Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d by Alan Bradley

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd (Flavia de Luce, #8)
by Alan Bradley
Pages: 400
Published by Delacorte Press
Publication Date September 20th 2016
Source: Netgalley
Genres: Mystery
Goodreads

Hailed as “a combination of Eloise and Sherlock Holmes” by The Boston Globe, Flavia de Luce returns in a new mystery novel from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Alan Bradley.
It’s Christmastime, and 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.

First Impressions

In Alan Bradley’s newest novel Flavia comes home from boarding school. I was more than happy to return to Bishop’s Lacey. I have come to love its kooky characters, like the Tanners really love Kimmy Gibbler.

Impressions While Reading

What I liked most about Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d by Alan Bradley was not Buckshaw or the de Luces. It the literary aspect of the murder with a mystery that was reminiscent of author A.A. Milne and Christopher Robin. The incorporation of a childhood novel was clever and enjoyed hearing Flavia say that she read said stories when she was little.

Speaking of Flavia, I have never liked her as a character as much as I did in Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d. It was the first time I saw her really growing up. Fortunately, she is the same Flavia de Luce I have come to know and love. Although it was a little bittersweet to see our Harriet the Spy flying through childhood.

The deduction of this murder mystery was as clever as a cat. Clues are slowly sprinkled to the reader. Although, it does not make decerning who committed the crime any easier forming a Rubix cube until the end.

Final Impressions

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d by Alan Bradley can stand proudly next to its seven predecessors. With a tragic ending that left me speechless the eight book in the Flavia de Luce series had me wanting more.

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