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Flavia de Luce #12
Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers
Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 03:22:05
30 copies available
U.S. only
A nun’s corpse leads beloved amateur sleuth Flavia de Luce to uncover decades-old secrets in this charming novel in the New York Times bestselling series.
“I love the Flavia de Luce novels! Flavia is the best female detective I’ve ever read, full of realism, self-confidence, and emotion (in roughly equal parts), and her tales are hilarious, engaging, and occasionally heartbreaking.”—Diana Gabaldon
In the cloisters of Golgotha House, a mere binocular’s-squint away from Buckshaw, a nun lies dead. When her fellow Sisters prepare her corpse for burial, they discover that their companion has been living a shocking lie for years. The truth about her past, and the dark reasons she harbored for escaping it, are impossible to fathom.
Charged with cracking this mystery is the firm of Arthur Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations)—consisting, of course, of the inimitable young Flavia de Luce herself and her faithful partner-in-detection Dogger.
Working under the eye of a glowering Mother Superior, Flavia and Dogger must uncover a decades-old crime and a secret that lies an ocean away—along with a trail of deception that lies closer to home.
“I love the Flavia de Luce novels! Flavia is the best female detective I’ve ever read, full of realism, self-confidence, and emotion (in roughly equal parts), and her tales are hilarious, engaging, and occasionally heartbreaking.”—Diana Gabaldon
In the cloisters of Golgotha House, a mere binocular’s-squint away from Buckshaw, a nun lies dead. When her fellow Sisters prepare her corpse for burial, they discover that their companion has been living a shocking lie for years. The truth about her past, and the dark reasons she harbored for escaping it, are impossible to fathom.
Charged with cracking this mystery is the firm of Arthur Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations)—consisting, of course, of the inimitable young Flavia de Luce herself and her faithful partner-in-detection Dogger.
Working under the eye of a glowering Mother Superior, Flavia and Dogger must uncover a decades-old crime and a secret that lies an ocean away—along with a trail of deception that lies closer to home.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2026
About the author
Alan Bradley
43 books8,698 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
With an education in electronic engineering, Alan worked at numerous radio and television stations in Ontario, and at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto, before becoming Director of Television Engineering in the media centre at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where he remained for 25 years before taking early retirement to write in 1994.
He became the first President of the Saskatoon Writers, and a founding member of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild. His children's stories were published in The Canadian Children's Annual, and his short story, Meet Miss Mullen, was the first recipient of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild Award for Children's Literature.
For a number of years, he regularly taught Script Writing and Television Production courses at the University of Saskatchewan (Extension Division) at both beginner and advanced levels.
His fiction has been published in literary journals and he has given many public readings in schools and galleries. His short stories have been broadcast by CBC Radio.
He was a founding member of The Casebook of Saskatoon, a society devoted to the study of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlockian writings. Here, he met the late Dr. William A.S. Sarjeant, with whom he collaborated on their classic book, Ms Holmes of Baker Street. This work put forth the startling theory that the Great Detective was a woman, and was greeted upon publication with what has been described as "a firestorm of controversy".
The release of Ms. Holmes resulted in national media coverage, with the authors embarking upon an extensive series of interviews, radio and television appearances, and a public debate at Toronto's Harbourfront. His lifestyle and humorous pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail and The National Post.
His book The Shoebox Bible (McClelland and Stewart, 2006) has been compared with Tuesdays With Morrie and Mr. God, This is Anna.
In July of 2007 he won the Debut Dagger Award of the (British) Crimewriter's Association for his novel The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first of a series featuring eleven year old Flavia de Luce, which has since won the 2009 Agatha Award for Best First Novel,the 2010 Dilys Award,the Spotted Owl Award, and the 2010 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie has also been nominated for the Macavity, the Barry, and the Arthur Awards.
Alan Bradley lives in Malta with his wife Shirley and two calculating cats.
With an education in electronic engineering, Alan worked at numerous radio and television stations in Ontario, and at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto, before becoming Director of Television Engineering in the media centre at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where he remained for 25 years before taking early retirement to write in 1994.
He became the first President of the Saskatoon Writers, and a founding member of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild. His children's stories were published in The Canadian Children's Annual, and his short story, Meet Miss Mullen, was the first recipient of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild Award for Children's Literature.
For a number of years, he regularly taught Script Writing and Television Production courses at the University of Saskatchewan (Extension Division) at both beginner and advanced levels.
His fiction has been published in literary journals and he has given many public readings in schools and galleries. His short stories have been broadcast by CBC Radio.
He was a founding member of The Casebook of Saskatoon, a society devoted to the study of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlockian writings. Here, he met the late Dr. William A.S. Sarjeant, with whom he collaborated on their classic book, Ms Holmes of Baker Street. This work put forth the startling theory that the Great Detective was a woman, and was greeted upon publication with what has been described as "a firestorm of controversy".
The release of Ms. Holmes resulted in national media coverage, with the authors embarking upon an extensive series of interviews, radio and television appearances, and a public debate at Toronto's Harbourfront. His lifestyle and humorous pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail and The National Post.
His book The Shoebox Bible (McClelland and Stewart, 2006) has been compared with Tuesdays With Morrie and Mr. God, This is Anna.
In July of 2007 he won the Debut Dagger Award of the (British) Crimewriter's Association for his novel The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first of a series featuring eleven year old Flavia de Luce, which has since won the 2009 Agatha Award for Best First Novel,the 2010 Dilys Award,the Spotted Owl Award, and the 2010 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie has also been nominated for the Macavity, the Barry, and the Arthur Awards.
Alan Bradley lives in Malta with his wife Shirley and two calculating cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have loved Flavia De Luce from her first book, and while I'm sad to see the series end, this was a fitting goodbye. I had not heard that Alan Bradley passed away, and I'm glad he was able to wrap this up.
Flavia is such a fantastic character, and her boldness, intelligence, and sass, mixed with her innocence, come through here. Even the meandering parts, which I usually don't like in a book, are enjoyable to read. The story itself is fairly slow-paced and lacks some of the complexity of the earlier novels. You also have to suspend belief when older people remember very specific conversations from 50 years ago.
If you've enjoyed the series, read this. If you haven't yet, start from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Alan Bradley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Flavia is such a fantastic character, and her boldness, intelligence, and sass, mixed with her innocence, come through here. Even the meandering parts, which I usually don't like in a book, are enjoyable to read. The story itself is fairly slow-paced and lacks some of the complexity of the earlier novels. You also have to suspend belief when older people remember very specific conversations from 50 years ago.
If you've enjoyed the series, read this. If you haven't yet, start from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Alan Bradley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Read
June 10, 2026Knowing now that the author Alan Bradley died only a few weeks ago, finishing the read of this (final) Flavia book hit a little differently. And the whole tone of the book somehow feels fitting. It's a change from the last few books, which have dealt with secret societies and massive conspiracies. This one is a return to a somewhat more traditional sleuthing story, although there aren't that many twists and turns. Flavia does some research, and she interviews a couple of people. Other than that, she spends a lot of time being fairly introspective and philosophical.
It's a short read compared to some of the other books in the series. I enjoyed the book, though it took me by surprise with its slower and gentler pace of storytelling. Perhaps this is a reflection of where the author was at in his life's journey.
Thanks to Bantam via Netgalley for this advance review copy.
It's a short read compared to some of the other books in the series. I enjoyed the book, though it took me by surprise with its slower and gentler pace of storytelling. Perhaps this is a reflection of where the author was at in his life's journey.
Thanks to Bantam via Netgalley for this advance review copy.
June 16, 2026
“I gave a little chortle to show that I wasn't a complete muffin. I ought to mention that I'm teaching myself to chortle because, in my opinion, a proper chortle is one of the cornerstones of civilization. A good chortle is indispensable. One must always guard against a tendency to go too far with either a tight, starched smile, or throwing oneself howling on the floor, flopping and floundering like a fish in the bottom of a boat. Laughing properly is a serious matter."
Finishing this book was such a bittersweet experience. It was just as satisfying and engaging as the entire series has been throughout the years, but knowing that this is Alan Bradley's last book and the Flavia series has come to an end leaves me sorrowful. Once again I loved the precocious Flavia and all the supporting characters who make this series such an inviting and cozy reading experience. This is one of the few book series that has ever made me laugh out loud and cry.
