Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "The Grave's a Fine and Private Place: A Flavia de Luce Mystery" by Alan Bradley

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Review of "The Grave's a Fine and Private Place: A Flavia de Luce Mystery" by Alan Bradley

This is the ninth addition to the 'Flavia de Luce' series, set in 1950s England. You could read the book as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment (and minimum spoilers) the series is best read in order.

Flavia de Luce is a supremely self-confident twelve-year-old girl who's deeply interested in two things: chemistry and detective work. In her young life Flavia has frequently used her scientific expertise - and native smarts - to solve murders.

*****

As the book opens, Flavia is on holiday with her two older sisters, Ophelia (Feely) and Daphne (Daffy),

and the family manservant Dogger - who's been with the de Luce clan for years.

The little group is punting down a river near the village of Volesthorpe when Flavia, trailing her hand in the water, closes her fingers over what she thinks is a fish. Delighted, Flavia pulls up the catch.....only to discover it's the corpse of a young man.

The cadaver is deposited on the shore, and - while the authorities are being summoned - Flavia takes the opportunity to carefully examine the body. She also takes a mysterious scrap of paper from one of the pockets. This is standard operating procedure for Ophelia, who's always hiding evidence from the police so she can solve cases first.

The dead man is identified as Orlando Whitbread, an up-and-coming actor with the local 'Puddle Lane Little Theater.'

Orlando is the protégé of Poppy Mandrill, a once famous actress who - after losing a leg - became a director.

The dead man is best known, however, for being the son of Canon George Whitbread of Volesthorpe's 'St. Mildred's-in-the-Marsh Church.' The Canon was hanged a few years before for poisoning three female parishioners at Holy Communion.

The town's police officer, Constable J.R. Otter, quickly calls Orlando's death a drowning.....and orders Flavia to stop her nosy probing. This only heightens Flavia's suspicions, since she's SURE Orlando was poisoned. Thus, Flavia continues to vigorously pursue her inquiries, with Dogger's invaluable help. Moreover, the amateur sleuth decides to re-investigate the case of Canon Whitbread....who she thinks might have been innocent.

As Flavia flits around Volesthorpe she meets the undertaker's son, Hob Nightingale - who provides valuable information, a helping hand, and a smidge of friendship that Flavia badly needs.

In previous books, Flavia has always been at odds with her sisters, and once even doused Feely's lipstick with poison ivy. However, the girls are more mature now, and on better terms. Thus, Flavia's inquiries are greatly assisted by Daffy's extensive knowledge of literature and poetry. As for Feely, she's still vain and self-absorbed, but she plays the organ beautifully at St. Mildred's-in-the-Marsh Church. In addition, Feely's fiancé plays an important part in the story.

In the course of the tale, Flavia makes important discoveries that put her in grave danger, but she eventually discovers the truth about everything.

I enjoyed the book, which has the usual mix of interesting characters, fun science, and a creative mystery. One chapter, though - where Flavia has a 'psychic vision' of the female parishioners being poisoned - is not credible and should have been left out (IMO).

I'd recommend the book to mystery lovers, especially fans of Flavia de Luce.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Review of "The Grave's a Fine and Private Place: A Flavia de Luce Mystery" by Alan Bradley

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