A Red Herring Without Mustard

A Flavia de Luce Novel

By: Alan Bradley

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning author Alan Bradley returns with another beguiling novel starring the insidiously clever and unflappable 11-year-old sleuth Flavia de Luce. The precocious chemist with a passion for poisons uncovers a fresh slew of misdeeds in the hamlet of Bishop’s Lacey - mysteries involving a missing tot, a fortune-teller, and a corpse in Flavia’s own backyard. Flavia had asked the old Gypsy woman to tell her fortune, but never expected to stumble across the poor soul, bludgeoned in the wee hours in her own caravan. Was this an act of retribution by those convinced that the soothsayer had abducted a local child years ago? Certainly Flavia understands the bliss of settling scores; revenge is a delightful pastime when one has two odious older sisters. But how could this crime be connected to the missing baby? Had it something to do with the weird sect who met at the river to practice their secret rites? While still pondering the possibilities, Flavia stumbles upon another corpse - that of a notorious layabout who had been caught prowling about the de Luce’s drawing room.

Pedaling Gladys, her faithful bicycle, across the countryside in search of clues to both crimes, Flavia uncovers some odd new twists. Most intriguing is her introduction to an elegant artist with a very special object in her possession - a portrait that sheds light on the biggest mystery of all: Who is Flavia?

As the red herrings pile up, Flavia must sort through clues fishy and foul to untangle dark deeds and dangerous secrets.

©2011 Alan Bradley (P)2011 Random House

Critic reviews

“Flavia is incisive, cutting and hilarious . . . one of the most remarkable creations in recent literature.” ( USA Today)

"Oh, there you are, you odious little prawn."

This series is so much fun. Flavia is such a smart, cheeky little thing and she and her sisters have some of the most entertaining name-calling exchanges!

"Oh, there you are, you odious little prawn." "How dare you call me a prawn, you stupid sausage?" "My sister could be a most unpleasant porpoise when she felt like it."

And the imagery, metaphors, and similes!

“I had long ago discovered that when a word or formula refused to come to mind the best thing for it was to think of something else: tigers for instance or oatmeal. Then when the fugitive word was least expecting it I would suddenly turn the full blaze of my attention back onto it catching the culprit in the beam of my mental torch before it could sneak off again into the darkness."

This is the third book in the series and I intend to keep listening so long as Jayne Entwistle is the narrator. She's the perfect Flavia!

Another Great Flavia de Luce Mystery!

What made the experience of listening to A Red Herring Without Mustard the most enjoyable?

I have enjoyed other books in this series, and this title was very good. I love the humor and the chemical descriptions (being a chemistry girl, myself) and I think that the character of Flavia is extremely original. This book has charm as well as drama and suspense. I especially love her descriptions of her bicycle, Gladys.

What did you like best about this story?

Charm, Humor, and the narrator is wonderful. Just the right amount of indignation and wit.

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

Flavia, definitely.

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

The end choked me up, and in a book that is mostly humorous that's not really expected. There are poignant moments that really add to the storyline.

Any additional comments?

Excited to "read" more in this series!

Classic Flavia!

Just great listening. Such a terrific little heroine! I love her -- and her character is developing so nicely over time!

wonderful series

Love this series, can't wait to start the next book and see what Flavia deluce is getting into next

I love Flavia

She is a delightful character and the plot keeps your interest wondering what she will do next in her sleuthing.

Best One Yet...

...and I enjoyed the first two immensely. Jayne is the perfect narrator for Flavia, a character that could be ruined so easily if given the wrong voice. Entwhistle's narration gives depth and insight into this unique, precocious, engaging young girl.

Another great Flavia mystery!

I adore these Flavia de Luce novels! And the narrator is so very enjoyable. I can hardly wait for Mr. Bradley to finish the next one.

More fun with Flavia

What made the experience of listening to A Red Herring Without Mustard the most enjoyable?

Alan Bradley's writing about Flavia sometimes reminds me of myself, as a book-obsessed young girl with a passion for learning. I get completely lost in the story and don't notice the passage of time, which to me, is the mark of a great book!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Red Herring Without Mustard?

Flavia's experiences with the rooster - having roosters of my own, I can entirely relate!

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

Definitely Flavia - she is charming. Jayne really brings her character to life.

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

I thought it was particularly moving when Flavia's father has the picture hung in her laboratory. I find the moments of softness between Flavia and her father to be very endearing.

Any additional comments?

Just a great series, and I look forward to further Flavia adventures.

Another Flavia Hit!

Love the Flavia series! This is the 3rd one I've listened to and it's just as good as the first. The narrator, Jayne Entwistle, IS Flavia. She's perfect! Thank you Mr. Bradley for bringing us Flavia de Luce!

Flavia finds a friend

This story was a bit of a departure from the amount of peril that Flavia often finds herself in. The danger belongs to other characters this time. It was wonderful to learn more Buckshaw details and to see Flavia find a friend closer to her age. Entwistle’s narration continues to be excellent. There seem to be a few plot strings left loose but I always find the point if these mysteries less about the wrapping up and more about Flavia’s interactions in the world around her.