It’s been five years since Alan Bradley’s last Flavia de Luce mystery. I was surprised to see his new one, What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust. I thought he and Flavia had retired, although Flavia has so many fans.
Eleven? Twelve? It’s hard to say how old Flavia is now, although Bradley once said he was never going to age his young chemist. But, if nothing else, she has had traumatic events in her life, including the death of her mother. When her father died, he left the family home, Buckshaw, to Flavia. Now, she’s living there with her sister, Daffy, her obnoxious younger cousin, Undine, Mrs. Mullet, the housekeeper, and Dogger, the gardener, handyman, protector, advisor, and friend.
When one of the neighbor’s, Major Greyleigh, is found dead in his cottage, the police suspect Mrs. Mullet, who was doing some cleaning and cooking breakfast for the man. In fact, she had picked the mushrooms that were his last meal. But, Flavia, always loyal to the household staff, knows Mrs. Mullet didn’t kill anyone, and she sets out to prove it. After all, she and Dogger make up Arthur Dogger & Associates, Discreet Enquiries.
Flavia’s fans will once again enjoy her adventures on her bike, Gladys, and her search for answers as she roams around the village of Bishop’s Lacey, listening to gossip and searching for clues. However, she’s disgruntled when Undine seems to uncover a number of the clues. But, it’s Flavia’s scattershot approach to her investigation that sends her to the American military base where she uncovers secrets that will change her forever.
If you’re a reader who can’t get enough of Flavia, What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust will remind you why you enjoy her adventures and company. For those of us who only occasionally read one of the books, the insufferable Undine will remind us why we only appreciated Flavia in small doses. Every five years is more than enough.
Alan Bradley’s website is https://alanbradleyauthor.com/.
What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley. Bantam, 2024. ISBN 9780593724514 (hardcover), 320p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.
I’m listening to this one right now. Undine needs to be shipped off to boarding school. I get that she is supposed to be to Flavia what Flavia is to everyone else, and therefore be funny. She isn’t.
You’re so right, Mark. This wasn’t my favorite in the series, and I”m not sure I’ll be reading any future books.
I agree Lesa – I enjoy them but only in smallish doses.
Every five years is about enough, Rosemary.