Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

I like the direction that this went! You have a case that personally affects Flavia; her family's cook, Mrs. Mullet is (possibly) framed for murder. Flavia finally starts to like her cousin Undine and even feels protective over her as she follows and pokes her nose in the murder. Flavia uncovers more details of her family's secret role in the government, and decides whether she even wants to be a part of it. It's all the wit and sleuthing of previous entries, with more character growth overall.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6607813281

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/50bb8063-d4d8-4d25-beeb-09cbac4a1a29

Check out this review of What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust on Fable. https://fable.co/review/e979791d-05c3-41e3-a8c3-df8815c1970b/share

The latest Flavia de Luce novel accomplishes quite a bit for the series. 1) Flavia's more emotional and loving relationships are cemented. I appreciate this, as her relations with her estranged father and often cruel sisters were getting frustrating, repetitive, and more than a little sad: 2) we are more cemented in the England of her time. The outside world and the aftermath of WWII intrude even further into Buckshaw, and it's interesting to see Flavia become more aware of the continuing American presence and what it means for her family specifically and for England generally. 3) This seems to close some of the doors to the past and open up new possibilities for Flavia, Dogger, Mrs. Mullet, and Undine (and Daffy, I suppose). If I was new to this series, the B and C storylines could be confusing, but as a person who has read all of the entries, I found it satisfying. It's not a stand-alone, that's for sure. Despite that potential barrier to entry, I definitely recommend it. Perfect for a long travel day during this holiday season!

This is the 11th installment of the Flavia de Luce mystery series and a great addition. Flavia has a murder to investigate in order to clear her beloved housekeeper. The writing is crisp and witty capturing Flavia’s quirky aspects. I loved following along on her newest adventure.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust is the 11th Flavia de Luce novel by Alan Bradley. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by by Penguin Random House on their Bantam book imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Flavia is wickedly wryly funny (and clever) and Bradley is a truly prodigiously gifted author. She and her dogsbody/batman, appropriately named Dogger are a force to be reckoned with and outmaneuver, outflank and outwit all comers. She's possessed of a Greek Nemesis' brain strapped into the body of a precocious adolescent and all bets are off.

This book doesn't work particularly well as a standalone. Whilst most of the necessary background info is provided by the author (cleverly not "telling" but always "showing"), there are a number of spoilers/plot twists from previous entries which are directly referred to in this book. Much more fun to find a rainy fall weekend and binge read the whole series.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Flavia, she's not your average youngster. She's self contained and prodigiously interested in chemistry and crime. Dogger does most of the heavy lifting.

I don't often laugh out loud at books, but I have done so with every single one of the Flavia books.

I have recommended these books to my circle of crime-reading friends and the verdicts seem to be almost evenly split between 'wonderful' and 'no, thanks'. Definitely worth a try if you appreciate very well crafted mysteries with a touch of the absurd and/or slightly gallows humor.

Four and a half stars in my appreciative estimation. Long may she reign!

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

In full honesty, I spent this summer trying to get caught up on all the Flavia de Luce books. I made it to #4 and a lot clearly happens between #4-#11. So, I was a bit in the dark on some of the things going on that were continuations from earlier parts of the series. I’m sure that affected part of my enjoyment of the book. But, Flavia was still her witty, spunky self. I was glad to see Gladys, her trusty bike, is still in working order.

“I have to admit that I’d been praying for ages to God, the Virgin Mary, and all the saints for a jolly good old-fashioned mushroom poisoning. Not that I wanted anyone to die, but why give a girl a gift of science—of chemistry, to be precise—such as mine without giving her the opportunity to use it?”

As you can imagine, Flavia is still obsessed with death which of course is quite odd for an 11-12-year-old. When a local villager and former hangman (that was really a position?) is found dead, Mrs. Mullet, Flavia’s beloved housekeeper, is the first one questioned. Mrs. Mullet has been feeding him breakfast every morning and he may have died from poisonous mushrooms. Flavia, of course, has to get to the bottom of this case, even though she has been told numerous times to stay out of it.

“I was beginning to learn that when you’re bereaved, as I have been, you live in a shattered looking-glass world. Nothing is as it seems. I needed to focus: to pull myself back together into that single, intense, burning intelligence I once had been. And I needed to do it quickly.”

Flavia is grieving the death of her beloved father and makes some hasty decisions that put her in a bit of trouble. I had to quickly skim over quite a few pages of this section as it was difficult to read because her particular situation in the story is a major fear of mine. I even had a nightmare related to it. Of course, Flavia finds the murderer and informs the authorities, so all ends well. But, it was a little touch and go for a bit.

“It’s strange, isn’t it, how sadness is first detected by the nose? One would expect the eyes to lead the way, but it’s invariably the nose that triggers the earliest alarm. Sadness is much like smoke, I’ve decided: an odor raised at the very doorstep of the brain.”

I do think those who have loved the series will enjoy this one as well. Compared to the first four, it wasn’t my favorite, but that could be due to my own issues and not related to the story as a whole.

