The GoodReads reviews of this book are spot-on. The protag Flavia is as joyful as an 11 year old and as precocious as a 40 year old. While sometimes I had to wait for her to reach the point in the mystery that I was, I was too pleased and happy with her narrative voice to care much. Her curiosity, compassion, intelligence and energy were as refreshing as a cool spring day. I could tell that Bradley had a list of media a 1950s 11 year old would be exposed to because of their spot on allusions and metaphors. Overall, it was a rollicking good adventure, and I now know a lot more about stamps, which is something I never knew much about to begin with.

That being said, the author unfortunately took pains to remind me it was the 1950s. There's a gross amount of racism, xenophobia, and colonialism, especially against Chinese and Indian peoples. I wouldn't say it totally ruined the story for me, but it was distinctly uncomfortable. I don't think I'll read more of the series. I'd recommend the story if you can be critical but still swallow that stuff down. In other words, this pie could have a little more sweetness as it's bottom.