Alan Bradley really created something special with this series and he leaves a beautiful legacy of books that will be treasured by many for years to come. The author’s note of this book is not to be missed. I read it multiple times and just wanted to give the author a big hug. Mr. Bradley passed away in late May so he won't get to see the reception for this final book, but I'm confident it will be just as successful as the previous books in this incredible series. This is a reading experience I highly recommend. The first book is The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
Thank you, Bantam Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful book ahead of publication!
Finishing this book was such a bittersweet experience. It was just as satisfying and engaging as the entire series has been throughout the years, but knowing that this is Alan Bradley's last book and the Flavia series has come to an end leaves me sorrowful. Once again I loved the precocious Flavia and all the supporting characters who make this series such an inviting and cozy reading experience. This is one of the few book series that has ever made me laugh out loud and cry.
Alan Bradley really created something special with this series and he leaves a beautiful legacy of books that will be treasured by many for years to come. The author’s note of this book is not to be missed. I read it multiple times and just wanted to give the author a big hug. Mr. Bradley passed away in late May so he won't get to see the reception for this final book, but I'm confident it will be just as successful as the previous books in this incredible series. This is a reading experience I highly recommend. The first book is The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
Thank you, Bantam Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful book ahead of publication!
Want to Read
May 22, 2026I am heartbroken to hear of Mr. Bradley's passing on May 18, 2026.
November 3, 2026
Supposedly this 12th book in the series is ACTUALLY the final Flavia de Luce cozy historical mystery book by beloved Canadian author Alan Bradley (but he’s said that before so I’m not holding my breath).
That said, if it really is the final one, the series ended on nostalgic high note and included all the charm that made me fall for this series from book one. Many returning characters, a new cold case murder mystery and the perfect blend of humor and heart.
Amateur sleuth, Flavia gets to work with Dogger on another murder mystery, their shared loved of chemistry is spotlighted AND we learn even more about his backstory and the key role it plays in solving this mystery of a dead nun at a silent convent. There’s also cameos from the odious cousin Undine and barely tolerated older sister, Ophelia.
If you haven’t given this series a try I can’t recommend it enough! Flavia is an unforgettably unique and plucky youthful sleuth who will steal your heart! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
That said, if it really is the final one, the series ended on nostalgic high note and included all the charm that made me fall for this series from book one. Many returning characters, a new cold case murder mystery and the perfect blend of humor and heart.
Amateur sleuth, Flavia gets to work with Dogger on another murder mystery, their shared loved of chemistry is spotlighted AND we learn even more about his backstory and the key role it plays in solving this mystery of a dead nun at a silent convent. There’s also cameos from the odious cousin Undine and barely tolerated older sister, Ophelia.
If you haven’t given this series a try I can’t recommend it enough! Flavia is an unforgettably unique and plucky youthful sleuth who will steal your heart! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2026
Rezension folgt...
May 27, 2026
Sister Garance lives in a cloistered nun community; she’s dead; and she’s a man. No spoilers here - these facts are all presented on the first page for the readers. And our partner in parsing out this mystery is Flavia de Luce, precocious pre-teen living in 1950’s rural England.
I love Flavia. Her wit, sharpness, and energy make the mystery and its unfolding a pleasure to read. If you’re interested in the Yukon and its gold rush, this is the definitely the book for you. I’ve loved each of the prior books in this series in no small part due to the author’s rendering of Flavia and the supporting characters including her sisters, the gardener (both her partner in detecting and friend), and the vicar and his wife.
The author Alan Bradley passed away last week (5/19/26), which places in context the farewell letter he writes to the reader at the end of the book. I’ll miss Flavia and this world - but we’re fortunate to have 12 books in this series to keep the world alive for new readers.
Thank you Bantam Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love Flavia. Her wit, sharpness, and energy make the mystery and its unfolding a pleasure to read. If you’re interested in the Yukon and its gold rush, this is the definitely the book for you. I’ve loved each of the prior books in this series in no small part due to the author’s rendering of Flavia and the supporting characters including her sisters, the gardener (both her partner in detecting and friend), and the vicar and his wife.
The author Alan Bradley passed away last week (5/19/26), which places in context the farewell letter he writes to the reader at the end of the book. I’ll miss Flavia and this world - but we’re fortunate to have 12 books in this series to keep the world alive for new readers.
Thank you Bantam Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Read
October 20, 2026This review is bittersweet to write. Sadly, the author of this delightful and beautifully written historical mystery series passed away a few months ago. However, it was wonderful to have one last adventure with Flavia de Luce, and it is a touching conclusion to the series.
Set in an English village in the 1950s, orphaned Flavia, her sisters, and a cousin live in their family's dilapidated mansion, with help from their housekeeper and Dogger, the gardener. Flavia and Dogger have teamed up to start a private investigation agency and are hired by a mother superior to uncover the identity of a deceased sister who died with secrets.
This is the 12th book in the series, and Flavia is now in her early teens. She is brilliant, eccentric, fiercely independent, a chemistry prodigy obsessed with poisons, and has a truly remarkable vocabulary. I adore her! In this book, she is more introspective and shows greater emotional maturity and empathy. Dogger is as endearing as ever, and I will miss this world and group of characters.
The story moves at a quieter, more thoughtful pace than the previous few installments. It is more character driven, with reflections on life and human nature. In addition to the reflections, there is an intriguing and layered mystery to solve, and lots of clever humor. The conclusion is satisfying and touching, and it felt like catching a glimpse of the remarkable woman Flavia will become. By the Author's Note, I was in tears.
The audiobook was narrated by Jane Entwistle, who has done an incredible job across the series and delivers another fantastic performance here. She will always be the voice of Flavia to me, but she also nails Dogger and the rest of the cast, bringing the story brilliantly to life!
Set in an English village in the 1950s, orphaned Flavia, her sisters, and a cousin live in their family's dilapidated mansion, with help from their housekeeper and Dogger, the gardener. Flavia and Dogger have teamed up to start a private investigation agency and are hired by a mother superior to uncover the identity of a deceased sister who died with secrets.
This is the 12th book in the series, and Flavia is now in her early teens. She is brilliant, eccentric, fiercely independent, a chemistry prodigy obsessed with poisons, and has a truly remarkable vocabulary. I adore her! In this book, she is more introspective and shows greater emotional maturity and empathy. Dogger is as endearing as ever, and I will miss this world and group of characters.
The story moves at a quieter, more thoughtful pace than the previous few installments. It is more character driven, with reflections on life and human nature. In addition to the reflections, there is an intriguing and layered mystery to solve, and lots of clever humor. The conclusion is satisfying and touching, and it felt like catching a glimpse of the remarkable woman Flavia will become. By the Author's Note, I was in tears.
The audiobook was narrated by Jane Entwistle, who has done an incredible job across the series and delivers another fantastic performance here. She will always be the voice of Flavia to me, but she also nails Dogger and the rest of the cast, bringing the story brilliantly to life!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I leaned forward in eager anticipation, trying not to let my eyes goggle or my mouth hang open. (from page 1)
The moment you get your hands on the newest Flavia de Luce, all other reading gets set aside. And yet, it's difficult to pace yourself; you want to savor the book as if it might be the last... which this one is. Mr. Bradley passed away a few months ago just short of his 88th birthday.
After a nun passes away at nearby Golgotha House, it becomes apparent that she had kept a shocking secret. Flavia and Dogger are asked to solve the mystery as discreetly as possible. Fortunately, we get to spend some time with Gladys as Flavia pedals around Bishops Lacey and the surrounding area, seeking clues. Most enjoyably, we get Flavia's first person narration which often had me laughing out loud.
Thank you Mr. Bradley for 17 years of reading enjoyment. (And thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance electronic copy.)
The moment you get your hands on the newest Flavia de Luce, all other reading gets set aside. And yet, it's difficult to pace yourself; you want to savor the book as if it might be the last... which this one is. Mr. Bradley passed away a few months ago just short of his 88th birthday.
After a nun passes away at nearby Golgotha House, it becomes apparent that she had kept a shocking secret. Flavia and Dogger are asked to solve the mystery as discreetly as possible. Fortunately, we get to spend some time with Gladys as Flavia pedals around Bishops Lacey and the surrounding area, seeking clues. Most enjoyably, we get Flavia's first person narration which often had me laughing out loud.
Thank you Mr. Bradley for 17 years of reading enjoyment. (And thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance electronic copy.)
Read
September 30, 2026In a 1950’s English country village on a crumbling family estate lives a brilliant chemist and amateur-turned professional sleuth (this is her own opinion of the matter) and her quirky relations. Flavia de Luce cannot go long without stumbling over a body and does so in this twelfth installment to the series.
