I can sum this book up in one word: FUN! But I can't leave you at just one word. 
 Without Flavia this would not have been quite the book it is. Alan Bradley created a really unique character with her! She's probably one of my favorite characters now. Flavia reminds me of Lisbeth from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Granted, they are COMPLETELY different characters but when they are present they make the books great. I would have loved to have been as inquisitive and intelligent as Flavia as a young girl. She's just so likeable that she could have said or done anything and I would have ate it up. 
 The storyline was fun. I needed just that, a book that is just straight fun. You know, no powerful message (which I do love) but just pure enjoyment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be moving on to the next in the series!