The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie ~Alan Bradley
–Published 2009
–370 pages, Delacorte Press
–Winner of the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award
–5 enthusiastic stars out of 5
When a book with a lovely apple-green cover locks eyes with you on an innocent stroll through your local purveyor of books, and then continues to whisper insistently at the back of your mind for days upon days upon days, what is a person to do? I submit that the only thing to do is to adopt the little beauty, for a small fee, and give it a loving home.
Pardon my french, dear readers, but To Be Read pile be damned, this book needs to find a home with you, immediately!
Need more convincing? Read on.
“In his wickedly brilliant first novel, Debut Dagger Award winner Alan Bradley introduces one of the most singular and engaging heroines in recent fiction: eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison.”
“An enthralling mystery, a piercing depiction of class and society, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is a masterfully told tale of deceptions–and a rich literary delight.”
It is not often that I read the back cover print of a novel with the revelation that it represents all that need be said by way of review, but that is certainly the case with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. While this could be dismissed as the inspiring words of a clever advertising agent, in this case it just so happens to be true. Not one to shy away from effusive praise for a tremendous reading experience, however, I will soldier on despite Delacorte Press’ succinctly brilliant back-cover summary.
I would like to say that the award acknowledgment on the cover descriptions made this book a tempting prize that had to be captured. The reality, as it so often is, was that I coveted this book for its eye-catching design. The apple-green cover with its black and red design elements that just pop out from it, and the presence of a dead black bird coinciding with the ongoing R.I.P. IV Challenge had me convinced that this book, as object d’art, would be a welcome addition to my autumn decorating. So there you have it. From aesthetic beginnings a relationship was formed.
On rare occasions I actually purchase a book with the sole purpose of taking it home to read immediately, and such was the case with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. As I read the opening pages I had a brief moment of disquiet, wondering if it was perhaps disingenuous to present an eleven-year-old protagonist with such an incredible command of the English language. Was she going to be too smart, too well spoken, to be believable? Perhaps if I had not had the pleasure over the years of conversing with some positively brilliant young children, that would be the case…although I doubt even that. For Alan Bradley so effortlessly captivates your heart with young Flavia de Luce, almost from the very first page, that you soon realize that nothing could be more normal than an eleven-year-old child with a command of language and a knowledge of chemistry that might just exceed your own.
For those among you who might instantly balk at the idea of an eleven-year-old sleuth, I encourage you not to dismiss The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie so quickly. Alan Bradley’s heroine is not a cutesy, somewhat tolerable busybody. Flavia is a fully-realized literary creation. There is no doubt that she is precocious, but she is in no manner pretentious. Whether exacting ingenious vengeance upon her older sisters or engaging in internal reverie on the process of extracting various poisons from the local flora, Flavia is one eleven-year-old with whom it is a delight to converse.
Without giving away any secrets, this is a mystery after all, I can share with you a few more details that will hopefully whet your appetite. The story is set in the 1950’s, in England, with the effects of the recent war lingering in the background. The de Luce’s mansion, which I will not begin to describe here (for I would not want to rob you of the pleasure of discovering it for yourself), is a place that I wanted to mount a pilgrimage to the moment I was introduced to it. Chemistry, stamp collecting, the town library, and of course murder, feature prominently in the events that will unfold for our unsuspecting protagonist. Alan Bradley’s story is tightly plotted and well-written without being so complex as to cause mental anguish to the reader. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is first and foremost about the characters, in particular Flavia de Luce, with the mystery being one of the threads that weaves the various inhabitants of the novel together. But Flavia is not the only character to entertain. Her sisters might be dismissed as stereotypes–one is obsessed with looks, the other with books–but they play an integral part in the overall picture being painted. A distracted father, a deceased mother, a loyal servant, an intelligent Inspector, and many other folks in the community are penned in a manner that makes them all so very interesting. Alan Bradley has created a world where everything feels perfectly normal and nothing feels contrived. It is an absolutely brilliant piece of fiction and is far and away one of the best books that I have read this year. And for the book lovers among us, there are numerous literary references made within the story that will go far to endearing this novel to you in the same way they did me.
Despite Flavia’s age, this is not a young adult book. That is to say that you will not find this book shelved in the childrens section at your local bookstore. It occupies the mystery or perhaps literature section in the adult area of the bookstore. This is not because it contains adult themes or anything of that nature. It is simply because Alan Bradley wrote a story for the adult audience. That being said, I do believe there are a number of children that would find Flavia de Luce an admirable companion. While the language and chemistry lessons might not be part of the average child’s every day experience, they certainly have the opportunity to learn something while being entertained by Flavia’s story. I am not ashamed to admit that I gained a great deal of heretofore unknown knowledge myself.
