<b>Thank you to Random House/Bantam Books, the author, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release September 3, 2024.</b>

<i>I am Flavia de Luce: a living and vital mushroom growing out of the dead wood of the de Luce family.

It is going to be quite a life.</i>

A new Flavia book after 5 years believing we’d seen the last of her is a treat, period. Even though the only title in the series that I’ve reread with any frequency is the first, each installment is an exciting adventure that continues to widen the scope of the de Luce’s world and entertains with Flavia’s acerbic wit, fascination with chemistry, and predisposition for causing problems even as she solves them.

Shockingly, I really enjoyed the return of Undine. She’s certainly still a nuisance, and I think Flavia would agree, but she’s a promising nuisance that complements her cousin wonderfully. Learning more about Mrs. Mullet was great, and she and Dogger—as always—are fabulous adult supporting characters that provide Flavia with a little guidance without being overbearing, tempering her sometimes inappropriately enthusiastic reactions over the course of investigating.

I rated this so highly because it was a ton of fun, but as a part of the series I actually felt that it’s one of the weakest installments. The entire book very much feels like set up for whatever is to come next, and despite the reappearance of the Nide and the subsequent revelations, I was left wanting something slightly more substantial when it came to the organization. More importantly, though, I wasn’t really that gripped by the actual murder investigation, which is, you know, a vital aspect of a mystery novel. I’m not quite sure what fell flat for me in that respect. (Perhaps it was that the mystery felt very straightforward, especially as Flavia is so certain that Mrs. Mullet could not be the murderer?) I also wonder if my lukewarm enjoyment of the story had something to do with the absence of Feely, Daffy, and their constant antagonism; it doesn’t quite feel like a Flavia book without them harping at each other.

Will I be on the lookout for #12? Of course, but I hope it’ll have a little bit of that old <s>magic</s> science and spark that made me fall in love with the series in the first place.

Time spent with Flavia de Luce and in Bishop's Lacey is always a pleasure. In What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust, we had plenty of quality time with Flavia, Undine, Dogger, and Mrs. Mullet, and I loved Flavia's dynamic with all of them. I was bummed to not get much Feely or Daffy, but I suppose they weren't as relevant to this story.

Although there was a central mystery here in which a hangman is poisoned and Mrs. Mullet is a suspect, much of the story is focused on a larger conspiracy that I frankly didn't always follow. I would have liked a plot that was simpler to digest. Still, my confusion with this story didn't detract much from the joy I get reading about what Flavia is up to.

To me, What Time the Sexton's,Spade Doth Rust was an unreadable book that seemed to go on and on with nothing of the plot seemed to jive with the mystery at hand. To me, the story was not compelling to the point I could not finish the book. I love mysteries, but this one is a mystery I would not recommend.

What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley

Don’t let the unusual title run you off. This book is very clever and fun to read. Flavia de Luce has another mystery to solve and it takes a village to do it. With cousin Undine, housekeeper and cook Mrs. Mullet and handyman Dogger, things begin to happen.

Well-hidden secrets are revealed, lots of book character references entertain and a delightful romp unfolds. No one gets the best of Flavia in her hunt for the killer of her neighbor Major Greyleigh. Certainly the accused Mrs. Mullet didn’t do it. Now she must prove it and her love of chemistry just might help.

A four star read for me, this Random House book is a winner.

Sheer ecstasy being back in rural England of the 1950’s visiting the old Buckshaw estate and quaint village of Bishop’s Lacey following the eccentric teenage Flavia de Luce for her latest investigative escapades. Alan Bradley has made my year by returning to this series after a five-year hiatus. Flavia is back, a little older, but still as irrepressible as ever.

What Time the Sextant’s Spade Doth Rust is the eleventh book in a series that is best in order as the character of Flavia and her life build from book to book.

Right away, I know adults are wondering if this is a Middle Grade or Young Adult series because of the age of the protagonist, but no, these are very much an all-age series of historical mysteries. In fact, I’d argue that adults are the aim because some of the content would fly right by younger readers and is meant to be appreciated by mature readers.

Flavia is the youngest of three eccentric sisters living with their widowed father and Dogger, all around servant from butler to gardener to valet to chauffeur and handyman in the ramshackle Buckshaw estate house. Over time, the once wealthy family has fallen on hard times in the later generations and can barely pay the taxes let alone repair the roof.

The de Luce family including Flavia are not the types for familial love or tenderness- quite the opposite, in fact. Ophelia is gorgeous, often peevish, and musically inclined, Daphne is an introverted bookish genius sort, and Flavia, the youngest, is the chemical genius. The girls are terrible to each other while their stern father, Colonel de Luce is mostly oblivious in his study caught up in his stamps and still struggling after losing his wife and affected by his time as a prisoner of war. But, when the chips are down, they can count on each other.