My full review will post at Books Are My Heart on 11.4.26.
My full review will post at Books Are My Heart on 11.4.26.
Read
May 24, 2026Flavia de Luce is one of my favorite fictional detectives. The young sleuth along with her partner in detecting, Dogger, are assigned the task of discovering a decades old crime. Not as much sibling sniping as in previous books, but as Flavia grows into womanhood, she learns to restrain herself (and her tongue) with wit and discovery. Alan Bradley's books and characters are always very engaging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** “It is because I have a good heart — and a good heart is the greatest gift God ever bestowed upon we humans. There are many other gifts to be sure … but without the gift of a good heart, these other gifts are as nothing.” **
Alan Bradley returns us to the quirky world of Flavia de Luce, a cheeky youngster with a knack for solving mysteries and murders and an extreme love of science, especially chemistry, in “Numb Were the Beadman’s Fingers.”
When Flavia and her estate caretaker Dogger are summoned to the local convent, she can’t imagine what the visit will entail. She’s shocked to find a recently deceased sister there was found to actually be a man. The Reverend Mother requests their assistance in determining Sister Garance’s true identity.
Flavia’s investigation leads her to the Klondike, including a family connection, and the truth behind its ruggedness. Will she figure out the mystery, all while continuing to grow as a person herself?
Once again Bradley creates a delightfully fun plot filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, a precocious sleuth, and shocking twists and turns. He uses the wise-beyond-her-years Flavia to remind us of important lessons, like sometimes we need to feel like we are part of something grand; you can find magic in the most unexpected places; sometimes our soul can be drained if we are around too many people or distractions; confidence and exploration are the key to survival; we shouldn’t underestimate people as we are all capable of “horrors far beyond the imagination”; silence can be a sharp weapon; and one of the greatest gifts God bestows on us is a good heart.
“Numb Were the Beadman’s Fingers” is due out Nov. 3, and fans of quirky mysteries and young sleuths we all can learn lessons from will love it.
Five stars out of five.
Bantam provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Alan Bradley returns us to the quirky world of Flavia de Luce, a cheeky youngster with a knack for solving mysteries and murders and an extreme love of science, especially chemistry, in “Numb Were the Beadman’s Fingers.”
When Flavia and her estate caretaker Dogger are summoned to the local convent, she can’t imagine what the visit will entail. She’s shocked to find a recently deceased sister there was found to actually be a man. The Reverend Mother requests their assistance in determining Sister Garance’s true identity.
Flavia’s investigation leads her to the Klondike, including a family connection, and the truth behind its ruggedness. Will she figure out the mystery, all while continuing to grow as a person herself?
Once again Bradley creates a delightfully fun plot filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, a precocious sleuth, and shocking twists and turns. He uses the wise-beyond-her-years Flavia to remind us of important lessons, like sometimes we need to feel like we are part of something grand; you can find magic in the most unexpected places; sometimes our soul can be drained if we are around too many people or distractions; confidence and exploration are the key to survival; we shouldn’t underestimate people as we are all capable of “horrors far beyond the imagination”; silence can be a sharp weapon; and one of the greatest gifts God bestows on us is a good heart.
“Numb Were the Beadman’s Fingers” is due out Nov. 3, and fans of quirky mysteries and young sleuths we all can learn lessons from will love it.
Five stars out of five.
Bantam provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Bantam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies of Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers, the 12th and final novel in the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley!
TBH I was expecting Flavia de Luce to go out with a BANG… but by the time I finished this book, I realized how perfect this series finale really was. We’re back in Bishop’s Lacy, with Flavia riding around town on her trusty bike Gladys, tracking down clues and solving a mystery. It’s classic Flavia de Luce, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so glad Alan Bradley gave us the ending this series needed rather than the one we might have expected.
By the end of the story, Flavia feels older, wiser, and more settled, and it just feels *right* to leave her now that she’s reached this point in her life. I didn't realize how much I needed that until I turned the final page and read Bradley’s L’Envoi. Did my eyes leak a little when I realized the About the Author section was written in past tense? No, YOU’RE crying.
The audiobook is narrated by Jayne Entwistle who’s performed ALL 12 Flavia de Luce novels. At this point, Jayne’s voice IS Flavia to me. Even when I’m reading with my eyes, I hear her voice in my head. She brings Flavia’s cheeky personality to life so perfectly!
If you’ve started this series, I highly recommend seeing it through to the end. It’s a wonderful farewell to our sweet (and sometimes salty) Flavia de Luce.
TBH I was expecting Flavia de Luce to go out with a BANG… but by the time I finished this book, I realized how perfect this series finale really was. We’re back in Bishop’s Lacy, with Flavia riding around town on her trusty bike Gladys, tracking down clues and solving a mystery. It’s classic Flavia de Luce, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so glad Alan Bradley gave us the ending this series needed rather than the one we might have expected.
By the end of the story, Flavia feels older, wiser, and more settled, and it just feels *right* to leave her now that she’s reached this point in her life. I didn't realize how much I needed that until I turned the final page and read Bradley’s L’Envoi. Did my eyes leak a little when I realized the About the Author section was written in past tense? No, YOU’RE crying.
The audiobook is narrated by Jayne Entwistle who’s performed ALL 12 Flavia de Luce novels. At this point, Jayne’s voice IS Flavia to me. Even when I’m reading with my eyes, I hear her voice in my head. She brings Flavia’s cheeky personality to life so perfectly!
If you’ve started this series, I highly recommend seeing it through to the end. It’s a wonderful farewell to our sweet (and sometimes salty) Flavia de Luce.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the twelfth book in the Flavia De Luce series, and I have enjoyed every one.
This episode finds Flavia as mistress of Buckshaw, called in to investigate alongside faithful retainer Dogger, the death of the local nun Sister Garance. When the Sisters of Clemency went to prepare her for burial, they discovered a shocking secret, and Flavia and Dogger need to figure out what was going on.
This is a bittersweet review - as the author Alan Bradley passed away last year and this will be the last Flavia novel. This is slower paced, a simpler story, than some of the recent books, and that seems fitting for the last one. The usual cast of characters are present, from Gladys to the Vicar and his wife, sisters Feely and Daffy and cousin Undine. St. Tancred's and Bishop's Lacey play their usual roles alongside the crumbling Buckshaw estate. Dogger and Flavia continue as Arthur W. Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations). This time their investigations take them to what happened during the Yukon gold rush - which was an interesting diversion.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Flavia's character - she has been one of my favorite detectives. Her precocious wit and humor and her charm shine through each book. I particularly enjoy the way these books are told through her voice.
This episode finds Flavia as mistress of Buckshaw, called in to investigate alongside faithful retainer Dogger, the death of the local nun Sister Garance. When the Sisters of Clemency went to prepare her for burial, they discovered a shocking secret, and Flavia and Dogger need to figure out what was going on.
This is a bittersweet review - as the author Alan Bradley passed away last year and this will be the last Flavia novel. This is slower paced, a simpler story, than some of the recent books, and that seems fitting for the last one. The usual cast of characters are present, from Gladys to the Vicar and his wife, sisters Feely and Daffy and cousin Undine. St. Tancred's and Bishop's Lacey play their usual roles alongside the crumbling Buckshaw estate. Dogger and Flavia continue as Arthur W. Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations). This time their investigations take them to what happened during the Yukon gold rush - which was an interesting diversion.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Flavia's character - she has been one of my favorite detectives. Her precocious wit and humor and her charm shine through each book. I particularly enjoy the way these books are told through her voice.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC. I love Flavia De Luce and I have read everyone of the twelve books. As expected, this one did not disappoint. I love the chemistry side trips, learning more about Dogger, the fights among the sisters and, of course, the mystery to solve. Flavia is right up there with Sherlock, Ruth, Gamache and Enola.
July 23, 2026
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. The series has been going on for so long and there are lots of threads, so I wasn't entirely confident about where I was in the big plot. The mystery itself was kind of interesting but I felt like it fizzled out. It seemed like a book written by an author who was losing steam (which, respectfully, might have been the case given that he just passed away). I still loved the FMC and the droll observations about humanity, as well as the literary and scientific references. If you've stuck with these books for this long, definitely read "Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers" but know this isn't like the first few books in this incredible series. I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review; the book comes out Fall 2026!
