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Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag
Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag | Alan Bradley
160 posts | 223 read | 70 to read
From Dagger Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alan Bradley comes this utterly beguiling mystery starring one of fiction's most remarkable sleuths: Flavia de Luce, a dangerously brilliant eleven-year-old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders. This time, Flavia finds herself untangling two deaths--separated by time but linked by the unlikeliest of threads. Flavia thinks that her days of crime-solving in the bucolic English hamlet of Bishop's Lacy are over--and then Rupert Porson has an unfortunate rendezvous with electricity. The beloved puppeteer has had his own strings sizzled, but who'd do such a thing and why? For Flavia, the questions are intriguing enough to make her put aside her chemistry experiments and schemes of vengeance against her insufferable big sisters. Astride Gladys, her trusty bicycle, Flavia sets out from the de Luces' crumbling family mansion in search of Bishop's Lacey's deadliest secrets. Does the madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood know more than she's letting on? What of the vicar's odd ministrations to the catatonic woman in the dovecote? Then there's a German pilot obsessed with the Bronte sisters, a reproachful spinster aunt, and even a box of poisoned chocolates. Most troubling of all is Porson's assistant, the charming but erratic Nialla. All clues point toward a suspicious death years earlier and a case the local constables can't solve--without Flavia's help. But in getting so close to who's secretly pulling the strings of this dance of death, has our precocious heroine finally gotten in way over her head?
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KathyWheeler
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Mehso-so

This was perfectly okay, but not great. It didn‘t feel focused, and Flavia seemed to be so full of herself and sure of her superiority to others. I will probably give it one more chance. Since I finished this on my #audiowalk, I started The Seven Sisters.

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KathyWheeler
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The police are incredibly stupid here. Not that I have any clue who the murderer is, but Flavia just had to point out something pretty obvious. It was such a gorgeous day today! We went downtown to a weekend market that was going on at the same time as Pride Fest, so two for one! 😊 #audiowalk

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KathyWheeler
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So I‘m about half way through this. My problem with the series is how absolutely mean Flavia and her sisters are to each other — all the time. Otherwise, I‘m enjoying the books. SC had some bad flooding from Helene; one side of the river walk is completely closed. This side, however, is open, so I got a 3 mile walk in. #audiowalk

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Shawna
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I need to read this series! 3w
Eggs Perfect 😍 👍🏼 3w
18 likes2 comments
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KathyWheeler
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Flavia de Luce #2 is my new walking book. I‘m up in South Carolina right now, so I was walking along the river. #audiowalk

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Coffeymuse
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Today's #CoverLove!

I don't know if I got to this one in the series-I kinda bailed after a while. Don't know why, I seem to remember enjoying them. 🤷‍♀️

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@Eggs

Eggs Perfect match💜🤍💜 3mo
26 likes1 comment
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humouress

2nd in this 3 book bundle. I‘m not sure I like Flavia; she‘s precocious and always concocting poisons to try out on her older sisters. She‘s perspicacious and empathetic. She seems to live in an endless summer in an ideal English countryside near Brontë country in the 50s; no mention of school, teachers etc yet. Lots of colourful chemical reactions lovingly described - I don‘t know how accurate they are - and where does she get her reactants from?

humouress Oh - and she‘s only 11 years old 4mo
4 likes1 comment
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BarkingMadRead
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Day 2 of the #greatercharlottebookcrawl and I‘m done! That was exhausting!

Ruthiella Nice haul! 👍 7mo
Aimeesue Flavia AND some Pratchetts? What riches! 7mo
BarkingMadRead @Aimeesue it was a good day! 7mo
BookNAround I‘ll finish tomorrow. One day was extremely long and I needed a break but I just have one left to visit and it‘s the closest to me so not hard at all. 7mo
BarkingMadRead @BookNAround that‘s awesome! 7mo
57 likes5 comments
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Ash.on.the.line
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I knew one from this series had a #skeleton for #scarathlon #dailyphotochallenge
I loved this series and may want to reread soon!
Team #BOOklovers

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MicrobeMom
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Tomorrow my Fable book club, Stacey‘s TBR, is starting our next read, Flavia de Luce 2. Everyone is welcome. If you like quirky, cozy mysteries this series is for you. See link below to the book club.

https://fable.co/club/stacey-the-scientists-tbrs-with-stacey-lettini-33812063356...

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lauraisntwilder
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Pickpick

Oops, looks like I forgot to post this one! I liked it better than the first one. I felt like the setting of the 1950s was much more obvious and I enjoyed all the new side characters.