So weird and so enjoyable. It was a brain exercise to read this. I enjoy these kind of odd books that make you actually work for it

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Have you ever jumped into a book or series without ever reading any previous book by that author or within that specific series? Not sure if that makes sense right now, but that's exactly what happened to me.

When I originally asked for this book, I had no idea it was book eleven until after downloading it. That being said, I still dove into it without reading the previous ten books and have zero regrets. If anything, this book alone is wanting me to dive into book one just to see what Flavia gets into exactly.

Speaking of Flavia, I absolutely loved her. She's hilarious, and I love how her little cousin, Undine, gets under her skin. I laughed so much whenever they were interacting with one another. Then there's Dogger, and I equally adored him. The way he would treat Flavia as an equal just made my heart happy. Other than that, I really enjoyed how they all handled the investigation and worked together to figure out the truth.

In the end, I may have started this series with book eleven, but I will obviously try my very best to get my hands on book one as soon as possible. I need more sleuthing adventures, especially if it is an audiobook.

Flavia deLuce is back again and I have been eagerly awaiting her return, though I wasn't sure if she would. This installment is a wild ride that I absolutely loved because Alan Bradley just delivers every time. Flavia has had to do some growing up in the previous book, and more in this one as well because with her parents deceased she is the heiress of Buckshaw which comes with taking care of her employees-Mrs. Mullet, the cook, and Dogger, the man of many talents and other half of the deLuce investigative team, not to mention her orphaned younger cousin Undine. Her sisters are moving on with their lives in expected ways, Feely has married and is on honeymoon but will presumably live with her husband, and Daffy will attend University soon which leaves Flavia feeling quite abandoned and realizing she now has to take the older sister role for Undine (and maybe is starting to realize how she appeared to her own sisters).

Mrs. Mullet is implicated in a murder, but of course Flavia knows Mrs. Mullet would never do that. Flavia, with Undine in tow (unfortunately for Flavia) will uncover the murderer, the motive, and reveal much more than she bargained for. The innocence of childhood and ignorance of what goes on in her small parish is being seared away with flame.

Absolutely gobsmacked at the ending of this book and I can see why it took Bradley some time to release it.

Most recent Flavia de Luce book. I thought this series was done, but Flavia is back. I haven't been that enthralled by these for the last few books, especially since Undine, the little cousin, came on the scene. It has been so long since the previous book that I had forgotten a major plot point. This was decent, but the earlier books in the series are better and maybe it's time for Flavia to grow up and move on? 3 stars

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley is the 11th book in the Flavia de Luce Mystery series.

Flavia is a young girl who repeatedly finds herself in close proximity to an unsolved murder. An amateur sleuth, Flavia often solves the crime before the local police.

This time, Flavia must clear the name of her family’s cook, Mrs. Mullet. Surely Mrs. Mullet didn’t mean to poison the Major when she cooked him those mushrooms for breakfast?

If you like murder mysteries, historical fiction, and unexpected characters as detectives, I highly recommend Flavia de Lucia. I recommend starting at the beginning of the series, as many events shape Flavia’s life and her family, and it is necessary to understand the plot points in later books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5)

I saw this coming a few books back but was delighted to read Mr. Bradley’s handling of the situation. Flavia is maturing and being tortured by a younger cousin (who certainly smacks of a younger Flavia) as she winds her way through managing her late father’s estate while never taking her eye off the local scene for murder and whatever.

In all of Bradley’s books there are snippets of wit and wisdom: “when you know a person’s name, you have very great power over them…” “The making of a pot of tea is a blessing.” Flavia maintains a smile embracing cheap isolation from the world knowing that “the best smile is for oneself”. But not all is a smile, a witticism, there are deeper social and moral issues at hand and once again Flavia is going to take another large step toward adulthood.

This installment was a long time coming but I am so grateful that it has arrived. It is bright, cheeky, intelligent and well written. Thanks to Bantam Books and NetGalley for a copy.

Delightful continuation to a delightful series; Flavia deLuce continues to be a chemical force of nature and the voice she's given continues to delight.

This is my second Flavia DeLuce novel. I could not finish the first, but actually enjoyed this one. There are some questionable holes in the story, but the story flows nicely. Perhaps I'll have to go back and reread the first one.

Flavia de Luce finds herself once again looking into a murder when the local recluse is murdered and all signs point to her family's longtime cook. She'll have to explore dangerous clues and put more than just herself in danger if she wants to reveal the truth, but is she ready for what she might uncover?

I can see why it's a popular series and think it might partly be that I've been told how amazing it is ad nauseam, but it ultimately wasn't for me. The writing is good if a little too stoic for me, feeling forced when moments that were supposed to be funny and dragging in between the big moments. Flavia is a complex character and I love that such a smart female is the lead, she just never quite captured my attention.

Overall, it's a solidly written story that I can recognize is good, but it just didn't click with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the chance to read.