June 4, 2026
3.5. This was an enjoyable enough read, but I have no idea what Alan Bradley is doing with the series at this point.
Instead of a murder mystery, Flavia and Dogger have been contracted by a priory to determine the identity of a recently deceased nun who turned out to be a man who is believed to be connected to the 1897 Klondike gold rush. The investigation that results is insular and meditative, mostly taking the form of reading books from the de Luce library and a couple interviews. Flavia interacts with hardly anyone aside from Dogger, when so much of the previous books was made up of her conversations with — and judgmental thoughts about — the villagers and people encountered during their sleuthing. The Nide are not mentioned once, though Undine makes the occasional unremarkable appearance, and at this point I have to believe Bradley does not intend to explicate that particular subplot that had been so prominent earlier in the series. The book ends with a cryptic author’s note that could either be interpreted as an end to the series or plans to continue.
I will always enjoy being inside Flavia’s head and the mysteries she solves, but it’s incredibly disappointing that the Nide subplot that Bradley spent so many years and books building up is apparently being quietly dropped.
Instead of a murder mystery, Flavia and Dogger have been contracted by a priory to determine the identity of a recently deceased nun who turned out to be a man who is believed to be connected to the 1897 Klondike gold rush. The investigation that results is insular and meditative, mostly taking the form of reading books from the de Luce library and a couple interviews. Flavia interacts with hardly anyone aside from Dogger, when so much of the previous books was made up of her conversations with — and judgmental thoughts about — the villagers and people encountered during their sleuthing. The Nide are not mentioned once, though Undine makes the occasional unremarkable appearance, and at this point I have to believe Bradley does not intend to explicate that particular subplot that had been so prominent earlier in the series. The book ends with a cryptic author’s note that could either be interpreted as an end to the series or plans to continue.
I will always enjoy being inside Flavia’s head and the mysteries she solves, but it’s incredibly disappointing that the Nide subplot that Bradley spent so many years and books building up is apparently being quietly dropped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
cawpile - 7.00 (3.5 stars)
In the final installment of the Flavia de Luce novels, Flavia and Dogger are called in by the Mother Superior of a nearby convent after a sister's death reveals a shocking secret about the life she led. Working together to uncover the truth about this sister's past takes them on an unexpected journey through time. Can Flavia and Dogger unravel the secrets before it's too late?
I grew up with the Flavia de Luce novels, and it is bittersweet to see this series come to an end. While it was not one of my favorite installments, I do think it sufficiently concludes the stories for all these characters and gave them a happy ending. It was also an incredibly easy read. While some of the earlier books in the series could at times be convoluted and hard to follow, this one was rather straightforward. The shorter length also made it very quick to get through.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how it incorporated history and research into the plot. As a historian, I quite enjoyed watching Flavia take on that role and dig through primary and secondary sources to get to the bottom of things. As someone who sees my younger self in Flavia, it was really neat to also see an older version of myself in her in this way.
I also appreciated that there was a bit more chemistry involved in this book than in the previous. One of my few issues with What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust was the relative lack of chemistry in the story despite that being Flavia’s main interest and the hallmark of her character. While I would say the use of chemistry in this book is still a bit lacking in comparison with the earliest novels, I liked that it felt more significant to the investigation in this book compared to the last.
*Warning: Spoilers ahead*
While I did enjoy the story on the whole, there were a few aspects of the plot and writing that I took issue with. First things first, the actual mystery of this novel departs significantly from past installments in that it is not a murder investigation. Dogger and Flavia are simply tasked with discovering the deceased nun’s identity. While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with changing the type of mystery, such a departure for the 12th book in a series that follows an established structure threw me for a loop. For the entire first half of the book I kept wondering why they weren’t looking for a suspect and investigating a murder.
There were also some glaring logic issues that I really couldn’t suspend my disbelief for. Throughout the book, Flavia speaks to a few people who have firsthand knowledge of the case. In both instances, Flavia uses her bicycle to get to their residence. I’m sorry, but I have a difficult time believing that both of these people just happen to live within biking distance of Bishop’s Lacey, especially knowing that one of the individuals was part of the gold rush in the Yukon and could very plausibly be living literally anywhere else. It just bothered me a little bit how convenient it was for these two key witnesses to be located nearby.
Lastly, speaking generally, the writing of this book just felt different. I can’t quite place a finger on why, but the narration didn’t feel to me like the Flavia I’ve come to know over so many years. The book also did not hold my attention like the others. While many of the previous books have been nearly impossible to put down, I never felt like this story truly gripped me. It was intriguing enough to continue reading, but I didn’t have that “all I want to do is read this book” feeling. Similarly, there were some pacing issues, especially in the beginning. In the first chapter, there is practically zero exposition, and readers are taken almost immediately to the inciting incident. I was so confused that I actually checked to make sure I hadn’t accidentally started reading the second or third chapter. It was strange to be taken into the story so quickly without any real setup.
Despite these issues with the plot and writing, I do still feel it is a satisfactory conclusion to the series. While I would have liked it to feel a little more like the Flavia novels of old, it was still enjoyable overall, and I am content with the way Bradley leaves the story. And it’s not a goodbye, not really. Because Buckshaw will always be there, waiting for us to make another visit. All we have to do is pick up a book.
~~~
*A special thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
In the final installment of the Flavia de Luce novels, Flavia and Dogger are called in by the Mother Superior of a nearby convent after a sister's death reveals a shocking secret about the life she led. Working together to uncover the truth about this sister's past takes them on an unexpected journey through time. Can Flavia and Dogger unravel the secrets before it's too late?
I grew up with the Flavia de Luce novels, and it is bittersweet to see this series come to an end. While it was not one of my favorite installments, I do think it sufficiently concludes the stories for all these characters and gave them a happy ending. It was also an incredibly easy read. While some of the earlier books in the series could at times be convoluted and hard to follow, this one was rather straightforward. The shorter length also made it very quick to get through.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how it incorporated history and research into the plot. As a historian, I quite enjoyed watching Flavia take on that role and dig through primary and secondary sources to get to the bottom of things. As someone who sees my younger self in Flavia, it was really neat to also see an older version of myself in her in this way.
I also appreciated that there was a bit more chemistry involved in this book than in the previous. One of my few issues with What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust was the relative lack of chemistry in the story despite that being Flavia’s main interest and the hallmark of her character. While I would say the use of chemistry in this book is still a bit lacking in comparison with the earliest novels, I liked that it felt more significant to the investigation in this book compared to the last.
*Warning: Spoilers ahead*
While I did enjoy the story on the whole, there were a few aspects of the plot and writing that I took issue with. First things first, the actual mystery of this novel departs significantly from past installments in that it is not a murder investigation. Dogger and Flavia are simply tasked with discovering the deceased nun’s identity. While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with changing the type of mystery, such a departure for the 12th book in a series that follows an established structure threw me for a loop. For the entire first half of the book I kept wondering why they weren’t looking for a suspect and investigating a murder.
There were also some glaring logic issues that I really couldn’t suspend my disbelief for. Throughout the book, Flavia speaks to a few people who have firsthand knowledge of the case. In both instances, Flavia uses her bicycle to get to their residence. I’m sorry, but I have a difficult time believing that both of these people just happen to live within biking distance of Bishop’s Lacey, especially knowing that one of the individuals was part of the gold rush in the Yukon and could very plausibly be living literally anywhere else. It just bothered me a little bit how convenient it was for these two key witnesses to be located nearby.
Lastly, speaking generally, the writing of this book just felt different. I can’t quite place a finger on why, but the narration didn’t feel to me like the Flavia I’ve come to know over so many years. The book also did not hold my attention like the others. While many of the previous books have been nearly impossible to put down, I never felt like this story truly gripped me. It was intriguing enough to continue reading, but I didn’t have that “all I want to do is read this book” feeling. Similarly, there were some pacing issues, especially in the beginning. In the first chapter, there is practically zero exposition, and readers are taken almost immediately to the inciting incident. I was so confused that I actually checked to make sure I hadn’t accidentally started reading the second or third chapter. It was strange to be taken into the story so quickly without any real setup.
Despite these issues with the plot and writing, I do still feel it is a satisfactory conclusion to the series. While I would have liked it to feel a little more like the Flavia novels of old, it was still enjoyable overall, and I am content with the way Bradley leaves the story. And it’s not a goodbye, not really. Because Buckshaw will always be there, waiting for us to make another visit. All we have to do is pick up a book.
