Horror for Newbies
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Flavia de Luce, #1)

Questions About The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Flavia de Luce, #1)

by Alan Bradley (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (16)

Is there an age rating for this book, and am I missing where age ratings are published on this site?
Renn I almost picked this up as a 11 year old, and honestly, I know I would have loved it. Never underestimate the power and comprehension of a young reade…moreI almost picked this up as a 11 year old, and honestly, I know I would have loved it. Never underestimate the power and comprehension of a young reader. As I've mentioned before, children who have devoured series such as Harry Potter and/or the Mysterious Benedict Society would love this series.(less)
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Do the other books in the series contain unchecked racist caricatures or is the one included here an outlier?
James Kelly I think this is an allusion to the reference to a horrible event in Calcutta? I agree that Colonialism was, and still is, a great evil that many count…moreI think this is an allusion to the reference to a horrible event in Calcutta? I agree that Colonialism was, and still is, a great evil that many countries have taken part in. There is no excuse for it. That said, in this case, I think the reference is used ina. uniquely British way. It is, after all, set in Britain. The 'idea' of the sweltering 'Black Hole of Calcutta' passed into folklore and the national psyche there and has been handed down through the generations as a grim reference to a horribly crowded space The phrase, "It was like the Black Hole of Calcutta in there", is still one you might hear in conversation anywhere in Britain. I think this is how it is used here, but, I can understand how this might be shocking to outsiders. I don't see it as a racist remark. I certainly don't think it indicates racial bias on the part of the writer. Considering that he is Australian, with a British mum, I find his ear for colloquial English quite astonishing and this is an example- though, to some, one that might make them feel uncomfortable if unfamiliar with the way of British speech.(less)
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Sandra Jackson - Alawine I am assuming they did so to cover up their theft. After all Greenville Twining knew what a great magician Bonepenny was and that he would be capable …moreI am assuming they did so to cover up their theft. After all Greenville Twining knew what a great magician Bonepenny was and that he would be capable of making the stamp disappear. I think he would have confronted Bonepenny at some point. (less)
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I am writing a cozy mystery. I was told based on reviews that this book was one of the best. I am struggling as I get to chapter 9. I feel as if I am reading Charles Dickens. What makes this a cozy mystery? I actually bought all 10 of the books.
maddy First of all, good luck on your own cozy mystery! Secondly, while this book might be tough to get through at first, I say to power through it! I am el…moreFirst of all, good luck on your own cozy mystery! Secondly, while this book might be tough to get through at first, I say to power through it! I am eleven years old and I love the series. It is one of my all-time favorites. I would say that this book is a cozy mystery because you get very acquainted with the characters and end up loving them and being sad when the series ends. Also, the mysteries Alan Bradley comes up with are superb! Flavia is an excellent sleuth and a very relatable character (aside from her off-the-charts intellect, of course). You can also learn a few things about chemistry once you get into it, too. I would say that this is an amazing book series, but if you don't end up liking the first book, I wouldn't bother to read the next ones.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
maddy The titles of this book series, I've found, have little to nothing to do with the actual story. There is a short poem in the beginning of every book r…moreThe titles of this book series, I've found, have little to nothing to do with the actual story. There is a short poem in the beginning of every book referencing the title in some way, but other than that, it is rather hard to see the connection in most of the books.(less)
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