The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

by Alan Bradley
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8898
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780553840766
  • Publisher: Bantam Books
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce is an aspiring chemist with a passion for poisons, living in the decaying grandeur of Buckshaw, her family's estate. When a series of strange events unfold, including the discovery of a dead bird with a peculiar postage stamp pinned to its beak and a man's dying breath in the cucumber patch, Flavia's life takes an intriguing turn. The novel is set in post-World War II England and offers a rich, atmospheric backdrop that blends the charm of a bygone era with the intrigue of a classic mystery. Flavia's sharp wit and scientific curiosity make her an unconventional and endearing protagonist, as she navigates the complexities of family dynamics and the thrill of solving a murder./n/nAs Flavia delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets that connect the dead man to her own family. The story is narrated with a blend of humor and sophistication, capturing the essence of a young girl's coming-of-age journey amidst the shadows of a murder investigation. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first book in the Flavia de Luce series, praised for its engaging plot, vivid characters, and the unique voice of its young protagonist.

Reviews
Heights Forum · Peter Vitz · 2020-08-17
brilliant 5.00

The book is a gem with cleverly crafted turns of phrase and a well-developed mystery. It's a standout novel with a brilliant protagonist.

This book is a true gem, filled with cleverly crafted turns of phrase that make the reading experience all the more enjoyable. The mystery is well-developed and keeps readers engaged until the very end. The protagonist, Flavia, is brilliant and incorrigible, making her a memorable and engaging character. The writing style is witty and humorous, adding to the overall charm of the novel. The historical details and intellectual asides make it a rich and satisfying read. It's a standout mystery that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Studded throughout this cleverly crafted story are turns of phrase

    Brilliant, irresistible and incorrigible, Flavia has a long future ahead of her

    Bradley's mystery debut is a standout chock full of the intellectual asides

SFF Book Review · 2012-09-09
charming 4.50

The book is a light and fun read with an endearing child heroine and an intriguing mystery. It's a charming blend of history, humor, and crime-solving.

This novel is a light and enjoyable read, perfect for those who appreciate a good mystery with a touch of humor. The protagonist, Flavia, is an endearing and clever young girl who solves the mystery with her unique skills and knowledge. The book is filled with interesting trivia about philatelic history, which adds depth to the story. The writing is engaging and witty, making it a pleasure to read. The mystery is well-paced and keeps readers guessing until the end.

Quick quotes

    A light, fun little book with an endearing child heroine

    Some interesting trivia about philatelic history

    A murder to be solved

She Reads Novels · 2010-09-18
enjoyable 4.00

The book appeals to a wide range of readers due to its engaging narrative and unique protagonist. It's a delightful read with a charmingly eccentric main character.

This book has a broad appeal, likely because it can cater to so many different tastes. The protagonist, Flavia, is a delightful and eccentric character who drives the narrative with her unique perspective and chemistry knowledge. The story is engaging and witty, making it a joy to read. The mystery is well-crafted, and the historical details add an extra layer of interest. It's a light-hearted yet clever mystery that keeps readers hooked.

Quick quotes

    It can appeal to people in so many different ways

    Flavia is a delightful and eccentric character

    The story is engaging and witty

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