What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust: A Flavia de Luce Novel By Alan Bradley

In the latest installment of the Flavia de Luce series, The Case of the Poisoned Mushrooms, our sharp-witted amateur sleuth is drawn into a perplexing mystery. Flavia, who has taken on the challenging task of mentoring her unpleasant younger cousin Undine, is soon thrust into an investigation involving a murder at Buckshaw.

The victim is Major Greyleigh, a reclusive former hangman, found dead after consuming a breakfast omelet made with poisonous mushrooms. The immediate suspicion falls on Mrs. Mullet, the de Luce family's loyal cook, who prepared the meal. Despite Mrs. Mullet’s apparent connection to the crime, Flavia, with her expert knowledge of poisons, is convinced of her innocence. “I have to admit,” Flavia reflects, “that I’d been praying to God for a jolly good old-fashioned mushroom poisoning... not that I wanted anyone to die, but why give a girl a gift such as mine without giving her the opportunity to use it?”

Joined by Dogger, the estate gardener and fellow detective, and the bothersome Undine, Flavia delves into the case to clear Mrs. Mullet’s name. As she uncovers clues and navigates the twists and turns of the investigation, Flavia stumbles upon a secret that could radically alter her life.

This installment combines humor, charm, and intrigue, showcasing Flavia’s exceptional sleuthing skills and her knack for turning even the most daunting challenges into opportunities for discovery. With its engaging narrative and unexpected revelations, The Case of the Poisoned Mushrooms promises to be another delightful entry in the series. 📚❤️