Flavia is a quirky sleuth who captured my heart from the early pages of book one and I’ve enjoyed seeing the eleven year old chemist genius slowly grow up in an unusual household facing life’s most difficult challenges even as she tackles local murder mysteries sometimes with and more often in competition with the local police. This latest has her determined to keep their cook, Mrs. Mullet, from being arrested. Flavia feels she is on her own now that Pheely is traveling for her honeymoon, father is passed away, Daffy is indifferent and her younger cousin, Undine is being a nuisance. Only faithful Dogger can be depended on.

There was a huge stunner in this one and it was a series game changer. I really don’t know what to make of it. Flavia solves the murder mystery and even learns to appreciate Undine even as she feels all at sea about leaving her childhood behind, but yeah, that big shocker has me really needing to have a new installment soon. If readers want something rather different in their historical cozy mysteries including a youthful amateur sleuth with a sense of the macabre about her, give the Flavia de Luce books a go.

I really didn't think that another Flavia book would be in the cards for us, but here we are, treated to another story. Flavia's precociousness (and that of Undine) is out in full force in this one, and there are circumstances that, per usual, strain all logic and credulity. Flavia has really come into her own at this point, and this is an entertaining outing with constant new turns.

This was an od book for me. I really believe that you must read other books in the series to understand Flavia and her back story to truly enjoy this book. Sadly, since I had not this book fell flat. I would get drawn into the mystery to just get lost to finally realize what was going on. I just honestly didn’t enjoy this book. I think I will have to give it another try once I read something else in the series. For this reason, I am not going to post my review on Goodreads, so as not to deter people from reading this book.
Thank you to Random House publishing Group, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Flavia is back! I could not grab this new book fast enough! I love this series and had so much fun spending time with Flavia, Dogger, and her family again. If you haven’t read the series do yourself a favor and start with book one. The entire series is a treat and should be savored.

Flavia is on the trail of another murderer. Major Greyleigh dies while eating his breakfast, which has been prepared by Mrs. Mullet, the cook at Buckshaw's Manor. The police are convinced the mushrooms he ate for breakfast, which had been picked by Mrs. Mullet, were what killed him.Therefore, it must have been deliberate. Open and shut case of murder. Now on to motive. Flavia, of course, gets involved. Still grieving the loss of her father, her days tend to drag and a murder is just what she needs to bring up her level of enthusiasm. She has help from her cousin, Undine. Flavia knows Undine is too young, and she's a pest besides.

Flavia has help from Dogger and Mrs. Mullet, but what she discovers could put her into danger as well as shatter her world.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley is the very highly recommended eleventh book in the Flavia de Luce series. This is an excellent addition to the series and fans will rejoice she is back after the previous book five-years ago, The Golden Tresses of the Dead. Readers new to the series will want to start with earlier volumes for the backstory and introduction to the characters.

After Flavia's father Col. Haviland de Luce died she inherited the family home, Buckshaw, in Bishop’s Lacey, as well as the oversight of her exasperating younger cousin Undine. Her older sister Feely (Ophelia) is off on her honeymoon and her sister Daffy (Daphne) is leaving for Oxford soon. Margaret Mullet, the cook at Buckshaw, and Arthur W. Dogger, the gardener, driver, and butler, serve as trusted advisers and companions for the two girls. Dogger has accepted Flavia as a full partner in his detective agency, Arthur W. Dogger & Associates, Discreet Investigations.

When Major Greyleigh, a local recluse and former hangman, is found dead, suspicion falls on Mrs. Mullet, who was also cooking breakfast for him. Inspector Hewitt believes she cooked an omelet for him made with poisonous mushrooms. Together with Dogger, Flavia sets out to find the real killer and prove Mrs. Mullet's innocence. Much to Flavia's annoyance, Undine constantly inserts herself into the complex investigation, assisting in her own unique way.

Flavia is well established as a chemistry prodigy in the series set in 1950s England and it is a pleasure to be back in her world as she conducts another investigation. Undine plays a helpful, albeit also aggravating, role in the narrative. Along with the seriousness of the investigation there is a fair amount of humor along the way. This outing does take a dark turn with the exposure of a shocking secret that will perhaps open Flavia's character to some future complexities in her investigations.

