Winner of the CRIME WRITERS' ASSOCIATION DEBUT DAGGER AWARD and the AGATHA AND DILYS AWARD - "A wickedly clever story, a dead-true and original voice" - Laurie R. King It is the summer of 1950–and at the once-grand mansion of Buckshaw, young Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, is intrigued by a series of inexplicable events: A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Then, hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath. For Flavia, who is both appalled and delighted, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw. “I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.”
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"I personally thought this book was intriguing. Certainly one of the best books I've ever read, honestly. This book is all about an 11 year old, aspiring chemist who discovers a series of events such as dead birds with peculiar notes pinned to their beak, dead men laying in cumcumber patches, and many more. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, etc. You won't be disappointed."
— Claire (5 out of 5 stars)
" Great book! It's witty, funny and I especially loved all the historic facts and references to classical books and music. "
— Wiske, 2/20/2014" This book should really probably be classified YA, if it's not already. Very smart, clever, non-traditional heroine, good mystery plot. What really sells me on it, though, is listening to Jayne Entwhistle narrate. Really helps put you in the scene. "
— Juliet, 2/20/2014" I absolutely loved the narrator! It was a fun, quick read. "
— Gina, 2/16/2014" Very enjoyable book. Looking forward to reading the rest of Mr. Bradley's books. "
— Lisa, 1/30/2014" What a wonderful book! A captivating young heroine and a wonderful anglophile setting. Myself, my husband and my daughter were all charmed by this book which also has a cracking good mystery. If you have not read this mystery, do so now and share it with someone too. "
— Shirley, 1/29/2014" Almost 5 stars -really, really liked this book. "
— Jennifer, 1/24/2014" I was surprised to find out the heroine of this "cozy" English murder mystery is 11 years old, but it's rather engaging. I'm not sure I'm going to read the rest of the series, but it was entertaining. "
— Susan, 1/21/2014" I found this book a little hard to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it! I loved Flavia, she is really likeable. Great little mystery and a clean read. "
— Kenzie, 1/20/2014" I love this story! I felt like I'd stumbled into an Agatha Christie story with a super cool twist because the protagonist was a young girl. The family angst was funny and believable too. What makes me psyched is that there are so many other books to read- and to think I just happened to pick this book up because one of my kids had found it and liked it! Flavia de Luce Rocks. "
— Joan, 1/20/2014" Flavia is a wonderful heroine -- smart and sassy, with a lovely, vintage British flavor. "
— Barb, 12/9/2013" This is a really solid book. I really loved Flavia, the main character. Bradley writes with precision and purpose. Although it is that standard mystery story I found that I didn't mind that too much. It is also surprisingly heart warming which I didn't expect. "
— Esherlock, 12/8/2013" I thought the plot was great but I never connected with Flavia. I couldn't get past how bratty she was to her sisters and Mrs. Mullet. I really wanted to like this book but I can't say that I enjoyed reading it. "
— Marci, 12/7/2013" Such a good book. My grandmother would have loved this book. This series has a great Agatha Christie feel to it. I love Flavia as a character and her world is just so fun to visit. "
— Katiedavis, 12/2/2013" Delightful. A thoroughly charming and most entertaining g read. "
— Essie, 12/2/2013" I avoided for fear it was over ratted instead I found it to be really entertaining and very funny. "
— Carla, 11/14/2013" I got this from audible and it is a great book and great performance. "
— Mike, 11/1/2013" Clever and charming but never silly. That's quite an accomplishment. Now onto the second book in the series. "
— Barb, 10/17/2013" This is a great book! it is mysterious and suspenseful, but with some good humor. People of all ages will adore this book! "
— Alex, 7/16/2013" The Flavia deLuce books are fun, quick reads. "
— Misti, 7/15/2013" A fun read, especially if you loved Nancy Drew growing up! "
— Shelby, 6/6/2013" Cute, not the most sophisticated but an easy fun read. "
— Mlcmunt, 3/8/2013" It had a slightly meandering and verbose style that was somewhat annoying and unrealistic coming from a child, but the story and characters were enjoyable. "
— Lindsey, 8/18/2012" It's good story. I'd like to see as hero is 11-years old girl. I like chemistry, so it's some interesting facts about chemistry in this book. So may be I'll read second book. "
— Sasha, 8/7/2012" How could anyone resist Flavia! "
— Kate, 7/8/2012" This was a fun mystery, a quick read. "
— Kathleen, 4/24/2012" I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery. It was light and yet clever. I would definitely recommend this one. "
— Christa, 2/17/2012" I started this book in 2009, but I only read one page! Glad I went back to it; I will probably read the other Flavian books now. "
— Mary, 1/28/2012" Loved everything about this book. Flavia might be one of my top five favorite literary characters... she's definitely in the top 10. "
— Shannon, 7/20/2011" The second book I read this summer about a young detective. Fun reading but not very believable. I will probably try the next book in the series. "
— Darlene, 6/30/2011" You must meet Flavia. Smart as a whip and fun to follow around her town of Bishop's Lacey. If you want to review your chemistry, Flavia is your girl. She outsmarts the local constabulary every time. Takes place in 1950 -- post WWII Britain. "
— Jean, 6/28/2011" Cute little mystery, but some parts of they story were repeated over and over while others were left a little muddled by the end. I liked it though. "
— Leah, 6/27/2011" This was a fun little murder mystery. I had a hard time getting into it, but by the end I couldn't put it down "
— Cherie, 6/27/2011" I really enjoyed this. It was a mystery with a child solving it. A very precocious child (I have one of those.) Look forward to seeing more of this character. "
— Lisa, 6/27/2011" What a delightful murder mystery (if one can be called such). Eleven year old Flavia de Luce, lover of chemistry, especially, poisons, is a hilarious and endearing detective. I look forward to reading more of her cases. "
— Lauren, 6/25/2011" Emily gave this to me as a gift, and it was a good fit. I liked how it was definitely a cozy mystery, but had fun with the genre. "
— Amanda, 6/24/2011" I loved the writing style and I loved the main character, Flavia. Just fun. "
— Elesa, 6/23/2011" What a different and fun book! I don't really know how to describe it except to say that it was entertaining and a page turner. "
— Kelley, 6/23/2011" I loved the whole concept .... an eleven year old doing the detective work for the police, and solving the mysteries first! Love the setting in early England. "
— Cindy, 6/22/2011" Love the main character, Flavia de Luce - she is delightful! "
— Chris, 6/22/2011Alan Bradley is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of novels, short stories, children’s stories, newspaper columns, and the memoir The Shoebox Bible. His first Flavia de Luce novel, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, received the CWA Debut Dagger Award, the Dilys Winn Award, the Arthur Ellis Award, the Agatha Award, the Macavity Award, and the Barry Award, and was nominated for the Anthony Award.
Jayne Entwistle is a voice talent and Earphones Award–winning narrator.