97 pages • 3 hours read
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
2009
Adult
14+ years
960L
Super Short Summary
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley follows 11-year-old Flavia de Luce as she investigates the death of a stranger found in her family's garden. Living in a 1950s English manor with a distant father, two bullying sisters, and a supportive gardener, Flavia uncovers secrets involving a rare stamp and a decades-old mystery tied to her father’s past, ultimately solving the crime through her wit and determination.
Mysterious
Humorous
Nostalgic
Adventurous
Playful
Reviews & Readership
178,783 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alan Bradley's The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie captivates readers with its charming protagonist, Flavia de Luce, a precocious eleven-year-old sleuth. The novel blends wit, intricate plotting, and rich, period ambiance. Some find the pacing slow and the mystery predictable. Overall, it offers an enjoyable, nostalgic read with a vividly drawn, engaging heroine.
Who Should Read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie?
A reader who enjoys The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley appreciates clever, young protagonists and classic mystery elements. Fans of Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series will revel in Flavia de Luce's whimsical and insightful sleuthing in a quaint English village.
178,783 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Colonel Haviland “Laurence” de Luce
Colonel Haviland “Laurence” de Luce
Flavia's father, a World War II veteran who is preoccupied with his stamp collection and struggles with family connections.
Arthur “Dogger” Wellesley
Arthur “Dogger” Wellesley
The de Luce family's gardener and handyman, known for his gentle nature and close bond with Flavia.
Horace Bonepenny
Horace Bonepenny
A former classmate of Laurence, whose visit to the de Luce family estate triggers the central mystery.
Inspector Hewitt
Inspector Hewitt
The police detective responsible for investigating the mystery at the de Luce estate, who finds Flavia's insights valuable.
Robert Stanley/Frank Pemberton
Robert Stanley/Frank Pemberton
A former schoolmate of Laurence's, who conceals his identity while working at Buckshaw under the alias Pemberton.
416
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
2009
Adult
14+ years
960L
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