~~~
*A special thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Numb Were the Beadman’s Fingers by Alan Bradley is the 12th book in Bradley’s Flavia de Luce mystery series. I love Flavia de Luce and I’ve enjoyed watching her grow up (somewhat!) throughout this series. It also (as an older woman) pleased me that he published his first novel (also the first in the Flavia series) at the age of 70.
Sadly, the author Alan Bradley, died in May and this book, is his last.
I am grateful that this series is at least ending with this lovely work. The mystery itself may not be the most compelling in the series but as always watching Flavia at work, interacting with family and friends (and most movingly with Dogger, while ostensibly working for Flavia, is her closest and most trusted friend, and perhaps the most reliable and wise adult in her life).
For those who don’t know, Flavia is a child chemistry prodigy and the youngest of three daughters who live on a large country estate in England. Through a series of complicated events, Flavia is now, at the young age of 12, the owner of the estate, a position she carries off with innocence and panache.
The book begins with a conversation between Flavia and the vicar’s wife in which Flavia learns a surprising fact about a recently deceased nun. I don’t want to give any spoilers, even of information that is given almost immediately, but suffice it to say that the mystery is a tantalizing one.
The character of Flavia is what carries the book and it works well. Flavia is strong and interesting and often funny. She is also becoming increasingly thoughtful about herself and the world as she grows older (in the first book she is 11 and in this 12th and final book she is approaching (or newly arrived at) 13. She remains the wise, sarcastic, chemistry prodigy she began as but her desire to be more thoughtful in her treatment of others—as well as her ability to be so—is growing. I loved her as a child detective but I think I would continue to love her as she matures and I am sorry that this is the last I’ll see of her.
This is a wonderful book, fun and interesting (with a great deal of surprising information about the Klondike gold rush). I would recommend the entire series which is consistently satisfying. I think this book stands on its own but is certainly enriched by having the close relationship that I feel like I have with Flavia.
Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers: A Flavia de Luce Novel, by Alan Bradley, will be published on November 3, 2026 by Ballantine/Bantam.
I thank the publishers and NetGalley for the privilege of receiving a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly, the author Alan Bradley, died in May and this book, is his last.
I am grateful that this series is at least ending with this lovely work. The mystery itself may not be the most compelling in the series but as always watching Flavia at work, interacting with family and friends (and most movingly with Dogger, while ostensibly working for Flavia, is her closest and most trusted friend, and perhaps the most reliable and wise adult in her life).
For those who don’t know, Flavia is a child chemistry prodigy and the youngest of three daughters who live on a large country estate in England. Through a series of complicated events, Flavia is now, at the young age of 12, the owner of the estate, a position she carries off with innocence and panache.
The book begins with a conversation between Flavia and the vicar’s wife in which Flavia learns a surprising fact about a recently deceased nun. I don’t want to give any spoilers, even of information that is given almost immediately, but suffice it to say that the mystery is a tantalizing one.
The character of Flavia is what carries the book and it works well. Flavia is strong and interesting and often funny. She is also becoming increasingly thoughtful about herself and the world as she grows older (in the first book she is 11 and in this 12th and final book she is approaching (or newly arrived at) 13. She remains the wise, sarcastic, chemistry prodigy she began as but her desire to be more thoughtful in her treatment of others—as well as her ability to be so—is growing. I loved her as a child detective but I think I would continue to love her as she matures and I am sorry that this is the last I’ll see of her.
This is a wonderful book, fun and interesting (with a great deal of surprising information about the Klondike gold rush). I would recommend the entire series which is consistently satisfying. I think this book stands on its own but is certainly enriched by having the close relationship that I feel like I have with Flavia.
Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers: A Flavia de Luce Novel, by Alan Bradley, will be published on November 3, 2026 by Ballantine/Bantam.
I thank the publishers and NetGalley for the privilege of receiving a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers by Alan Bradley was such an enjoyable and bittersweet read! It's hard to believe this is the twelfth and final book in the Flavia de Luce series. There's just something so entertaining about Flavia and her unique way of looking at the world, and it was wonderful to spend one last adventure with her and the familiar characters I've come to love.
This time, Flavia and Dogger are called to a nearby convent to investigate a rather unusual mystery. After the death of one of the sisters, it's discovered that she was actually a man, leaving plenty of questions about who this person really was and what secrets they had been hiding. Of course, Flavia can't resist a good mystery, and her investigation takes her down some unexpected paths, including connections to the Klondike Gold Rush.
As always, Flavia was the highlight of the book for me. Her intelligence, sarcastic humor, love of chemistry, and complete lack of a filter make her such a fun character to follow. I especially enjoyed seeing her relationship with Dogger continue to develop. They make such a great team, and I loved that we got to learn a little more about his past. It was also nice to see some of the familiar supporting characters make appearances, giving the story that comforting, familiar feeling that makes this series so special.
I did feel like this installment was a little different from some of the earlier books. The mystery was more straightforward and moved at a slower, quieter pace, with a greater focus on the characters and their personal growth. While I enjoyed the investigation, I wouldn't say it was the most exciting or memorable mystery in the series. However, I appreciated the historical elements, the return of Flavia's chemistry experiments, and the opportunity to see a slightly more mature and thoughtful side of her.
Knowing that this is the final book, especially following Alan Bradley's passing, made the whole experience a little emotional. There's something sad about saying goodbye to characters you've followed through so many adventures, but I thought this was a fitting conclusion to the series. The author's note at the end made it even more meaningful.
Overall, this was a lovely final visit to Flavia's world. It may not have been my favorite mystery of the series, but it still had the humor, charm, and wonderfully quirky characters that made these books so enjoyable in the first place. I'm definitely going to miss Flavia and Dogger, but I'm glad we got one last adventure with them!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers by Alan Bradley was such an enjoyable and bittersweet read! It's hard to believe this is the twelfth and final book in the Flavia de Luce series. There's just something so entertaining about Flavia and her unique way of looking at the world, and it was wonderful to spend one last adventure with her and the familiar characters I've come to love.
This time, Flavia and Dogger are called to a nearby convent to investigate a rather unusual mystery. After the death of one of the sisters, it's discovered that she was actually a man, leaving plenty of questions about who this person really was and what secrets they had been hiding. Of course, Flavia can't resist a good mystery, and her investigation takes her down some unexpected paths, including connections to the Klondike Gold Rush.
As always, Flavia was the highlight of the book for me. Her intelligence, sarcastic humor, love of chemistry, and complete lack of a filter make her such a fun character to follow. I especially enjoyed seeing her relationship with Dogger continue to develop. They make such a great team, and I loved that we got to learn a little more about his past. It was also nice to see some of the familiar supporting characters make appearances, giving the story that comforting, familiar feeling that makes this series so special.
I did feel like this installment was a little different from some of the earlier books. The mystery was more straightforward and moved at a slower, quieter pace, with a greater focus on the characters and their personal growth. While I enjoyed the investigation, I wouldn't say it was the most exciting or memorable mystery in the series. However, I appreciated the historical elements, the return of Flavia's chemistry experiments, and the opportunity to see a slightly more mature and thoughtful side of her.
Knowing that this is the final book, especially following Alan Bradley's passing, made the whole experience a little emotional. There's something sad about saying goodbye to characters you've followed through so many adventures, but I thought this was a fitting conclusion to the series. The author's note at the end made it even more meaningful.
Overall, this was a lovely final visit to Flavia's world. It may not have been my favorite mystery of the series, but it still had the humor, charm, and wonderfully quirky characters that made these books so enjoyable in the first place. I'm definitely going to miss Flavia and Dogger, but I'm glad we got one last adventure with them!
A big thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Bantam/Random House for the ARC of "Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers" in exchange for an honest review, with opinions entirely my own.
So torn as to what the tone of this 5 star review should be. I want to convey the enthusiasm at how much I loved this book, but at the same time feel deeply saddened about the passing of its author Alan Bradley. As delightful as this latest (and last) Flavia de Luce mystery is to read, I couldn't escape the aura of melancholy I felt even as I enjoyed every page of it........including the brief poignant farewell left by the author, filled with his signature wit and wisdom.
In her incredibly eventful yet still brief lifetime, irrepressible, ultra-precocious 12 year old Flavia has managed to close the case on 11 previous confounding mysteries in and around her post World War 2 countryside estate. With her faithful crime solving gardener cohort Dogger, she now faces a truly bizarre, baffing puzzle surrounding the death of a nun from a silent Order.. It appears that the late Sister Garance hid a startling secret about herself and her dark past contained far more than anyone could imagine.
