Speaking from Among the Bones: A Flavia de Luce Novel

Bradley has written into life a strange young girl who loves to solve mysteries, who asks the most far fetched questions, and who befuddles everyone in the world around her. Amazing prose and plot!

A surprise favorite. On the 6th book in the series. Funny, a bit sad, smart. Not like anything else I’ve read.

Shock! You’re left in shock at the very last sentence of the book! But I digress... I really appreciated the signs in this novel indicating that Flavia, our 12 year old heroine, is growing up. There are a number of very tender moments, when the three sisters, Flavia, Daffy (Daphne) and Feely (Ophelia), are positively civil with each other. There’s hope that they may continue to turn to each other, with understanding, love, and support to help ease their crushing emotional burdens they bear, caused by the loss of their mother some 10 years earlier, and the precarious financial disaster that looms heavily over their father and the family Victorian estate at Buckshaw. Flavia is in perfect form as she dashes around the quaint rural village of Bishop’s Lacey, on her bicycle, Gladys, anxious to take part in the exhumation of the local patron saint, St Tancred, buried these 500 years in the crypt at the local Church of England parish, St Tancred’s. But before they can open the tomb, the church organist’s body is found atop the crypt, face adorned with a ruffled cloth and wearing a gas mask. Flavia is ecstatic about this latest opportunity to match her wits and extraordinary competence in chemistry against the mysterious riddles she unearths in the church and adjoining cemetery. Of course it would help if she can keep from scaring Cynthia Richardson, the Vicar’s wife, to death, or over-testing Police Inspector Hewitt's patience, or worst of all, becoming a murder victim herself. But undaunted, she sets about in her usual Flavia wit, spunk, and dogged persistence, to solve this latest mystery, gain some understanding of her father and sisters, and possibly save Buckshaw from financial ruin. This is my favorite of the Flavia de Luce novels so far, however I might advise someone new to this series by Alan Bradley, to start with one of the earlier volumes in the set first, so that a clearer understanding of the characters and circumstances can prepare them for the power of this latest book. In fact, if you will read them from the very first story, the more powerfully will the last sentence of this book hit home. It’s has been a while since I have felt this much eagerness to read the next novel in a series, but oh how wonderful is the anticipation! And for the real book lover, I strongly advise you to NOT look ahead and peek at that last sentence. It would only reduce your own enjoyment and satisfaction in coming to those shocking words in their proper place and time. The skill of a very competent author has put them where they will have the best effect, and like life, when things come to us at the proper time, in the proper place, and after the proper preparation, they can be savored with the fullest joy and appreciation. Enjoy!

This series is so much fun. Excellent writing, spectacular character development, packed with tidbits of English culture, interesting historical facts and serves as a primer on poisons. Lots of twists, turns and surprises. Flavia de Luce is one of my favorite detectives.....maybe my very favorite.

This book will make you laugh, want to cry. You will not want to stop reading it as discovering "who did" keeps you guessing and guessing until the very end.

Where to begin …….. ah, but of course. Flavia. She just cracks me up! Oh I don’t mean to say that this is a humorous murder mystery. That would be ludicrous. An oxymoron at best. Murder is serious business, after all. The humor is not in the storytelling. The humor is in Flavia de Luce, the main protagonist in this series. It’s all about a precocious eleven year old girl who rides a bike she calls, Gladys (who, by the way, has a personality all her own. Gladys. The bike…). Flavia and Gladys seem always to be present when there is mischief underfoot. The kind of mischief that forever involves a corpse. In this tantalizing 5th installment, we find Flavia unraveling clues to the murder of Mr. Collicutt, the church organist. And, since Flavia is the one who found his body inside the tomb of Saint Tancred – the town’s patron saint, she most certainly feels obliged to get to the bottom of the matter. As this story weaves through an unwinding of characters and storylines, I can’t help but wonder if there will only be one more book to this series, as certain internet postings seem to have alluded to. I can not imagine an end to Flavia. So, for now, we’ll just keep this rumor on the down-low, shall we? In the event I misread. Of course. Young readers, for whom these tomes are written, will actually love this series. And, I dare say, even attempt to emulate some of the characters. Always a pleasure to be back in Bishop’s Lacey with Flavia and her siblings – two older sisters with an uncanny propensity toward peculiarity. And, oh yes, with Gladys. A pleasure. A real pleasure, indeed.

Great book, very convoluted tail. One of my favorites in the series!

I only wish Flavia was real and I was 11 again so that we could be best friends. She is one of the most awesome characters I've ever come across and, hands, down, my favorite. I love every book in this series and this one more so: Flavia matures and opens up a little bit and that development is very satisfying; a twist happens that I've suspected since the second book (finally!); maybe it's just me, but it seems as if the discussion in chemistry is somewhat less so the book feels like it moves faster. I love this whole series. As an avid mystery/murder reader, I hate the all-too-predictable endings. Alan Bradley always has me wondering which direction he will be going in and he never gives the reader what they want just because it feels right. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. A very realistic approach to Flavia's microscopic dissection of life. And while I love all of the science and chemistry discussions, since I read late at night, I will often fall asleep during those sections. This book felt like it spent less time during those parts. I always love the cultural icon references or discussions and this one was no exception. I also really enjoyed the discussion of organ anatomy and pipes. Having played the organ before, but never an old one, I am itchy to tour somewhere where I can get my eyes on a really old, historic organ. The ambience of the books always has me hooked. And now I will be biting my fingernails until the next one comes out. aaaargh!

Wow. Just wow. Flavia and I may have had a little spat after her last case--a closed-room style Christmas mystery (

The latest book in the Flavia de Luce mysteries continues the adventures of Flavia, a precocious 12 year old who lives with her Father and two very annoying older sisters in a decaying mansion set in a very picturesque English village circa 1950. All the ingredients of the typical British mystery are present: village people of varying eccentricity, the vicar, the doctor, the constable. The very rural setting adds a touch of feeling isolated from the world. Flavia is a budding genius in chemistry and has a laboratory "inherited" from her uncle Tarquin. Her passion is poisons. No, she's not the murderer, but she always manages to decipher and outsmart the police when odd deaths happen in Bishop's Lacey. Now, there's a name for a village! The books don't have to be read in order, but it is helpful to be acquainted with the characters, especially Flavia's family. In this particular book the church organist is found in the crypt of St. Tancred's church. Murdered, of course. There is a delicious side story of the opening of the saint's tomb and the discovery of a very strange person kept hidden away from the public by his domineering father. Not to mention a diamond of great value. As if that we're not enough, the book ends with an amazing announcement. I can't wait for the next one. However, you might find the chemistry lingo and experiments a bit obscure and daunting. I never liked chemistry class, so I might be a little biased about the fact that 12 year old Flavia is such a whiz at it.

Bradley has written into life a strange young girl who loves to solve mysteries, who asks the most far fetched questions, and who befuddles everyone in the world around her. Amazing prose and plot!

A surprise favorite. On the 6th book in the series. Funny, a bit sad, smart. Not like anything else I’ve read.

Shock! You’re left in shock at the very last sentence of the book! But I digress... I really appreciated the signs in this novel indicating that Flavia, our 12 year old heroine, is growing up. There are a number of very tender moments, when the three sisters, Flavia, Daffy (Daphne) and Feely (Ophelia), are positively civil with each other. There’s hope that they may continue to turn to each other, with understanding, love, and support to help ease their crushing emotional burdens they bear, caused by the loss of their mother some 10 years earlier, and the precarious financial disaster that looms heavily over their father and the family Victorian estate at Buckshaw. Flavia is in perfect form as she dashes around the quaint rural village of Bishop’s Lacey, on her bicycle, Gladys, anxious to take part in the exhumation of the local patron saint, St Tancred, buried these 500 years in the crypt at the local Church of England parish, St Tancred’s. But before they can open the tomb, the church organist’s body is found atop the crypt, face adorned with a ruffled cloth and wearing a gas mask. Flavia is ecstatic about this latest opportunity to match her wits and extraordinary competence in chemistry against the mysterious riddles she unearths in the church and adjoining cemetery. Of course it would help if she can keep from scaring Cynthia Richardson, the Vicar’s wife, to death, or over-testing Police Inspector Hewitt's patience, or worst of all, becoming a murder victim herself. But undaunted, she sets about in her usual Flavia wit, spunk, and dogged persistence, to solve this latest mystery, gain some understanding of her father and sisters, and possibly save Buckshaw from financial ruin. This is my favorite of the Flavia de Luce novels so far, however I might advise someone new to this series by Alan Bradley, to start with one of the earlier volumes in the set first, so that a clearer understanding of the characters and circumstances can prepare them for the power of this latest book. In fact, if you will read them from the very first story, the more powerfully will the last sentence of this book hit home. It’s has been a while since I have felt this much eagerness to read the next novel in a series, but oh how wonderful is the anticipation! And for the real book lover, I strongly advise you to NOT look ahead and peek at that last sentence. It would only reduce your own enjoyment and satisfaction in coming to those shocking words in their proper place and time. The skill of a very competent author has put them where they will have the best effect, and like life, when things come to us at the proper time, in the proper place, and after the proper preparation, they can be savored with the fullest joy and appreciation. Enjoy!

