Alan Bradley - I Am Half-Sick of Shadows

Acclaim for Alan Bradley and the Flavia de Luce novels

A RED HERRING Without MUSTARD

“Alan Bradley’s third Flavia de Luce mystery, A Red Herring Without Mustard , exceeds in every way, if that’s even possible, his first two. Flavia uses her trademark cunning by scheming to get even with her older sisters, who lay in wait to torment her. She saves a Gypsy’s life, befriends Porcelain, the Gypsy’s granddaughter, solves a puzzling and bizarre murder involving an ancient nonconformist cult, collects clues the police have missed, and fearlessly ventures into danger. She is always feisty, always smart. I adore her. And while it is wonderful to read her as an adult, I wish I’d had Flavia as a role model while growing up. It’s cool to be smart. It’s cool to be Flavia! And it’s great to be among her legion of fans.”

—LOUISE PENNY,

bestselling author of The Brutal Telling

“This idiosyncratic young heroine continues to charm.”

—The Wall Street Journal

“Think of Flavia as a new Sherlock in the making.”

—Booklist

“Outstanding … In this marvelous blend of whimsy and mystery, Flavia manages to operate successfully in the adult world of crimes and passions while dodging the childhood pitfalls set by her sisters.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Bradley’s third book about tween sleuth Flavia de Luce will make readers forget Nancy Drew.”

—People

“Oh, to be eleven again and pal around with irresistible wunderkind Flavia de Luce.… A splendid romp through 1950s England led by the world’s smartest and most incorrigible preteen.”

—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“As satisfying as the mystery is, the multiple-award-winning Bradley offers more.… Beautifully written, with fully fleshed characters … [Bradley] secures his position as a confident, talented writer and storyteller.”

—The Globe and Mail

“Think preteen Nancy Drew, only savvier and a lot richer, and you have Flavia de Luce.… Don’t be fooled by Flavia’s age or the 1950s setting: A Red Herring isn’t a dainty tea-and-crumpets sort of mystery. It’s shot through with real grit.”

—Entertainment Weekly

“Whether battling with her odious sisters or verbally sparring with the long-suffering Inspector Hewitt, our cheeky heroine is a delight. Full of pithy dialogue and colorful characters, this series would appeal strongly to fans of Dorothy Sayers, Gladys Mitchell, and Leo Bruce as well as readers who like clever humor mixed in with their mysteries.”

—Library Journal (starred review)

“[Flavia] remains irresistibly appealing as a little girl lost.”

—The New York Times Book Review

“Delightful … The book’s forthright and eerily mature narrator is a treasure.”

—The Seattle Times

“Flavia, oh Flavia, how I’ve missed you! … If you like your heroines whip-smart, lippy and resourceful, Flavia’s your gal.… This is a delightful read, and I was so immersed at one point I sailed right through my metro stop.”

—Montreal Gazette

“As hilarious, gripping and sad as the previous books in this enjoyable series … Once again, Bradley succeeds. And so, of course, does Flavia.”

—BookPage

“Bradley has created a marvelous character in Flavia—very adult in some ways, very childish in others, full of energy and curiosity. His story should appeal to readers of all ages looking to escape into a thoroughly entertaining world.”

—Tulsa World

“Bradley’s characters, wonderful dialogue and plot twists are a most winning combination.”

—USA Today

The WEED That STRINGS

the HANGMAN’S BAG

“Flavia is incisive, cutting and hilarious … one of the most remarkable creations in recent literature.”

—USA Today

“Like its heroine, the novel is spiky, surprising fun.”

—Parade

“Bradley takes everything you expect and subverts it, delivering a smart, irreverent, unsappy mystery.”

—Entertainment Weekly

“The real delight here is her droll voice and the eccentric cast.… Utterly beguiling.”

—People (four stars)

“There’s not a reader alive who wouldn’t want to watch Flavia in her lab concocting some nefarious brew.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Brisk, funny and irrepressible, Flavia is distinctly uncute, and the cozy village setting has enough edges to keep suspicions sharp.… Bradley gives a pitch-perfect performance that surpasses an already worthy debut.”

—Houston Chronicle

“Her sleuthing skills both amaze and amuse.”

—Mystery Scene

“Endlessly entertaining … The author deftly evokes the period, but Flavia’s sparkling narration is the mystery’s chief delight. Comic and irreverent, this entry is sure to build further momentum for the series.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Smart, funny … His second novel confirms the promise of the first.… Bradley is a writer of great charm and insight, and he infuses even minor characters with indelible personality.… Flavia de Luce, both eleven and ageless, is a marvel and a delight.”

—Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

“Wickedly funny, with an eleven-year-old heroine who is meaner than a snake and smarter than a whip.”

—The Times-Picayune

The SWEETNESS at the

BOTTOM of the PIE

“Sophisticated, series-launching … It’s a rare pleasure to follow Flavia as she investigates her limited but boundless-feeling world.”

—Entertainment Weekly (A–)

THE MOST AWARD-WINNING BOOK OF ANY YEAR!

WINNER:

Macavity Award for Best First Mystery Novel

Barry Award for Best First Novel

Agatha Award for Best First Novel

Dilys Award

Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel

Spotted Owl Award for Best Novel

CWA Debut Dagger Award

“If ever there was a sleuth who’s bold, brilliant, and, yes, adorable, it’s Flavia de Luce.”

—USA Today

“A wickedly clever story, a dead-true and original voice, and an English country house in the summer: Alexander McCall Smith meets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Please, please, Mr. Bradley, tell me we’ll be seeing Flavia again soon?”

—LAURIE R. KING,

bestselling author of Pirate King

“Utterly charming! Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce proves to be one of the most precocious, resourceful, and, well, just plain dangerous heroines around. Evildoers—and big sisters—beware!”

—LISA GARDNER,

bestselling author of Love You More

“Impressive as a sleuth and enchanting as a mad scientist, Flavia is most endearing as a little girl who has learned to amuse herself in a big lonely house.”

—MARILYN STASIO,

The New York Times Book Review

“Only those who dislike precocious young heroines with extraordinary vocabulary and audacious courage can fail to like this amazingly entertaining book. Expect more from the talented Bradley.”

—Booklist (starred review)

“A delightful new sleuth. A combination of Eloise and Sherlock Holmes … fearless, cheeky, wildly precocious.”