"Hailed as "a combination of Eloise and Sherlock Holmes" by The Boston Globe, Flavia de Luce returns in the much anticipated new mystery novel from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Alan Bradley. 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. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core. Acclaim for Alan Bradley's beloved Flavia de Luce novels, winners of the Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger Award, Barry Award, Agatha Award, Macavity Award, Dilys Award, and Arthur Ellis Award "If ever there were a sleuth who's bold, brilliant, and, yes, adorable, it's Flavia de Luce."--USA Today "[Flavia] is as addictive as dark chocolate."--Daily Mail "Flavia de Luce is still the world's greatest adolescent British chemist/busybody/sleuth."--The Seattle Times"-- Provided by publisher.

"From a bucolic English town in the countryside with a quirky cast and a surprisingly lethal underbelly, the beloved amateur detective Flavia de Luce returns in a dazzling mystery from bestselling author Alan Bradley"-- Provided by publisher.

Ejected from Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Canada, Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But she is greeted on the docks with news that her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. Buckshaw now seems both too empty, and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar's wife, Flavia stumbles upon the body of a reclusive wood-carver, 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.