- Pre-order Price Guarantee: order now and if the Amazon.co.uk price decreases between the time you place your order and the release date, you'll be charged the lowest price. Here's how (terms and conditions apply)
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (FLAVIA DE LUCE MYSTERY)
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle .
Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Amazon.co.uk Trade-In Store for more details. |
Special Offers and Product Promotions
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
What makes this work is a deftly crafted plot, crisp dialogue, and an unusual - but nonetheless believable - main character. (MYSTERY SCENE )
I cannot think of a happier choice of gift either for a bright ten-year-old or for someone now grown up or even old who remembers the magic of those books that freed us from the ordinary world of adults and school to take absurd and glorious risks in the pursuit of truth. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
Flavia's spirited intelligence and vivid imagination make her an original character, and this story, with its authentic period setting and typically fresh, vigorous narrative, will appeal equally to fans of the earlier books in the series and readers discovering the young heroine for the first time (GOOD BOOK GUIDE )
I loved Alan Bradley's first book, 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie' but haven't read any of his books since. I was therefore a bit apprehensive about picking up this latest offering as I may have missed some important developments but happily I was easily able to slip back into the world of Flavia de Luce. She is this writer's greatest asset, an eleven year-old going on thirty who blithely goes about her investigations without heed to danger or the finer subtleties of adult life. The book is written in a humorous tongue-in-cheek style, which I don't normally enjoy reading but absolutely loved here. Flavia's encounters with her elder sisters are particularly well done. (CRIMESQUAD )
This story conveys Flavia's daring and inquisitive nature, whilst her interactions with Aunt Felicity and Dogger, the general factotum who pops up when needed, show levels of maturity and insight that add depth to her personality and warmth to the story. Recommended. (HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW )
This book is unique. It is deceptively simple and yet unusual and creative and a wonderful lightness pervades the writing. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
I cannot think of a happier choice of gift either for a bright ten-year-old or for someone now grown up or even old who remembers the magic of those books that freed us from the ordinary world of adults and school to take absurd and glorious risks in the pursuit of truth. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM )
Flavia's spirited intelligence and vivid imagination make her an original character, and this story, with its authentic period setting and typically fresh, vigorous narrative, will appeal equally to fans of the earlier books in the series and readers discovering the young heroine for the first time (GOOD BOOK GUIDE )
I loved Alan Bradley's first book, 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie' but haven't read any of his books since. I was therefore a bit apprehensive about picking up this latest offering as I may have missed some important developments but happily I was easily able to slip back into the world of Flavia de Luce. She is this writer's greatest asset, an eleven year-old going on thirty who blithely goes about her investigations without heed to danger or the finer subtleties of adult life. The book is written in a humorous tongue-in-cheek style, which I don't normally enjoy reading but absolutely loved here. Flavia's encounters with her elder sisters are particularly well done. (CRIMESQUAD )
This story conveys Flavia's daring and inquisitive nature, whilst her interactions with Aunt Felicity and Dogger, the general factotum who pops up when needed, show levels of maturity and insight that add depth to her personality and warmth to the story. Recommended. (HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW )
This book is unique. It is deceptively simple and yet unusual and creative and a wonderful lightness pervades the writing. (REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE.COM ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
Christmas is coming - but for Flavia de Luce, in the deep midwinter there's a murder to solve...
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
This item has not been released yet and is not eligible to be reviewed. Reviews shown are from other formats of this item.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the fourth in the Flavia de Luce series, another wonderfully endearing "cozy mystery" set "somewhere" in England in the 1950s. I absolutely love this series, they're the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life with one of the most captivating heroines in the shape of 11 year old Flavia.
It's getting close to Christmas and the de Luce family finances are still in a perilous state so the Colonel reluctantly agrees to rent out Buckshaw to a film crew. The glamorous film star Phyllis Wyvern has agreed to perform a scene from Shakespeare in order to raise funds for the church roof, so the local villagers swarm to Buckshaw to see the leading lady in action. Blizzards conspire to keep the audience captive overnight but tis not the season to be jolly as a body is discovered and, with so many suspects, Inspector Hewitt needs all the help he can get to find the killer. Of course, Flavia, our amateur sleuth, is on hand to ferret out the culprit but she is already occupied with proving Santa's existence and concocting some splendiferous fireworks.
If you are already a fan of Flavia, you will love this seasonal story as you are immediately transported into the snowbound world of Buckshaw and Bishop's Lacey. Flavia is as irrepressible as ever but she still has that cloud of sadness, the loss of her mother and her sisters' indifference/cruelty weigh heavily on her. Some much needed distraction comes with the arrival of the film crew and the glamour of the silver screen. There are a lot of new characters in this relatively short book but they really come to life for the reader, even the one who dies quite soon!
Overall, a pleasure to read, an ideal Christmas treat which leaves me longing for the next instalment in Flavia's adventures, Seeds of Antiquity, hopefully out in 2012.
It's getting close to Christmas and the de Luce family finances are still in a perilous state so the Colonel reluctantly agrees to rent out Buckshaw to a film crew. The glamorous film star Phyllis Wyvern has agreed to perform a scene from Shakespeare in order to raise funds for the church roof, so the local villagers swarm to Buckshaw to see the leading lady in action. Blizzards conspire to keep the audience captive overnight but tis not the season to be jolly as a body is discovered and, with so many suspects, Inspector Hewitt needs all the help he can get to find the killer. Of course, Flavia, our amateur sleuth, is on hand to ferret out the culprit but she is already occupied with proving Santa's existence and concocting some splendiferous fireworks.
