This is one book that, although I found it predictable, I didn't hate. In fact, I though it was pretty great! 
 The writing style was smooth and fluid, even when scientific. Some authors try to "dumb it down", but I loved that the author didn't hold anything back, when it came to technical jargon. Even when it was way over my head, it was written as though I DID understand, and I found that I was able to follow along, almost believing I had a degree in chemistry. 
 On to our 11 year old chemist. Flavia de Luce is the kind of 11 year old I wish I had been. She is bold and intelligent, with a flair for the dramatic. She is Robert Bunsen meets Anne Shirley. The supporting cast was just as great! There was a certain amount of "chemistry" between the characters that was already in place at the beginning of the story (unavoidable pun, sorry). There are many back stories which I eagerly anticipate will be unearthed in the subsequent stories. 
 I found the plot fairly transparent (I had the who, even before I was given the how), but I enjoyed Flavia's journey to find her own conclusions so fun that I didn't mind. 
 I am certainly looking forward to reading the sequel.