This series is so much fun. Excellent writing, spectacular character development, packed with tidbits of English culture, interesting historical facts and serves as a primer on poisons. Lots of twists, turns and surprises. Flavia de Luce is one of my favorite detectives.....maybe my very favorite.

This book will make you laugh, want to cry. You will not want to stop reading it as discovering "who did" keeps you guessing and guessing until the very end.

Where to begin …….. ah, but of course. Flavia. She just cracks me up! Oh I don’t mean to say that this is a humorous murder mystery. That would be ludicrous. An oxymoron at best. Murder is serious business, after all. The humor is not in the storytelling. The humor is in Flavia de Luce, the main protagonist in this series. It’s all about a precocious eleven year old girl who rides a bike she calls, Gladys (who, by the way, has a personality all her own. Gladys. The bike…). Flavia and Gladys seem always to be present when there is mischief underfoot. The kind of mischief that forever involves a corpse. In this tantalizing 5th installment, we find Flavia unraveling clues to the murder of Mr. Collicutt, the church organist. And, since Flavia is the one who found his body inside the tomb of Saint Tancred – the town’s patron saint, she most certainly feels obliged to get to the bottom of the matter. As this story weaves through an unwinding of characters and storylines, I can’t help but wonder if there will only be one more book to this series, as certain internet postings seem to have alluded to. I can not imagine an end to Flavia. So, for now, we’ll just keep this rumor on the down-low, shall we? In the event I misread. Of course. Young readers, for whom these tomes are written, will actually love this series. And, I dare say, even attempt to emulate some of the characters. Always a pleasure to be back in Bishop’s Lacey with Flavia and her siblings – two older sisters with an uncanny propensity toward peculiarity. And, oh yes, with Gladys. A pleasure. A real pleasure, indeed.

Great book, very convoluted tail. One of my favorites in the series!

I only wish Flavia was real and I was 11 again so that we could be best friends. She is one of the most awesome characters I've ever come across and, hands, down, my favorite. I love every book in this series and this one more so: Flavia matures and opens up a little bit and that development is very satisfying; a twist happens that I've suspected since the second book (finally!); maybe it's just me, but it seems as if the discussion in chemistry is somewhat less so the book feels like it moves faster. I love this whole series. As an avid mystery/murder reader, I hate the all-too-predictable endings. Alan Bradley always has me wondering which direction he will be going in and he never gives the reader what they want just because it feels right. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. A very realistic approach to Flavia's microscopic dissection of life. And while I love all of the science and chemistry discussions, since I read late at night, I will often fall asleep during those sections. This book felt like it spent less time during those parts. I always love the cultural icon references or discussions and this one was no exception. I also really enjoyed the discussion of organ anatomy and pipes. Having played the organ before, but never an old one, I am itchy to tour somewhere where I can get my eyes on a really old, historic organ. The ambience of the books always has me hooked. And now I will be biting my fingernails until the next one comes out. aaaargh!

Wow. Just wow. Flavia and I may have had a little spat after her last case--a closed-room style Christmas mystery (

The latest book in the Flavia de Luce mysteries continues the adventures of Flavia, a precocious 12 year old who lives with her Father and two very annoying older sisters in a decaying mansion set in a very picturesque English village circa 1950. All the ingredients of the typical British mystery are present: village people of varying eccentricity, the vicar, the doctor, the constable. The very rural setting adds a touch of feeling isolated from the world. Flavia is a budding genius in chemistry and has a laboratory "inherited" from her uncle Tarquin. Her passion is poisons. No, she's not the murderer, but she always manages to decipher and outsmart the police when odd deaths happen in Bishop's Lacey. Now, there's a name for a village! The books don't have to be read in order, but it is helpful to be acquainted with the characters, especially Flavia's family. In this particular book the church organist is found in the crypt of St. Tancred's church. Murdered, of course. There is a delicious side story of the opening of the saint's tomb and the discovery of a very strange person kept hidden away from the public by his domineering father. Not to mention a diamond of great value. As if that we're not enough, the book ends with an amazing announcement. I can't wait for the next one. However, you might find the chemistry lingo and experiments a bit obscure and daunting. I never liked chemistry class, so I might be a little biased about the fact that 12 year old Flavia is such a whiz at it.

Read it to the end Friends, to the very last sentence! Another good installment in the series. This one seems a little more science-y but I skim over those parts because I am nowhere near "Nerd" status smart! All the clues are there it you're inclined to solve the mystery but watch out for the twist ending!!

If one has not read any of the previous books in this charming and clever series, you simply must! The detective. the impossible not to adore "almost twelve" year old Flavia de Luce, is precocious, motherless and caught between the emotional deprivation of two unappealing older sisters and a self-absorbed father. Her best and only friend is her bicycle which she endows with human characteristics and is really The Watson to her Sherlock. Always one step ahead of police, Flavia is fearless as she sets out at midnight alone to crawl around in underground crypts or haunted houses. Neither Flavia nor her sisters appear to attend school, so Flavia's interactions are all with adults, some of whom she secretly worships, but most of whom she writes off as being not very bright. This, the fifth in the series, has a cliffhanger of an ending which will, frankly, make little sense to anyone reading this book alone. The series has recurring characters and the early books really set the scene and the tone for future books. The writer paints such a clear picture of this girl that the reader wants to jump into the book, adopt her, wrap her in a blanket with a puppy in front of a fire, and get her away from the emotional vacuum which she fills by proving her ability to solve mysteries which, of course, baffle the police. Even the writer seems to sense that Flavia needs some good news and, hopefully, the next book will give her something more than a puzzle to solve.

Flavia, 11 years old, and smarter, better educated, and more informed about almost everything than all the adults in Bishops Lacey, even than Sherlock Holmes would be were he there too. It is pretty unlikely, isn't it. One wonders why she never goes to school. She never has friends her age. She is partially orphaned in a very dysfunctional and unloving family, and yet, she thrives. Her only confidante is a shell shocked, former prisoner of war, named Dogger. It is pretty unlikely, isn't it that she'd be the heroine. And in every Flavia de Luce novel she is frequently the one who finds the body, and definitely the one who solves the mystery of the death. It is pretty unlikely isn't it. And just how many murder/mysterious deaths can occur during an 11 year old's life in one small English shire before she turns 12? And could she really, really be the chemist she is portrayed to be? Unlikely. This novel is particularly weird because everything occurs in a Church's graveyard or crypt anyway. And even weirder is that there are two possible murderers, or at least they think themselves to be. And only Flavia can explain it all to the police inspector Hewett. Pretty unlikely, isn't it. And yet, as unlikely as this heroine, and the repetitive mysterious death plot in every novel is, this series is really fun reading. It speaks to Bradley's good writing, doesn't it.

