One would think one's sister's marriage to a dashing German would be the most exciting thing in one's life. They'd be wrong. Because Flavia is far more excited about Arthur Dogger and Associates, the detective agency her and her father's valet have founded after all the cases Flavia has solved over the years. For appearances sake Dogger's name is on the letterhead, but Flavia can't deny that whenever she's come up against a problem in her cases Dogger has always been there to be a sounding board and to offer her keen insight. Yet little does Flavia realize that the wedding will turn out to be far more interesting than she could have expected, because it yields her several mysteries. First, the best man is missing, Reggie Mould is MIA, second there's a problem with the wedding cake. As in there's a finger in the wedding cake. A severed finger. This makes Flavia's day. Not only does it elicit a piercing scream from Feely, but how often are you going to find a severed finger in a wedding cake? What's more, it's not a finger from someone recently deceased, it's been embalmed. Who would want to take the finger of someone already dead? Also such a distinct finger. Because Flavia and Dogger soon discover it is the finger of recently deceased guitarist Mme. Adriana Castelnuovo. But even that's not the most interesting thing. They have gotten themselves a client, an Anastasia Prill. Anastasia is worried about some missing correspondence and needs the help of Arthur Dogger and Associates. But she soon ends up dead. What's more, there's a connection between the finger and Anastasia, the guitarist's son, Colin Collier, is also the nephew of Anastasia! This can't be a coincidence. But with two missionaries foisted on Flavia by the vicar's wife her time is becoming more and more precious. Yet soon she starts to suspect the missionaries. Is everything connected or is she totally on the wrong track?

The Golden Tresses of the Dead is the unexpected ending to the successful Flavia de Luce. Unexpected in that the previous volume, The Grave's a Fine and Private Place, seemed to finally be setting up the next big arc of the series, Flavia and Dogger opening up a detective agency. Instead we got this book, wherein they did start their detective agency, but everything else is a bit of a muddle. In fact, after the initial six book arc, ending with the revelations about Harriet and pheasants, the series hasn't really been on solid footing. Perhaps if Flavia's adventures had continued on at Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, transforming the series into something new, it's longevity might have been assured. Instead the series has been slowing declining until it ended with this. And really, what was this? What was the ending? It was all muddled with no real resolution. Sure Flavia finally realized she could use Undine as a tool to help in their investigations, but there needed to be something more. And by something more I don't mean Dogger transforming into Sherlock Holmes. Dogger has always been the most relatable of characters. His backstory is tragic, and how Flavia was the only one able to help him with his PTSD gave them a special bond which has resulted in him becoming more of a father figure than her own father ever was. But here he seems too different. I know he needed to step up when Flavia's dad unexpectedly and unnecessarily died, but he's too competent, too all knowing. Looking at Dogger here compared to where he was just in the previous volume makes me feel like I've missed a step. Something has irreparably changed and not in a way that makes sense. But really, nothing in this book makes sense. Other than the fact Alan Bradley was obviously watching Lark Rise to Candleford while writing this book. I agree, that show is my one weakness too.

Flavia de Luce will also be one of my favorite detectives. Her young, spunky self is really the shining star of of these books.

Flavia and Dogger have their established detective agency. When a human finger is found in her sister's wedding cake, Flavia jumps into an investigation that will shock most readers.

I've admired Alan Bradley's evolution of this series, especially the major transition two books before. I felt that this installment fell flat in comparison to the others. I think the biggest reason for this book feeling off in comparison to the others is the absence of Flavia's sisters. Ophelia has been married and is off on her honeymoon, Daphne spends the whole book holed up in her rooms working on her memoirs.

Flavia's life has been turned upside down with many of her solid companions moving on in life. This does not bring a feeling of ending to this series but a feeling of a fresh new start. She still has Dogger! Her kindred spirit. Dogger seems strong in mind and together the two of them create their own private investigation team. Doors are opening!

The latest Flavia de Luce novel is a tour de force, Bradley does an excellent job subverting the tropes of the British village mystery and this volume was no exception.

I adore these books! I was not sure how Bradley would keep the story going after the major changes in the last addition to the series, but if anything, he delivered a shift that was touching and compelling and will see him through many more stories moving forward.

As one of my favorite literary characters, I'm always happy to see a new Flavia de Luce novel however this newest addition to the series did not have the same sense of adventure and mystery that previous installments in the series has had. Overall this title fell flat for me though I do hope to see to read more about Flavia in the future.

Oh how I ADORE this series. I am beyond sad that this is the last in what has seriously become one of my all-time favorites. There is no better heroine than 12-year-old Flavia. And Dogger. Sweet, amazing Dogger. *sigh* And Undine! Ok, maybe we’re supposed to find her annoying but I kind of love her.

We open with Ophelia’s wedding. The big day brings lots of hustle and bustle....and a finger in the wedding cake?! In addition, Flavia and Dogger have been hired as private detectives to locate some missing letters for a local woman...but Dogger is skeptical about her motives.

Honestly this book was perfect, in my book. ;) I love Bradley’s writing and story telling abilities. Flavia is the most endearing and unique protagonist I’ve come across. The storyline was fun and captivating. I’ll miss my time in Bishops Lacey with Flavia, Dogger, Feely, Daffy, Mrs. Mullet!

