I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley
by Jenners • 12/02/2011 • 3.5 Stars, B Authors, Fiction, I Titles, Mystery/Thriller • 61 Comments
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley Publisher: Delacorte Press, 2011
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction, Mystery (Cozy Variety)
Where I Got It: Amazon Vine
Why I Read It: I wanted to visit with Flavia again
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Book Description
It is almost Christmas at Buckshaw, and Colonel de Luce (in desperate need of money) has rented out his beloved estate to a film company. Naturally, his daughters (flirtatious Feeley, bookish Daphne and precocious Flavia) are thrilled … after all, film star Phyllis Wyvern will be there! Besides the excitement of the film, Flavia—an 11-year-old aspiring chemist and part-time detective—has another project in the works: creating a glue to capture Father Christmas and figure out if he really exists or not. As the film company arrives, so does a blizzard, which leaves most of the Bishop Lacey villagers and the film crew stranded at Buckshaw after an impromptu performance of Romeo and Juliet to benefit the church roofing fund. So when Flavia discovers Phyllis Wyvern dead, it is a classic “locked door” mystery … and Flavia is on the case once again.
My Thoughts
When I first met Flavia in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, I was smitten. Her wicked sense of humor, unique worldview, and appetite for mystery and chemistry captured my heart immediately. I threw myself into the first two books, reading them back to back. That turned out to be a bit of a mistake as I quickly got my fill of Flavia. So I took a break (skipping the third book) and was curious to see if I’d find Flavia as enchanting as when I first met her. I’m pleased to report that I found her just as delightful and fun, which is a good thing because I think Flavia (and not the mysteries) are the main attraction of these books.
As I did with the second book, I found the mystery a bit beside the point. In fact, I found that I didn’t really care all that much about who the murderer was (and it seemed as if Bradley felt the same way). The main star of these books is Flavia. Aside from the development that Flavia still believes in Father Christmas (which seems wildly out of character), I found this was another fun romp with the de Luce family and its most endearing member. If you’re reading these books for the mystery, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. However, if you find Flavia to be a charming and fun character, this will be a satisfying, fast and fun read. As with most things, Flavia is best in small doses, and I look forward to visiting with her again in the next book.
Note: If you haven’t read the first three Flavia books, you won’t have any trouble following this one, but it does reference events in the previous novels and might be a tad “spoilish.”
Recommended For
Fans of cozy mysteries, those who enjoyed the first three Flavia novels and readers looking for a light-hearted Christmas-themed cozy
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I have all of these books in this series. I just need to settle in and read them. I started picking the books up after seeing them on our morning news here. They sure sound good.
If you enjoy Flavia, then you’ll enjoy the series. She is a really fun character.
I can’t believe you read this one before me! I’m waiting and hoping I get it for Christmas. Somehow my husband never picks the books from my wishlist that I’m really dying for though. Maybe I need a fake short wishlist for him to shop from.
You can have my ARC!! Tell your husband to cross it off the wishlist so you can replace it with another book. I’d be happy to send it to you. Just send me your mailing address (again) in an e-mail and I’ll get it out to you … maybe even before Christmas!
Hmmm, I loved SWEETNESS, but haven’t read the other two yet (HANGMAN and MUSTARD something or other …). I do plan to read them all, but will follow your advice of letting a dose of Flavia settle before reaching for the next book.
It is definitely a series worth reading at the rate of about one a year. Flavia is a delight but too much can be, well, too much!
I hadn’t heard of her before. She sounds good!
Flavia is a truly memorable character — precocious beyond her years and full of wonderful mischief and intelligence.
OH, I did love that first book! Who couldn’t enjoy Flavia de Luce?
I know!! She is a real kick! Of course, I don’t know if I would want her as my child…
I’ve heard wonderful things about the sweetness at the bottom of the pie, but have not read any of the three, thanks for your review. I believe in a break in all series type books. I know when I love a book or author, sometimes it’s too much of a good thing.
I’ve learned that finally … it is best to read series as they were meant to be (with a bit of a break between books). Otherwise, you tend to get sick of the books too easily.
I haven’t read any of the Flavia books but I am putting them on the list for 2012. Maybe by next Christmas I will be ready for this one!
They are fun little books when you need a “palate” cleanser. : )
This might be something I would enjoy. I do enjoy the occasional cozy mystery.
It is all about how you feel about Flavia. She is a total character … in the best of ways.
Just wondering, how often do you read and how many pages per day? I used to have a small goal of just 10 minutes a day, then it was 30 minutes per day. Now, it’s been about 2 weeks since I finished my last book. (guess we’re not twins anymore LOL)
I make time to read at least 30 minutes a day … sometimes up to an hour. If I’m really really digging a book, I’ll read as much as I can get away with! : )
I also listen to an audiobook when I’m walking my dog or doing boring housework and count that as reading a book too. : )
I liked the first book but was slow getting through the second and didn’t finish the third. But I whipped right through this one and enjoyed it quite a bit. I thought it was a little charming that Flavia still believed in Father Christmas, it reminded me that no matter how brilliant she is, she is still a child. These books are best read with time in between but I think that is true with most mystery series
I glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one who struggled with the second book. I thought it was just me being burnt out!
The whole Father Christmas thing did make me view Flavia in a different light. It made me realize that she was just a child … it is easy to forget that!!
First off, I’m liking your new Christmasy blog look. Very festive
This does sound like a good series to get into. Flavia sounds like a fun character.
