Tuesday, January 29, 2013

New Release: Speaking from Among the Bones


You might have noticed that every time a new Flavia de Luce novel comes out, I declare that it's the best yet. Well, I apologize but I'm going to have to say the same again about Speaking from Among the Bones. On this fifth time out, Alan Bradley writes Flavia with more depth and more emotional growth than ever before. She still has a somewhat outlandish adventure but it is both intelligent and fun and there's a twist at the end that could mean a dramatic change for the de Luce family.

I won't talk about the plot since this is a series book but, if you've managed to somehow miss the series so far, I'll give you the basics. Flavia is a pre-teen in early 1950s England. She lives with her somewhat horrid older sisters, her distracted father and his enigmatic manservant in Buckshaw, a sprawling manor left to them all by Flavia's mother after she disappeared on an adventure in the Himalayas years before. Flavia is obsessed with chemistry and has inherited a top-of-the-line laboratory from an uncle with a similar taste for science. Specifically, she has an obsession with poisons. And, as with any over-curious child, she also manages to get into all sorts of scrapes and, of course, stumbles over more than one dead body as she grows up. This is a mystery series that is equal parts cozy and dark and is always compelling and smart.

This novel has been released today so either run out and get a copy or start the series and catch up. Chances are, you won't regret it.

Already thirsting for book six,
K

14 comments:

  1. Gawd, I can't believe the 5th one's out - I haven't got to no. 4 yet. Can't wait now!

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  2. I only read the first 2 but liked them -- guess I have a lot of catching up to do.

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    1. No need to hurry. The series will end at some point and you'll be glad to have some left to read. :)

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  3. My library has the books for digital download, so I really need to jump on and try these!

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    1. Ooh, definitely! Hopefully you're not one of the few who freakishly doesn't like these. ;)

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  4. Ahhhhhh!!! I still need to read the Mustard one!! Maybe in March. I love this cover. Although I do love all the covers.

    Isn't it fantastic when an author can continue to outdo himself?

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    1. I adore the covers on these. The designer deserves a raise! And it's totally fantastic. I am tired of series books that seem to trail off as they go along.

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  5. Love that cover!! And I've not read a Flavia for awhile … I think it is time to revisit her!

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    1. Definitely! I love that she's growing up, albeit slowly. She's going to be hilarious when she discovers boys!

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  6. So clearly I need to get started with this series, huh??

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  7. I snagged my print copy the other day but am waiting for the library to get in the audio version as I got hooked on the narration for the last one.

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    1. I'll have to try the audio sometime! Enjoy the story. :)

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