First sentence: I’d like to remark at the outset that I’m a girl with better than average brain.

Premise/plot: Flavia de Luce, child-detective, is starring in her tenth mystery. In this one her older sister, Ophelia “Feely” is getting married. Her wedding goes well. The reception less so! A severed finger is found in the wedding cake giving the bride quite a shock. The guests remain mainly unaware of what causes the excitement. Dogger and Flavia—already an official detective team—take up this case privately. But they do take on a professional case. There is a murder to solve in this one along with several side mysteries. There is always something going on in their “quiet” community.

My thoughts: I really love Flavia and Dogger. I am still heartbroken over the father’s death which happened several books ago. I am starting to warm up to Undine. I love revisiting all the characters from the community. We do see Gladys make a few appearances in this one. You wouldn’t think a bicycle could leave a lasting impression. Overall I am still enjoying the series. Perhaps this one is my favorite of the newer mysteries in the series? I don’t know that it would be a favorite favorite from the setting as a whole?

Definitely read these in order and not as a stand-alone.

Absolutely wonderful. I’ve been a little worried that this series would lose its way as Flavia got older, but this entry eased my mind on that score, The best part is, we get more of Dogger in this one. Such an interesting character! My reviews of Flavia de Luce books always fall flat. Just go read them! They are amazing!

I've always loved the Flavia de Luce mysteries especially for, however convoluted the scheme, it all comes together nicely in the end. Except this one...didn't? I actually finished reading it three days ago and have been mulling it over in my mind since trying to make sense of it, but I've just concluded that the motivation for the plot just wasn't adequately explained!

And while I certainly enjoyed the ever deepening relationship between Flavia and Dogger and loved their sojourn into official detective work, this volume was lacking in her sisterly relationships that I've also enjoyed in past volumes.

As Alan Bradley has stated that he doesn't see an end for Flavia in sight, I do hope the next installment is back to his past standard!

I did not enjoy this book. The only reason I finished it was to be able to give an accurate review.

Sadly this one fell a little flat for me. As a long-time admirer of the series, it pains me to say it but I found that this book just seemed to pile the elements of the series (chemistry, precociousness, Dogger) into the book but without the charm and endearing nature of the previous books. I had to work to get through it. It's never taken me two months to get through a Flavia de Luce book; I'm lucky if I can make it last a week.

The Golden Tresses of the Dead is the tenth (!!) book in the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. Released 22nd Jan 2019 by Penguin on their Delacorte imprint, it's 352 delightful pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio formats.

Flavia is a force of nature. For readers who are unfamiliar with the series, she's a precocious, sometimes ghoulish, chemistry obsessed 12 year old (at this point in the series), who uses her prodigious intellect (and her brawny family retainer Dogger) to solve crimes.

The premise could so easily tip over into maudlin or saccharine cutesy. It balances on the knife edge throughout and Flavia (and Dogger) are -so- readable and engaging that any new addition to the series is a cause for jubilation. By the 10th book, a lot of series' quality control seems to go out the window, sadly. This series has maintained a high standard throughout and in my opinion, The Golden Tresses of the Dead turned out to be one of my favorites.

Since it's the latest book in a fairly large series, I would recommend some familiarity before reading this book. There's a lot of background info and character development which have gone before which won't be understood without picking up at least some of the previous installments. It's not an absolute requirement of course, the author's skillful enough to make each of these books a self contained read, but the experience will undoubtedly be enhanced.

Five stars. This is probably my current favorite mystery series, bar none.

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

One of my favorite amateur sleuths, I have followed Flavia over the years and watched her grow as a young detective. It's nice to see Dogger having more of a presence in her life now that they have formed a discreet investigative agency in the last book of the series. Sad to see Flavia go but hoping there will be a new series based on the new duo, Flavia and Dogger.

I love the Flavia de Luce series and all of the wonderful characters, especially Miss Flavia and Dogger. I really don't think Mr. Bradley can do any wrong with this series. Love it, love it, love it!

I have been a big fan of this series every since I found the first one at the library. I eagerly await each new book because the world of Flavia de Luce is enchanting. The mysteries are always fun, suspenseful and I feel like I learn a little something. While I still very much enjoyed the new book in the series it very much felt like a transition book. And because it felt more like a bridge between the pervious books and whatever comes next I didn't find it quite as compelling. The mystery was intriguing but I found the supporting characters a little shallow. Will definitely keep reading the series but my expectations will be set a little lower.

The Flavia de Luce series strides on; the series, to me, continues from strength to strength, especially in the development of Flavia from a sort of Ramona the Pest lead into a more self-aware young woman who continues to reflect upon and carve out her place in Bishop's Lacey and the the world at large. On that note, I'm also glad we're getting less of Ophelia and Daphne (and a bit more of Undine) as the animosity between the sisters always struck a sour note with me. The mystery, as they tend to be in the series, is a bit loose around the edges so if you want a tight, procedural this may not be a great choice. A strong recommend.

I can't believe it's been 10! I feel like I know Flavia. I've cried and laughed reading past books. This one is no different. I loved it.

Thank you for extending the ARC of "The Golden Tresses of the Dead" to me -- I was unable to finish this book before it expired, so I plan to purchase a copy and read it Thank you anyway!