This book came recommended from several different places. One of my favorite book podcasts, Books on the Nightstand, mentioned it several times. I also read about it on LibraryThing, and my mom liked it. So, how could I go wrong?
I did really enjoy this book. Set in 1950 England, Flavia de Luce is an 11-year-old chemistry genius, due to books and a laboratory left by an eccentric uncle. Flavia and her two sisters were left motherless at an early age, with a father who seems to be distant, at best. Things start to change when Flavia finds a dead body in the garden. Aided by her superior intelligence, sense of smell and knowledge of chemicals, Flavia proceeds with an investigation to determine the killer (and clear her father of the crime).
This is by no means a children's or YA book, despite the heroine being a youngster. Although there is nothing of a graphic nature, there is murder and kidnapping.
The second book in this series, The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag, will be coming out very soon. I will be adding it to my TBR (or maybe my "To Be Listened To") pile.