Flavia continues to use her brilliant mind to work with chemicals in deceased Uncle Tar's laboratory at Buckshaw, the family home, and to plot ways to get back at her sisters, Feely and Daffy, who continue to torment her, as usual. Their father continues to isolate himself in his study with his stamps. However, conditions are dire, and it appears that Buckshaw must be sold! There are many events taking place in this, the fifth outing of Bradley's feisty young detective. The five-hundredth anniversary of Saint Tancred's death, and the folk of Bishop's Lacey are preparing to open the crypt and pay honor to their patron saint. However, what is discovered are the remains of Mr. Collicutt, the church organist. How did he manage to end up in the tomb of Saint Tancred? As always, Bradley does a wonderful job of developing his characters, and even though you might wonder how and why certain people are introduced to the story, all is made clear by the end. Inspector Hewitt didn't play as large a part in this entry in the series, but readers will still enjoy everything that goes on in Flavia's world. Without giving anything away, there is QUITE a surprise at the end of the book, so DON'T LOOK ahead!

As Amazon has gotten to know me over the years I often wonder why it recommends to me some of the books it does, and have sometimes been quite disappointed by quite a few of their selections. I read a hefty amount of mysteries and "cozies" as a sort of candy for my brain. It all started with Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and has now led me to Alan Bradley, whose Flavia de Luce may rival even the great Poirot as my favorite mystery sleuth of all time. You would think books centering around a preteen in 1950s England who is obsessed with poisons, death, and murder would be strange to find enjoyable, but there is no doubting it. Bradley is brilliant. Each Flavia novel I have read has taken me no longer than 1 or 2 days to read because I simply can't put them down. They have everything you could want in a mystery including Flavia, who just makes me laugh out loud sometimes. I hope Bradley continues his novels, so that in time my children can read them in the same way I read Christie (who they will also be reading if I have anything to say about it). I would hate this series to end after anything less than 50 books! I want to see Flavia grow up, and see how Bradley handles that! Well done!

I've read the first half of the books in the Flavia de Luce series. All of them are very good, in multiple ways, but Speaking from Among the Bones is one of the best. The more I read in the series, the more I realize what importance the author has given to the story of Flavia and her family, in addition to the mystery in each book. This book had one of the most surprising and educational mysteries, from beginning to end, and what was happening with her family made my jaw drop at the end. I'd advise anyone to read the whole series, preferably in order, and not just pick and choose among them. I have recently been rereading Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries, which I like, but I think Alan Bradley's writing in this series is quite superior to Christie's. The portrayals are gemlike, but still relate to ordinary human life.

The Flavia De Luca series is one of the best new mystery series to come along in some time. The characters are each unique and likeable, wholly strange yet familiar, like some group of distant relatives that live in a dilapidated mansion on a hill and who you only see on very rare occasions. Flavia herself is a clever misfit that needs a nice long hug. Her tangential tirades about poisons make me laugh out loud, mostly because everyone at one time or another, especially when they are feeling helpless, likes to imagine their enemies, or their sisters, dying a slow and painful death by some distillation of poison oak. The newest book did not disappoint. The mystery was riveting as always, with the monetary woes of the De Luca clan hanging dark above Buckshaw in the background and the sisterly affection scarce. Somehow this book was lacking, though, when compared to the others and the only reason I can think why is that Mr. Bradley seemed to be quietly making his way through the story towards his big surprise ending at the expense of the mystery at hand. He succeeded in leaving me on pins and needles, waiting impatiently for the next book, but he didn't quite satisfy my appetite this time around.

Easter is approaching in Bishop’s Lacey, and St Tancred’s church is commemorating its five hundredth anniversary by opening the tomb of the namesake patron saint. Flavia deLuce is eager to witness the exhumation for herself; on opening the tomb however, the onlookers find not the moldering remains of St Tancred, but the recently dead church organist, Mr. Collicutt. Who wanted Mr. Collicutt dead, and why are some church officials so reluctant to proceed with the excavation? Once again, Flavia is on the case, whether the police like it or not. The fifth Flavia book gets the ball rolling rather quickly with the main murder plot, but there are a lot of other subplots from previous novels that are starting to come together here. The de Luce family’s financial problems have finally come to a head, and Buckshaw is up for sale. There is a cliffhanger here at the end, and the next book seems to be headed for a resolution of sorts. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in the series, this one is a must read.

I ordered this book nearly 5 years ago and it has sat in the queue until last night, when I finally cracked it open. Good thing today was Saturday as I spent the better part of the day absorbed in the story ... what a delight! I did not realize until I opened it up that this was book 5 in the series, but the characters and setting are more than adequately described to help the reader dive right in. Good plot, plenty of twists and turns, and loose ends neatly tied up - however, it does end on a cliffhanger and in this regard I am glad I waited this long to read this - upon completion I immediately ordered the next two books in the series. Although I generally I lean towards non-fiction/history, I do like the occasional YA as they usually offer a good dose of fresh air. So glad I stumbled onto this series.

The Flavia de Luce novels have been one of the best book discoveries for me in the past two years (along with fabulous Midnight Riot (US)/Rivers of London (UK) series by Ben Aaronovitch). Flavia is an utterly engaging sprite of girl who runs amok through the countryside of her local town in England. She's a genius with a depraved love of chemistry (poisons are her specialty), but uses it--mostly--for good. A self educated child, she is left to pretty much fend for herself in post-War Britain, while dodging her slightly sadistic sisters and her disengaged father. They all live on an estate that is literally rotting around them (the house itself is practically another character in the series). As with any good period English mystery, there are a series of deaths which draw Flavia in by piquing her curiosity. She uses her vast knowledge of science, as well as her wicked intellect, to navigate through a world which she only partly understands. The wry tone and quirky insights of the narrator (Flavia) never fail to make you chuckle. Each of these books is a treasure. I can't wait to read them as they get released!

What a fantastic author, the characters are so real and fun. My husband read the entire series, now he is missing Flavia so much! Glad I have a few left to read, but every day he says something about Flavia and I am so worried he’ll slip in a spoiler. Thanks for your talent....2 or 3 more maybe????😀

I have been hooked on the Flavia series (this is the fifth book), and have pre-ordered them since I read the first book. Mysteries are my favorite genre, and Bradley's Flavia series are a delight! I love Bradley's metaphors and his descriptions. Each book begins with a sumptuous opening and ends with a cliff-hanger--this title has a huge surprise ending! I gave the book a four because I felt it rambled at bit during the first half. It seemed to take off in so many directions I had trouble seeing where it was going. It finally started coming together later in the story. Flavia is starting to show growing pains as she wrestles with new feelings that surprise herself. I enjoyed this new aspect to her personality. Bradley is no slouch when it comes to research and we see it here in the amount of detail work provided in chemistry and history. With this cliff-hanger ending, I can't wait to get my hands on book number six!

What more could you ask?

Flavia is the most wonderful, precocious child who love chemistry.! She is one of 3 sisters living in a large run down house with a father who tends to disappear into his study most of the time, not really understanding his daughters. The mother died when Flavia is young and her sisters don't seem to really like her. In the first book you find out that she finds a room in one part of the house that has been turned into a chemistry lab! This was her grandfathers passion. She learns everything and spends her time thinking about, or imaging what she could do with various poisons that she makes. However something always goes wrong. These books are mystery stories about murders in the sleepy little town she lives in. She becomes a detective, much against the head detectives desire, and usually solves them all! Gentle tales that will have you loving this kid. Nice light reading. I wait for the next!

The 5th book in the Flavia de Luce series has Flavia becoming involved with the 500th anniversary of St. Tancred, with the commemoration opening his tomb under the church. She manages to weasel her way into the opening of the tomb, where to everyone's surprise, they find the body of the church's missing organist in a gas mask. Flavia cannot resist a good murder mystery and begins her own investigation. This leads her to a ghost legend, a secret tunnel, and a missing jewel. While Flavia is busily working on the case, her home situation is changing drastically, with an engagement, and the potential sale of her family home. She also finds out more about her mother from some unexpected sources. Flavia befriends a flora-archeologist who helps to investigate the case, and Flavia uses chemistry to solve a few puzzles along the way. The book ends in a dramatic fashion, leaving the reader anxious for the next installment.

I could go on and on about this book, and I probably will. For some strange reason, I have liked the odd books in this series far more than the evens, and this book is no exception. Bradley has this ability to warp and twist worlds in ways unimaginable, especially in the ways he uses his verbs. Bradley tends not to use the being verb, and instead substitutes words that seem to fit far better with his characters, because such a strange cast involves such a unique style of writing. And Flavia is back, and she is bold and willing to go to any and all lengths to solve Bishop 's Lacey's most recent mystery. I was drawn into the plot, and he opened up so many opportunities for his characters, with a remarkable cliffhanger at the end. I cannot test when there are such fabulous authors on the loose and so few people to praise them.

Had unabridged audio version. Initially, the accent of the reader made it difficult for this old listener. But once I started listening attentively, it was great. No it is not a slasher and fairly bloodless. But ms De Luce is a gem and the reader captures her character beautifully. Well written, with the only criticism being that at times we are left hanging for a full chaptr before a point is brought to closure. Addtionally not all items tied up. This is mixed, as you want to hear the next book....now! Note: I listened to the first audio book in the series after this, and it is even better. Plan on listening to all of them. Second note: my wifte and I (grandparents) loved it, and I know my eleven year old graddaughter would lo ve it as well. Great for any bright precotious preteen/teen. And that is a perfect descriptor for our "princess."

I think this is a good story, but I was so very distracted by the reader that I can't give it a higher rating. Her normal voice is fine, but her attempts to do children's voices and attitudes is, in my opinion, terrible. Do you know Francesca Annis and her characterization of Tuppence in Agatha Christie's mystery novels? How about Geraldine McEwan in Mapp & Lucia? The reader of this CD book presents the girls in these kinds of voices, especially Flavia - often throaty and gloating, far too sophisticated for an 11-year old girl. I could just envision Flavia with her head thrown back, glorying in being smart and having secrets. Often, the three girls sounded like little old querulous women sniping at each other from their rockers on a porch. Then, suddenly, things would sound appropriate for a while, then go downhill again. I will read one of the other books in the series because I think they are probably very good. The CD book was promising. Other than the voices, my only complaint is that, even for me who practices it regularly with mystery, science fiction, and fantasy stories, it's necessary to grant a little more than usual suspension of disbelief.

These stories are pretty far fetched but fun and intriguing. Mr. Bradley really ties together historical accuracy with chemistry correctness.

I am pleasantly surprised. I am a tradesman in my fifties. I got into these books when they came out because I like Sherlock style mysteries. I had figured I was about done with books about a little girl and didn't really pay attention to this new book. I mean how long can I stick with this character and author right ? Then for some reason I bought Among The Bones; what the heck. I am having a great time reading this new Flavia book ! I ride a bike very often ( I even , nonverbally say things to the bike) so does Flavia. After thirty years with the same bike you will be talking occasionly as well. I like detail and discovering what there is to learn from them. So does Flavia. My God . . . I'm a Flavia (and Alan Bradley) fan boy . . . don't tell anybody.

I am a huge Flavia fan, and find myself laughing out loud both at her gumption and the way she turns a phrase. I loved the progression of the character and her familial relations. Also, Bradley's prose keeps getting better and better. He truly paints a picture of Bishop's Lacey and Buckshaw. I appreciate an author that puts so much effort and heart into what some might view as relatively unimportant paragraphs. Some of my favorite pieces were away from the main plot. But the mystery itself felt like no mystery at all in this fifth installment. Every bit felt fairly obvious from the onset, and in the end, the mystery felt secondary to the character itself. I enjoyed it all the same, but am hopeful that the next story might pack more punch.

I generally LOVE Flavia de Luce, but at times I found myself a little confused in this book. Not sure if it was my attention span, or if Mr. Bradley was assuming I knew too much or he was skipping over a few things. Not sure about this new fellow they tried to introduce as another investigative helper to Flavia. BUT all that being said - I loved the ending!! I KNEW IT!!! I love ol' Dogger and even like that the relationship between Flavia and her sisters is thawing just a bit. All that constant bickering can be tiresome. Oh, and more Antonia! Poor Flavia could use a bit of a mother's touch every now and then.

There's a lot more meat on the bones of this book than was true of its predecessor in the series. That book was bottled up in Buckshaw and kinda thin stuff, while this one takes Flavia to various well-depicted locales and introduces interesting characters into a full plot. Flavia's own character continues to develop. She's still one strange kid, but her sensitivity to human beings is growing. She's figuring out that it isn't all about her and that the world isn't as simple as a chemical formula. This series is increasingly driven by questions about identity. People -- including Flavia -- are not what they seem to be ... so who are they, and how did they get to be as they are? The cliff-hanger didn't come as a huge surprise to me, but it does make me eager for the next Flavia adventure.

I so enjoyed the young protagonist in this story! She is who I wish I could've been! So intelligent, so brave and so caring!!! I love Flavia DeLuce!!! This character and story were both so mesmerising, entertaining, charming, and full of mystery and potential danger and excitement! I definitely want to read more stories by this author!!! No doubt about it!!!

May Alan Bradley's guardián angel work overtime to make sure he is alive and well and finishes the next Flavia De Luce mystery and soon. The ending of Speaking from Among the Bones is the most frustratingly enticing, or enticingly frustrating cliff hanger I have read in a very long time. Multiple threads of the ongoing story of Buckshaw and the shadowy disappeared mother, Harriet, and a diamond that Flavia swallowed to keep it from the very creepy villains, are dramatically cut off, unresolved, and I itch for the answers. BTW, I "read" the audio editions so I can knit whilst absorbing the book. Jayne Entwhistle is a SUPERB reader for the tone and style of the series. I read one of the series in print, and find that the story has much more life in Entwhistle's voice.

Every time I pick up another adventure with Flavia de Luce I know she'll never fail to involve me as a partner in solving yet another mystery, and this time was no exception. Although this tale involves the mysterious disappearance of the church's organist, and hints at her oldest sister's upcoming nuptials, Flavia is once more drawn into several mysteries, although it must be admitted that it takes very little effort to draw Flavia into any mystery. With the assistance of her trusty bike, Gladys, Flavia once more uses her wits and her wiles to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, only to be knocked head-over-heels by an astonishing announcement. But, as they say, that's a story for another day.

I love all the books in this delightful series. I read and reread them, finding more to enjoy each time. It will be interesting how further books allow Flavia to progress further into adolescence. I enjoy both her amazing intellectual prodigy and her eccentric emotional inner life combining for a multi-layer story. Looking forward to the next book and recommend highly all the books of the series to those who enjoy an intriguing heroine and imaginative settings and plots.

Flavia de Luce does it again. When they open St. Tancred's tomb at the village church, they find the church organist's body instead. Flavia is on the case, and finds the answer. It's a fun read. Alan Bradley does an amazing job of getting into the brain of an eleven year old girl. Flavia reminds me of my best friend and me at that age. We both had older siblings who wished that we would miraculously vanish, and, on our bikes, we both endlessly explored the area where we lived. We also managed to find new ways to torture our older siblings, and get into general mischief.

I get lots of laughs from Alan Bradley's Flavia, and a good yarn as she sticks her 11-year-old nose in everybody's business, especially the police inspector's when there's a murder. Bradley's writing is graceful and amusing, his descriptions poetic, his Flavia is deliciously naughty and precocious. I'm glad she's not my kid, but I love spending time with her as she maneuvers around her sisters and all of her suspects. Moments of 11-year-old joy, often brought about by chemistry (and Bradley makes it fascinating) or roaring around on her bicycle, give us the heart of Flavia. The quality of writing is what you would expect from a literary novel, not generally from the cozy mystery genre, and it's refreshing and delightful. Hooray, Alan Bradley, you've done it again! Every book is a wind-in-the hair experience.

Why can't Amazon post a simple list of an author's titles in order of publication? If you discover an author, you might like to read them in the order they were written, to appreciate the characters' (and the author's) development. Here's the list of Alan Bradley's charming, scary, funny Flavia de Luce Novels, as of December 2014. Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce novels in order: 1. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, 1/2010 2. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, 2/2011 3. A Red Herring Without Mustard, 10/2011 4. I Am Half-Sick of Shadows, 10/2012 5. Speaking from Among the Bones, 12/2013 6. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches, 1/2014 7. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, 1/2015 Enjoy!

Alan Bradley can do no wrong! A great Flavia DeLuce mystery....

Best Flavia de Luce yet! A delightful diversion into the grave of a departed saint with a dash of child genius.