If you took the most charming parts of Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, and Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle and mixed in a dash of Sherlock Holmes the result of that concoction would be Flavia de Luce. She, and her story, are a true delight. The words “captivating”, “enchanting”, “charming” are bandied about in a cavalier fashion far too often–and I am chief among sinners in that department–but believe me when I tell you that they are at most merely adequate descriptors of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
If you will allow me to end this review by repeating myself, To Be Read piles be Damned! This is a reading experience that you will want to have, and have sooner rather than later.
That sounds like something that is right up my alley! What a great find (and great review)!
TBR list and bank account be damned, I might have to go on a little spending spree starting with this book, haha.
Beautiful and brilliant review. I may have to buy this soon. Thanks for the suggestion.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this because I so loved it! I have buttonholed every reader I know about it I thought it was so wonderful.
So glad you liked it! I really enjoyed it. I read it when I had the flu and it helped distract me from my misery.
I’ve seen this book everywhere and immediately put it on my TBR. Due to your post, however, I think I might just have to pick it up and throw order out the window! 🙂
I’m going to get this one. How could I resist after the wonderful review you wrote. I love reading your blog your writing is wonderful!
Carl, I just loved your opening paragraph, about the book sticking in your memory and you just having to give it a home. Beautifully written.
I have had this on my TBR list a while, but you are have given me itchy fingers desperate for a new book purchase.
Vivienne: Thanks, it is exactly what happened so it was easy to write! Which is precisely the reason why I have to stay out of bookstores! Ha! Those books are do darn persuasive.
Tokemise: Anytime I do a review like this I of course hope that anyone who takes my advise to read the book actually enjoys it. There is always the risk that they won’t, but I feel so extremely confident about the quality of this book that I cannot help but shout it from the rooftops.
She: Hooray for chaos!!! 😉
Chris: You probably felt a kinship with Flavia then when she had her cold. 🙂
Caitlin: I’m trying to do the same thing. This book is too good to keep to myself.
Logan: You’re welcome, I hope you enjoy it.
Anna: This was my first whim bookstore purchase in a long time…and actually it wasn’t really a whim since I literally did think about this book over and over and over again for more than a week or two before I finally gave in.
This is one of those books that I wish I could pick up and read for the first time again. It was just such a pleasant surprise, wasn’t it? Needless to say, I’m sure it won’t be too long before I give it a re-read and I will certainly be waiting on pins and needles for the next Flavia De Luce book!
Kristen: I am so glad that he is writing another one. And supposedly it is due out next year. This is a character that I will look forward to revisiting.
Okay, I let out my first sigh of wanting upon seeing that cover. And then your review…oh Carl, it was just cruel! I now want this book so much it hurts!!! But I’m not going to break my “ban” no matter the physical and psychic pain! But…this is very likely the book that will be purchased as soon as I meet my first goal. Lovely, lovely, lovely review!!! I do believe I love Flavia already.
Carl, I’ve read about this book before (was it on Kate’s Book Blog, perhaps?). You describe it so passionately here–you must have really enjoyed it greatly. Your enthusiasm is contagious–I will add this to my TBR stack, with priority status.
ARGH! I’m not supposed to be buying any books, but book bloggers like yourself don’t help. Now I want to read this one, really bad (luckily it will be out in paperback in January – hopefully I can wait until then)!
BTW Carl, I moved over to self-hosting and my own URL. I can now be found at http://www.stephanieswrittenword.com
I wanted this as soon as I saw the cover. Didn’t have a clue what it was about, had to have it. Marketing, my friends. Of course, I’m broke, so I was able to restrain myself from spending money I didn’t have, but I want this nonetheless. 🙂
Great review. I definitely need to pick this up.
Misty: I resisted as long as I could, but then gave up, gave in, and was thrilled to do so. I also of course would encourage checking out the local library for a copy as this is a real pleasure to read.
Stephanie: I saw that and need to change your link in my sidebar. Thanks for the reminder. I’m sure whenever you get to this you’ll enjoy it.
Susan: Sometimes even really good books are hard to review. This one was very easy, the hard part was not writing too much…I was trying to be passionate whilst not beating everyone over the head with the good news about this great book.
Debi: Would it make things worse if I told you that I was thinking about Annie often during the book and I was referencing her in the review? 😉 I know, I’m terrible, aren’t I?
