The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first book of ten in the Flavia de Luce mystery series by Alan Bradley.    This was the author’s first book, going on to win the Debut Golden Dagger Award.    He wrote the first chapter and a summary and from his proposal, he managed to get a contract to publish the book.

The story is narrated by 11 year old Flavia.    She is an amateur chemist with a specialty in poisons.    The story starts with Flavia fighting with her older sisters, but when she overhears an argument, and she finds a dead body in the garden, she turns her attention and efforts to solving the mystery.

This is a traditional mystery story, but the narrator has many refreshing insights as we follow her investigations and many surprises along the way await the reader.   This book went on to win multiple awards.

I hope to read more of the books in the series.   Recommended – 4.5/5 stars.