Flavia and Dogger's investigations into the nun's strange death lead them all the way back to the turbulent, violent Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. With the help of recollections from one of the surviving Klondike adventurers, Flavia delves into a past brutal world of thievery,, betrayal, and murder amid the lethally arctic cold more dangerous than the greedy men who live in it.
Along the way to an ultimate solution, the good hearted Flavia cherishes her time with the worldly wise Dogger and copes with the constant drama surrounding her two older sisters and her perpetual constant shadow and nemesis, the little devilish cousin Undine. And as always, author Bradley finds a way to mix humor and heart in every scene.
I couldn't recommend 'Beadsman's Fingers" more highly and I can only wish Alan Bradley has stayed with us to take Flavia de Luce into adolescence, young adulthood and even middle age. Flavia and her creator will both be sorely missed.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
So torn as to what the tone of this 5 star review should be. I want to convey the enthusiasm at how much I loved this book, but at the same time feel deeply saddened about the passing of its author Alan Bradley. As delightful as this latest (and last) Flavia de Luce mystery is to read, I couldn't escape the aura of melancholy I felt even as I enjoyed every page of it........including the brief poignant farewell left by the author, filled with his signature wit and wisdom.
In her incredibly eventful yet still brief lifetime, irrepressible, ultra-precocious 12 year old Flavia has managed to close the case on 11 previous confounding mysteries in and around her post World War 2 countryside estate. With her faithful crime solving gardener cohort Dogger, she now faces a truly bizarre, baffing puzzle surrounding the death of a nun from a silent Order.. It appears that the late Sister Garance hid a startling secret about herself and her dark past contained far more than anyone could imagine.
Flavia and Dogger's investigations into the nun's strange death lead them all the way back to the turbulent, violent Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. With the help of recollections from one of the surviving Klondike adventurers, Flavia delves into a past brutal world of thievery,, betrayal, and murder amid the lethally arctic cold more dangerous than the greedy men who live in it.
Along the way to an ultimate solution, the good hearted Flavia cherishes her time with the worldly wise Dogger and copes with the constant drama surrounding her two older sisters and her perpetual constant shadow and nemesis, the little devilish cousin Undine. And as always, author Bradley finds a way to mix humor and heart in every scene.
I couldn't recommend 'Beadsman's Fingers" more highly and I can only wish Alan Bradley has stayed with us to take Flavia de Luce into adolescence, young adulthood and even middle age. Flavia and her creator will both be sorely missed.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
September 30, 2026
Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers by Alan Bradley is a very highly recommended cozy mystery featuring Flavia de Luce, a favorite precocious young detective and chemistry prodigy. This is the 12th and final addition to the Flavia de Luce mystery series. Author Alan Bradley, died at the age of 87 on May 20, 2026.
While preparing the body of deceased Sister Garance for her burial, the Sisters of Clemency in the cloisters of Golgotha House are shocked to discover she was actually a man. The Reverend Mother asks Flavia and Dogger, of Arthur W. Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations), for their assistance in identifying who Sister Garance was in order to notify the family. It seems being a man in an order of nuns who have a vow of silence is a perfect hideout. Flavia and Dogger undertake the challenge to discover the secret behind the decades-old deception.
Flavia is well-established, intelligent, resourceful, and innovative character in the series set in 1950s England and it is a pleasure to be back in her world as she conducts a charming, more traditional final investigation. There is the expected humor and wit along the way while Flavia researches the past to uncover the identity of Sister Garance. There is a side story that Cynthia Davidson, the vicar's wife is concerned Denwyn, the vicar, is drinking. Mrs. Mullet, Feely, Deiter, Daffy and Undine all make an appearance. There is a heart-felt farewell from Alan Bradley at the end of the novel.
For all of us who have been following Flavia Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers is an excellent, suitable final mystery for her to solve. If you have never accompanied Flavia on an investigation, this is a series worth reading right from the start with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (2009). Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
While preparing the body of deceased Sister Garance for her burial, the Sisters of Clemency in the cloisters of Golgotha House are shocked to discover she was actually a man. The Reverend Mother asks Flavia and Dogger, of Arthur W. Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations), for their assistance in identifying who Sister Garance was in order to notify the family. It seems being a man in an order of nuns who have a vow of silence is a perfect hideout. Flavia and Dogger undertake the challenge to discover the secret behind the decades-old deception.
Flavia is well-established, intelligent, resourceful, and innovative character in the series set in 1950s England and it is a pleasure to be back in her world as she conducts a charming, more traditional final investigation. There is the expected humor and wit along the way while Flavia researches the past to uncover the identity of Sister Garance. There is a side story that Cynthia Davidson, the vicar's wife is concerned Denwyn, the vicar, is drinking. Mrs. Mullet, Feely, Deiter, Daffy and Undine all make an appearance. There is a heart-felt farewell from Alan Bradley at the end of the novel.
For all of us who have been following Flavia Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers is an excellent, suitable final mystery for her to solve. If you have never accompanied Flavia on an investigation, this is a series worth reading right from the start with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (2009). Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I settled in with my morning latte and Alan Bradley’s Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers, letting a chilly Northern California morning become somebody else’s English village mystery. Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy. There’s something reassuring about reading fictional secrets before breakfast, when my biggest problem is remembering where I put my coffee.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A nun has died at Golgotha House, and the discovery made while preparing her for burial raises questions about the life everyone thought she had lived. Enter Flavia de Luce and Dogger, whose discreet investigation reaches into decades-old secrets and the history of the Yukon gold rush. Apparently, even a convent with a vow of silence has plenty to tell.
Flavia is such an entertaining mix of scientific curiosity, confidence, and thoughts that really should remain inside her head. Naturally, those thoughts are half the fun. She can be wonderfully sharp, but I liked seeing the tenderness underneath all that certainty. Growing up hasn’t entirely cured her of being irritated by her relatives, which seems reasonable. Some conditions are lifelong.
But Flavia and Dogger together were what held me here. His patience, her trust, and the room they give each other to think make their companionship feel special. I appreciated the moments when she slowed down enough to listen. Being clever is one thing; recognizing that someone else has something worth hearing is another.
The mystery asks you to settle in for conversations, recollections, and pieces of the past. I occasionally wanted a little more urgency, but I was happy spending time with these two. The old-fashioned atmosphere, dry humor, and quieter reflections suited my morning beautifully.
This twelfth adventure has a wistful feeling, and the author’s farewell adds to that. A reminder that sometimes the people solving the mystery matter as much as the answer.
Which fictional detective would you choose to spend an afternoon with, and why?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A nun has died at Golgotha House, and the discovery made while preparing her for burial raises questions about the life everyone thought she had lived. Enter Flavia de Luce and Dogger, whose discreet investigation reaches into decades-old secrets and the history of the Yukon gold rush. Apparently, even a convent with a vow of silence has plenty to tell.
Flavia is such an entertaining mix of scientific curiosity, confidence, and thoughts that really should remain inside her head. Naturally, those thoughts are half the fun. She can be wonderfully sharp, but I liked seeing the tenderness underneath all that certainty. Growing up hasn’t entirely cured her of being irritated by her relatives, which seems reasonable. Some conditions are lifelong.
But Flavia and Dogger together were what held me here. His patience, her trust, and the room they give each other to think make their companionship feel special. I appreciated the moments when she slowed down enough to listen. Being clever is one thing; recognizing that someone else has something worth hearing is another.
The mystery asks you to settle in for conversations, recollections, and pieces of the past. I occasionally wanted a little more urgency, but I was happy spending time with these two. The old-fashioned atmosphere, dry humor, and quieter reflections suited my morning beautifully.
This twelfth adventure has a wistful feeling, and the author’s farewell adds to that. A reminder that sometimes the people solving the mystery matter as much as the answer.
Which fictional detective would you choose to spend an afternoon with, and why?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Although the narrator seems less and less a clever and precocious little girl than I recall her being in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the wit, irreverence and humor of this engaging character are in full form in this 12th book of the Flavia De Luce series.
For those unfamiliar, this endearing science-loving detective lives in her family’s large and ramshackle estate in post-war England and her friends are the gardener and cook. Her antagonists include two older sisters (one an avid reader and the other a pianist) with whom she enjoys the usual sibling rivalry and, under duress, absolute loyalty. She has her own chemistry lab and roams the countryside on her beloved bike in search of clues to solve the many murders and calamities that we mystery readers know English villages have in abundance.
