Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

Hailed as a combination of Eloise and Sherlock Holmes by "The Boston Globe, "Flavia de Luce returns in a much anticipated new Christmas mystery 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""