A local man, a former hangman, is found dead, and the police believe he was murdered by poisoned mushrooms. Flavia is thrilled to have a case involving poisoned mushrooms as it isn’t one she’d worked on before, and she’s looking forward to putting her chemistry skills to work.

My Thoughts
I absolutely adore this series and this book didn’t disappoint. It was beautifully paced with some very surprising twists and turns, and just enough suspense.

I love the way Bradley uses words, and his references to literature and music. The fact that Flavia uses chemical names as cuss words is always a source of great amusement to me.

More than just a mystery, the author allows the characters to reflect on deeper issues. The victim was once a hangman and Dogger shares his views on capital punishment. Flavia herself spends time considering the dangers of growing older and wishing she could invent a “potion of perpetual adolescence” because she dreads the idea of becoming a lady. Then there is the overarching theme of duty and what people owe to their family and their country.

Two recommendations:
Read these books in order. None of the books in this series can stand alone.
Don’t eat while reading - especially the early chapters, unless you have a strong stomach. The book isn’t gory, but Flavia doesn’t shy away from what I will simply call “yucky things”.

My thanks to NetGalley for the free advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all opinions expressed are my own. After fearing that this series was done forever, I was delighted to find out that Mr. Bradley was writing several additional titles in the series. This book picks up not too long after the events of the prior book and finds Flavia's oldest sister Feely now off on her honeymoon leaving Flavia home in the care of Dogger and Mrs. Mullet. Undine remains a pest, but Flavia has found her to have potential if she could just stop being a pest. Flavia is shocked when Undine tells her Mrs. Mullet is suspected of killing someone and Inspector Hewitt is there questioning her. It goes without saying that Flavia and Dogger are on the case to clear Mrs. Mullet before she is arrested or sent to jail. The mystery in this one is good and the book found Flavia starting to confront some of the issues we all face as we transition from childhood to adulthood, made more difficult by her orphan status. There are a few interesting developments setting up the direction for future titles. Long time fans of the series won't be disappointed as all the charms of prior titles are present while Flavia herself begins to confront some more grownup concepts and topics.

Reading a Flavia de Luce adventure is like sitting back in a comfortable chair and enjoying the experience. Flavia is an English pre-teen orphan living in the early 1950s and she has a passion for chemistry. The Harriet-the-Spy type of snoop uses that knowledge to solve crimes. In this adventure Flavia quivers with excitement about a death due to eating poisonous mushrooms. The victim? A former hangman who may have had a role in the Nazi Nuremberg trials. The accused? Flavia’s trusted cook and housekeeper! With the help of Dogger, who has a connection with Flavia’s father in the war, Flavia hunts down the clues. The monkey wrench in her investigation is her obnoxious younger cousin Undine who is like a Flavia mini-me. There’s more here than a simple murder mystery as Flavia uncovers a stunning conspiracy about her past. The series is great fun and this installment is a more streamline read than other Flavia adventures.

This book is a fun addition to the Flavia de Luce series, continuing the plot line with the mysterious Nide but still centered in the small village of Bishop's Lacey. Truly enjoyable for Flavia de Luce fans, but don’t start here if you haven’t read the rest of the series first!

Flavia is finally back! For those who have been reading this Alan Bradley series it’s been way too long for another. This time the beloved housekeeper has been accused of poisoning a man with her cooking. It turns out the victim is a former hangman (and was at Nuremberg); the suspects and conspiracies are numerous, and this time around Flavia (lover of all things chemistry, science and mystery) has an unwanted sidekick - her younger cousin Undine. This quirky and fun mystery series takes unexpected turns in the 11th installment.

I have been reading this series since it began and if you like quirky mysteries, this is a wonderful one - 1950s England, a young girl who is a chemistry progeny solves murders and annoys the adults and police while doing so. Now Flavia is a little older and her father is gone (dead) and her oldest sister is as well (honeymoon) so the dynamics aren’t quite the same (and I think that is what took me a bit to get into this one) but in the end it is true Flavia de Luce fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC to review

Its been a while since we have had a Flavia de Luce novel, and I was keeping my fingers crossed that she was back as strong as ever.

And I have to say that she is. She is growing up a little bit, and life around her is certainly getting darker. She has to learn who she can trust and rely on, and who she can't.

When Major Goodinall, a local villager who was a former public hangman, is found dead, suspicion is cast upon Mrs Mullet, the cook and housekeeper at Buchshaw, who had cooked him mushrooms for his breakfast. Flavia, with the help of cousin Undine and old faithful Dogger, must figure out what is going on. Flavia is still the precocious young chemist, very wise for her years, and her quirky sense of humor still shines on through.

Fast paced, this plot involves some conspiracies that Flavia must keep to herself.

