Review: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Budding chemist Flavia de Luce lives in an old English manor, Buckshaw, with her widowed father and her two older sisters. One day, they discover a bird with an old postage stamp impaled on its beak laying on their front steps. Later that same day, Flavia discovers a man dying in their garden.
When Flavia’s father is arrested for the murder, she takes it upon herself to solve the case. When she visits her father in jail he tells her a secret from his past that she thinks is tied to the current mystery. She investigates and finds herself in the middle of quite a mess.
After seeing Candace of Beth Fish Reads tweet about it, I decided to listen to the audio version of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, and I am so glad I did! The audio version is read by Jayne Entwistle and her voice is absolutely perfect for Flavia! She also narrates this trailer:
I’m sure everyone’s read at least a dozen reviews of this book by now and I really don’t have much to add, but I just loved Flavia! She’s such an endearing character with her passion for chemistry and her bicycle named Gladys. I loved her independence, her curiosity and her saucy ways.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first book in a series and I look forward to continuing it. I found the book to be charming and delightful and enjoyed the setting (both time and place) as well as the characters. This is a book you won’t want to miss!
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It was a good book, that I enjoyed when I read it, but it is not a book that stayed with me since. Not sure why…
I loved this as well, and can understand why listening to the audio version would be a treat.
I loved this one too; #2 is very good as well.
I loved this book, too! However, I was a bit disappointed in the second one. I just love the character of Flavia, though! 🙂 -Beth http://www.drbethnolan.wordpress.com
I haven’t read it yet but now I think I should track down the audiobook. Thanks for posting the video!
Really need to get to this one. I know I’ll love it!
I just picked this book up from the library yesterday. I think Flavia sounds like a characater I will like very much. Now I’m wishing I checked out the audio version.
Thanks for the trailer! You are right – her voice is the perfect Flavia.
While I did not ‘love’ this book, I did enjoy it enough to want to read the second in the series. Perhaps I will look into “reading” the audio version.
Sounds awesome. I’m going to suggest it to the ladies in my book club. Thanks!
I’ve got this one on my shelves, in my “to be read sooner rather than later but not too soon” pile. I’ve been reading “Love Walked In” and the sequel “Belong to Me”, which features some pretty charming kids. I am not often swayed by kid characters in books, but after my encounter with these ones recently, I know I’d probably have the same impression of Flavia. Everyone seems to love her!
I have this one and hope to read it soon. It has been so popular.
I just picked up this book whilst looking for another Alan Bradley book which came with very good reviews. Am looking forward to reading this one.
Oh, this sounds great.
Oh, I would love to read or listen to this book! I love her accent. 🙂
So many people have liked this book and I keep thinking I should read it but when I read the description it just doesn’t sound like it’s for me. Glad you liked it. Hope you’re having fun!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I loved it. The second one was really good, but I think the first one was just a wee bit better. Anyway, I’d recommend it.
Thanks for including the trailer. I hadn’t seen it yet.
i really want to read this book! i need to get started on the series before i fall too far behind on it.
I envy you for having read it. It’s on my wish list! Great review!
This one came in the mail just this week, it is on my list for the year.
This sounds great. Thanks for sharing the book trailer too. I’m just starting to look at these and notice them. In this case the book trailer and your review make me want to read this one.
I am going to my local independent book store this weekend with a list and I will put this on it. Thank you. Love your suggestions.
Ugh, Flavia. Sorry! But somebody had to not like it.
I can’t wait to read this one, I think I’ll love it. Terrific review, Kathy!
This book was such a wonderful escape.
I love Flavia. I’ve been reading the second one and it is just as good!
According to my 11-year-old granddaughter, I have to read this one. I’m glad it’s good. She and I are going to read it this summer.
Ooh. I’ve heard really good things about this book. After your review, maybe I’ll try and get it on audio. Thanks for the review!
With a glowing review by you, I don’t think I should miss it. I will include this in my wish list. Thanks, Kathy!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed this one and equally happy that the narrator was great on the audio version!!
This is one of those times when I feel like a reader failure. I have not heard of this book until now – even though I read Amy’s blog too! So, thank you for reviewing it. Sweetness may be old to some, but new to me, and it’s on my ever-growing TBR list now.
Isn’t Flavia a kick? I imagine this might work well on audio with the right narrator!
The second book is even better. You’ll love it.
I’m really looking forward to reading this one. I’m glad you liked it, Kathy.
I’m so glad I didn’t steer you wrong! Flavia is one of my favorite characters.
I love that she named her bike Gladys! I have been hearing some great things about this book, and really want to read it. It sounds like it would make a perfect light read to sandwich in between some heavier works. Great review, Kathy!
I definitely want to get this one–if only to find out why everyone loves Flavia so much!
I’m probably the only one that didn’t care for Flavia/The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I’m so glad you did though. 🙂
I loved this book and will have to listen to the audio version sometime in the coming months. I’m anxious to read/listen to the second in the series, too.
I’ve got this on my list because I’m looking forward to saucy Flavia 🙂