I Am Half-Sick of Shadows

A Flavia de Luce Novel

By: Alan Bradley

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s Christmastime, and the precocious Flavia de Luce—an eleven-year-old sleuth with a passion for chemistry and a penchant for crime-solving—is tucked away in her laboratory, whipping up a concoction to ensnare Saint Nick. But she is soon distracted when a film crew arrives at Buckshaw, the de Luces’ decaying English estate, to shoot a movie starring the famed Phyllis Wyvern. Amid a raging blizzard, the entire village of Bishop’s Lacey gathers at Buckshaw to watch Wyvern perform, yet nobody is prepared for the evening’s shocking conclusion: a body found, past midnight, strangled to death with a length of film. But who among the assembled guests would stage such a chilling scene? As the storm worsens and the list of suspects grows, Flavia must use every ounce of sly wit at her disposal to ferret out a killer hidden in plain sight.

©2011 Alan Bradley (P)2011 Random House

Critic reviews

"If ever there was a sleuth who’s bold, brilliant, and yes, adorable, it’s Flavia de Luce.” ( USA Today)

good book well read but

I enjoy the Flavia books so much that I will continue reading them; this one in particular has beautiful passages well read by the narrator. As the series progresses, the reading becomes better. I wish to hear fewer exclamation points in places where there would be more meaning without them; nevertheless, the reader has captured a spirit of childhood and mischief and loneliness and love and inner strength and spriteliness and warmth that I think many narrators might have been unable to encompass. Flavia's emotional range is not lost on this narrator. And the writing is top drawer. Often words drop away out of your mind, leaving only story: yet they are the perfect words. The only reason I don't give this auther five stars is that Dorothy Dunnett exists. She is a five star writer and has spoiled me for most others.

Loved it!

I think this is my favorite Flavia DeLuce book yet. I found myself laughing out loud at some Flavia's comments. The narrator is so wonderful at bringing that character to life.

Christmas at Buckshaw-what could possibly go wrong

Another compelling account of the infant terrible known as Flavia! She's smarter than she should be,
and luckier than most! Just a fun listen with the poverty-stricken aristocrats at Buckshaw Manor. The more of these I read, the more I want. Delightful narrator makes it all the better.

Love Love

The best stories with the most perfect narrator. 🥰. I re-listen to this series frequently.

The Character who brought me back to Cozy Mystery

Jayne Entwhistle is the perfect voice for Flavia! These books brought me back to the genre after many years, and what an experience! A series that I immediately had to hear in total, and have given as gifts and recommended so many times. A brilliant setting, interesting characters and charm, not to mention a good mystery make it great. 7 hours goes entirely too fast.

Can't Get Enough of this Series!

We need more! Flavia de Luce has stolen my heart. I have listened to the entire series and cannot wait for the next installment. Jayne Entwistle does an excellent job of narration. Be sure to listen to these in sequence as you will miss some of the more subtle nuances if you don't.

I love Flavia de Luce!

Loved every minute! The reader enjoys her job as much as i enjoy her! Cant wait to start the next one!

Flavia is hilarious!

I SO enjoy these books! Flavia is hysterical and Jayne Entwhistle is wonderful as this precocious girl.

Another lovely read.

I feel like I should be sending Alan Bradley thank you notes for each novel in this series. I so love clever, whimsical, unexpectedly poignant Flavia de Luce. Each book becomes my favorite as I read it. Or, in this case, listen to it as read by the incomparable Jayne Entwistle.

Fulfill your inner child with adventure.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

After the first introduction to Flavia you won't be able to tear yourself away. Her youthful exuberance, and quest for knowledge will keep you entertained. The historical reference are a treat for all you British mystery buffs. I think Agatha herself would be delighted in a young brit following in her footsteps. I don't know where Alan has derived his inspiration but he uses just enough detailed description to keep me enthralled while letting my imagination run wild with Flavia. If you didn't really connect with chemistry before you will suddenly be reminded of it everywhere around you. Thank you Alan for entertaining me during my many hours commuting. Anxiously awaiting Flavia's next adventure. Can't imagine where Harriet is??? Highly recommend the Flavia de Luce series to everyone. Already have to my local audible click.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot moves along at just the right pace. Very detailed description of events keeps me in the moment. Twists big and small keep me engaged.

Which character – as performed by Jayne Entwistle – was your favorite?

I know it's obvious but she becomes Flavia, although she does the other voices justice as well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All the moments when Flavia tries to engage with her sisters. Their struggle to be a family without their mother tugs at the heartstrings.

Any additional comments?

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