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ElleMNOpe
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Mehso-so

Flavia is still an adorable & precocious girl with insatiable curiosity in this 2nd installment, but something about it held me at arm's length. The setup was very clever & there was a decent plot woven around a series of clue discoveries. The characters did seem a bit caricatured & unpredictable, making the story a little chaotic. A decently quick read with a nice bit of dry humor. Not as good as the 1st, but I did moderately enjoy it.

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IhoardBOOKS
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Flavia is back sticking her smart little nose where it shouldn‘t be and getting mad when people treat her like a child (she is). Usually a character written this way rubs me the wrong way but she‘s written so charmingly naughty and fun that I can‘t help but like her. Dogger is my second favorite character he‘s mysterious with all his knowledge and suffers from ptsd. Flavia is incredibly careful with him and shows her best side when she‘s with him.

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mcctrish
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Pickpick

I am such a dope! I didn‘t know Alan Bradley was Canadian 🤦🏻‍♀️ I LOVE Flavia

TheKidUpstairs I didn't know that, either! Totally would have guessed he was British. 4y
mcctrish @TheKidUpstairs that‘s exactly what I thought 4y
25 likes2 comments
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mcctrish
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Today was a beautiful spring like day 🎉and as a consequence the snow was melting faster than the frozen eavestroughs could take it away. So up on the roof to shovel some paths and clear some troughs and prevent the leaks

Come-read-with-me Oh no!!! 4y
mcctrish @Come-read-with-me I think I got it under control 🙏🏻 the rain didn‘t come that was in the forecast so that is another thing in my favour 4y
44 likes2 comments
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mcctrish
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Audio building, not sure I‘m going to use the doors

Twainy OMG LOL I was just thinking about that fantasy Billy bookcase today!! I have stacks everywhere! I have to clean out my office ... and figure out how I‘m getting the case to my house. Congrats!! Shelf envy! 🤗 4y
mcctrish @Twainy I ordered on a free shipping day 🎉 but I think they are worth the delivery fee cuz these boxes are HEAVY. I couldn‘t lift them upstairs by myself. I can finally take the books out of the boxes 🙏🏻 4y
Twainy FREE SHIPPING DAY?! How do I get on that mailing list! LOL 4y
mcctrish @Twainy I think it‘s cuz I joined the IKEA family which is free and there are special sales weekly or monthly and then a free shipping day ❤️ 4y
Twainy I‘m heading over to their website right now! Thank you 😁 4y
44 likes5 comments
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mcctrish
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Next up in audio. I love Flavia ❤️ I read the first one in this series YEARS ago and I somehow got away from my wish to read them. I think I may just audio binge the series

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midath75
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Pickpick

Flavia has become one of my favorite characters. Her curious, sarcastic mind makes me smile.

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Battledoll
Pickpick

Another cute mystery. Not too predictable and entertaining. This is really great if you‘re looking for a bit of lighthearted suspense. This does include references to domestic violence, suicide, and the death of a child (not a spoiler-it‘s not the main mystery). If that would bother you then definitely skip this. After typing the above I realize it might not sound that lighthearted! But it‘s more Murder She Wrote than Sherlock.

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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

Another one I finished ages ago for the #flaviabuddyread. This was a re-read but the first I‘ve I‘ve listened to the audio version of. Jane Entwistle is an amazing choice, she does such a great job narrating Flavia.

KarouBlue Entwhistle is Flavia de Luce!! ♥️ 5y
janeycanuck @MellieAntoinette I‘m so glad I decided to do my re-read with audios. She‘s SO GOOD! 5y
35 likes2 comments
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Smarkies
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Pickpick

The second in the series. There was a lot more world building here then there usually is in other cozy murders - and a certain leisurely-ness in getting to the crux of the story. Because of that this was between a pick and a so-so for me - I generally always round up and I am generally intrigued about the rest of the series.
#audiobook

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janeycanuck
This post contains spoilers
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Question 5!

#flaviabuddyread

BridgetteM More murder investigations! 5y
janeycanuck @BridgetteM with 8 more books, seems likely, doesn‘t it? My favourite thing about these books is that time doesn‘t stand still. Things actually move forward in Flavia‘s life - she isn‘t still trying to decide between the same two men 25 books later (*cough, cough* Stephanie Plum) 5y
Smarkies Hahahhaa. Yes - more sticking her business into murders. And also a career in chemistry research. Her aunt sort of hinted at it. However, I read that the author does not move her much from her current age as it is not cute for a 18 year old to be asking innocent like questions. 5y
4 likes3 comments
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janeycanuck
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Question 4!

