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)

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 The historical reference are a treat for all you British mystery buffs.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?

Don't miss out.

Another Great Flavia de Luce Adventure

Alan Bradley's precocious heroine, Flavia de Luce is refreshing. His books are definitely originals, including the titles. I have enjoyed all of Mr. Bradley's books, both in print and audio, and Jayne Entwistle's narration is flawless and perfect for all the characters, especially Flavia's. Please, whoever decided narrators, I beg you to do all possible to keep Ms. Entwistle as the narrator of this series.

For anyone who has not read any of the Flavia de Luce books by Mr. Bradley, I recommend starting with the first one, "Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" and continue to read/listen to them in order. While each book can stand alone, a deeper appreciation for the characters is achieved by reading each book in the order they were written.

Previous Flavia adventures had her riding all over the countryside around Bishop's Lacy on her trusty bicycle, Gladys. I am Half Sick of Shadows is set almost entirely in the big, deteriorating mansion the de Luce's call home and Gladys has been put away for the winter. A parade of strangers and locals find themselves trapped in the mansion on Christmas Eve due to a huge snowstorm....and there is a murder to solve! Flavia does her usual magic with chemical concoctions and her keen deductive mind to come up with the answers, but not without some hard knocks along the way.

If there had been more stars to add to the ratings, I would have done so.

FANTASTIC!

I love Flavia!

This series is enjoyable, engaging, and well written. Flavia and friends are a unique group of characters that always entertain.

I've not been disappointed with any of the books in the Flavia de Luce series. And Jayne Entwistle (narrator) is perfect! She really brings the characters to life.

A definite MUST LISTEN!

Loved!!!

Loved it! I'd even pay for it with real money. Great series and excellent narration!!!!

Wonderful!

Have enjoyed this series, can't wait to read more. Alan Bradley is such a story teller.

Delightful story, amazing child

I totally enjoyed "I am half-sick of Shadows", a twisty story from the viewpoint of a precocious young girl enamored with chemicals and poisons AND possessing a super-sleuth nose for solving murders. "She always finds the bodies," was a quote I read, and indeed she does. But she also sees, hears and smells clues that no policeman can, and comes up with the villain.
In this story her home of Buckshaw - due to financial problems - is rented out to a film company to record and show the famous love scene from Romeo and Juliet for charity. Actors, producer, film crew and spectators fill the old house. Someone dies and someone is born and there is a big fight on top of the snowy roof. Who, what, when, and why are the questions young Flavia seeks to discover. And all the while looking for Father Christmas to come down the chimney (well, one of them).
A touch of sadness at the end seems appropriate, but is forgotten in the last wonder-full scene.

introspective

different from the prior books, much closer to home, or "historic pile" as it were

I love these books!

I'm sure the books are fun to read, but what really makes it for me is Jayne Entwistle. No one else could "voice" Flavia so perfectly. Not inseparable from reality (I mean a child who is an expert in chemistry and poisons?), but who cares. The story goes on to make me feel like I'm running around solving mysteries with her and her rickety bike (I wonder if Gladys could carry us both?). Read the books, or better yet, listen to them.

I love Flavia!!

I've listened to each of the books in this series, in order. I've enjoyed every one of them!

This installment is the weakest of the four so far, in my opinion, but still a great story. The mystery was weaker than the previous three stories. Flavia is still the most delightful, precocious and sassy child! Mr Bradley has to be a genius to be able to write from this child's perspective so well, and make the book so entertaining for every age.

You may be tempted to pass on this series thinking it is a "kid's" book. But trust me, while it is fine for kids to listen to... it is really great for the bigger kids-at-heart! Flavia's snippy interaction with her older sisters might be intentionally overstated, but I'm sure many younger sister's can relate!

The narrator is by far the perfect choice for these books. Her inflections for the devious thoughts and cheeky attitudes of Flavia are perfect! I never have trouble listening or following her narration.

All in all, I recommend this book and series to all ages that love a fun, great mystery!