This story involves a cloister of nuns who have taken a vow of silence and a parallel story about the gold rush and some nefarious acts that might or might not have taken place earlier in Klondike and Yukon.
I have missed 3 books in this series over the last few years - an unfortunate consequence of not visiting my brick and mortar library which carries the full collection. Somehow the little break made me appreciate Alan Bradley’s humor and his heroine even more and now I’ll backtrack to those stories I’ve missed.
In a note at the end of this one, the author wishes his readers farewell. I don’t know if this means this book is the final one in the series. If so, my 5 star rating is for the series as a whole. Some heroines (Maisie Dobbs and Precious Ramotswe are other examples) just become part of our lives and Flavia is one such heroine. If this is her swan song, then I’m a bit sad, and if not I look forward to her next chapter!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For those unfamiliar, this endearing science-loving detective lives in her family’s large and ramshackle estate in post-war England and her friends are the gardener and cook. Her antagonists include two older sisters (one an avid reader and the other a pianist) with whom she enjoys the usual sibling rivalry and, under duress, absolute loyalty. She has her own chemistry lab and roams the countryside on her beloved bike in search of clues to solve the many murders and calamities that we mystery readers know English villages have in abundance.
This story involves a cloister of nuns who have taken a vow of silence and a parallel story about the gold rush and some nefarious acts that might or might not have taken place earlier in Klondike and Yukon.
I have missed 3 books in this series over the last few years - an unfortunate consequence of not visiting my brick and mortar library which carries the full collection. Somehow the little break made me appreciate Alan Bradley’s humor and his heroine even more and now I’ll backtrack to those stories I’ve missed.
In a note at the end of this one, the author wishes his readers farewell. I don’t know if this means this book is the final one in the series. If so, my 5 star rating is for the series as a whole. Some heroines (Maisie Dobbs and Precious Ramotswe are other examples) just become part of our lives and Flavia is one such heroine. If this is her swan song, then I’m a bit sad, and if not I look forward to her next chapter!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2026
“Hang onto your youthful enthusiasm. You’ll need it when you’re old.” (the Greek stoic Seneca)
Thank you for the free ebook Netgalley @netgalley , Ballantine Books @ballantinebooks , Bantum Books @bantumbooks , Alan Bradley @alanbradley
“Numb were the Beadsman’s Fingers” (Flavia De Luce #12) by Alan Bradley.
HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES: Feisty, clever young Flavia de Luce lives in Bishop’s Lacey, England with a distracted father and irritating sisters. She spends much time in her chemical lab in the abandoned east wing of Buckshaw Manor. Discussing rare poisons, quoting classics, rushing off on bicycle Gladys, Flavia is a force of nature. Local Inspector Hewitt finds himself alternately impressed and irritated by Flavia’s investigations.
SYNOPSIS, THIS BOOK: 1953-A nun is found dead at Golgotha House, and she was hiding a shocking, remarkable secret. Arthur Dogger & Associates Discreet Investigations (brilliantly curious Flavia and steadfast partner Dogger) must untangle a web of deception, long-forgotten crimes, and family secrets.
FAVORITE BITS: The best way I can describe this wonderful book is to quote Bradley’s witty, poignant, evocative prose:
⭐️“…a sister is a razor blade wrapped in thistledown.”
⭐️“Have you ever, merely to make other people feel better, allowed your own voice to betray your own heart?”
⭐️“There is a hole in the bottom of the soul which becomes a drain when we are exposed for too long to too many people.”
⭐️“What now?” I thought. “What fresh horror has this little snotlet inflicted upon us?”
⭐️“There is a demon linking inside each of us, and his name is Blurt. He lives in our mouth…and out come tumbling the very words we are trying so desperately to swallow.”
Treat yourself to the whole series in order! “Condensed Contentment, I would call it. Bottled Bliss.
Thank you for the free ebook Netgalley @netgalley , Ballantine Books @ballantinebooks , Bantum Books @bantumbooks , Alan Bradley @alanbradley
“Numb were the Beadsman’s Fingers” (Flavia De Luce #12) by Alan Bradley.
HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES: Feisty, clever young Flavia de Luce lives in Bishop’s Lacey, England with a distracted father and irritating sisters. She spends much time in her chemical lab in the abandoned east wing of Buckshaw Manor. Discussing rare poisons, quoting classics, rushing off on bicycle Gladys, Flavia is a force of nature. Local Inspector Hewitt finds himself alternately impressed and irritated by Flavia’s investigations.
SYNOPSIS, THIS BOOK: 1953-A nun is found dead at Golgotha House, and she was hiding a shocking, remarkable secret. Arthur Dogger & Associates Discreet Investigations (brilliantly curious Flavia and steadfast partner Dogger) must untangle a web of deception, long-forgotten crimes, and family secrets.
FAVORITE BITS: The best way I can describe this wonderful book is to quote Bradley’s witty, poignant, evocative prose:
⭐️“…a sister is a razor blade wrapped in thistledown.”
⭐️“Have you ever, merely to make other people feel better, allowed your own voice to betray your own heart?”
⭐️“There is a hole in the bottom of the soul which becomes a drain when we are exposed for too long to too many people.”
⭐️“What now?” I thought. “What fresh horror has this little snotlet inflicted upon us?”
⭐️“There is a demon linking inside each of us, and his name is Blurt. He lives in our mouth…and out come tumbling the very words we are trying so desperately to swallow.”
Treat yourself to the whole series in order! “Condensed Contentment, I would call it. Bottled Bliss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arthur Dogger & Associates (Discreet investigations) are tasked, via the Vicar’s wife, with solving a mystery surrounding a dead nun belonging to an order who have taken a vow of silence. The Flavia who takes center stage in this book is growing up, she’s more introspective, I love the interaction between she and the veteran Dogger as she carefully lets him unfold his thoughts, knowledge and wisdom that are key in solving the case, she recognizes what the effects of having been a soldier and POW have on him. As always the book is full of observations on human nature and gentle humor. Flavia’s love of science shines through, family members irritate her but are loved just the same, the Vicar and his wife have a place in the story, and there’s always Gladys, the trusty bike that carries her through the English countryside to follow clues.
Since author Alan Bradley passed away earlier this year this last lines of a series I’ve loved since The Sweetness At The Bottom of the Pie seem rather fitting, if you haven’t read the previous 11 books please do! I’m normally more of an English police procedural reader, enjoying strong female detectives as main characters. These are gentler but one can only imagine a grown up Flavia becoming a forensic detective.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bantam Books/Penguin Random House for an ARC. Coincidentally the island library bookstore (with both new and used books) I volunteer at just received a donation of the first 6 books while I was working my most recent shift, I was so happy to see them and thrilled that a patron I suggested them to bought them all that same afternoon, then I came home to find an email with an offer to read this latest book in my inbox. Truly a case of the stars aligning!
Since author Alan Bradley passed away earlier this year this last lines of a series I’ve loved since The Sweetness At The Bottom of the Pie seem rather fitting, if you haven’t read the previous 11 books please do! I’m normally more of an English police procedural reader, enjoying strong female detectives as main characters. These are gentler but one can only imagine a grown up Flavia becoming a forensic detective.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bantam Books/Penguin Random House for an ARC. Coincidentally the island library bookstore (with both new and used books) I volunteer at just received a donation of the first 6 books while I was working my most recent shift, I was so happy to see them and thrilled that a patron I suggested them to bought them all that same afternoon, then I came home to find an email with an offer to read this latest book in my inbox. Truly a case of the stars aligning!
November 3, 2026
“Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers,” by Alan Bradley, Bantam, 256 pages, Nov. 3, 2026.
In the cloisters of Golgotha House, near Flavia de Luce’s home of Buckshaw, a nun lies dead. When her fellow sisters prepare her corpse for burial, they discover that Sister Garance has been living a lie for years.
Cynthia Davidson, the vicar’s wife, tells Flavia of the death because Vicar Denwyn Davidson of St. Tancred, was consulted about what the nuns should do. They think that Flavia and her business partner Arthur W. Dogger can investigate Sister Garance’s past. Dogger is also the de Luce family gardener. The town is Bishop Lacey.
It is soon after Flavia’s sister Ophelia’s wedding. Her other sister, Daphne, is still at home as is their cousin, Undine. Flavia’s mother died years earlier. When Flavia tells Dogger about Sister Garance’s death, he says that he knew her. He was wounded in World War II and the convent operated a program for soldiers with PTSD.
