I'd skipped this one because it wasn't available when I was ready for the next book, and then each book lead to the next so that I didn't want to backtrack until I got to the end, which I had. So it was great to learn more about Dieter, who'd seemed to pop up out of nowhere--but actually had been well introduced in this one. Although I'm not too pleased with her penchant for speaking untruths, and would prefer a character to demonstrate what bravery, skill, and good will there is in adhering to the truth, I continue to adore Flavia's affection for Dogger, and her enthusiasm over chemistry as she rattles off the names of compounds and what they do; art, as she describes famous paintings; music, as she talks about composers and their works, all in the course of ferreting out the hows, whys, and wherefors of the latest crime. ( )

To me, it was good, but as good as the previous book in the series. I adore, Flavia the super smart eleven year with a passion for chemistry.

The book had tendency to drag once in a while, but Flavia knowledge of chemistry, keen desire to find out about her mother who died before she got to know her and her impatience with her two older sister kept it from dying.

I love learning and I never took chemistry but the main character and sleuth, Flavia made appreciate the value of knowing as much chemistry as possible.

I loved the part about pigeon poop, that was a delightful surprise. The evil person was beautiful drawn, you will hate her too, ( )

Usually not a fan of books with 11 or 12 year old narrators, but enjoyed this.A mild and amusing mystery with an entertaining and imperfect tween narrator ( )

Clever, engaging, and parts are laugh out loud funny. A little bit dark in parts, but nothing too dire (and believe me, I am a weeny!). ( )

Really enjoyed this mystery set in 1950 and told from the viewpoint of an eleven year old girl, Flavia de Luce. Flavia is the youngest of three sisters whose father is often withdrawn and absorbed in his stamp collection, and whose mother was killed in a climbing accident soon after Flavia was born. Intelligent, imaginative and precocious, she is a keen amateur chemist with a special interest in poisons. Flavia views the adults around her with a shrewd clear eyed understanding and is extremely adept at manipulating them when necessary, but is at the mercy of her cruel older sisters. Her one ally is the manservant at her family's stately home, Dogger, who has psychological issues due to wartime experiences, but is also very astute.

This is the second in a series which consists of seven books with an eighth due out this September. On the strength of this, I will definitely read the others. ( )