I can't say enough about the delightful Flavia DeLuce! This eleven-year-old sleuth is intelligent, perceptive, and scientifically gifted, but still a child in so many ways. It still baffles me that author Bradley is so adept at stepping into the mind and heart of a precocious young girl. Having been 11 myself once (back in the days of the Vietnam war and the Apollo missions), I am impressed with Bradley's talent.
After Flavia accidentally burns down a gypsy fortune teller's tent at the local fair, she invites the woman, Fenella Faa, to camp at Buckshaw, her family's estate. The next day Flavia discovers that someone has attempted to murder the elderly gypsy, whose life she saves. When she returns to the caravan to search for clues she encounters Porcelain, Fenella's grandaughter, and so begins her investigation. Despite warnings from Inspector Hewitt, whose respect for Flavia's skills and knowledge are growing with each encounter, Flavia sets out to gather clues to the attempted murder. In the process she discovers another body and uncovers some shady dealings in the local antiques business. In the background Flavia's sisters Feely and Daffy continue to torment and torture her while her distant father tries to stave off bankrupcy and the possible loss of the family home, which belonged to her late mother. Despite her incredible intelligence, Flavia has an endearing vulnerability and is still, in many ways, a little girl looking for love and validation. Highly recommended!
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