I am delighted that a series I thought had ended has continued, and this book clearly promises more to come. Flavia is one of my favorite heroines, and I'm delighted she is back.

Flavia de Luce is a precocious, brilliant pre-teen who dabbles in chemistry and local murder cases. Her specialty is poisons. Her pesky young cousin Undine is often annoying Flavia but at times shows she is a true Watson to Flavia's Sherlock. I look forward to more of Undine in future books from the most talented Alan Bradley.

In true Flavia brilliance, she manages to get herself in dangerous predicaments and manages to keep her wits about her while anyone else would be fainting on the spot. Flavia loves mayhem, gore and is never put off by either.

This book is another wonderful addition to the Flavia de Luce series. I highly recommend everyone of the books in the series. This one especially, for there is a surprise for Flavia.

** “It is a remarkable fact that the human mind, when threatened, can generate hilarity, perhaps as an antidote to danger.” **

Alan Bradley returns us to the quirky world of Flavia de Luce, a cheeky youngster with a knack for solving murders and an extreme love of chemistry.

When a retired public hangman is found dead in his home, placing Flavia’s cook Mrs. Mullet at the center of suspicion, Flavia knows she needs to use her unique set of skills to once again solve a murder in Bishop’s Lacey.

With the assistance of Dogger, her estate caretaker, and her even-more-precocious cousin Undine, they dig into Major Greyleigh’s death … with an unexpected result.

Once again Bradley creates a delightfully fun plot filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, a precocious sleuth, and shocking twists and turns. He uses the wise-beyond-her-years Flavia to remind us of important lessons, like taking people by surprise with our frankness (“I had discovered that disarming frankness succeeds where fine words fail”); the power of loyalty; and the importance and difficulty of placing trust in others (“It’s called trust, and it’s often the hardest thing we are called upon to do in our lives.”)

“What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust” is due out Sept. 3.

Five stars out of five.

Bantam provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

A great return to the world of Flavia!

Feeling at loose ends with Father gone and Feely off and married, Flavia is a little restless. She still has stalwart Dogger and the wonderful Mrs. Mullet, but she also has to deal with annoying Undine. But when a neighbor dies a mysterious death, it's poor Mrs. Mullet who stands accused of the murder. Can Flavia find the clues in time to solve the case and keep her dear friend out of the gallows?

This was a wonderfully unexpected addition to the Flavia de Luce series. I had thought book 10 would be the last, so it was with great pleasure I was able to read this latest installment. Flavia is starting to grow up a little as a character, and is even able to find it in her heart to care (just a little) for poor Undine. As Flavia and Dogger analyze what they find, they soon discover that nothing has been what it seems, and they are all in grave danger if they can't figure out the final piece of the puzzle.

I've enjoyed following Flavia's story for years, and this installment just adds more political intrigue to the overall plot to keep things fresh and moving in a new direction. I can't wait to see where things go from here.

Flavia is back!
It has been a long five years since Alan Bradley recounted an adventure featuring Flavia DeLuce, thorn in the side of the adults in her life and source of much entertainment to her many fans. In the opening scene, narrator Flavia is under an umbrella in the local churchyard musing about the characteristics of the graveyard soil and remembering the time she had sent up skyrockets in the churchyard on All Souls Night that set alight a cluster of moss and debris and set the church on fire. Yep, that’s Flavia! Life becomes exciting again very soon. Major Greyleigh, a townsman for whom Flavia’s housekeeper Mrs. Mullet also works, has apparently been poisoned, and Mrs. Mullet is the primary suspect. Flavia and handyman Dogger, jointly known as Arthur Dogger & Associates, Discreet Enquiries, go into action. The case becomes even more interesting when they learn that Major Greyleigh used to be a hangman.
The “character” Flavia is the big attraction in this series, and she is quite a character! In addition to telling the story, we are treated to her fascination with the world of science, as displayed in her examination of the graveyard soil, and her philosophical musings, such as, “ The instant you become a woman, you become a captive….Becoming a woman was not part of my plan. The thought of becoming a lady was even worse ” . Add to this her ability to irritate every adult she has to deal with, and she is a lot of fun to read about, although I can feel glad that I do not have to be one of those adults!
The idea of who might want to murder a retired hangman is a great basis for the story, but the plot details do not live up to that promise and was definitely the weakest part of the book. The introduction of the mysterious entity Asterion and the secret group Nide was a bit overdone, but the follow-on to that led to a very shocking discovery that I could simply not accept as credible. If I did not enjoy Flavia so much, I would feel cheated.
This is not a series to begin at instalment 11, especially since it is definitely not the best of the series, but Flavia and the other quirky characters are a lot of fun, so if the description appeals to you, I recommend you begin with the first book and smile your way through them all.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Bantam Books.