Flavia and Digger deduce that Sister Garance had a connection to the Yukon before entering the convent. But how does that relate to 1950s England?
Flavia is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is a little over the top with what she says, but her attention to her extended family is admirable. Alan Bradley created something special with this series of twelve novels. He wrote a farewell letter to the readers at the end of this book because he was planning for it to be the final installment. He died in May at the age of 87.
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
In the cloisters of Golgotha House, near Flavia de Luce’s home of Buckshaw, a nun lies dead. When her fellow sisters prepare her corpse for burial, they discover that Sister Garance has been living a lie for years.
Cynthia Davidson, the vicar’s wife, tells Flavia of the death because Vicar Denwyn Davidson of St. Tancred, was consulted about what the nuns should do. They think that Flavia and her business partner Arthur W. Dogger can investigate Sister Garance’s past. Dogger is also the de Luce family gardener. The town is Bishop Lacey.
It is soon after Flavia’s sister Ophelia’s wedding. Her other sister, Daphne, is still at home as is their cousin, Undine. Flavia’s mother died years earlier. When Flavia tells Dogger about Sister Garance’s death, he says that he knew her. He was wounded in World War II and the convent operated a program for soldiers with PTSD.
Flavia and Digger deduce that Sister Garance had a connection to the Yukon before entering the convent. But how does that relate to 1950s England?
Flavia is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is a little over the top with what she says, but her attention to her extended family is admirable. Alan Bradley created something special with this series of twelve novels. He wrote a farewell letter to the readers at the end of this book because he was planning for it to be the final installment. He died in May at the age of 87.
I rate it four out of five stars.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a fan of the Flavia de Luce mysteries by Alan Bradley and have been eagerly awaiting this newest, and final, book in the series. The story jumped right in with a new mystery surrounding a nun of the nearby convent, who isn’t who people thought she was. Flavia and her trusted partner, Dogger, are asked to help solve the mystery. I learned that Alan Bradley had passed away recently shortly before I started reading, and made the story all the more poignant for me.
I loved being back with Flavia and all the characters I have come to love; Dogger, Mrs. Mullet, Daffy, Feely, Dieter, Cynthia and the vicar, and course the mischievous, cousin Undine. Flavia’s plucky personality and passion for chemistry, mysteries, and taking care of those she loves really came through in this book. I would say that felt like it overshadowed the mystery some, though not necessarily in a bad way. I did enjoy her musings on chemistry, and learning of the silent nuns and the history of the gold rush in the Yukon.
The letter from the author at the end was very touching, I appreciate his sharing Flavia with us over the twelve books in the series. I recommend this book for those who love the Flavia de Luce series. For fellow cozy mystery lovers, if you have not yet given Flavia a try, I encourage you to pick up the first book as they are unique and wonderful.
I would like to say a sincere thank you to the publisher Ballantine | Bantam, author Alan Bradley, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I loved being back with Flavia and all the characters I have come to love; Dogger, Mrs. Mullet, Daffy, Feely, Dieter, Cynthia and the vicar, and course the mischievous, cousin Undine. Flavia’s plucky personality and passion for chemistry, mysteries, and taking care of those she loves really came through in this book. I would say that felt like it overshadowed the mystery some, though not necessarily in a bad way. I did enjoy her musings on chemistry, and learning of the silent nuns and the history of the gold rush in the Yukon.
The letter from the author at the end was very touching, I appreciate his sharing Flavia with us over the twelve books in the series. I recommend this book for those who love the Flavia de Luce series. For fellow cozy mystery lovers, if you have not yet given Flavia a try, I encourage you to pick up the first book as they are unique and wonderful.
I would like to say a sincere thank you to the publisher Ballantine | Bantam, author Alan Bradley, and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Bantam Sons and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 3rd, 2027.
This is the 12th, and probably last, delightful mystery in the Flavia de Luce series. If you’re new to the series, it follows an 11-year old irreverent chemist and amateur detective pottering about with her poisons in her family’s decaying estate in 1950s rural England. If you are newbie, I recommend going back and starting at the beginning — it isn’t necessary, but it’s much more fun.
This book starts with an immediate hook — Flavia and Dogger (the family manservant with a complex past and a “black belt in noncommittal”) are called in to the (silent) Sisters of Clemency convent to help identify a recently deceased nun who -- wait for it — turned out to be a man. The (quite satisfying) unravelling of this mystery takes us to the Klondike, the shell-shock victims of WWI, and an intriguing Rosary Code. The writing is humorous and full of the creative and surprising asides that constantly stream out of Flavia’s fertile mind. The characters are highly competent (each in their own way) and likably quirky. The story is fun to follow with the kind of relevant (and sometimes utterly irrelevant) tangents that will attract the intellectually curious reader.
Alan Bradley wrote the first book in the series when he was 70 based on his winning entry for the Debut Dagger fiction competition. He passed away at the age of 87 just this last May.
This is the 12th, and probably last, delightful mystery in the Flavia de Luce series. If you’re new to the series, it follows an 11-year old irreverent chemist and amateur detective pottering about with her poisons in her family’s decaying estate in 1950s rural England. If you are newbie, I recommend going back and starting at the beginning — it isn’t necessary, but it’s much more fun.
This book starts with an immediate hook — Flavia and Dogger (the family manservant with a complex past and a “black belt in noncommittal”) are called in to the (silent) Sisters of Clemency convent to help identify a recently deceased nun who -- wait for it — turned out to be a man. The (quite satisfying) unravelling of this mystery takes us to the Klondike, the shell-shock victims of WWI, and an intriguing Rosary Code. The writing is humorous and full of the creative and surprising asides that constantly stream out of Flavia’s fertile mind. The characters are highly competent (each in their own way) and likably quirky. The story is fun to follow with the kind of relevant (and sometimes utterly irrelevant) tangents that will attract the intellectually curious reader.
Alan Bradley wrote the first book in the series when he was 70 based on his winning entry for the Debut Dagger fiction competition. He passed away at the age of 87 just this last May.
November 3, 2026
Flavia de Luce is back!
I was so happy to hear that there was another book coming out in one of my favorite series of all-time. This series features one of the greatest and most entertaining detectives ever created Flavia de Luce. Alan Bradley’s amateur detective is a precocious girl who began solving mysteries when she was 11 years-old in the multi award-winning book, “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”. She is back in what is sadly her final outing, “Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers”.
In her latest outing, Flavia and her partner in detecting, Dogger, are tasked with the job of uncovering the secrets of a nun who died at Golgotha House. Over the course of uncovering the mystery, we are also treated to glimpses of Flavia’s relationships with her family members. Between the detecting and the family interludes, we start to see that in this book more so than in the previous entries in the series, that Flavia is growing up, and that her actions are trending toward being more of a thoughtful adult instead of a pre-teen child. It was nice to see an author show a character maturing, but I really enjoyed when he let her exuberance and joy show!
Although it was a bittersweet read, returning to the world Alan Bradley created was like visiting old friends. The quirky characters, including Gladys, her bike, the 1950s British village setting, and the interesting mystery blend into another brilliant book in the series, one which I highly recommend.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bantam for sending me a preview of the book. This has been my honest opinion.
I was so happy to hear that there was another book coming out in one of my favorite series of all-time. This series features one of the greatest and most entertaining detectives ever created Flavia de Luce. Alan Bradley’s amateur detective is a precocious girl who began solving mysteries when she was 11 years-old in the multi award-winning book, “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”. She is back in what is sadly her final outing, “Numb Were the Beadsman’s Fingers”.
In her latest outing, Flavia and her partner in detecting, Dogger, are tasked with the job of uncovering the secrets of a nun who died at Golgotha House. Over the course of uncovering the mystery, we are also treated to glimpses of Flavia’s relationships with her family members. Between the detecting and the family interludes, we start to see that in this book more so than in the previous entries in the series, that Flavia is growing up, and that her actions are trending toward being more of a thoughtful adult instead of a pre-teen child. It was nice to see an author show a character maturing, but I really enjoyed when he let her exuberance and joy show!
Although it was a bittersweet read, returning to the world Alan Bradley created was like visiting old friends. The quirky characters, including Gladys, her bike, the 1950s British village setting, and the interesting mystery blend into another brilliant book in the series, one which I highly recommend.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bantam for sending me a preview of the book. This has been my honest opinion.
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