Yay!!! I’m already on my library’s (very long) list for it, but now I’ve even more excited. 😀
Wow, great review. I’ve heard good things about this book, but was never clear on WHY it was good. You’ve really made me want to read it!
S. Krishna: Thanks. I am not sure I captured what I meant to say exactly, but I’m glad it has you wanting to read it. For me the book felt like something written during an earlier time period (something I am generally attracted to) and yet had a certain timelessness about it as well.
Eva: It will be worth the wait!
I considered this book when it was released, but I wasn’t sure. Your five out of five rating, though, makes me want to read it now!
Damn you man for another wonderful review!!! I have went and put my name on the hold list for it at my library. I’m number 97 on the list yet they estimate my wait is only 8 days. So I will definitely get to read it sometime during the challenge.
Glad to hear that this book is as good as I thought it would be. Better than I thought it would be actually. I added it to my list as soon as I saw the cover, not even knowing what it was about. Like you, the cover just spoke to me and screamed “buy me, I’ll make your house and shelves look nice!” But of course, I’m on this book buying ban now, so once again I can’t buy it :/ But I can go to the library again! I just really want to own this one, lol. Great review Carl!
This has been on my horizon for a while, may have to get it so I can add it to my holiday reading list (only 3 weeks to go, hurrah!!)
I agree with you Carl. I loved this book! I had a teeny bit of a problem maintaing that Flavia was a child throughout the book but other than that it was fabulous. I just hope the next books in the series live up to this one.
I really want to read this! I love the cover, love the title – and I just got new bookshelves. Oh the gods so clearly want me to have it. 😛
Thanks for the review, I’ve added it to my short list– now I just need an excuse to run over to Powells. 😉
Seems my RIP IV list is shaping up to be much more “mystery” than “horror.” This fits nicely.
I’ve been hearing good things about this one, and your review has (of course) pushed me right over the edge. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Another one to look out for when it becomes available in the UK. You’re getting to be bad for my tbr pile (the two Priestley books arrived a couple of days ago). Not that I really mind all that much. 😉
“TBR Pile be damned”… Alrighty then 🙂
Love your enthusiastic review, Carl! I’ve had my eye on this book since I first saw it on the shelf. Gorgeous cover and it sounds like the story is just fabulous. Must acquire!
Iliana: I’m sorry, didn’t mean to be so vague about how I felt about this book. 😉 Yes you must, you really must!
Cath: I look forward to your thoughts on the Priestley books. I am anxiously awaiting book three here in a few more weeks.
Darla: Looking forward to your thoughts…sorry about the push, it was a good push though, right?
Stacey: Mine is usually less ‘horror’ and more ‘gothic’ and ‘mystery’ as well. Which is certainly fine by me.
Jenny: This book would definitely look gorgeous on your new shelves, especially after the story is lodged firmly in your heart.
Nicola: For some reason I could just picture her. Again, having a fellow book blogger who is a R.I.P. participant who started her reading with us back when she was 10 certainly helps me realize there are really brilliant young kids out there. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Bride: It will be worth the wait, I promise you.
Chris: Sorry to be tempting. This one is just so good and certainly worth borrowing from the library…and more than worth owning.
Jeff: I hope you get it quickly and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Kailana: It is really sooo good. 🙂
Consider my appetite whet! Unfortunately, I’m unable to throw my TBR Rules out the window, (I’m too close to my goal for any shenanigans!), but I’ll definitely be adding this one to my Tiny TBR Wishlist.
I love this book!
Whoa! I’m convinced. Just as soon as I get some book-buying money, I’m making an emergency trip to the bookstore to pick up this book. Thanks for the review! I’m not sure I would have picked this book up otherwise. 🙂
Oh my goodness — I am just finishing this book today (I have about 60 pages left) and plan to post a review later this week. Perhaps I should post a link your fantastically eloquent review instead 🙂
I can’t wait to read this one!
I read this on the way to a family reunion, and I loved it! As you did, I was caught by the irristible cover. Not to mention the fact that the title’s intriguing.
Carl, your review is wonderful, but I must confess ~ it is that blackbird that has me intrigued.
Of course you know the child’s verse (“Sing a song of sixpence, pocket full of rye, four-and-twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”), but do you know the history of the verse and its use in the 16th century? I’m afraid to say more, lest the blackbird is relevant to the plot.
The verse itself and its historical context – including pie baking practices of the 16th century and its association with one very bad man – are fascinating. I’d love to think they’re part of the book!
Great post! Have this book on my books to buy list, but will definitely be buying it ASAP! Can’t wait to read it! Cheers!
Nadia: Thanks, I hope you enjoy it.
