From Readers

"When eleven year old Flavia de Luce discovers a body in the cucumber patch, she cannot believe her good luck. The police, however, suspect her father of the crime and Flavia… begins her own investigation. Written in an unashamedly jolly-hockey-sticks style, this is a terrifically good tale of murder, mayhem and postage stamps. Flavia is girl like no other and the book is a joy, a delight and hurray, the first in a series. I can hardly wait.”
—Lynn B, Holmans Bookshop, Whitby

“Country house detective stories usually have, as their protagonist, someone in their later years, but the sleuth in this unusual novel is just eleven years old….Flavia de Luce is, however, not your average eleven year old….This leads to much humour…in this highly amusing and unusual novel set in 1950. Highly recommended, not only to fans of the genre, but also to anyone looking for an entertaining and original read. Not quite Wodehouse, but nearly.”
—Tony K, Cotswold Bookstore, Moreton In Marsh

“Like a wonderful breeze through a summer window, this eccentric country house whodunnit will amaze you from the first page. It has all the ingredients of a cult classic, the decaying mansion, the dysfunctional family with dark secrets and the bizarre murder, but there is a lightness of touch that means the book and its brilliant heroine will have a wider appeal.”
—Steve B, Waterstone's Gloucester

“I enjoyed it very much! The young heroine, Flavia, gets around by bicycle but she covers more ground (literally and metaphorically) than most adult detectives. The book recounts her adventures and her ultimate success in solving the crime. I'd be very happy to read more from this author.”
—George M, Ontario

“Utterly charming. This is written as a classic whodunit, but with added black humour and dry wit, as well as lots of mayhem. There is the old country house and little village with a cast of eccentric characters, a plot that includes lots of information about stamp collecting and poisons and plenty of social commentary.”
—Chris M, Ontario

“I'm not an avid reader of mystery novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The story was entertaining and engaging, but the writing and characters were brilliant. I love Flavia, and I would like to read more stories about her and her adventures. I'm sure she will have many more in her life!”
—Leila M, British Columbia

"Oh I loved, loved, loved this book! Flavia is one of the most endearing, captivating, curious, beguiling, precocious characters I've ever discovered in the pages of a book. Harriet the Spy for grown ups. This is the first in a series that Bradley has planned — The Buckshaw Chronicles. I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the second!"
—Luanne O, Ontario

"Alan Bradley does not disappoint! The story is deeply intriguing and wonderful, and the writing is superb. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a good mystery novel, or even those who don't!"
—Nathan M

"Very enjoyable — good insights into the life of the young narrator."
—George M

"I really liked it! I thought it was very well written and definitely held my attention — I didn't want to put it down! Flavia is a great character — such a spunky, intelligent little girl!"
—Samantha S

"I loved it. I don't usually enjoy mystery novels, but this one had such great characters, I couldn't help but enjoy it."
—Sharron S

"I loved it! I wish I had Flavia's curiosity and courage when I was her age. Kept turning the pages until it was done. Great mystery and adventure. As soon as I read it I passed it along to a bookclub friend."
—Jennifer W

"I loved how the book was centered around an 11 year old and her love of science. And she uses that love to delve into a mystery."
—Natasha C

"The story was delightful, the main character was well developed and fun to follow. It was a good read."
—Lynne T