Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust summary
Brief summary
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley is a captivating mystery novel that follows the adventures of young sleuth Flavia de Luce. Set in a boarding school in Canada, Flavia uncovers dark secrets and untangles a web of deception.
Topics
Table of Contents
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Miss Bodycote's Female Academy
In As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley, the precocious Flavia de Luce finds herself in a new setting – Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Toronto, Canada. Following the death of her mother, Flavia's father decides it's time for her to attend boarding school. But Flavia, with her insatiable curiosity and penchant for chemistry, is more interested in the mystery surrounding the school's history and the strange occurrences that seem to plague it.
Flavia's arrival at Miss Bodycote's is marked by an unusual discovery – a charred and mummified body falls out of her chimney. Undeterred, she decides to investigate this bizarre incident, as well as the rumors of disappearances and hauntings that surround the school. She finds an ally in the form of a fellow student, and together they begin to unravel the secrets of the school and its enigmatic headmistress, Miss Fawlthorne.
Uncovering Dark Secrets
As Flavia investigates, she discovers a secret society called the Nide, whose members are the daughters of influential families. She begins to suspect that the society has a sinister connection to the strange events at Miss Bodycote's. Her investigations lead her to the history of the school's founding, which is tied to a tragic shipwreck and a group of young girls who were the sole survivors. Flavia realizes that the Nide is a continuation of this group, and they are using the school as a cover for their own activities.
Flavia also uncovers a long-lost journal written by her mother, Harriet, during her time at Miss Bodycote's. The journal reveals that Harriet had also suspected the Nide's existence and was investigating their activities. This connection to her mother's past further fuels Flavia's determination to unravel the mystery.
Unmasking the Culprit
As Flavia delves deeper into the secrets of Miss Bodycote's, she finds herself in increasing danger. The Nide members are aware of her investigations and are determined to stop her. In a thrilling climax, Flavia discovers the Nide's hidden lair and uncovers their nefarious plans. She also learns the truth about the body in the chimney and the connection to the Nide's activities.
With her quick thinking and resourcefulness, Flavia manages to outwit the Nide and expose their activities to the authorities. In doing so, she not only solves the mystery of the body in the chimney but also ensures the safety of the students at Miss Bodycote's. The book ends with Flavia returning to her home in England, having once again proven herself as an exceptional detective.
In Conclusion
In As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, Alan Bradley weaves a thrilling tale of mystery and intrigue, set against the backdrop of an unusual boarding school. Through Flavia de Luce's eyes, we explore the dark secrets hidden within the school's walls and witness her relentless pursuit of the truth. The book not only showcases Flavia's remarkable intelligence and deductive skills but also her resilience in the face of danger. It's a captivating read that leaves us eagerly anticipating Flavia's next adventure.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust about?
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley is a mystery novel that follows the adventures of an intelligent and curious young girl named Flavia de Luce. Set in a boarding school in Canada, the book delves into the secrets and scandals hidden within its walls. With a blend of wit, humor, and suspense, it takes readers on a thrilling journey as Flavia unravels the truth behind a series of mysterious events.
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust Review
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (2015) follows Flavia de Luce as she embarks on a new mystery at her Canadian boarding school. Here's why this book is worth diving into:
- Explores intriguing mystery elements intertwined with Flavia's wit and charm, keeping readers hooked till the end.
- Delves into unconventional detective work and unexpected twists, offering a fresh take on the classic mystery genre.
- With its engaging characters and immersive setting, the book offers an entertaining escape into the world of Flavia's sleuthing adventures.
Who should read As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust?
Readers who enjoy mystery novels with a quirky and intelligent protagonist
Those interested in boarding school settings and the secrets they hold
People who appreciate a blend of historical fiction and detective stories
Categories with As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust
Book summaries like As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust FAQs
What is the main message of As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust?
The main message is about resilience and independence amidst challenges.
How long does it take to read As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust?
The estimated reading time is a few hours. The Blinkist summary takes about 15 minutes.
Is As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust a good book? Is it worth reading?
It's worth reading for its intriguing plot and strong character development.
Who is the author of As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust?
The author is Alan Bradley.
What to read after As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust?
If you're wondering what to read next after As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher