Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce series is my go to when I want a fun, fast read. I'm ashamed to admit that I read the first two without supplying a review (I know, I know). Sometimes, like with the Maisie Dobbs series, I want something quick, that I know I'll enjoy, that doesn't require me sitting down for a serious review. But, after thinking about it for a while, I decided that by not reviewing it I was essentially failing at book blogging and telling people about great books. Say to me what you wish...
Flavia de Luce lives in Bishops Lacey, a small, country town in England, on a sprawling, but crumbling, estate (Buckshaw), with her father, two sisters and various housekeepers. When a gypsy appears at the local church festival and Flavia accidentally sets her tent ablaze, she quickly volunteers to help the woman find a place to park her caravan on the miles of property her family owns. When the gypsy is found the next morning, beaten and barely alive, an investigation begins to capture the villain. Flavia discovers an aging cult, a neighborhood thief and more secrets than she imagined along the way.
This summary doesn't really hint at half of what you'll find if you happen to give this one a shot. What I enjoy most about Bradley's style is that he has a way of wrapping multiple story lines into the narrative without taking away from the heart of the mystery. Each apparent break in the main action only adds another layer to the plot and strengthens the story. Furthermore, Flavia's devotion to the world of chemistry (she has her own lab) is not simply a topic mentioned briefly, but one that Bradley uses with great advantage, creating Flavia as flesh and bone, while also displaying his ability to incorporate tons of knowledge and/or research without going overboard. While Flavia can be a real brat, she's also smart, witty and always up for an adventure.
I enjoy this series now, but know I would have loved it as a child as well. It's a book for all ages! While it might not be the most profound, or most modern, it's what reading is all about to me. An entertaining story, well-written, with a developed cast of characters and substance that urges you to read well into the night.
This is one of the titles on my RIP VII list. (2 of 8 completed)
I love this kind of book for travel or a weekend when I just feel like sitting and reading and being entertained - I've read the other two, and will have to check this one out. Also been curious about the Masie Dobbs series - worth a try?
ReplyDeleteWhile I do favor this series over Maisie Dobbs, it's a slower-paced, fun mystery/crime series that I recommend. And Maisie's pretty cool for doing what she does at that period in time. You should check out nomadreader's blog (http://nomadreader.blogspot.com/). She introduced me to the series and has some great reviews. I also included a link to my post of the first Maisie Dobbs book, so you might want to read that to see if it's something you'd enjoy.
DeleteThe Bradley series is just my favorite because it's so fun. Everyone needs a laugh! Let me know if you check it out though!
I absolutely adore this series! And I think I reviewed several of the books in it but it's so hard for me to review them. They are so much fun to read and if I tried I'm sure I could pick them apart and find flaws in them but I just don't want to. I love the books and the characters and the way I feel when I'm reading them. So I'll always have a soft spot for these books and tell people to read them, even if I can't quite explain why I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteJae, You summed up my feelings exactly. I noticed a couple of flubs but it wasn't enough to make the whole thing unsound or unreadable. I was just saying that I don't usually come across bloggers that enjoy these books so it's nice to hear about your experiences with them. I am waiting to read the 4th until Christmas and then we'll just have to wait until February for the next!
DeleteI love Flavia, although I think this particular book was the weakest in the series.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I would say that the first is still my favorite and perhaps the second after that. However, I'm really excited about finally getting into the fourth.
DeleteI have actually been meaning to pick up the first book in this series for ages - thanks for reminding me and underscoring that it will be a good choice!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd be interested to see what you think. It's a fast paced read for fun.
DeleteAfter you left me a comment about this series I decided to look into it. Little did I know that I was going to find extra encouragement to read Flavia when I stopped by here for a visit. I'm off to discover what the first book is and hopefully, find it on bookmooch. Thanks and have a good weekend, Beth.
ReplyDeleteOh yay! So we both have a new series to look forward to!? The beauty of book blogging right here.
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You have a great weekend as well!
I absolutely love this series. I am planning to read the Christmas installment in December. I agree, they are quick reads, but so clever!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the same! Perhaps you can stop by for another discussion then! Definitely very clever.
DeleteI've only read the first Flavia book so far, but I'm looking to do a few weeks of catching up on sequels/series in October. This series is a lot of fun and it's great to know that Bradley is continuing to write more adventures for Flavia!
ReplyDeleteLindsey, The next two are just as fun. I'd say the first still remains my favorite. I'm saving the 4th for Christmas and then hope to get the 5th as soon as it comes out. Let me know what you think!
DeleteI keep meaning to read this series. Maybe I'll sneak this series in once I finish all of Alafair Burke's books. I want to tackle Tana French and Laurie R. King soon too. So. Many. Good. Series.
ReplyDeleteThey're so much fun. I'm anticipating all my favorite bloggers finally picking up French. I'm also hoping you like her! Ha. The Dublin Murder Squad Series is my favorite.
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