Flavia seems to develop more depth with each story and I found this one to be especially good. I stumbled up Flavia de Luce quite accidentally and now eagerly await each new tale. This fifth in the series more than lives up to that expectation and ends on a note that leaves one hoping number six is not far from publication. There's the usual precocious chemistry elements from young Flavia along with tension with her older sisters, but the families financial woes and Flavia's new understandings of her mother add a welcome counterbalance. I would not recommend that this be the first one of the series you choose to read since you'll appreciate Flavia and her family more if you've read some of the earlier books.

Flavia de Luce will draw you in and never let you down. I suggest you start with the first book in the series, "the Sweetness at the bottom of the pie", so you will have the background of this fearless, adventurous, precocious, eleven year old and her family. You will not want to miss a minute of her life. Can't write reviews, but I know great story telling when I read it. I orderd the latest book in the series months ago and can't wait for it to come.

This was my favorite (so far) of the Flavia de Luce novels. Alan Bradley has a writing style that draws me in and makes me want to savor each chapter for the pure enjoyment of the reading. I thought this book, fifth in the series, had more spooky suspense and character enrichment than the first four in the series. The ending has a surprise I was not expecting, leaving me wanting more.

I just love Flavia and the whole deLuce family, and I certainly wasn't disappointed by this book. As usual, Flavia is up to her usual mystery-solving and little-sister hi-jinx. For me, the humor is just as important in these books as the mystery. The mystery is a good one, but you can see where it's all going. It's really the journey that Flavia takes us on that's the important thing. I haven't laughed so much reading a book in a long while. Bradley has a very easy writing style that reminds me of Christie. These books are good fun and easy reads. With the cliffhanger at the end of this book, I simply cannot wait for the next book!

Another romping adventure as told by Miss Flavia deLuce. These stories are so well told, I don’t even care that there isn’t much danger or intrigue. Fascinating characters, lively dialogue, and the indefatigable Flavia make these books worth their weight in gold.

These books have to be read in order, of course, so my recommendation is dependent upon that. Start with the first in the series. Bradley is a literate writer and the style is almost that of a young adult novel, the young protagonist, the almost smart-ass attitude...but it's so interesting and so well done that you fall right into it. Like Agatha Christie meets Lewis Carroll or something. My favorite author is Dennis Lehane, and yet I love these books. Recommended for mystery addicts.

I always enjoy visiting with Flavia de Luce via Alan Bradley and his brilliant writing, and "Speaking from Among the Bones" was no exception. It had me hooked from the beginning, riding along with Flavia, rooting her on in her quest for truth. I must say, however, that the last sentence left my mouth hanging openly in total, unexpected surprise! I always say that when a writer makes you slack-jawed for whatever reason, THAT'S good writing! Thank you, Sir Bradley, for leaving me stunned and awaiting the NEXT de Luce adventure...but, HURRY!

This series just keeps getting better in the personal character development. St Tancred is being exhumed except another body is found in his crypt when they open it up. Flavia of course is on the scene and in the mix as usual. The murder itself has an interesting conclusion, but the set up for personal circumstances and the future of Buckshaw was great.

As usual, Flavia de Luce is an amazing protagonist in an engaging mystery. The disappointment is in the book itself --- it is a very cheap looking book. Imagine a hardbound paperback. The previous books in the series are in the typical hardback format with attractive book jackets. Is this cheap look a new norm? Might as well get the Kindle edition. I bought this one to add to my collection of Flavia novels. It is not a good companion to the others in terms of physical format.

This may have been my favorite Flavia de Luce novel yet, but it is a tough call because I love them all. The characters and setting are richly portrayed, and the writing is meant to be savored. I had to make myself slow down when reading it because I didn't want it to be over too quickly. Some passages are perfection--I just had to go back and reread them for the joy of the words! Even the minor characters come to life in a way that I have rarely found in popular literature today. Can't wait for the next adventure with Flavia. Alan Bradley, you are my hero!

From the opening lines in the first book of the series to the last line in the most recent installment ... I am a fan of Flavia and Mr. Bradley's writing. I look forward to the next volume ... hopefully it will be sooner than a year away!

This book is a selection for my book club. I have not read any of the Flavia de Luce books prior to this one. I found that not reading the other Flavia books first was not a problem. I enjoyed this book -- the best part was that I did not figure out who the murderer(s) was/were before it was revealed in the book.

Flavia is a delightful character. I was hooked from the first book in the series THE SWEETNESS at the BOTTOM of the PIE. These books are just fun to read. I first read a review of his Flavia de Luce mystery series in the WSJ young readers section and thought that it might be sophisticated enough for 60 somethings to read also. There are so many references to 1950s English country life and wonderful descriptive phrases of people, places and attitudes that I think might be lost on young readers that make it a great read for Anglofiles, mystery buffs and readers longing for a wonderful escape from modern angst.

I don't typically write reviews for books I read, but I have enjoyed this series tremendously since first picking up The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Although each book has been enjoyable in its own way, I can safely say that this book is my favorite of the series thus far. The story itself is superb, but for me, what I enjoyed the most was the revealing of more details surrounding the de Luce family and other long-standing characters. With a spectacular twist at the end, I'm left waiting with bated breath for the next instalment and hoping it won't take too long to arrive.

My precocious granddaughter is completely taken with Lord of the Rings et al....but I’ve captured her interest in a different kind of book by introducing her to Flavia de Luce. Such fun to compare our reactions to Flavia and her adventures.

I was quite prepared to be disappointed with this latest installment of the almost too adorably clever Flavia de Luce, but it seems author Bradley and his supporting crew are able to maintain the incredibly high standard established from the inception of this wonderful series. I would have liked more interplay between the young heroine and the Inspector, but the finale provides sufficient. I also wonder where the sisters' relationship is going, but that apparently still has room to develop. Distressingly, the totally surprising denouement left me once again anxiously awaiting Flavia' s next adventure. If his intent is to sell the NEXT book, he has succeeded....

These books are great, and I have read the whole series. The trivia alone you learn is enough to justify the book. The writing is excellent, too. However, the plots are becoming formulaic. I don't know what the author can do, but a change in the way the story progresses would help keep my interest high for future Flavia books. Perhaps the unexpected surprise at the end of the book will provide a stepping stone to a new direction for Flavia and family.

I have read all of Alan Bradley books and so far this is my favorite. His writing is excellent. He pulls in other writers famous sayings and just has great intelligence in explaining every thing in life! Especially chemistry.

Another good installment in the series. This one was especially chemical based, which I didn't love, but it did keep me guessing. I liked seeing some thawing of the relationship between Flavia and her sisters as well. My one real complaint is that the book ended on a cliffhanger, which is something I tend to dislike because it feels like a gimmick to force you to read the next book.

When I read the first Flavia novel I fell in love. Alan Bradley is gifted. I can honestly say he is my favorite author. Every Flavia novel I read, I worry it is the last. How many crimes can one young girl solve? But Bradley makes it work without seeming unbelievable. Speaking From Among the Bones is the best one yet. He has really developed the characters and there were many parts that made me laugh out loud. And just when I thought surely this WAS the last Flavia novel I read the last page and BAM! didn't see that coming! Thank you Mr. Bradley!!!!!

Flavia is in fine form again for the 5th book in the series and I greatly enjoyed it. The mystery begins with the death of the church organist and only unfolds through her thoughts and perceptions. For a genius she is still 11 years old going on 12. I do wish there was more interaction with her family and she seemed to be going it alone more than usual, but this is a minor drawback.

Flavia is back in another page tuner. The intrepid now twelve year old girl leads us on an adventure that will keep you guessing. She's a student of human nature,astute and might I say,quite lovable! Buckshaw is in danger, and Flavia feels helpless to save her beloved home. While solving the latest mystery, (which involves Saint Tancred ) she becomes closer to her father and sisters. There's a shocking ending, and it's foreshadowed, so see if you can guess before the last page! Do yourself a favor, curl up with Speaking From Among The Bones, and let Flavia lead you through another delightful mystery!

Flavia de Luce has become one of my favorite mystery characters. Mr. Bradley engages the reader immediately with description of true life events that wander into Flavia's conscience. He brings to life his heroin with events that quickly entangle her curiosity and tenacity for details. As Flavia can't resist a great mystery she has no choice but to see it through to the end, even at the expense of her own life. One doesn't know if they should be irritated with her intrusions or celebrate her discoveries. Either way a good read is what you get.