What Time the Sexton's Spade doth Rust by Alan Bradley
#Flaviadeluce11
#historicalmystery

When I requested this book from #netgalley, I had no idea that it was number 11 in a series. 🤦 But I still surprisingly still liked the book. I was not confused at all. I just wished I had more background for the main character Flavia and the few side characters. I bet if I was reading this with the series I'd give it a full 5 stars.

This book takes place in the English countryside shortly after WW2. Flavia appears to be an older teen who has been orphaned and still living with the family housekeeper and an orphaned cousin. Both who have pretty big roles in the book. But for some reason, Flavia seems to always be near enough to dead bodies to have annoyed the dopey police officer that always gets assigned to investigate these deaths.

#whatimethesextonsspadedothrust
#randomhousepublishing
#ballentinebooks

Flavia is back and grieving the death of her father while dodging her annoying cousin Undine's attempts to become partners in solving murders in the quaint British village near her ancestral home of Buckshaw. This time the family's longtime cook is implicated in a former hangman's suspicious death and Flavia must step in quickly to find the real murderer. A hilarious romp with a young heroine that is still as fascinating as ever. Author Bradley continues to deliver lovely mysteries, while further developing his beloved characters.

Hey this book was great. This whole series has intrigued me from the beginning. I love these quirky characters. Bravo as always!

First sentence: The greatest minds in the world are often cranky when they first awaken in the morning, and mine is no exception. If I am to ascend above the ordinary, I require solitude the way a balloon needs helium.

Premise/plot: What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust is the eleventh book in this historical mystery series. The tenth novel in the series was published in 2019. Flavia de Luce, our heroine, has come of age solving mysteries all the time--ALL the time. Her upbringing is unusual to say the least. The household has shrunk--in some ways--and grown. Though Flavia doesn't see the addition of Undine as a plus. (Though she is down one "annoying" older sister through marriage). Both Undine and Flavia are "strange" "unusual" in their own ways.

There is a mystery to be solved...but the greatest mystery to be solved does not involve the oh-so-obvious dead body.

My thoughts: To say that I was absolutely SHOCKED by the twist(s) in this one would be an understatement. I'm not just saying that. I didn't see the reveal coming...at all. And it's the kind of reveal that takes processing and more processing and even more processing. So much so that the actual case of the murder mystery almost seemed inconsequential. There were a few intense scenes for sure. I definitely found it compelling.

The writing is still incredible. It isn't so much the plot itself but the narrative technique itself. I was reminded again why I love(d) the series so much.

The big reveal has left me a little unsettled. I don't know how to best process this and incorporate it with my thoughts on the whole series.

Quotes:

"Why do you insist on following me everywhere?" I asked. "Cause I'm your crocodile," she hissed, snapping her jaws and making a ghastly clicking noise with her throat. "Tick-tock. Tick-tock."

It's always embarrassing when someone steps over that invisible line and into your private life. Even though they mean well, the line has been broken, and can never again be the impenetrable defense that it once was. I thanked her for her concern but didn't tell her that I wasn't being eaten by loneliness. It was lack of love, and that's no sin either.

"The making of a pot of tea is a blessing," Father once told me in a rare moment of revealing his thoughts. "A blessing upon both the one who prepares it and those who drink it. A small sacrament to be sure, but it must never be done frivolously or unthinkingly."

"They will never be forgotten, Mrs. Skinnett," I said. "They are legends." "I know they are, dear. You don't have to tell me." I looked into her faded blue eyes and recoiled almost physically. I had to brace myself. Their depths were indescribable: beyond compare. In her eyes were other worlds and other times. The past was still alive in her! I could see it! In those pale blue irises were births, deaths, and loves; successes and failures; tragedies and comedies and, yes, hates. I had never seen anything like it, and in a way, I hoped I never would again.

Feelings are beyond words; beyond action; beyond reason. They are the only true and constant indicators we ever have in this cruel life.

There is something to be said for a series as consistent as the Flavia de Luce novels from Alan Bradley. It’s not a series that I read in order, from book one until now, which would be 10 books, with the first one in 2009 and the last, this one, in 2024.

That consistency means that I can pop in and out of the series whenever I want. It’s like slipping on your favorite pair of shoes. You know exactly what to expect and you know you are going to be happy and comfortable.

The last book I read was the 2015, As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust. So, it’s been awhile. There are some new characters, some old familiar characters, and of course, Flavia de Luce.

Flavia never disappoints with her Sherlock Holmes sleuthing and her enormous knowledge of science. I always feel like I come away learning something.

Plenty of twists and turns and always enjoyable

3.5-4 stars
I've read 2 previous Flavia de Luce books and loved Flavia herself and thought they had good plots. I loved Flavia a bit less this time around. Seems like the author is having some trouble with her age--I couldn't figure out if she was supposed to be 8 or 15. I like the side characters (Dogger, for example), with the exception of Undine. One precocious child per book, please. Also didn't love the addition of the spy organization. But I still enjoyed Flavia enough to read others in the series.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.