The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches

A Flavia de Luce Novel

By: Alan Bradley

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

On a spring morning in 1951, 11-year-old chemist and aspiring detective Flavia de Luce gathers with her family at the railway station, awaiting the return of her long-lost mother, Harriet. Yet upon the train’s arrival in the English village of Bishop’s Lacey, Flavia is approached by a tall stranger who whispers a cryptic message into her ear. Moments later, he is dead, mysteriously pushed under the train by someone in the crowd. Who was this man, what did his words mean, and why were they intended for Flavia? Back home at Buckshaw, the de Luces’ crumbling estate, Flavia puts her sleuthing skills to the test. Following a trail of clues sparked by the discovery of a reel of film stashed away in the attic, she unravels the deepest secrets of the de Luce clan, involving none other than Winston Churchill himself. Surrounded by family, friends, and a famous pathologist from the Home Office - and making spectacular use of Harriet’s beloved Gipsy Moth plane, Blithe Spirit - Flavia will do anything, even take to the skies, to land a killer.

©2013 Alan Bradley (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

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

"Irresistibly appealing." ( The New York Times Book Review, on A Red Herring Without Mustard)

"Flavia de Luce, irresistibly rendered once again by narrator Jayne Entwistle, is an 11-year-old wannabe detective who has a fully functional chemistry lab and a somewhat less functional family. Entwistle's posh accent reflects the family's more fortunate past, and she manages to capture both the child that Flavia mostly is as well as her slowly emerging maturity. Secondary characters are not neglected; Flavia's various relatives and friends--especially her sisters, an aunt, and the household help--are fully realized. Newcomers to the de Luce/Entwistle world may want to start with an earlier book, but starting somewhere is highly recommended." ( AudioFile)

Not my favorite in the series, but still a must

What did you love best about The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches?

I love the Flavia De Luce series and have recommended the series to others. The characters are wonderful and the narration is spot on and compelling. But this book is my least favorite. I thought we might be in trouble early on when a certain high-profile luminary in British history makes an appearance and silly words are exchanged. Then the book is good until near the end when it takes a direction that I consider "jumping the shark". Frankly, I think Alan Bradley just lost interest, gave us an uninspired and silly plot direction, and rushed to just finish the thing.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alan Bradley? Why or why not?

This is a great series and all of the books have been wonderful. The characters are rich and interesting and the narration is superb. I would highly recommend starting at book 1 and reading them in order.

What does Jayne Entwistle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Entwistle does a magnificent job. Her voices and intonations and emotion that comes through is amazing. She's really fantastic.

Any additional comments?

I don't want to be too hard on this book. I read it and liked it, but there are better books in the series. Of course the premise of all the books stretches our credulity in a really fun way, but the story direction at the end went too far for me. Flavia didn't let me down, but Mr. Bradley kind of did...a little.

75% Character Development

This sixth trip to Buckshaw is less about murder than it is about fleshing out both Flavia and the supporting cast. There are a few secrets revealed, and more hinted at. The first few chapters are less than cheerful, even for a murder mystery, but hang in. It improves toward the middle.
Jane Entwhistle does her usual good job of bringing the characters to life. Alas, she is a dreadful a singer. The director should have attended to this detail.

One of my favorite series

Would you listen to The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches again? Why?

I love the characters in this series and the way they are brought to life with so much care, compassion and humor.

What did you like best about this story?

I love Falvia! She is smart and mischievous, yet has a sweet heart and a noble spirit. I love the sweetness of her relationship with Dogger and the zeal with which she recites the properties of her favorite poisons. This book is particularly bittersweet and touching.

What does Jayne Entwistle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This narrator makes the book for me! She brings so much character to Flavia- I find myself repeating phrases later in the day, trying to get the inflection just right...

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I absolutely love this series. But this book made me tear up several times simply because It is filled with characters who are decent and kind, despite their flaws, deep sorrow and dysfunction.

This series gets more and more interesting

I continue to enjoy the characters at Buckshaw. Wonderfully performed. Alan Bradley develops rich personalities and extremely interesting story lines. Highly recommended.

F-love-ia

Where does The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is not the best Flavia de Luce mystery, but the story ties up a lot of threads from the other books.

What did you like best about this story?

The integration with the other books (and because of numerous hints/foreshadowings, future books?) was really satisfying. So many curiosities got tied up, and for once,Flavia did not stupidly put herself directly in harm's way. That plot element was wearing a bit thin in the series.

Which scene was your favorite?

Flavia's exclusive scenes with her Aunt Felicity in this book are uniquely located in some form of transport and are wonderful. Bradley's choice to literally put them in motion together is exquisite.

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

There is a scene near the end of the book with Flavia and her father that is chilling. Bradley and Flavia both underplay the drama with her father in the armament museum.

Another spot on hit by Bradley!!

Love this narrator's voice! Flavia is a treasure. Can't wait for her next adventure. On to Canada my little heroine!

Engaging

From the beginning to the end, entertaining, engaging and fun. Following this precocious girl through her designs and devices speakers to our own hearts and imaginations.

They keep getting better and better.

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

Yes, because of its various characters who are more than interesting. Flavia is outstanding in this one, although she does believe in fairy tales. If you like mystery, mixed with a strange but interesting family, you will like this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Flavia's undaunting spirit. She is dealing with a heavy load for an 11-yr.-old. She has never met her mother, but her body is brought back home accompanied by Churchill and many other dignitaries. She is determined to bring her back to life and that is when the story starts to get interesting and complicated.

Have you listened to any of Jayne Entwistle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not, but I love her voice. It is so life-like. I believe I am listening to the real Flavia.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I almost did.

Any additional comments?

For new sequels, please do not change any of the characters vital to the story and do not change Flavia too much. I realize she has to grow up, but maybe you can make it in increments of 3-months or so.

This whole series is fantastic...now I need MORE

If you could sum up The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches in three words, what would they be?

Fun, sentimental, revelations

What did you like best about this story?

I always like that there is more than one mystery at work in these stories, and yet he manages to wrap it all up in a bow for us at the end. I like the Undeen (sp?) character- a mini-me of Flavia, and the denouement of the Gamekeeper.

Have you listened to any of Jayne Entwistle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to all 6 in this series and she has done an exceptional job with all of these characters. I really don't think it could have been done better.

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

Daffy at the funeral.

Any additional comments?

I LOVE THESE BOOKS! I keep telling everyone I know to read them and I would love love love to see them made into some quality movies!!! Yea Alan Bradley!!!

very excellent

Regardless of your opinion of the Flavia De Luce series, no one can best Ms Entwhistle's performance reading it. A delight to listen to and possibly more entertaining than reading the book!!!
The story itself provides the listener with a resolution to the misery of the loss of Harriet and ideally will allow the main characters to move on. There are a few gaps in the time line and logic but these are inconsequential. A jolly good story!!