As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust

When the combined talents of an amazing writer and narrator come together, it can make for a most delightful story.

Such is the case in the audio version of author Alan Bradley’s AS CHIMNEY SWEEPERS COME TO DUST, narrated by Jayne Entwistle.

The numerous mannerisms used by Entwistle add depth and charm to this intriguing story. She captures the assorted characters with her many variations in accents and cadence. Entwistle’s overall perform enhances the story and gives the protagonist added spark.

Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada is not where 12-year-old Flavia de Luce wants to be even though it’s the same boarding school her mother, Harriet, attended. Flavia had much rather be in England with her father, sister and Aunt Felicity.

Flavia, a budding sleuth and chemist, seems to attract problems. Her first night at the boarding school a charred and mummified body falls out of the chimney in her bedroom. Flavia is determined to learn the true identity of the body, as well as discover who the killer is and when the murder took place. She has to incorporate her detective work in with her lessons at school and try to fit in with the other girls.

The author takes readers/listeners on a fast-pace journey of murder and suspense with touches of laughter thrown in. The super smart 12-year-old protagonist makes for an entertaining adventure. The secondary characters are quirky and add to the intrigue.

While this is the seventh installment in the Flavia de Luce series, AS CHIMNEY SWEEPERS COME TO DUST can be read/listened to on its own. There are bits of background referenced to that aren’t completely explained. However, the lack of more information on these events doesn’t take away from the current adventure and only entices new readers/listeners to explore prior stories.

Flavia is a precocious, perky youngster that quickly captures your attention and draws you into her world of fascinating adventures.

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley, A Flavia de Luce Novel Book #7, Narrated by Jayne Entwistle, Random House Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-0449807613, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Run Time: 11 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. You may note that author Michele May was scheduled to visit today. However, due to unforeseen problems she wasn’t able to visit. Hopefully we can reschedule her visit for a later date. 

Are you a fan of the Flavia de Luce series? Do you like series that feature youngsters as the protagonist?

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