Alan Bradley - The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches

Praise for Alan Bradley and the Flavia de Luce novels

SPEAKING FROM AMONG the BONES

“Flavia de Luce can be described very accurately as precocious, irrepressible, incorrigible and so much more. [Her] world is populated with a distinctly quirky cast of characters, which author Alan Bradley obviously takes great pleasure in creating, and which will delight all who enter.”

—Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star

“Memorable, often funny prose complements the crafty plot.… The precocious and irrepressible Flavia continues to delight. Portraying an eleven-year-old as a plausible sleuth and expert in poisons is no mean feat, but Bradley makes it look easy.”

— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Bradley’s Flavia cozies, set in the English countryside, have been a hit from the start, and this fifth in the series continues to charm and entertain.”

— Booklist

“Bradley’s assured, bemused style never causes the reader to disbelieve the little scamp’s precocious abilities.”

— The Seattle Times

“An excellent reminder that crime fiction can sparkle with wit, crackle with spirit and verge on the surreal … Flavia, once more, entertains and delights as she exposes the inner workings of her investigative mind to the reader.”

— National Post (Canada)

I AM HALF-SICK of SHADOWS

“Every Flavia de Luce novel is a reason to celebrate, but Christmas with Flavia is a holiday wish come true for her fans.”

— USA Today (four stars)

“This is a classic country house mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie, and Poirot himself would approve of Flavia’s skills in snooping and deduction. Flavia is everything a reader wants in a detective—she’s smart, logical, intrepid and curious.… This is a refreshingly engaging read.”

— RT Book Reviews

“With its sharply drawn characters, including the hiss-worthy older de Luce sisters, and an agreeable puzzle playing out against the cozy backdrop of a British village at Christmas, this is a most welcome holiday gift for Flavia fans.”

— Publishers Weekly

“This is a delightful read through and through. We find in Flavia an incorrigible and wholly lovable detective; from her chemical experiments in her sanctum sanctorum to her outrage at the idiocy of the adult world, she is un-equaled. Charming as a stand-alone novel and a guaranteed smash with series followers.”

— Library Journal (starred review)

“Bradley masterfully weaves a ghoulish Yuletide tale.… The story breathes characters full of charisma, colour and nuance.… Bradley gives a thrilling ride.”

— The Globe and Mail

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 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

“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 dialog 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

“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

“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)

“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

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