Quite a wonderful surprise — after the supposedly last book of Alan Bradley’s series was published, “The Golden Tresses of the Dead” (Book 10), the author has brought our favorite know-it-all detective/chemist, Flavia deLuce, back and with an annoying mini-me, cousin Undine. In the intervening five years, the author has apparently decided to let Flavia grow a bit. She’s 12 now, no longer 11, and she realizes a bit of responsibility when orphan Undine (just as precocious as she is) comes under her wing. Flavia is also finally seeking independence from overbearing Aunt Felicity.

As expected, Flavia’s detective skills and incredible extensive knowledge of toxic substances is also back as she tries to clear beloved Mrs Mullet of murder. It’s been a long time since “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” (2009) but this series has brought constant joy to its readers. If this is the start of Flavia’s growing up, I’m there for it. So happy she’s back! 4 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Just some faded blue ones.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Who’s to compare their knowledge of organic poisons to Flavia’s expertise. Interestingly, Flavia considers herself a “living and vital mushroom growing out of the dead wood of the de Luce family.”

Thank you to Random House/Bantam and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

The setting: "Major Greyleigh, a local recluse and former hangman, is found dead from a breakfast of poisonous mushrooms, suspicion falls on the de Luce family's longtime cook, Mrs. Mullet. After all, wasn't it she who picked the mushrooms, cooked the omelette, and served it to Greyleigh in the moments before his death?" And so it begins.

Twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce, newly orphaned, and her younger cousin, Undine, also an orphan [who drives her crazy] live at her family's estate, Buckshaw. Flavia seems way wise beyond her years [but perhaps that's the point!].

Flavia and Dogger, the estate's gardener, driver, general handyman and friend, set out to find who really committed the crime--with much intereference from Undine. Flavia is an amateur scientist [chemistry is her thing] and sleuth. Although Dogger suffers from PTSD as a result of his service in World War II, he is a reliable and trustworthy companion in Flavia's mission, The mystery begets mystery.

I do like that the books was set in the 1950s in the countryside so of course there is the local vicar, store, postmistress, etc.

Descriptions I liked:

"mastered contorted muscles"
"diminished verticality" [describing a dwarf]
"The house itself had seen many rains and had accuulated an indefiniable air of sogginess."

New words:

Meccano set--a model construction system, 1898, Liverpool
thrips [an insect]
bathyscaphehistorical--a manned, submersible vessel
osculate --kiss!

An easy read but never really engaged. No nails on the chalkboard regarding the writing, but it just did'nt do it for me. I couldn't give the book the praise that the majority of other readers did.

I've not read any of the 10 previous books in this series and am uncertain whether I will [so much to read, so little time!].

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for advanced access to this book. This is #11 in the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. I am always delighted to see another book in this series- to check in with Flavia and Dogger and Mrs. M and the whole cast of characters in this post WW2 British countryside village world. The fact that our heroine, Flavia, is a nosy, teenage, bike-riding, crime-solving, chemistry loving sleuth is delightful and endearing and hooked me from the very first book. I highly recommend to any fans of British mystery!

Another amazing book from Alan Bradley! There are very few authors for whom I wait with baited breath their next opus, but I always look forward to Flavia! I was a little worried that The Golden Tresses of the Dead might end the series, so I was thrilled when I saw that this one was coming out! And I was even happier when I was offered the opportunity at a review copy of the book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. One note: I definitely need to go back and reread the entire set of books, because there were many ends being tied up from past storylines where I was a little fuzzy on the details. In any case, bravo Mr. Bradley!

When Major Greyleigh is found dead, the police believe the culprit is Mrs. Mullet, Flavia's cook. She had made him a breakfast of wild mushrooms before going to Buckshaw. Flavia knows that Mrs. Mullet would never have poisoned Greyleigh, especially because Mrs. Mullet had brought the leftovers to Buckshaw for their breakfast, and none of them were poisoned. However, Flavia must investigate, and soon she finds several clues to Greyleigh's murder (of course some of the clues were discovered in her lab). However, she feels she MUST talk with Asterion, and goes to try to find him at the American base. This decision brings her into a very unexpected and uncomfortable situation. Flavia works with Dogger, and actually begins to have better relations with her cousin Undine! There are also the "bad guys" who try to retaliate on Flavia and put her in danger.

I have read all the books of the series, and I have always loved Flavia as a character. It is fun to see the way Flavia has matured as the books continue. I thank Netgalley and Random House for the ARC allowing me to read the book before publication.

Flavia is baaaaaaack! In this unexpected 11th volume, Flavia uncovers some genuinely shocking mysteries and begins to (finally it seems, in some ways) begin to transition from girl to young woman, ultimately striking out in a bold new direction that seems like a great change from the young troublemaker we met way back in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I’m not sure if more books are to come as this volume could function as either a jumping off point for a whole new direction for the series or a dramatic and intriguing conclusion.

