The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (a Review)

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I’m always on the prowl for a good mystery series. To be honest, I’m usually disappointed because the novels start to get formulaic or the premise just doesn’t hold up. However, I can usually look past the weaknesses in a series if, ultimately, I’m in love with the main character.

Enter Flavia de Luce.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie takes place in 1950s Britain. It follows eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce who lives in a sprawling, though slightly neglected, mansion called Buckshaw with her widowed father and two older sisters, Daphne and Ophelia. An astute observer and varied reader, Flavia spends most of her time researching poisons and chemicals in her very own laboratory. Flavia has an affinity for chemistry and science, specifically poisons and their effectiveness on her sisters.

Life starts to get interesting at Buckshaw when a dead bird shows up on the front porch with a postage stamp attached to its beak. Yet, nothing piques the interest of young Flavia more than watching a man die in her back garden. “I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.”

The novel travels with Flavia as she collects clues, makes connections, and searches for answers to these mysteries in order to reunite her family. Flavia is precocious, hilarious, nosy, but underneath the surface, she’s all heart.

I particularly loved how this novel could be entertaining without pages and pages of violence, sexual references, or even much profanity. The plot packs plenty of punch for a fun, enjoyable read, and Flavia’s conversations and relationships add warmth and depth. Look for it at your local library and get started. Then, add to the fun with the Flavia’s other adventures – the sixth book just came out earlier this year! Trust me. Flavia de Luce is a main character worth a series.