#flaviabuddyread

BridgetteM I thought she was too obvious to be the culprit. 5y
janeycanuck @BridgetteM yeah, I agree - felt too obvious to even be a red herring. 5y
Smarkies I think her reaction was the practical one - to get on with her life as no one was going to be giving her handouts. Did not really think she was the culprit as she was a bit too obvious. 5y
3 likes3 comments
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janeycanuck
This post contains spoilers
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Question 3!

#flaviabuddyread

BridgetteM Well, this is embarrassing... I only just recently finished this book, but I‘ve already forgotten the specifics of how Robin died. I just remember the explanation that the village accepted as true. Could someone jog my memory? 5y
janeycanuck @BridgetteM he was found hanging from a tree - there were rumours about what happened but it was actually an accident and his body was moved to the tree to cover it up. If there was something that everyone accepted as the truth, I‘ve already forgotten, too! 5y
Smarkies Perhaps it will for Grace as she has been living with the burden of the truth. 5y
3 likes3 comments
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janeycanuck
This post contains spoilers
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Question 2!

#flaviabuddyread

BridgetteM It took me a while to realize that it was Flavia doing the narrating l, actually. I thought it was kind of morbid once I realized it was her and not an actual dead person doing the narrating. 5y
janeycanuck @BridgetteM SO MORBID!!! It was a bit much, even for Flavia. But of course daydreaming about her funeral is something she‘d do 🤣 5y
Smarkies I thought it was quirky and quite in the vein of her character to be daydreaming in the village cemetery. 😂😂 5y
3 likes3 comments
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janeycanuck
This post contains spoilers
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Question 1!

#flaviabuddyread

BridgetteM I thought the vicar and his wife were pretty cool. Flavia‘s description of the vicar‘s wife had me in stitches! 5y
janeycanuck @BridgetteM she has such a way with words, doesn‘t she!! My feelings on Cynthia definitely changed as the series went on but I remember my first time through, she seemed a bit much. The vicar has always been a delight for me, though. 5y
Smarkies Apart from the vicar and his wife, I enjoyed her interaction with Mrs Crew (sp? - I listen to this series on audiobook so unsure of how names are spelt). Looking forward to seeing how the village also evolves with the series. 5y
3 likes3 comments
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janeycanuck
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Where has the month gone? Time for a few questions on Book 2 in our #flaviabuddyread! (So sorry I forgot to post a reminder earlier!)

Smarkies I just started the second book so will be a little late this time around. Sorry! 5y
janeycanuck @Smarkies I‘m still not done either... for some reason, I thought I had another week 😱 5y
Smarkies @janeycanuck I thought so too! 🤦🏽‍♀️ 5y
27 likes3 comments
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barbwire
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😁😁😁

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BridgetteM
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Starting the second book in the Flavia de Luce series for the #flaviabuddyread! This is my first time through the series, and I am really looking forward to it.

KarouBlue Same!! I was delighted by book one! @janeycanuck 5y
janeycanuck @MellieAntoinette @BridgetteM Yay! So pleased you‘re both enjoying it. It‘s one of my all-time favourite series 😊 5y
55 likes2 comments
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azulaco
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Pickpick

Once again, I enjoyed the mystery, but disliked the main character. Flavia‘s weirdly adult thought processes and smugness over her own cleverness gets on my nerves. I‘m not saying I won‘t read any more of this series, just that I may take a break. Still recommend. The story is a diverting read, and the way Bradley works in chemistry is interesting. I think if you like Flavia, you will *really* like her. She‘s a love or hate kind of character.

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Readinginfairyland
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Pickpick

Another great Flavia de Luce mystery! I love these mysteries set in 1950‘s rural Britain with a precocious 11 year old sleuth.

PatriciaU I keep waiting for someone to make this into a TV series! 5y
Readinginfairyland That would be amazing! 5y
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Readinginfairyland
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Pickpick

Another great Flavia de Lice mystery! I love these mysteries set in 1950‘s rural Britain with a precocious 11 year old sleuth.

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rwmg
Mehso-so

A pan would be going too far but this series hasn't really grabbed me so I don't think I'll be continuing with it despite the great titles

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rwmg
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God, Daffy and Feely really are monsters

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Young4evr
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Pickpick

Second in the series. Love the characters.

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CaitlinR
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“We were puppets, all of us, set in action upon the stage by God—or Fate—or Chemistry, call it what you will, where we would be pulled on like gloves upon the hands, and manipulated by the Rupert Porsons and the Mutt Wilmotts of the world.” (p. 354)

Fun read.

