Flavia de Luce og hævneren fra Ulster

Yes, I'm reading them out of order, but it really doesn't matter. I love the protagonist of these books! Perhaps it's the absolutely delightful audio presentation, but I have no difficulty believing in Flavia, as some readers seem to. I know, she's only eleven, but I just want her to be real so much that--for me, she is! It could also have something to do with my lifelong penchant for books with precocious and adventurous young protagonists. :)

I have a little more trouble with some plot aspects of the novel than I do with the character. A bit too much exposition here and there, for sure, and some loose threads. But still a lovely read! ( )

A fun, engaging mystery with a colorful cast of characters. I will definitely be reading the series. ( )

I enjoyed this book because it was fresh with a young girl narrator who was smart and brave and complicated. I will try to read more of the books in the series but I wouldn't put them ahead of books that are a priority to me. The author was new to me but I will be back. ( )

Excellent. Became fan of Flavia de Luce. Planning to read all the books in series. ( )

Ophelia (age 17), Daphne (age 13), and Flavia (age 11) are three (3) sisters in the de Luce family. Ophelia is sometimes called Feeley and Daphne is sometimes called Daffy or Daff. The girls live with their widower father at their home known as Buckshaw in 1950s England. As the reader enjoys Chapter One, Flavia explains how "Chemistry had fallen into my life" and is most at home in the chemistry lab on the top floor of the east wing that once belonged to her Uncle Tar on her mother Harriet’s side of the family.

Flavia's special interest in chemistry not only leads her to create mischief for one of her sisters that will occur as she applies her lipstick but also leads Flavia to some clues that might help her find the murderer. Flavia is as independent as she is precocious and is determined to assist Inspector Hewitt. After all, Flavia is the one who discovered the body of the stranger in the cucumbers of the garden and also called the police station and asked for an Inspector.

Certainly not every 11-year-old girl has an interest in chemistry but even for those of us who didn't enjoy chemistry in high school or college can appreciate Flavia's inherent interest and talents. As Flavia's father spends most of his time attending to his philately interests there is also fascinating information about stamps issued at the time of Queen Victoria's Silver Jubilee.

I can only imagine the progression of Flavia's sleuthing assistance as the series continues since this novel was Flavia's introduction so to speak. Upon reading about the author Alan Bradley's background it is as diverse and fascinating as the fiction series he has introduced. ( )