A good romp ! A kid's book with some detailed chemistry thrown in to make us believe we are as clever as Flavia. You could almost believe a twelve year old kid could be that clever. Of course it's all smoke and mirrors, one should not be too critical ,just go with the flow and enjoy the series.

Flavia de Luce is a wonderful character, an 11 year old who is fascinated by chemistry, especially as it relates to poisons. In a family of English eccentrics, she contends with her older sisters who never miss a chance to tease her, and a widowed father who is distant and sad. Flavia never knew her mother who died when she was a baby, and the circumstances of this bright, lonely, and independent child are a sad background to the stories, which are full of humor and engaging descriptions of an English village and its odd assortment of inhabitants.

I ordered this book before it came out in print because I love Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce murder mysteries so much. In his books I learn odd bits of English history, the origins of English words and phrases, the kinds of discoveries that I really relish. If you're an anglophile and love a good yarn with amusing bits and eccentric characters, you can't go wrong with this book. Don't rush through the book too fast. This book is to be savored and enjoyed like a fine wine. Flavia's dysfunctional family reminds me of Jane Austen's characters in "Pride and Prejudice."

Murder in the village church and the opening of a Saint's grave. flavia is at it again, trying to discover who murdered the organist and why. her views on the world are highly entertaining to me and the interaction with adults is most hilarious as well. she is a small "adult" really with a love of poisions and chemistry. The twist at the end was most unexpected and if you have read the full series this will really be a surprise. does buckthorn get sold? we won't know until the next installment!

Alan Bradley is back with a winner with Speaking Among the Bones. Flavia is a more believable sleuth in this one, with exploits a highly intelligent pre-teen might undertake. The sisters' characters also have more depth, demonstrating at least a modicum of compassion for their little sister.. The tight plot keeps the reader involved., and it exits with a blockbuster final sentence, assuring fans will look forward to the next adventure.

Only rarely do you come across a read that is an absolute delight. This is one of those. Would strongly recommend it

I fell in love with 11-year-old Flavia de Luce and her bicycle Gladys with the first of the series, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. In this book the characters are even more multi-dimensional, former subplots continue to pull us along, there is an unmistakable warmth among the family members, and Miss Flavia is in top form. The mystery has multiple twists, and the chemistry figures large. in addition, the dry British humor and mr. Bradley's rich and wonderful similes make the writing delightful. Bravo!

Flavia de Luce never disappoints! This series is one of my favorites. A wideband precocious heroine who is charmingly flawed and human, an aristocratic family humbled by debt and grief, and a classic post-war British village setting all combine in a delightfully original mystery series. Read these, trust me.

Okay, I have to be honest here. I love ALL of the Flavia books. I was hooked from the very beginning with The Sweetness at The Bottom of The Pie. I adore all of the characters and appreciate how Mr. Bradley brings them all to life, especially Flavia. I expect to bump into her when I'm out and about. You learn so MUCH when you read Mr. Bradley's books, and this one is no exception. Don't peak at the ending now, but trust me when I say, you will be stunned!

I am reading all of Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce books - from The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie to the current book. I so enjoy them.

I have read all of Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce mysteries and enjoyed each one.Flavia is such a charming ,resourceful,precocious child -detective who seems to have an inordinate amount of freedom due to a seemingly neglectful family.As the series progresses Flavia is gaining respect for her crime solving abilities and forming relationships with members of her small village.There is still the mystery of her long lost mother,and the future of the family estate which is in jeopardy.I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and hope it will be soon!

I have now read all the books in this series, and in my opinion "Speaking From Among the Bones" is the best. Alan Bradley is beginning to expand the cast of characters in each of his stories. Even Buckshaw has started to come to life for me. I can "see" it better here than in any of the previous novels. The last sentence provides the hook for the next book and it's so ambiguous, it's hard to tell where Alan Bradley will take us and Flavia next time around.

Who ever would have thought that a 60-something American male (who loves detective stories) would fall in love with an 11-year-old British girl in 1950's England who solves murder mysteries? Alan Bradley's heroine is in great form in this 5th story. She's a little sassy, but brilliantly clever. She's also an accomplished chemist -- a skill that she sometimes fantasizes about regarding revenge on her sisters, but usually uses to aid in detection. The cliff-hanger ending to this story is a real treat -- it guarantees yet another book.

Amateur chemist Flavian continues to sort out local murders and her own baffling family story. From Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie to the recent finale the series is crisp, witty, offers plot turns aplenty, and describes the 50s pastoral England, when cars and telephones were grudgingly accepted while even less is left of the aristocracy and stately homes. Flavia looks forward and backward at the same time. She is a kid, but this is for grownups.

I loved this book. Each book is better than the one before. Flavia is a charming sprite. I love the chemistry facts and the brave things she explores. I would have never had the courage to explore tunnels in the middle of the night but these are the things that make Flavia spring into action. I love the writing especially Flavia's sassy dialogue. With this book save the last page till the end it will spoil the book if you read it early. Keep them coming Mr. Bradley

I always look forward to the next Flavia de Luce mystery and this one was a joy, like all the others. I don't read mysteries very often but I really enjoy Alan Bradley's writing and his development of the characters and storylines. I look forward to many more.

I have really enjoyed this series and this latest book is no disappointment. I felt the middle part of the book was a bit slow, but wow, did this book finish with a bang! Great writing and creativity - use of good vocabulary. I think it's so cool that after so many books, I'm still interested in this 12 year old sleuth! Good job!

A terrific series and this is one of the best. Flavia is an amazing character that he brings to life. You can just see her bouncing along the road on her bike, pigtails flying, digging out her next clue. Bradley's characters are always interesting and the story moves along at a good clip. In the end, Flavia always figures out who the murderer is before the police do. This book has a shocking ending, preparing us for the next book to come. I can hardly wait.

Quite enjoyable, and ending in a cliffhanger- what more can I ask of my favorite heroine? I'm glad I read this on a kindle app where you just click on a word and the definition pops up because Mr. Bradley makes me stretch my brain and I needed the dictionary a time or two. Flavia is Flavia except I have just been made aware that her name is pronounced Flay-via not Flah-via, oh well, guess I will have to re-read the series.

I'm reading all of this series and not in order. Each is more fun than the last. Easy reading but not 'cause their dumb. The main character is just who I'd be if I could. The depth of emotion is increasing as they proceed. The author does a 12 year old girl very well.

This series of books are completely original and are compelling and enjoyable. I wait for the next one as soon I finish the last one. Flavia de Luce is a real character, destined for greatness, if she survives the malcontents and oddballs of her village... and her sisters! There isn't a problem in the world that can't be solved by ...chemistry!! She is a lovable character with a good sharp edge and nothing can daunt her curiousity when the game is afoot!

Each book featuring Flavia de Luce has been a delight and each is better than the previous. Filled with turns of phrases that make me giggle and that tell so much about the character that utters them. How Alan Bradley so perfectly climbs inside the head of an 11 year old genius with the quirks Flavia has is a mystery in itself. To be rewarded with an ending that I've hoped for since chapter one of the first book makes me giddy.

Eleven-year-old amateur detective and amateur chemist Flavia de Luce is involved in the opening of a medieval tomb in her small English village of Bishops' Lacey. Although there is indeed a modern mystery to solve, most of her investigations involve relationships a generation or two earlier. Author Alan Bradley writes wonderfully eccentric characters - not the least of which is Flavia's bicycle, Gladys. And there is great cliffhanger at the end of the book that will change everything!

Each Flavia de Luce mystery gets better and better. What's not to love about this precocious, pre-adolescent who adores chemistry and sleuthing? Alan Bradley's writing is at the same time smart, funny, and poignant. He has an uncanny way of getting into the head of an 11-year-old girl and making her narratives utterly believable. Speaking from Among the Bones may be my favorite thus far!

As with all the Flavia de Luce stories, the mystery exists almost as an excuse to hang out with our winning heroine. The 11 year-old chemist/sleuth never fails to delight. I wish there were 50 more of these. SPEAKING FROM AMONG THE BONES sports a stronger story than some of the previous books. The conclusion to the mystery is satisfying, and the ending is lights out stunning. A must read for Flavia fans.