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currerbelle
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"'And then she saw 'im, swingin' by the neck from that there old scaffold,' she went on. ''Is face was awful, she said--like a blackened melon.'
I was beginning to regret that I hadn't brought my notebook."

Isn't Flavia de Luce a charming girl?

Lynnsoprano Flavia is one of my favorites! 5y
10 likes1 stack add1 comment
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alanacristin
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Pickpick

Ok, these titles and covers are so unappealing 😖 but the stories are really quite fun! This was great as an #audiobook, like listening to an old radio drama. and I realized my pronunciation of Flavia deLuce was much too continental 😂 some really charming descriptions of theatre sets and mechanics in this one too. But TW for very disturbing death of a child 😢 #mommyreads #mystery #crime #historicalfiction

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jb72
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I didn‘t get to post my #24B4monday #readathon wrap-up. Finished: MirrorMask
Progress: Bibliophile (now finished)
Started: The Weed That Strings The Hangman‘s Bag
I think I got about 5 to 6 hours total reading time. I‘m loving the end of month reading wrap-up-a-thon!

Andrew65 Well done, a very healthy total. 👏 Thanks for playing along and we look forward to seeing you next month. 👍😊 5y
Clwojick Way to go! 🙌🏻🤩👌🏻 5y
15 likes2 comments
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HeatherBookNerd
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Pickpick

I‘m not big on cozy mysteries, but these Flavia De Luce books are pretty great. That Flavia is a total spitfire! Fantastic audiobook.

raeintheworld Flavia is my spirit animal. 5y
42 likes1 comment
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jb72
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My new candle from Books A Million - Scorpio! #scorpio #candle #yesiamascorpio

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jillrhudy
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Pickpick

Wouldn‘t Flavia love today‘s Google Doodle! I‘m working my way through the Flavia De Luce series. Just finished book two. Strains credulity at times but very fun light reading.

Crazeedi One of my daughters favorite series! Her kitty is flavia 6y
24 likes1 comment
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Plaidsticks
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Pickpick
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TheBookkeepersApprentice
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Purple books!

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HardcoverHearts
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After the intensity of West, I needed to shake it off with something lighter. I really found the first book delightful so I decided to pick this up after seeing the series mentioned by @reallifereading ! In looking through images that might stand in for Ms Precocious Herself, I saw this photo & couldn‘t help but laugh. It captures the guileless genius of this little girl detective who has a penchant for poisons. Flavia is full of endearing charm.

23 likes1 stack add
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Lynnsoprano
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I have two other books in progress, but I just had to finish this one. Flavia de Luce is such a unique and likable character. This second book in the series is just as interesting as the first. A great balance of mystery and characters. I can‘t wait to return this to my son‘s library in a few weeks and grab book #3.

Crazeedi One of my daughters favorite series, she named her kitty flavia de luce, I have only read the first one, I really need to read the rest! 6y
79 likes1 comment
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TheHeartlandBookFairy
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Pickpick

I've really fallen in love with this series and in particular, the character of Flavia de Luce! This is my second in the series and I've already got the third audiobook ready to go. Flavia is such a bright, precocious, and sometimes irritating little girl 😂 But I absolutely adore her! The stories are well-written and I feel like I'm learning something while listening as well as just enjoying a good story 😊

TheHeartlandBookFairy Listening to the audio books read with the accent makes them even more special 😉 6y
smilingshelves I just started the fourth book in the series. They're so fun! 6y
TheHeartlandBookFairy @smilingshelves , they really are 😊 6y
19 likes3 comments
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Lynnsoprano
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The advantage of having adult kids who are readers is the ability to raid their libraries 😂 My son and DIL have the entire Flavia de Luce series, so I‘m borrowing the second book.

BookshopGirl I‘ve been wanting to read that series! 6y
valeriegeary Nice! 🙌 6y
Lynnsoprano @BookshopGirl I read the first one because it was a gift from a Litsy friend, and now I‘m hooked. That‘s one of the best parts of being involved here: swapping books with friends and unexpected gifts. 6y
BookshopGirl @Lynnsoprano It‘s been only a few days since I joined but I‘m loving Litsy already. I‘ll certainly check out this series, thanks! 6y
78 likes4 comments
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DarcysMom
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟
#audiobook
#overdrive

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DarcysMom
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sprainedbrain What a pretty purple picture! 💜 6y
Kaye 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 6y
Wife 🌹 6y
67 likes3 comments