I am constantly in awe of how Bradley takes pretty non-threatening situations and makes them life-or-death for the young narrator. Flavia herself is as charming as ever in this book, and I enjoyed seeing her in the unlikely environment of an all-girl Canadian boarding school. I wasn't sure I could enjoy any setting as much as Bishop's Lacey where the others are set. A little bit of the overarching story line unfolds here, but mostly it is a satisfying investigation and reconciliation.
The Housekeeper and the Professor is a quiet, sweet look at a mathematics professor whose memory only lasts for 80 minutes, his housekeeper with minimal education, and her bright and beloved son. I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in math, baseball, or sweet, lovely writing that makes you think.
Oh, wow, this was a delightful book! The narrator had the same cheeky, defiant tone as the one in The False Prince series (which I also loved). Mark of the Thief is set in ancient Rome--but with magic. Very fun concept, multifaceted and kind characters, great pacing. The pacing was so good at one point that I was a little confused about one of the characters turning into a bad guy. I wouldn't have minded a bit more development on that point. The images were just spectacular. I felt like I was watching a movie reading the descriptions of the gladiators and the cave.
I'm excited to read the other books in the trilogy when they come out. Write faster, Jennifer Neilsen! I can't wait for the next installment.