Excellent read, Alan Bradley is a gifted writer...I have read all his Flaviia De Luce. stories , this was the fifth. I was very impressed with each of them and would highly recommend this series stating at "the Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" . They were so much fun, I truly hated for the story to end. I am truly looking forward to his 6th book . Can't wait!

Flavia de Luce is the best thing to happen to mystery stories since Albert Campion. Pitch perfect tone, characters weird and wonderful -- these we've come to expect from this series featuring a girl genius and her eccentric family. Now Flavia shows signs of growing up a bit. Things are even more worrying on the home front. And there's a cliffhanger ending. Start with the first in series for maximum enjoyment.

Don't be mislead by Flavia's age (11). She is wise beyond her years and this book series is witty, clever and a total GREAT read! "Speaking from Among the Bones" is the best. Wonderful characters and plot twists and we learn more about the de Luces and their estate caretaker (and Flavia's friend and advisor) Dogger. Can't wait for the next book. Hope Alan Bradley is writing furiously this very minute!!

I stumbled upon this series a couple years ago and I'm hooked. This is a delightful series with great characters. The stories just keep getting better. These books are a fast read but completely engaging. Then there's the undercurrent of the mystery of Flavia's mother ..... just in case you weren't already hooked on Flavia's odd family and neighbors. I recommend the entire series for readers of all ages.

I zip through these books and hope they never end. The characters are compelling and so engaging, and the storytelling is fabulous. There is something that speaks to me in these stories, probably the rich, vivid inner life of the main character, and her utter disdain for the rules and regulations that govern (or try to) her existence. Flavia is delightful, and truly unforgettable. You won't go wrong with these stories!

My first experience with the Flavia de Luce series. I will now go back and start with the first "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" and read them in chronological order. Can't wait!

This fifth Flavia novel is like an old friend...comfortable to be with and sometimes predictable, other times not so much. The ending could be described as a cliffhanger, making me anxious to obtain #6 and get back to life with Flavia.

If you are following Flavia and her family in this delightful series you will not be disappointed in this new book. Everything you know about them will both comfort and surprise you as you learn more about each member. Flavia solves the mystery as usual stunning the authorities with her uncanny ability to not miss a clue. I am already anticipating the next book. Hope I don't have to wait too long.

As an adult, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Flavia de Luce adventures. I love her bright mind, witty comments and passion for all things related to chemistry. As soon as I finish each book, I pass it on to a young lady who enjoys the books as much as I do. Flavia is a good role model for young girls with her high-spirited sleuthing and strong, analytic mind.

Flavia is as enchanting as she is nefarious and Bradley has done it again with his most recent work in the Flavia series. Though I have enjoyed all of his works in this series, my favorites (and the best mysteries in my opinions), are The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag and Speaking from Among the Bones. Bradley's post WWII British hamlet filled with quirky characters would make Agatha Christie proud.

Once again Flavia amazes with her deductive skills when a body is discovered in the church. Alan Bradley does a fantastic job at blending her precocious genius within the body and soul of a little girl who has lost her mother and seeking the love and approval of her father and family. Without giving away plot, this sequel keeps you guessing, keeps you hoping, and ends with a totally unexpected bombshell.

While this does leave a few loose ends (obviously meant to be tied up in the following installment), this is one of the better reads in the Flavie deLuce series. Some of the adventure seems to have worn off in the last few books, but this is back to the Flavia we fell in love with in the original Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

If you read and love Flavia, this won't disappoint. Good mystery, sister squabbles, interesting new characters.....fun fun fun! What it WILL do is make you INSANE when you read the last lines and know you have no choice but to wait for the next novel to find out.........well, I can't very well tell you WHAT you have to wait for, now can I? Well played, Alan Bradley. Very well played!!

As always, Flavia bravely forges ahead and persues the solutions of mysteries in her church and home. She is a fascinating heroine and a character I thoroughly enjoy. The mystery is intriguing and the characters are well drawn and interesting. Spooky scenes are enhanced with humor aplenty. I look forward to Flavia' s continuing adventures!

another good flavia de luce. I don't think any of the series is as finely crafted as Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first of the series, but they continue to delight and are fun reading. This is the only series/book I know of that can please an adult though narrated by a ten year old child and chemical wizard. Highly recommended.

While I have enjoyed every book in this series, THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE remained my favorite until this one. Now I have 2 favorites! Alan Bradley's writing is just outstanding and I love the main character Flavia DeLuce who is so spunky. Who doesn't love an 11year old girl whose passions are poisons and revenge? I recommend the entire series read in order!

Flavia is the best fictional detective to emerge in years. Bradley has a gift for mixing humor and pain. Flavia outwits all the adults at the same time she searches - perhaps not realizing it - for a mother figure. The details of mid-20th century English life and Anglican liturgy are a delight. I only wish Bradley would turn these out even faster than he has been.

Alan Bradley does an astonishing job of channeling the voice of a precocious 12-year-old, Flavia de Luce. As usual, the mystery itself takes second chair to Flavia's interior monologue, but the plot has enough twists and turns to delight even the most hardened mystery lover. I recommend starting with "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie," but even if you don't, you will find much here to enjoy.

Flavia is back at it in this extraordinary fifth installment of the Flavia de Luce series. At times causing me to laugh out loud and others bringing tears to my eyes, Bradley is a master story teller who paints the vivid world of Bishops Lacey and all its inhabitants. The cliffhanger ending brings will make all Flavia fans eagerly anticipate book six - Bradley can't write it fast enough!

I found the story here to be a bit thin but it was still enjoyable. The old formula of Mr. Bradly of investigate get trapped get rescued solve the mystery wasn't followed here as I recall and I liked the change of pace. And I look forward to the next Flavia novel.

I simply love these Flavia stories. She is better than a female Sherlock Holmes because she is young and so real in so many ways. Quite the genius and she has such an intriguing character that you fall in love with her even when ( especially when) she is up in her lab concocting yet another poison or just making eggs and toast. I'm already wishing for the next book.

I wasn't sure if I even liked this series with the first book, but it has ended up being compelling I have read every one and can only hope there will be more. The characters are quirkey , the countryside interesting and the house is it's own character.

I am crazy about this series. I waited and waited for each book. They are well written and very fun to read. I am 36 and enjoyed each one. My 12 yr old enjoyed them just as much!! I am inspired that the author started writting so late in life. I wish he had not taken so long to start, I hope he is able to write many more.

I'm a fan of this series and eagerly await each new book. Flavia is smart, intrepid, and fearless though she is often alone, a motherless child who sorely lacks the caring attention she craves. In this book Flavia is nearing twelve and experiences new emotional complexities and anxieties and I wondered where the author might be leading her. However, the book ends without resolving the many issues and leaves the reader surprised and puzzled, waiting for the next installment. This abrupt and unexpected ending results in a 3-star rating rather than the usual 5.

Ah, haven't missed a one of these. this is so great to read and the mysteries are a surprise. This child is me, only of course she is fiction and had all the right "helps" with family and friends. You won't to miss this. You will read it more than once and laugh a lot.

Once I discovered the Flavia DeLuce novels by Alan Bradley I read/listened to audio versions of all of them within about three weeks. What happens to the detective is as interesting as the mystery.

This series of books is so good! When I first read the premise of the series, I didn't think it would be interesting, but my sister recently so highly recommended it that I took a chance and bought the first 4. What entertaining and fun reading. I am hoping to pass these books on to my daughter and granddaughters.

A good entry in the Flavia de Luce series. It has a nice pace up until the end, which felt rather abrupt.

First Flavia book I have read and I must say I love that kid. Very good mystery with interesting characters. I plan to read them all.

Flavia de Luce is one of the most delightful, charming and entertaining characters I have come across in a long time. This book is another outstanding read. I love the humor (for example describing the choir as "shoulder to shoulder like singing sardines") and the way the descriptions bring with them the emotions of the moment ("the ladder trembled"). Wonderful characters, wonderful story, wonderful writing.