Thanks for the feedback on the blog! I spent a lot longer than I should have getting it to work!!! : )
And Flavia is a pip!
Although I have the first one I’ve read mixed things about Flavia. I’m glad to know that a reader with discerning tastes recommends her.
I just love that you think I have “discerning tastes.” : )
The opposite to Amanda, I loved the mystery in the second book and was bored by the convoluted shenanigans in the third BUT, as you point out, Flavia is SO charming, so I know I’ll be reading this one too!
I do think it comes down to how much you enjoy Flavia as to how you’ll feel about these books.
I am not sure why, but this series did not grab me. I like the first well enough but really had no desire to go on from there.
You aren’t the only one to feel that way. Part of the problem might be the sloppiness of the mystery aspect!
I’ve read the first two (far apart) and enjoyed them both. I have the third on my shelf and will get to it eventually. Based on your review, I’m sure I’ll love this one, too.
It is very much in the same spirit as the first books. And I think spacing them out is a good idea!
I have heard plenty of good things about these books, but for some reason, I haven’t given them much consideration. It seems like I may be missing something by not having read them. I must remedy this soon! It sounds like they are a lot of fun! Great and honest perspective today, Jenners!
I don’t think you’re really missing anything too much. They are delightful little books and nothing more. Flavia is a pip though so I enjoy hearing about her life and her exploits. Sometimes that is just what I’m in the mood for!
Flavia sounds like a terrific character! A real character! I enjoyed your review–I need to read more cozy mysteries and this may well be the next one I pick up.
She is a terrific character with a great narrative voice. I’ve never met another character quite like her!
I’ve read the 2nd Flavia book and have the 1st and 3rd ones here waiting to be read. I really should get to reading them as I really enjoyed The Weed That Strings The Hangman’s Bag.
I think once you’ve read one, you’ll realize if you’re Flavia fan and then the rest are no-brainers — perfect for whenever you need a Flavia fix.
I may be alone on this one, but I really liked this book. I was a big fan of the first three and I just finished the 4th. I definitely read them for Flavia and not for the mystery (which is always pretty weak). I think you shouldn’t OD on her though, because too much of a good thing and all that.
I think that was my problem. I loved her so much in the first book so I ran out and read the second and I got burnt out on her. The mysteries are pretty weak too so that didn’t help. Now that I’ve gotten a break of her, I’m back to enjoying Flavia and will visit with her yearly (and no more.)
I enjoyed The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie well enough but then for some reason I never bothered to read the rest of the series. Maybe someday!
It is very much that kind of series! It was kind of how I was with the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency books. Enjoyed it while reading but never sought out the rest. Curious.
Everyone has raved about these books but I just haven’t made up my mind yet. Maybe on a day when the mood strikes me (because I have a feeling that I will have to be in just the right mood to appreciate them).
I agree with you. You have to be in the mood for these types of books, and you don’t want to overdo them.
I do love character-centered books, so someday I’ll have to get into this author.
From what I know of you, I’m not sure you and Flavia are a great fit. But then again, she is a rule-breaking, daring scorner of authority with an interest in chemistry and poisons so maybe you are a great fit after all! HAHA!
I have only read the first one but Flavia quickly became my favourite character last year. I thought I would keep up with the series but as you said Flavia is why I loved the book not the plot. I did put this on my holiday reading list. Great honest review, very relevant.
Flavia is a delight, isn’t she? I realize now that the books are great for yearly or so visits with Flavia — not as a “must read when released” type of series.
I loved the first book, but haven’t gotten around to any of the others. Glad to hear Flavia is still as enjoyable as ever. Love Christmas-themed books, so I’ll have to track this one down.
It was as nice edition to the series, and I think I’ll keep visiting with her annually.
Hm, that DOES seem out of character for Flavia…
I was really bored by the second book, but loved the third, so I’m not sure what I’ll make of this one. I’ll probably wait until RIP next year to read it.
I know!!! I just couldn’t imagine Flavia falling for the whole Santa thing AT ALL. Not even as a young one. She would just question it too much I think.
And I really didn’t like the second book. Maybe it was actually the book and not me reading them back to back.
You’re so right – these books are all about the wonderful Flavia!
And, like most precocious children, best in small doses on a yearly basis! ; )
This one actually sounds a bit more fun than the others, which I eschewed after the first…
Well, if Flavia didn’t grab you in the first book, I doubt she’ll warm your cold-hearted Grinchy heart in this one. Just saying. ; )
Having also loved The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, I think this will make excellant reading for my Christmas Spirit Challenge. A great review, I wholly agree with what you say, the whodunit really is secondary to getting to know Flavia.
This would be a perfect addition to your Christmas Spirit Challenge … especially if you are a Flavia fan!
I have yet to read these. I know, I’m a slug. And I think I’d HAVE to read the third one because isn’t that the one with the gorgeous purple cover? Anyway, I do know that a little precociousness can go a long way, so I will heed the advice and space the books apart.
You are many things … but a slug isn’t one of them! : )
I wouldn’t peg you as a precocious girl detective cozy kind of mystery gal so I’m not surprised you haven’t read these. They are nice for a certain place and time though.
I loved Flavia in books one and 2, but need to catch up with books 3 and 4. Sounds like she may have lost her spunk a bit?
/
She hasn’t lost her spunk. I just needed a break from her after reading the first two back to back. A yearly visit is probably enough! : )