At this point Flavia is a well established character who is intelligent, resourceful, and innovative in her approach to investigations. Her knowledge of chemistry is phenomenal and she uses it in every case she undertakes. This plot highlights some personal growth that mark an increase in maturity.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust is an entertaining, compelling addition to the Flavia de Luca series. Thanks to Random House/Bantam for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Everyone's favorite chemist and amateur sleuth is back to solve another mystery (or three) and to provide a bit of levity and chemistry knowledge along the way. When a neighbor is found dead, the police arrive at Buckshaw. While dead bodies are nothing new to members of the Buckshaw household, this time Flavia's beloved housekeeper Mrs. Mullet has been implicated. As she was the last to see, as well as feed, the deceased, the police are determined they have found their culprit. Flavia is determined to solve the case to not only clear Mrs. Mullet's good name but to also outwit the police, once again. With the help of chemistry, and her feisty and infuriating cousin Undine, Flavia is sure she can discover the true killer in their midst.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Dost Rust is an unexpected yet welcome addition to a long beloved series. It has been five years since the release of the last book in the series, which was slated to be the finale at the time. Fans both familiar and those new to the series will find something to love in this new installment. A thoroughly engaging mystery takes center stage however there are plenty of twists and turns and lots of shocking family revelations in store for readers as well. While the tone of this story is a bit darker than previous installments in the series, it is no less entertaining or enthralling. Flavia experiences quite a bit of personal growth and her relationship to those around her continues to change as well. Our main character, though wise beyond her years, is still only 12, giving her a level of innocence not commonly found in mysteries written for older audiences. The story itself was fast paced and engaging with a complex but shocking conclusion that will leave readers eager for the next in the series.

YES! This is the book we've been waiting for. Emotion, stunning, hilarious and also tearful, the best characters and the best village and the best writing. I devoured this book and can only hope we will get more (especially after that ending because I cannot wait to see how Flavia goes from there). I loved seeing more of Undine (even thou she irked Flavia) because she provided much-needed comic relief. This book was equal parts so very cozy and so very heart-pounding. Flavia is my all-time favorite fictional character and sleuth and so this book was so fun. I was fascinated by the chemical processes and how they were vital to the investigation (also the reference to the mass spec - a flashback to my college days). I love how she works with Dogger and how he treats her as an equal. I don't want to even give one thing away, so suffice it to say that this book is perfection especially if you are a fan of the series.

Oh Flavia De Luce! I am so sad to say good bye to this character - I have loved her personality, her thoughts, her passion and her world. That being said, this was a great send off to one of my favorite heroines.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust finds Flavia trying to figure out life after her father's death. Her older sister, Feely, has married and is on the Continent for her honeymoon. Daffy is home but applying for college. And then there is Undine - a feral version of Flavia. Undine is at both times the bane of Flavia's existence and her salvation. Dear old Dogger and Mrs. Mullet round things out but Flavia finds she has feelings about what has happened to her life.

Enter a murder: an ex-hangman is found dead in his cottage. Poor Mrs. Mullet is the prime suspect as she cooked for him and he was found dead after one of his breakfasts. There are many strings and secrets, the biggest of which sends Flavia in the direction of her life.

A fitting end to a marvelous series - I will be re-reading these for many years to come to keep Flavia alive!

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust (book 11 of the Flavia de Luce series) is an unexpected and special surprise.

12-year-old Flavia, amateur sleuth and chemist, continues to outwit the police. Still coming to grips with her father’s untimely death, the story begins, of course, with a murder: local Major Greyleigh is found dead and Buckshaw's own Mrs. Mullet stands accused because she cooked him mushrooms for breakfast.

The murder mystery is clever, with many twists and turns. It brings back war-scarred Dogger, housekeeper Mrs. Mullet, the young hilarious cousin Undine, her faithful two-wheeled friend Gladys and her delight in using chemistry. Many of the usual cast members are absent though (no banter with sisters Ophelia and Daphne), and it is also low on Chemistry. As Flavia gets closer to discovering the killer, she also uncovers some secrets that will shock her to her core. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine/Bantam for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review! Thank you Alan Bradley, I will continue reading your books as long as you keep writing them, Flavia is my favorite child chemist and crime-solver!

