I admit, I was iffy about this book. As a general rule, mysteries and I don't mix. Usually they're kind of dull and predictable. When one isn't dull, it's extremely intense and, well, I have a slight tendency to be skittish. To say that I don't handle suspense would be an understatement. Unfortunately, good mysteries tend to be chock full of the things that make my over-active imagination flip out and work overtime. 
 With this in mind, is it any wonder I waited years before finally reading this book? Honestly, I'm amazed I read it at all; amazed and delighted. It was unlike most mysteries in the fact that it was most definitely not dull, yet it didn't stimulate a fearful reaction. There was even a kidnapping and all it made me do was laugh! Laugh, I say! Because, for a kidnapping, it was told in such a delightful and endearing narration. Ah, I get ahead of myself yet again. 
 The main stumbling block with this book would probably be the fact that it starts slowly. It takes a few chapters before Flavia (our delightful protagonist and narrator) really starts to get her investigation rolling. Personally, the slowness of the whole thing was wonderful. It gave Flavia room to spin her words and personality in a gradual way. 
 Now, Flavia: 
 She is one of the most endearing, ridiculous, and crazy eleven-year olds ever. The most unbelievable thing in the whole book might be how adult she seemed. She was very composed and collected- something I have never seen in the eleven year olds of my own personal acquaintance. However, I was able to forgive her due to how charming her narration was. Make no mistake, the biggest asset to this book would be Flavia de Luce. 
 On the matter of the mystery itself, I shall remain silent. As I've said, I don't really read mysteries and therefore have no right to judge it by comparison. All I will say, is that it's a far cry from the boring, childish, predictableness that is Carol Keene's Nancy Drew. But that wasn't even in question, now, was it?