FLAVIA DE LUCE MYSTERY #5: SPEAKING FROM AMONG THE BONES:

FLAVIA DE LUCE MYSTERY #5: SPEAKING FROM AMONG THE BONES by ALAN BRADLEY. 

It is almost Easter in Bishop's Lacey, and the villagers are holding their collective breath as the tomb of St Tancred in the church that bears his name is about to be opened after five hundred years. And as luck would have it, it's inveterate eleven-year-old sleuth Flavia de Luce who is first at the scene. But the body she finds lying there is clearly not that of a desiccated saint. For a start there's the pool of fresh blood, and then there's the gasmask, from under which an unmistakeable shock of golden hair identifies the corpse as that of Mr Collicutt, St Tancred's celebrated organist. Despite her tender years, Flavia is no stranger to murder - but even she is baffled by the peculiar circumstances of Collicutt's death. Especially when soon after, an effigy of St Tancred appears to be weeping blood onto the church floor. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Flavia soon finds herself exploring a secret maze of underground passages beneath the church - and is drawn into the equally dark and fetid world of one of Bishop's Lacey's most peculiar families.
...... Amazon book description.

FIRST SENTENCE: A uncorrected proof copy, I have been asked not to use any quotes. PW

MEMORABLE MOMENT: As above. PW

MY THOUGHTS: Having only ever read part 1, The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie  (see my review HERE) I was delighted to receive a copy of this the fifth book in the series. 

Every bit as good as part 1 as far as the crime element was concerned, it was however our increasingly endearing and, at the same time, equally infuriating (not to mention grown-up) heroine and her relationship with the elderly Dogger that made this such an enjoyable read for me.

Surprised by the events that occur just as Tancred the local saint's bones are about to be disinterred Speaking From Among the Bones beautifully combines all of the mysteries (a gas mask wearing corpse, secret underground tunnels, weeping statues) that I expected of this series along with all of the emotional angst and emotion of a not quite 12 year old 'detective'. Be warned though this ends with a considerable cliffhanger which if you are anything like me will have you longing for the next instalment. 

Published in Issue 75 of NewBooks magazine.

Disclaimers #1 :Removal of any part of this post without my express consent is considered copyright infringement. This post was created by and for Petty Witter @ Pen and Paper. If you are reading this post on any other site please contact the original blog owner/reviewer.
#2 An uncorrected Proof copy (The paperback edition of Speaking From Among the Bones will not be published until March 28th 2013 ) read and reviewed on behalf of NEWBOOKS magazine. I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.