THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley

Eleven-year old Flavia de Luce is an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, living in a decaying family mansion with her father, her two sisters, Feelie and Daphne, the gardener, Dogger, and Mrs. Mullet, their cook. A series of events : a dead bird on the doorstep with a postage stamp pinned to its beak, a mysterious visitor who is found dead in the garden,to name just two, keep Flavia busy as she tries to clear her father's name of murder.  This was a very quick read, and fun to read - lots of capital letters and dialogue to keep the eye moving along the page.  Apparently there will be more adventures for Flavia: she's a little like Nancy Drew!

I bought this at BMV, around the corner from Karen's apartment.I believe Bradley is Canadian, although this is set inEngland.