The Golden Tresses of the Dead by Alan Bradley

This is another enjoyable entry into the Flavia de Luce series, one that made me chuckle, for sure. Bradley's characters are interesting and surprising and fun to listen to as they interact with each other. Dogger is getting more airplay now, since he's Flavia's partner. I anticipate that Undine will have a greater role in the future, but is still somewhat peripheral here. This story centers on a murder committed right before Flavia's sister Ophelia's wedding, and features some recently-returned Christian missionaries. Probably not worth a second read, but certainly entertaining for the time I spent with it. Off to Sierra it goes!

The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley

Woohoo! Another delightful detective novel featuring twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce. This one is set alongside the River Thames, as the girls and Dogger are on holiday. It could be that it's been so long since I've read one of these that I've forgotten, but I think this one is funnier than any of the others. I used an orange highlighter to capture a few of my favorite lines, and I had to use it a LOT! I also liked how Flavia and her sisters seem to be getting along a little better. Daffy and Flavia actually collaborate in this story, which would have been unheard of before. Also, Dogger is becoming more central to the story. I heartily enjoyed every page of this one, and even paused to look up the art work the author referred to. It made it even more interesting. I'm amazed at the author's knowledge of poisons, chemistry, the Book of Common Prayer and all things Church of England; there are also many Catholic and biblical references that are fascinating. This book was the perfect escape on a very cold and snowy Bismarck day!

Here are some of my highlights:

"That was the great thing about Dogger: He could follow my train of thought as easily as if he owned the railway."

"The humble paper clip, in certain circumstances, can be of more practical use than a magic want."

"I'll bet there have been more truths told over an open coffin than in all the confession boxes in Christendom."

"The vicar stared at him as blankly as if he were one of Einstein's equations on a blackboard."

"She was coolly judging her effect upon our widening eyes, making us her mirror."

"I was rifling through Revelation when I had one. A revelation, I mean."