Through her talents and great tenacity, Flavia was finally able to win over the inspector's wife Antigone's acceptance and respect, for which she feels the greatest reward of all. This little sleuth is so brilliant yet her youth and desire for learning makes her entirely loveable. I loved the story! Thanks to Amazon for making it possible for us booklovers to enjoy such delights. Terrie (hoppe) Rowland

Great read, it’s a fun series.

This series is wonderful. Eleven year old Flavia, with her own chemistry lab, unshakeable intelligence, curiosity and courage, this time investigates a mystery involving a church crypt, a recently murdered body found there, and a potential treasure buried with a medivieval saint. Although humorous, this is not a children's book, but it brings back memories of how stupid adults seem to clever children.

Amazingly, every Flavia de Luce novel is as good as the one before. None disappoint. I am a speed reader, but I savor these novels, allowing myself just a few pages each night, so they last longer. I had been looking for a series that would capture my interest the way the Harry Potter series did. Flavia is even better. Stupendous. Thank you, Alan Bradley.

This audio book is amazing. I love the characters and of course Flavia is always in her lab trying to solve mysteries that happen. I was shocked about the ending, but won't ruin the surprise for others. To suffice, it was a great journey. Love this series writtne by Alan Bradley. When is the next one? Thanks, Sandra Girard

I love the way that the characters are beginning to get thicker in terms of personality and motive. Continue to love this series.

Many times I read books that I have read reviews of before I recommend them to my 13 year old granddaughter. This is a great young adult book. I really couldn't put it down and cannot wait for the next one to come out. I will go back and read others by this author as the heroine apparently has appeared before.

The last Flavia mystery left a little something to be desired, but Alan Bradley more than makes up for it in this installment. Not to include any spoilers but everything I was guessing turned upside down on the VERY last page! And of course, it left me wanting more. Can't wait to see what Bradley cooks up for us next.

If you're a fan of flavia you won't be disappointed. She's up to her same tricks again and again it is impossible to not love her for them. We get to see a slightly more mature flavia as she's becoming a young woman but still young at heart. With a wonderful surprise ending that will leave you begging for more this book doesn't disappoint.

My wife and I have read all the Flavia books and they continue to be of the highest calibre and to provide lots of fun to read. It's hard to believe that the author is neither female nor English as he has such intimate detail of England in that era. A must buy for anyone who has read the previous novels.

This is not his best Flavia but very good. Flavia leaves me smiling for days after I finish the book. If you have just now found the series start with the first book say hello to Flavia and just sit back and enjoy. I am waiting for the next book.

I listen to this series. The reader Jayne Entwistle is absolutely first rate. Her voice is instantly recognizable as Flavia's. The mystery is excellent but the ending, particularly the last line is totally shocking. I hope we don't have to wait for two years for the next book. Give this series a shot, it is well worth it.

This book was entertaining from start to finish, with humorous descriptions and musings. Flavia is back on her trusty bike, Gladys, exploring dark places and yucky things. There is more character development in the supporting characters and the main characters are shifting the dynamics of their relationships. Oh, yes; there is a murder and lots going on to solve it. Lovely!

Alan Bradley never fails me and this book is no exception. Flavia's relationship with her sisters and father evolves to new levels as she struggles to make her way in the family. As she methodically solves the mysterious death of the church organist, she finds out a little bit more about herself. This is one of my favorite reads!

As a lover of the Flavia de Luce series, I think that this is one of the best installments. The story and the murder and the things Flavia has to go through are wonderfully interesting and well thought out. The ending just left me demanding the next book which I think is the sign of a great writer and fantastic story.

I love this series. Flavia is an engaging character and the stories are always intriguing. There is a nice touch of humor and a good heart in each book, as well as some authentic sibling strife. This particular book sets us up for a huge development in the next installment, and I am really anxious to read it.

This is another great piece that Alan Bradley brought us again! Even though it starts slow AB knows how to accelerate the story to maintain our minds interest. A roller coaster of events, amazing characters and of course our Flavia, this book shows us once more that she still is an 11 year old girl with an amazing mind.

Alan Bradley is my favorite author of all time. Each of his books is so entertaining,captivating and illuminating! I feel my grey matter expanding with every page! I wish he wrote faster and could bring out a book every three Months! SPEAKING FROM AMONG THE BONES is another brilliant Flavian de Luce mystery and hooks you In from the first page.

Flavia always intrigues me, no matter what the mystery challenge. Her brilliant, stubborn, sensitive nature, and the interplay between her, her family, and the Bishop's Lacy townspeople are always charming. And this book has a surprise ending that will have me looking for the next adventure, hopefully, very soon.

I love the series. Flavia reminds me of my niece!

I have already purchased the next book. Flavia is enchanting and is so 12 years old-- childlike with Gladys her bike, and grown up in her scientist mode. Bradley gets so much out of the setting without it feeling forced. I love the sister exchanges and how the pay back for offenses play out.

The best Flavia de Luce since the first volume (The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie). She's growing up; is a little less irritating; and beginning to develop a bit more empathy for others. The last two left me a bit exhausted; I enjoyed this one enormously.

From start to finish it is hard to keep up with 11 yr old Flavia de Luce. Just reading about her adventures made me feel like I was running up and down a steep slope. And, the ending was a total surprise. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I had the feeling that Mr. Bradley never really knew where this story was going. His descriptions and Flavia's actions were good, but many of the story's situations either were not developed or were added for length. The ending left me flat but with hopes that there will be another book soon with a completion of the condition of the family's fortune. What the reason was for the last pronouncement about their mother, leaves me baffled.

I've read each of Bradley's novels featuring Flavia De Luce. This young girl with a penchant for poisons has captured my heart since book one. It's wonderful when a writer deepens our appreciation for his characters without betraying them. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Got started on this series and working my way through. Enjoying!

Flavia leads the reader through her English world as she solves a murder. You meet her family and the quirky people of her village, Bishop's Lacey. Flavia's best friend is her bicycle, Gladys. Her enemy are her older sisters. The author, Alan Bradley, will have you smiling. He writes tight, fast paced, books.

This series from Alan Bradley, is my current favorite. I LOVE the 11 year old Heroine, Flavia de Luce. She is a poison expert and pretty much runs her little world at the decaying family compound. I love everything about this series, cannot wait for the next one out in January.

Read the series...can't wait for March 2015 for the next one!!! Have heard that there is possibly a movie in the works...oh I hope that whoever directs stays true to the books....so many times when a book is produced it really does not do the book justice...these stories are so entertaining...

I don't know how Alan Bradley does it. I love Flavia and all the characters that populate her world. There's not a dog in the whole series. Who couldn't love an 11 year old girl with her own chemistry lab and an unhealthy obsession with poisons?

Flavia, as a character, takes a little getting used to, but once you're inside her head, she's charming, smart, happy and sad, with the perfect amount of 11 year old spirit and imagination. Great story, and all the other books are terrific as well. Can't wait for the next on coming out next year.

I just love Flavia! In fact, I often wish I could have her love of chemistry which I found a complete bore when I was going to school! This installment had all the fun and wit of the earlier books but the bodies are really piling up in Bishops St Lacey!

Flavia de Luce is one of the most endearing characters I've read about in a long time. The books are a great mix of mystery and Flavia's growing pains as she deals with two older sisters, her distracted father and her family's financial woes. I highly recommend all of the books in the series.

I love Flavia and her family. She's such an odd duck and has great fun being her own great self. Great twists and turns in this one. Looking forward to the next.

I loved it, from start to finish (and what a finish). I have enjoyed all of the Flavia books from the beginning, but this one the most. Great setting, characters, wit, and heart, along with a delicious plot. Lovely writing that makes me feel Alan Bradley, the author, is having fun too.

It's true I am smitten with Flavia de Luce! The very best of all the sleuthing talents come together in this young lady. Just when you think a series couldn't get any better, a cliff hanger at the end. Bravo Alan Bradley. More please!

I've read all the Flavia books. The first reading is good. Then I dip into the book once in a while to enjoy the details I missed, like Flavia hopping back and forth from foot to foot when excited. Most enjoyable is the recording when available. I worry about Flavia's future as a 12-year-old.

If you like these stories about a most precocious girl, you will love this book. I think it is one of the best ones. Intrigue, family dynamics, a long lost mother, a mysterious death, it is all there in one enjoyable morsel of a book