The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

Title: The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

Author: Alan Bradley; Read by Jayne Entwistle

Publisher: Random House Audio

Series: Flavia de Luce Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780307576415

Length: 8 discs ; 10 hours

Obtained: Library audiobook copy

Comments:

While Flavia still mentions her interest in chemistry and poison this time (in addition to making a concoction to prank her sister and running some tests), chemistry did not play such a large role as in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

Like the first book, there are actually two possibly connected mysteries involved.  One that happened in the past, and one that happens with Flavia there to see the actual death, though not the murder itself.

Flavia's family still plays a role in her life.  In addition the continued sibling rivalry and her father's disinterest, this time Flavia's aunt is visiting.  This is a mixed blessing.  Her presence seems to be something of an annoyance...to be tolerated.  But she brings with her some information about what Flavia's long-gone, and therefore somewhat mysterious, mother was like.

Flavia's spunk is still enjoyable in this book, but I was a little, ah, frustrated(?), that when Flavia recognizes an abusive relationship, she feels mild disapproval but seems to find it more of an interesting observation than anything else.  The man in question is someone she sees as both cruel and charming in turn; she simply accepts that.

I guessed the person responsible for the past mystery (though not the motivations or any details), and while I figured that mystery had to be related to the "present" murder, I did not figure that part out.

Anyway, the end result is that I enjoyed the book and story.  And I will continue reading the series.