The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches
A Novel
Book - 2014
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Add a SummaryFabulous. Magnificent. There aren't enough superlatives to describe this book.
Flavia deLuce is a really bright 11 year-old detective, trying to decipher exactly how her mother died. However this mystery was not compelling, and I didn't finish it.
DanniOcean
Jan 21, 2014
When we last met nearly-twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce, her sagging ancestral home Buckshaw was about to be sold, she had just helped recover a legendary diamond from the clutches of a murderer and her older sister Ophelia (Feely) had become engaged. Oh, and her long lost adventuress mother had been found. (See Speaking From Among the Bones, same author). Virtually anything I now say about The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches would be a spoiler for those who love this series, as the resolution from the previous novel influences every aspect of its sequel. Needless to say, Flavia is embroiled in another murder, her sisters still torment her, her father is still distant, and her chemistry lab remains her private domain and sanctuary. However this time there is a definite atmosphere of growth and change surrounding both Flavia and the residents of Buckshaw. Bradley maintains Flavia’s young perspective with that same mixture of precociousness and naivety that has become so endearing in our heroine, but Aunt Felicity’s visit brings a whole host of revelations (we finally learn more about dear but enigmatic Dogger). Flavia’s growth as a person means she begins to live outside her own head a bit more; she begins to see others as they are, and begins to empathize with them too. She is naturally quite alarmed by this development in her personality, and her ruminations (plus the regular gallows humour) help maintain the wit of this novel, which is rather darker than the others in the series. For those who have not been properly introduced to Flavia, it would be best to start at the delightful beginning, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. For those chomping at the bit for Flavia’s newest adventure, be prepared to be delighted on two fronts – the story is a great yarn, and – spoiler alert! – Flavia is coming home to us.
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Add a CommentWith the cliff-hanger from the previous title in the series and the intriguing content and mystery in this one, I devoured this Flavia De Luce novel! Flavia is maturing, learning more about her family, and as always, investigating murder and making potions.
This is one of the most interesting books in the series, Flavia explores memory, loss and ultimately death and coming to terms with the brutal truth the the reality of death. Also coming to terms with the mysteries of her mother's life and her work and Flavia now must take on her legacy.
Flavia is my new favorite sleuth. At 11 she is corrigible but always entertaining. This book in the series focuses on her mother and her secret life. This leads to a peak at Flavia's future.
A much slower novel than the others, this volume deals with Flavia finally confronted by her mother’s remains. Still in the dark as to the details of her mother’s disappearance, Flavia decides that the appropriate course of action is, of course, some resurrection via chemistry. Traitors, treason, and trouble, with an unexpected ending, still a great novel as it delves more into her thinking beyond chemistry.
intriging - i liked - a good read when you want to know a 12 year old heroine - family oriented and most of all uplifting - will read again - also will recommend - thanx
Quick, light, and engaging, The Dead gives the impression that its almost-12-year-old heroine is only dipping a toe into deeper waters. The author is intelligent and capable, but I'm left feeling slightly hollow.
The book plays British almost to the point of satire; hard-up old blood struggles to keep its hold on the manor, while visitors from the orient take the piss out of Kipling. The pervasive feeling of authorly nostalgia for the colonies - real or fabricated, I'm not sure - feels anachronistic enough to meet the setting on its own terms.
All told, a delightfully weird beach read. Would a full-grown novel, with a full-grown Flavia de Luce satisfy, or would it ruin the illusion?
The best Falvia de Luce novel so far. Lots of backstory explanation.
plots are deteriorating and writing style is childish. After the first book, I would never recommend this series to a friend. Perhaps a 10-15 year old reader would enjoy this novel.
Continue to enjoy this series. Not only the murder mysteries, but the unfolding story of the de Luce family. Makes these books very entertaining.
This is the latest book Mr Bradley wrote but not the last. I read all of them in chronological order and although I found the first one to be a slow start, once it got my interest, there was no turning back. The pace is at times very slow and Bradley can get lost in descriptions but Flavia comes alive on the pages among vivid metaphors and witty dialog.
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches was my favourite book; it was consistent in keeping me interested and I couldn't put it down.
I can only wish there were more books. It's going to be a long wait until the next book comes out early 2015. Buy hey, Flavia has a fan club and that tells me she's up to something at all times :))