacy, England after the second world war, this is the eleventh book I the author’s Flavia de Luce series. Although readers new to the series may find the backstory a bit lacking, the book works reasonably well as a standalone. [Readers should consider reading the earlier books in the series.]

With all the expected characters in place, readers are sure to chuckle over Flavia’s interactions with Undine as she tries to watch over her young cousin. But with the assistance of her bike, Gladys, she seems to have everything well in hand.

Until the murder.

As readers would expect, Flavia is determined to expose the true murderer. As always, her skills serve her well and she does exactly what readers expect of her.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mystery woven into the telling of the tale will find much to enjoy here as will those who have followed Flavia’s adventures.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine / Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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