When I discovered that this book was only the first in a series I was thrilled! Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the quirky, charming story of a young girl who sets out to discover the truth behind the murder of a man found dying in her garden's cucumber patch.
Flavia de Luce lives with her father and two sisters in an oversized Buckshaw – a house handed down from generation to generation in her mother’s family. It comes complete with a science laboratory where Flavia can perfect her concoctions and try them out on her older sister, Ophelia. Flavia is just eleven but she's smart, resilient and quick-witted. She’s one of the most lovable protagonists I’ve met in a long time.
As Flavia investigates the circumstances around the body in the garden, she interacts with all manner of people who don’t see things quite as straight-forwardly as she would have them and that brings just the right amount of humour to this enchanting novel. From dealing with her annoying sisters to out-witting the local police, Flavia navigates her way through the maze of the mystery with good humour and aplomb. Though I would say there were bits here and there that needed belief-stretching, that doesn’t detract from the story at all. This book is not just for adults - I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves a cozy mystery including younger teenagers.
Hardcover, 292 pages, published by Random House.
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7 comments:
I like the title of this one. :-) I hadn't really known what it was about until now. Or that it was part of a series. Thanks for the great review. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one.
I really want to read this one. It sounds so good, and I love the title.
I totally wanted to read this one based on the cover alone!! Now after your fantastic review it has become a MUST READ for me...and a series? yay!!!
What I liked was that the belief-stretching parts did not make me angry, just fairly amused. And in the end it's just kind of fun.
I'm so excited when I find someone else who enjoyed this one as much as I did. It's one of my favourties of 2009
I had hoped to get an ARC of this book, but I will settle for some great reviews and put it on my wishlist. Thanks for the review.
I LOVED this book so much and am looking forward to more in the series. Great review.
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