I will admit that I am a huge fan of this series and have read all of the books. Well, correction. I have listened to all of them. This is a series born to be heard as an audible book….but I did read this one since I had the chance to read it pre-publication. Curses. Now I shall need to go back and listen to it. But having listened to all the previous books, the narrator’s voice still echoed in my head as I was reading. Flavia De Luce is deliciously read by Jayne. Entwistle in the audio version.
Our heroine young Flavia De Luce, still a child of 12, and wise beyond her years, once again sets out to solve a mysterious death, this one close to home as her trusted cook/housekeeper Mrs Mullet has been accused of murder by poisonous mushroom. Horrors! Flavia is pretty much left to her own devices as an orphan living on an estate left to her by her father , recently deceased . She has a sister too wrapped up in a good book to notice her or pay attention, and a young precocious cousin, Undine, who has all the earmarks of becoming a prodigy similar to Flavia herself.
But of course, she always has Duggar, a friend of her deceased father who remained a faithful companion after the war.
All is not as it seems. There are deep and shocking secrets here and Flavia must face some unsettling truths as she pursues solving the mysterious and untimely death of Major Greyleigh.
Since Flavia solves her puzzles with a combination of intelligence beyond her years, and her delight in using chemistry, what would have happened if she met up with Elizabeth Zott?
Just curious .
I highly recommend this book and all the previous books in the series. Will there be more? A mystery in and of itself.

I am at a point where I celebrate and cherish every new Flavia release, hoping this isn't the last from Mr. Bradley, and as soon as I finish I want to run back to the beginning to read them again.

What can I really say that isn't expected and true of all predecessors in the series? It's funny, charming, full of heart, just enough precociousness, and always a fun adventure with my favorite child chemist and crime-solver. Even Undine grows on me as Flavia is maturing, and quite an unexpected twist in this story as well, to keep me surprised and deeply invested in some of my favorite literary characters ever, Flavia and Dogger. Sometimes even Daffy. And don't forget Mrs. M and Gladys!

It seems like it’s been a long time since I’ve spent time with Flavia DeLuce, and I’ve missed her. While her last few adventures seemed as if they were building up to an ending, this latest entry seems to be opening a door to new adventures. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When we first met Flavia de Luce in 2009's The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, she was a precocious chemistry obsessed 11 year old. Youngest of three sisters living in a country manor in 1950s England. That adventure began with a death at the manor and Flavia's investigation to solve it.

Now in the series's 11 installment, What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust, much has changed. Much also remains the same. Flavia is still much of a loner focused on following her own id which often means science experiences and solving murders. What has changed is life at the manor. ***SPOILERS FOR RECENT SERIES ENTRIES**** He father is dead, her oldest sister has married and is off on her honeymoon and the middle sister is making plans too to leave. What is left is Dogger, her father's war comrade and gardener and Undine a younger cousin who now resides with them.

What spurs this outing is the death of a neighbor, a retired civil servant. The cook of the manor, Margaret Mullet was also preparing his meals. What follows has all the hallmarks we've seen before, outings on Flavia's bicycle, the race to find the clues before the police bar her way, and the secret machinations of power that her family was born into.

Overall, it is more of the same with some slight growth and change. Undine plays almost as a callback to younger Flavia. Much of Flavia's process is built on the skills learned through her own chemistry explorations and prior investigations. It's cozy with some menace and threat. In some ways this novel is more of an outlier because the main mystery is almost besides the point to what Flavia actually uncovers during her investigation.

Recommended to readers of British murder mysteries, the tv series Murder She Wrote or those looking for a more twisted Nancy Drew.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, British Literature, Crime
Audience: Adult
Time Period: Post-WWII

I fell in love with Flavia and her obsession with poisons from the beginning. You can imagine how much I was looking forward to WHAT TIME THE SEXTON'S SPADE DOTH RUST.

Flavia is still dealing with her pesky cousin and irascible sisters. The dynamics between all of these girls / women is wonderful. And the unexpected moments of care make them seem like a real family.

Because this is a mystery, I can hardly tell you anything without spoilers.

Here's my non-spoiler list of things to look forward to:
- Gladys, Flavia's trusty bike of unparalleled pluck
- Undine's unwavering devotion
- A truly surprising twist (Does it work? I vote yes!)
- Poisonous mushrooms
- Friendship
- Delving into beloved characters' pasts . . . (dum, dum, duumm)

This is a series that really must be read in order if you're going to understand the undercurrents between the characters. Is it worth it if you haven't started this series? ABSOLUTELY! Flavia is so precocious and delightful in a slightly macabre way, that I think every mystery lover must read these books. History lovers will also love seeing Britain in post-WWII and all the intricacies of society. But really, it's all about the mystery.

Happy reading!
(Bonus points if you read aloud to your trusty bike.)

She's back - yaroo!

Picking up where the last novel ended, in this latest installment Flavia starts to see her family in a new light as the lines between childhood and adulthood begin to blur.

While drawing on familiar faces from prior books, the breakout star of this novel is Flavia's cousin Undine. Brilliant, mischievous, and dare I say ever so slightly (ok, ok, very!) rude, I hope she makes an appearance in future titles.

While the book could be enjoyed by fans of period British novels such as the Maisie Dobbs series, it will resonate most with those who have read the other mysteries in the series.

Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a review copy of this title.