Shoreacres: I vaguely recall the historical context, primarily from other short stories I have read that reference this. It is certainly referenced in the plot of this book in some manner though probably not directly enough that a person would necessarily make the connection unless they were looking for it. The way that it is used as a plot device is very interesting.
Madeleine: I am so glad to hear that you loved it as well.
Mary: I have no doubt that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Molly: No, I’d love to read your thoughts on this one, review away! 🙂
J.S. Peyton: You are very welcome. This is one book that I wanted to make sure didn’t fly under people’s radar.
Midnight Cowgirl: I am glad I’m not in the minority in my adoration for this book.
Memory: It would definitely be a nice gift or nice reward for good behavior! 🙂
This is a fabulous review, Carl. You’ve definitely whetted my appetite and I’ve put this on my wishlist too! (I’ll soon have to have a seperate wishlist called ‘Recommended by Carl’.) Another fabulous cover too. I’d have definitely picked that up if I’d seen it.
Ceri: Thanks! It is well worth putting on the wishlist and hopefully it will find its way on your TBR pile soon. It is a delight!
De Luce reminds me of another book’s title character Margherita Dolce Vita. I added this book to my TBR list. Great review!
Thanks Amanda, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.
Very nice review Carl –
I have been wanting to read this for awhile now and even bought myself a signed copy in an Airport recently…. I had a feeling about this one.
Shellie: How cool is that?!?! I would love to own a signed copy of this one. I hope you enjoy this marvelous tale.
I adored this book also (there’s also a fun ning site for it). My copy has a poison green dust jacket with this same image on it. I agree that the design is part of the appeal of this one! But Flavia quickly won me over for herself; so funny and charming and just perfect. You’ll be glad to know the author has been signed for a 6 book deal! 🙂
Ooh, irresistible cover, and I love the premise. Might have to add this to the ever-growing list…
I loved this book too. Did you notice that the author is working on a second Flavia de Luce mystery? I can hardly wait.
I know you review many books here, and not that your other reviews have not been of use to me, but this review in particular I would like to thank you for. I absolutely LOVE this book, and I would not have even given it another passing glance had I not read this review. THANK YOU!
After almost 3 months waiting I was able to snag a copy of this wonderful book at my library. Truly a great book. I’ve recently been watching The Big Bang Theory on DVD and Flavia makes me think this must have been what Leslie Winkle was like as a child.
I was surprised by how much I kept thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it. The author had me hooked and I just had to see what unfolded in this mystery next as soon as possible. I loved how the author described people and places so vividly that it seemed like these places and people came alive so easily in my mind. At times I felt like I could taste the descriptions and the feel the weather as described.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book but as Carl does I can only urge everyone else as well to acquire a copy of this book and lose yourself in it.
I too would give it 5 out of 5 stars. I only had one minor complainant and it was how the ending was handled between Flavia and he father. I didn’t find it satisfying but the author made up with it so many other characters that I’m totally ok with it and still give this book the highest marks.
Afterwords I was thinking of where I would love to see this author go next with the character. I read on amazon the brief blurb on the next book and I see it is another story of Flavia when she’s 11. My inital thoughts after reading the book were wouldn’t it be cool to see each book following pop in with Flavia in 10 year intervals. I would love to see how she is when’s 21, 31, etc. We could see her and her cast of characters evolve. I always enjoy growth over time with characters I read about. It’s like as I age I like to see my characters age as well. Plus I think it helps avoid the Murder She Wrote silliness where every week the main character is at the scene of a new murder. How many murders do we really believe an 11 year old would be involved in but over time I can believe it a lot more say every 10 years. 🙂 Just my two cents.
Thanks so much for the review my friend. I’m going to sign up at my library for this book when it comes out as soon as it’s listed in the library system.
I just put my name on the hold list at the library for the next book when it comes in next March and I’m already in spot 10. Bummer. Well atleast that is much better than hold spot than 97 as I was last time. 🙂
Ten is MUCH better than 97!!! You might get it right away depending on how many copies they buy.
I am SO glad that you enjoyed this one so much. We both know that just because one of us raves about something that doesn’t mean that the other is going to enjoy it as much, if at all. I am glad that this one didn’t disappoint for you, especially the fact that your waiting game helped build up a bit of an expectation.
I’m really looking forward to the next one. While it will be fun to spend more time with 11 year old Flavia, I agree that a series like this risks becoming a parody of itself unless the author does some really amazing things. And since he already has, I have faith. It would be fun to watch this character age in larger increments.
Fun comparison with Leslie Winkle. I never would have made the connection, but I agree with it.