I discovered Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce series when The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie was new. I fell in love with Flavia and her intense interest in chemistry and solving crimes. Bradley has now penned eleven books in the series. The newest one is What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust. It will be released on September 3rd, but I was lucky enough to get an advance copy from NetGalley. Kirkus Reviews says, “Rejoice, fans of fiction’s youngest franchise detective: Flavia de Luce is back. Nobody could possibly unite intelligence work, mythological monsters, and village gossip as adroitly as Bradley’s heroine.” I agree.

Flavia’s still coming to grips with her father’s untimely death when a murder occurs practically in her backyard. One of the chief suspects is Mrs. Mullet, the long-time cook at Buckshaw, Flavia’s home. Complications immediately arise and many secrets are revealed, none of which will be spoilers here!

Flavia’s life is plagued by her young cousin Undine’s presence and untimely interference in Flavia’s life. Still, Undine plays an important part in solving the mystery of Major Grayleigh’s death. Of course, Dogger is still a significant member of Flavia’s team in solving mysteries, especially murders.

Flavia’s fans will need no recommendation. For those who are not familiar with Flavia de Luce, start with The Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie in order to learn about the characters and follow them through the series. Fans will enjoy this newest mystery, and new readers will discover a clever detective to follow.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust (11th Book in the Flavia de Luce Series)
Author: Alan Bradley
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine / Bantam
Publication Date: September 03, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

Flavia is back! After "The Golden Tresses of the Dead," I thought we had seen the last of her. It's always hard to say goodbye to a beloved character, so this unexpected return is a delightful surprise. Flavia remains the central character, but her cousin Undine is increasingly becoming a significant part of the story. Undine, like Flavia, is a delightful character. Flavia sees them as complete opposites, while Undine aspires to be just like her cousin. In truth, both have a knack for getting into trouble, though their personalities differ.

This time, the beloved Mrs. Mullett is in trouble, accused of killing a former hangman. Flavia, along with her familiar friends and her young cousin Undine, sets out to prove Mrs. Mullett's innocence. Themes of innocence and duty, and what they entail, play a significant role in this book.

Though still a young lady, Flavia shows more maturity in this installment. This doesn't mean she is prim and proper, but she has gained wisdom beyond her years. For me, the most significant change is Flavia's realization of her mortality. Meanwhile, Undine's innocence and lack of understanding of life's finitude remind me of the younger Flavia. This newfound awareness influences Flavia's reactions, adding depth and realism to her character development.

The mystery itself is as compelling as ever. In some mystery novels, the solutions can feel either too convoluted or too predictable. Not so with this series. Clues are laid out methodically, building upon each other in a satisfying way.

I also appreciated how the author revisited old story threads, continuing them seamlessly. It's refreshing not to be left with loose ends.

I highly recommend this book! It's a mystery without gore or explicit violence, features excellent character development, and boasts a well-thought-out, well-written plot. Five stars from this reader.

Additionally, this book doesn't feel like the end of the series. I anticipate more fun and adventure ahead.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #WhatTimeTheSextonsSpadeDothRust

Thanks Random House, I've been a fan of Flavia from the start and this was a delightful surprise. Like most others, I didn't expect another Flavia book--Bradley had said the series would end. He also said something about not wanting to write an older female character. Well, clearly he changed his mind. One blogger has said there will be this and five additional titles in the series.

I loved hanging with Flavia, Dogger and Undine again. It felt good, comfortable, and fun. This book has all that you expect--murder, humor, twists, turns, and loads of chemistry. Flavia is growing up--and it terrifies her. She is more alone than ever. This book has an abundance of sadness--which many of the other books had--but this one is cruel. This one feels so very final.
Read this if you love Flavia. If you don't know Flavia, start at the beginning--you won't be disappointed. This was satisfying. I hope if there are additional titles Flavia is allowed at least a little joy (outside when she is filled with joy while riding Gladys).

After five quiet years, I was sure that I'd seen the end of Flavia de Luce. I am so pleased that I was wrong! With both parents dead, Ophelia married, and Daphne ready to fly the nest, our heroine is seeming pretty much alone except the ever trusty Dogger and the ever pesky Undine. The next murder that comes to her attention will bring revelations, define relationships, draw boundaries, and turn our little girl into a young woman - and show new uses for death-cap mushrooms. Bradley's latest addition to the series sizzles with all the energy that felt a little lacking in the last couple of installments. Perhaps he needed the break to bring back the full potency of our favorite chemist. She's back with all her intellect, grim humor, and vulnerability. Welcome back, Flavia!

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte for making an advance copy of this title available for an honest review.