If you are already a fan of Flavia, you will love this seasonal story as you are immediately transported into the snowbound world of Buckshaw and Bishop's Lacey. Flavia is as irrepressible as ever but she still has that cloud of sadness, the loss of her mother and her sisters' indifference/cruelty weigh heavily on her. Some much needed distraction comes with the arrival of the film crew and the glamour of the silver screen. There are a lot of new characters in this relatively short book but they really come to life for the reader, even the one who dies quite soon!
Overall, a pleasure to read, an ideal Christmas treat which leaves me longing for the next instalment in Flavia's adventures, Seeds of Antiquity, hopefully out in 2012.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If you have already read Alan Bradley's first three books in this series you will love this one too - I know I did. I just find Flavia and her whole dysfunctional family so endearing. If you have never read any of these books get a copy of `The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie'. If you enjoy it you are in for a treat with another three books to keep you entertained.
I was amazed to discover that Alan Bradley (a Canadian) had never set foot in the UK until he came over in 2007 to collect an award. He manages to create a very authentic idealised feel of rural England in the 1950's in these books.
He is quoted as saying of the theme of the books: `Youthful idealism and how far it can take someone if it's not stamped out, as it so often is.' This for me sums it up rather wonderfully.
I was amazed to discover that Alan Bradley (a Canadian) had never set foot in the UK until he came over in 2007 to collect an award. He manages to create a very authentic idealised feel of rural England in the 1950's in these books.
He is quoted as saying of the theme of the books: `Youthful idealism and how far it can take someone if it's not stamped out, as it so often is.' This for me sums it up rather wonderfully.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Do believe it was just about two years ago that Alan Bradley brightened my reading/listening life with his introduction of Flavia de Luce, an irresistible mixture of intelligence and mystery brought to life in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. She's a master in chemistry with a keen interest in poison, and an intrepid amateur sleuth. At that time I called Bradley's book an imaginative debut and a sure winner also noting how glad I was that it would be a series.
My enjoyment of Flavia's shenanigans continued with A Red Herring Without Mustard in which Flavia visits a fortune teller who suddenly, unwillingly goes to her final reward. Eleven-year-old Flavia does have a penchant for running across dead bodies, and this unfortunate (fortunate for the reader) knack continues with I Am Half- Sick of Shadows.
As the story opens Flavia is busy in her laboratory trying to work out something to trap Santa Claus. She's diverted from trying to capture the cheery old fellow when a film crew comes to Buckshaw, the de Luce's down at the bricks English estate. Said movie is to star the famous Phyllis Wyvern. And, since this is the most excitement the village of Bishop's Lacey has seen in generations the villagers gather to watch the actress perform. However, no one is prepared for the unscripted closing scene: a body is found strangled with a length of film.
Once again Flavia's skill is put to the test And once again Los Angeles-based actress Jayne Entwistle delivers a superb narration.
- Gail Cooke
My enjoyment of Flavia's shenanigans continued with A Red Herring Without Mustard in which Flavia visits a fortune teller who suddenly, unwillingly goes to her final reward. Eleven-year-old Flavia does have a penchant for running across dead bodies, and this unfortunate (fortunate for the reader) knack continues with I Am Half- Sick of Shadows.
As the story opens Flavia is busy in her laboratory trying to work out something to trap Santa Claus. She's diverted from trying to capture the cheery old fellow when a film crew comes to Buckshaw, the de Luce's down at the bricks English estate. Said movie is to star the famous Phyllis Wyvern. And, since this is the most excitement the village of Bishop's Lacey has seen in generations the villagers gather to watch the actress perform. However, no one is prepared for the unscripted closing scene: a body is found strangled with a length of film.
Once again Flavia's skill is put to the test And once again Los Angeles-based actress Jayne Entwistle delivers a superb narration.
- Gail Cooke
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Christmas at Buckshaw
The de Luce family have suspended their usual Christmas preparations in order to try to generate some much needed cash, hiring out Buckshaw to a film company. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael Finn
A Novel With A Festive Flavia
I Am Half Sick of Shadows' is a wonderful fourth instalment in the Flavia de Luce series. I was shocked that this came out so quickly after `A Red Herring Without Mustard' and it... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Simon Savidge Reads
good, but not as good as the others
This is a good book - written in Alan Brandley's typically witty and engaging style. Flavia deLuce is an excellent heroine. Read more
Published 3 months ago by richteafinger
Christmas with Flavia
What are the shadows? It is close to Christmas, a film company rents the de Luce home to use as a set and the place goes mad. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Helen McSavaney
I'll never be sick of Flavia
First Sentence: Tendrils of raw fog floated up from the ice like agonized spirits departing their bodies. Read more
Published 4 months ago by L. J. Roberts
An enjoyable read
I only discovered Flavia de Luce recently and I like the novelty of having a young girl as the detective. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mrs H
Absolutely and utterly charming.
After devouring this fourth novel to feature Flavia de Luce I've come to the conclusion that I don't actually read these books for the mystery. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Lesley
great series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Been reading the Flavia de Luce novels ever since they cam out and love her....her fascination with posions and mysteries is vintage yet, modern.. Read more
Published 6 months ago by studiocyn
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
