Finally, finally! The series starts to make a turn for the better now that it focused on the politics of the world around Harry, and not just him. Harry's still an idiot from time to time, but he at least is starting to learn that he needs to stop blaming himself for the choices (stupid or otherwise) that other people make. He lets Billy and the Werewolves (awesome band name alert!) help him. He actually TALKS to Murphy and she gets to kick ass in the way she deserves.

This book is a great step away from Harry Dresden, Single Lonely Wizard With No Friends Because I Think I Can Do Everything Alone, and a step toward integrating secondary characters the way they should be.

Unfortunately, I still know how perky the tits of every female character (expect Murphy) are, but you win some, you lose some.

3.5, with that half star lost for all the gross stuff with Molly.

Sometimes I remember my review of the first book and wonder how I got this far. I can't believe I love this book series so much after my initial distaste for the first book and Flavia herself. Absolute madness.

Anyway, this is another great entry in the series, and Flavia's emotional growth as she grows up and the world changes around her is great. (Though the one thing that really bothers me is how much Daffy and Feely don't really change at all, and this book was sorely lacking in anything substantial for them. They were cardboard cutouts.)

Maybe it's the translations, maybe it's just me, but I wish I could get into Scandinavian mysteries as much as I want to. I'm always left cold.