Probability and reality are not reasons to read a Flavia de Luce book, and that is as true for I Am Half-Sick of Shadows as any of them. I am not looking for a well crafted mystery when I read these books, I am looking to romp around with the characters (especially Flavia) that populate the strange little world of Bishops Lacey. A romp (with a good dash of firework chemistry) is what this book delivers. This book takes place solely in Buckshaw (where pretty much the entire town of BL happens to be as well), so you get a lot more of Buckshaw and less of Flavia and Gladys touring the countryside. In particular, you get to know Dogger better (Dogger!) and he is a treat of a character and a mystery in and of himself. A great addition to the series (will she catch Father Christmas? And if so will the German Father Christmas have to deliver all of England's presents?), but if you're new to Flavia just start at the beginning.