What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust

Listeners waiting for the new Flavia de Luce historical mystery, a sequel to The Golden Tresses of the Dead, will not be disappointed. This time Flavia is navigating her ever-changing world while solving the murder most foul of a former executioner. The accused is Mrs. Mullet, and the deceased gentleman in question is a former suitor of hers. As Flavia exercises her chemical knowledge of all the best poisons and her Sherlock Holmes–like sense of deductive reasoning, the relationship between her and Undine, “the bane of Buckshaw,” begins to thaw and deepen. Flavia is growing up but has not lost her childlike view of the goings on in her small British world. Narrator Jayne Entwistle brings Flavia forward with her distinctive characterization. The various characters are delineated neatly as Entwistle switches between American GIs and the old hens attending St. Tancred’s “Cluck and Grumble” meeting. Tears will form in listeners’ eyes as Mrs. Mullet’s voice breaks in a moment when her stiff upper lip fails her. Entwistle’s award-winning pronunciation, emphasis, and volume bring to life the myriad citizens of Bishop’s Lacey and their environs.