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libraryofdreaming's review
4.0
After a number of middling books in the series, I feel like Alan Bradley has finally found his rhythm again. He's figured out what doesn't work (the entire Canadian spy debacle) and what does (Buckshaw, Bishop's Lacey, and Dogger).
The resolution of the mystery was not my favorite, but I really enjoyed the ride to getting there. I love how much screentime we got with Dogger and even Undine. Flavia was her usual self, but with occasional flashes of emotional maturity and character growth. After the last few books I was ready for Alan Bradley to call it quits, but now I'm ready for more!
There's only one thing bothering me...
TW: Lots of discussion of death, decomposition, body parts, and poisoning. An autopsy scene. The beginning is probably best read when you're not eating...
The resolution of the mystery was not my favorite, but I really enjoyed the ride to getting there. I love how much screentime we got with Dogger and even Undine. Flavia was her usual self, but with occasional flashes of emotional maturity and character growth. After the last few books I was ready for Alan Bradley to call it quits, but now I'm ready for more!
There's only one thing bothering me...
Spoiler
Did Dogger and Flavia really let everyone eat the cake after they found the finger??? I get that it was only in that one slice but it's still GROSS.TW: Lots of discussion of death, decomposition, body parts, and poisoning. An autopsy scene. The beginning is probably best read when you're not eating...
plukevs's review against another edition
4.5
Sweet, wholesome, please write more books about Flavia, thank you
timinbc's review
4.0
Maybe it's the last, maybe it isn't. It will be fine either way.
Flavia's growing up, and Dogger's opening up. This is reflected in the confident writing and the characters' increased willingness to crack wise.
I didn't much care for the plot, and there were too many unnecessary characters. But you don't come to these books for their plot.
It was good. If it's the last, thanks, AB, for some enjoyable hours of reading.
Please don't let them make a movie of it.
Flavia's growing up, and Dogger's opening up. This is reflected in the confident writing and the characters' increased willingness to crack wise.
I didn't much care for the plot, and there were too many unnecessary characters. But you don't come to these books for their plot.
It was good. If it's the last, thanks, AB, for some enjoyable hours of reading.
Please don't let them make a movie of it.
thenovelbook's review
3.0
I always enjoy an excursion into the world of Flavia de Luce, the chemistry whiz-kid and mystery-solver extraordinaire of rural 1950's England. The mystery in this installment took a back seat to the characters--and there were really only two to focus on, Flavia, and her father-figure/crime-solving-partner Dogger. These two interact beautifully, and Flavia continues to mature emotionally in small ways as she's growing up.
The book did suffer a bit from feeling TOO focused on just Flavia and Dogger. Flavia's cousin Undine is there, but her moments lack a certain punch. Also, there is too little of Flavia's sisters. Granted, the oldest one has just gotten married and is simply absent for most of the book. But even Daphne, though physically present, feels very vague. I miss Flavia's family and extended family.
That said, I did enjoy the book and found the writing witty and interesting. Examples: "Great music has much the same effect upon humans as cyanide, I managed to think: It paralyzes the respiratory system."
"I have noticed that it's the same with all petty officials: Once they catch you breaking a rule they lecture you, not just until the cows come home, but until the cows have eaten dinner, hauled on their flannel pajamas, climbed into bed, listened to a bedtime story, put out the lights, and drifted off to sleep to dream of pastures new."
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the digital review copy!
The book did suffer a bit from feeling TOO focused on just Flavia and Dogger. Flavia's cousin Undine is there, but her moments lack a certain punch. Also, there is too little of Flavia's sisters. Granted, the oldest one has just gotten married and is simply absent for most of the book. But even Daphne, though physically present, feels very vague. I miss Flavia's family and extended family.
That said, I did enjoy the book and found the writing witty and interesting. Examples: "Great music has much the same effect upon humans as cyanide, I managed to think: It paralyzes the respiratory system."
"I have noticed that it's the same with all petty officials: Once they catch you breaking a rule they lecture you, not just until the cows come home, but until the cows have eaten dinner, hauled on their flannel pajamas, climbed into bed, listened to a bedtime story, put out the lights, and drifted off to sleep to dream of pastures new."
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the digital review copy!
katiegilley's review
4.0
It was nice to visit Flavia and her family again. She always cracks me up and I spend the entire time with a huge, goofy grin on my face.
superstormnora's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
A wedding might not be that much fun for a 12-year-old. That is, of course, unless your name is Flavia de Luce and someone finds a human finger in the wedding cake. Not to worry — a brilliant chemist and her pal Dogger are on the case.
theglossreview's review against another edition
5.0
The final return of a good Flavia de Luce novel! Fortunately, the writing recovered the quality and wit of the first seven volumes, which the eighth and ninth installment lacked.
In “The Golden Tresses of the Dead”, Flavia is back to her delightful self, working on an infernally complicated case.
The lack of her sisters and parents in the story is regrettable, all the other characters are overpowered by the presence of Dogger.
There seems to be a problem with the printed edition of the last chapter, wherein the verbs change between past and present tense. What is going on?
But still, I’m glad this novel had a lot of shining moments. A haunting and bittersweet end.
In “The Golden Tresses of the Dead”, Flavia is back to her delightful self, working on an infernally complicated case.
The lack of her sisters and parents in the story is regrettable, all the other characters are overpowered by the presence of Dogger.
There seems to be a problem with the printed edition of the last chapter, wherein the verbs change between past and present tense. What is going on?
But still, I’m glad this novel had a lot of shining moments. A haunting and bittersweet end.
bullfinchbeach's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0