The Golden Tresses of the Dead by Alan Bradley

The Golden Tresses of the Dead by Alan Bradley
(Flavia de Luce #10)
352 pages

"Although it is autumn in the small English town of Bishop's Lacey, the chapel is decked with exotic flowers. Yes, Flavia de Luce's sister Ophelia is at last getting hitched, like a mule to a wagon. 'A church is a wonderful place for a wedding,' muses Flavia, 'surrounded as it is by the legions of the dead, whose listening bones bear silent witness to every promise made at the altar.'"  --from the publisher

This series is delightful and I enjoyed much of this tale.  The story was not up to par with Bradley's other installments, though.  It was rather disjointed and just never came together as one.  I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, but that reflects more on the series as a whole and the wonderful characters Bradley has created than the tale itself.

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley
(Flavia de Luce #8)
352 pages / 9 hrs, 6 mins

"In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough.

"Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits."  --from the publisher

I love this series and enjoyed installment number eight.  The humor, literary and historical references, chemistry tidbits, and Flavia's creative ingenuity make for great books.  This one ended with some loose ends, however, and it kind of felt like a lackluster effort on the author's part.  Maybe Bradley is getting tired of these stories?  I sure hope not!