Cathy C. (cathyskye) - , reviewed on 8/25/2016 + 2307 more book reviews

In this third book in the series, her family's poverty finally hits home to Flavia. In fact there's more family background altogether, especially for her mother and father, which cleared up some questions I'd had. Amidst all the gypsies, curses, stolen babies, stately home creepers, and the smell of fish is a well-paced, well-plotted mystery certain to delight all fans of this series.

Another item that I was glad to make note of is that Flavia was mostly absent from that laboratory of hers. You see, no matter how well-paced, well-plotted, and well-written this book and the series are (and they are), this only child just can't warm up to it. The relationship between Flavia and those two torturous older sisters of hers just turns me off. Concocting potions to make her sisters ill, all three of them on a senseless hamster wheel of payback... if I was a child living in that house, I think I'd run away and join the circus.

So... although I can see the good and the charm of it all, I'm going to leave this series to its many fans. Long may it delight each and every one!

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details