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ec_newman's review
3.0
Entirely too many similes. - more later.
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I started with the audiobook, in fact got to the 6th CD of 8 when some scratches on it made it impossible to continue. With a mystery, everything matters and I hated to skip what could be vital info.
The narrator of the audiobook was wonderful. The young, energetic British accent gave life to Flavia and her world. In fact, that (after finishing the book) was and is the most redeeming thing about this book.
Halfway, maybe a bit more through the book, I realized that practically everything was a simile. I could almost predict when Flavia would compare the next thing to something else. While the device is helpful, it really started to grate on my nerves.
I bought the book on my Kindle to finish it and found where I'd left off easily. It wasn't nearly as fun reading it on my own. The audiobook narrator made the story come alive, whereas in reading it on my own, I found it pretty normal/dull.
The answer to this problem, of course, would be to continue with the series and only do it as audiobooks (hoping that the voice stays the same). You'd be right, but unfortunately, I got frustrated with how long it takes to finish an audiobook. Despite enjoying the narrator's interpretation and vocal choices, I kept thinking how much quicker I'd be done if I could just read it on my own.
So, yeah, probably not going to continue, though I suspect my issues with the book are pretty particular to me.
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I started with the audiobook, in fact got to the 6th CD of 8 when some scratches on it made it impossible to continue. With a mystery, everything matters and I hated to skip what could be vital info.
The narrator of the audiobook was wonderful. The young, energetic British accent gave life to Flavia and her world. In fact, that (after finishing the book) was and is the most redeeming thing about this book.
Halfway, maybe a bit more through the book, I realized that practically everything was a simile. I could almost predict when Flavia would compare the next thing to something else. While the device is helpful, it really started to grate on my nerves.
I bought the book on my Kindle to finish it and found where I'd left off easily. It wasn't nearly as fun reading it on my own. The audiobook narrator made the story come alive, whereas in reading it on my own, I found it pretty normal/dull.
The answer to this problem, of course, would be to continue with the series and only do it as audiobooks (hoping that the voice stays the same). You'd be right, but unfortunately, I got frustrated with how long it takes to finish an audiobook. Despite enjoying the narrator's interpretation and vocal choices, I kept thinking how much quicker I'd be done if I could just read it on my own.
So, yeah, probably not going to continue, though I suspect my issues with the book are pretty particular to me.
mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
It was an interesting book, but I felt it lacked a bit. Maybe because I don't really care about stamps and all that, and practically the whole book is about stamps.
I also didn't really like the main character, maybe because she was such a know-it-all character and I tend to dislike those, especially if they act like how she did.
Also I noticed some spelling/grammar mistakes, while a lot was good British-English, there were some parts that had the wrong spelling/grammar. Favorite? Color? Nope.
In overall a fun book, if you like murder, a little girl and lots of stamps.
I also didn't really like the main character, maybe because she was such a know-it-all character and I tend to dislike those, especially if they act like how she did.
Also I noticed some spelling/grammar mistakes, while a lot was good British-English, there were some parts that had the wrong spelling/grammar. Favorite? Color? Nope.
In overall a fun book, if you like murder, a little girl and lots of stamps.
beep_boople's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
4.0
popgoesbitty's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so happy I stumbled upon this in the mystery shelves of the library, and even happier I chose to read it now. It was exactly what I was in the mood for--a quirky winter mystery with a lovable heroine.
The narrator is an 11 year old girl obsessed with chemistry. The setting is a London mansion in the year 1950. A bit of gothic flair, a dash of Lemony Snicket-esque whimsy, and clever monologues rivaling that of the beloved Hercule Poirot all made this one heck of a joy to read.
This is a great choice for anyone in the mood for an Agatha Christie novel with a fun spin.
The narrator is an 11 year old girl obsessed with chemistry. The setting is a London mansion in the year 1950. A bit of gothic flair, a dash of Lemony Snicket-esque whimsy, and clever monologues rivaling that of the beloved Hercule Poirot all made this one heck of a joy to read.
This is a great choice for anyone in the mood for an Agatha Christie novel with a fun spin.
mrussell03's review against another edition
3.0
Intriguing plot for a mystery but I found the genius child narrator to be unappealing and a bit tiresome. If that’s your thing, it’s a good book.
laurahappily's review
4.0
I loved Flavia de Luce so much! She was an incredibly spunky heroine and she made the book fun to read. I'd definitely recommend this. Very entertaining!
hrentz's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun, lighthearted mystery with lovable characters
emily_madcharo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
b0ok_drag0n52's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent writing!
Excellent mystery writing. Sharp and witty with lots of twists and turns. Flavia is a little devil, and extremely enjoyable to follow. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Excellent mystery writing. Sharp and witty with lots of twists and turns. Flavia is a little devil, and extremely enjoyable to follow. Can’t wait to see what comes next.