The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag

A Flavia de Luce Mystery

By: Alan Bradley

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

From Dagger Award-winning and internationally best-selling author Alan Bradley comes this utterly beguiling mystery, starring one of fiction’s most remarkable sleuths: Flavia de Luce, a dangerously brilliant 11-year-old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders. This time, Flavia finds herself untangling two deaths—separated by time but linked by the unlikeliest of threads.

Flavia thinks that her days of crime-solving in the bucolic English hamlet of Bishop’s Lacy are over—and then Rupert Porson has an unfortunate rendezvous with electricity. The beloved puppeteer has had his own strings sizzled, but who’d do such a thing and why? For Flavia, the questions are intriguing enough to make her put aside her chemistry experiments and schemes of vengeance against her insufferable big sisters. Astride Gladys, her trusty bicycle, Flavia sets out from the de Luces’ crumbling family mansion in search of Bishop’s Lacey’s deadliest secrets.

Does the madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood know more than she’s letting on? What of the vicar’s odd ministrations to the catatonic woman in the dovecote? Then there’s a German pilot obsessed with the Brontë sisters, a reproachful spinster aunt, and even a box of poisoned chocolates. Most troubling of all is Porson’s assistant, the charming but erratic Nialla. All clues point toward a suspicious death years earlier and a case the local constables can’t solve—without Flavia’s help. But in getting so close to who’s secretly pulling the strings of this dance of death, has our precocious heroine finally gotten in way over her head?

©2010 Alan Bradley (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Billiant, irresistible and incorrigible, Flavia has a long future ahead of her. Bradley's mystery debut is a standout." ( Kirkus Reviews)

A precocious & talented sleuth!

Take the mind of Miss Marple (Agatha Christie), add in a pinch of Sherlock Holmes' penchant for the laboratory, and put it all into the body of an almost-eleven-yr-old, precocious & independent spirit of an English girl, and you've got Flavia de Luce! What a trip! Then, have it all narrated by the incredibly talented voicing of Jayne Entwistle, and you have the makings of a truly enjoyable read/listen!

Delightful story with superb narration

I just LOVE this series! I think it WAY better as an audiobook than it would be as a read (which is unusual). The narration is superb. I adore the way Jane Entwistle voices the characters and her accent really adds to the story. “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” was a bit better than this second installment. However, I am enthralled with this narrator and still enjoyed it immensely. I was first introduced to Ms. Entwistle when I listened to the Audible Original, “Wishes and Wellingtons”, another wonderful listen. I think the negative reviews come from readers who are expecting something more mystery/thriller in a “more grown up” manner. I don’t see where this is billed as a YA novel, but that is most certainly what it is. It is easy to overlook any flaws in plot and the impossibly smart and precocious Flavia when listening to the audio version. It is a delightful story and a wonderful break from my usual listens/reads.

A delightful, fresh character

Flavia de Luce is one of the most entertaining and fresh characters to come along in years. I read Alan Bradley's "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" and thoroughly enjoyed it so decided to try "The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag" on Audible. I am glad I did. Jayne Entwistle did a superb job reading this book especially with bringing Flavia to life. I understand that Mr. Bradley began to write these books when he was 70 years old. I hope that he lives a very long time and is able to produce many more Flavia mysteries.

I'm Completely Hooked!

Would you listen to The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag again? Why?

Absolutely. I plan to re-listen to these books just like I listen over and over again to John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series. Jayne Entwistle brings the series alive; I absolutely adore her voices and characterizations.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the first book, but I think this one was even better, if that's possible. I loved the strange and brilliantly described characters, such as Rupert, Mad Meg, the grieving mother, and the bizarre scenes in the dovecote (which I'd never heard of before!), the amazing details of the village, villagers, and times in history. The whole thing is just pure delight.

Which character – as performed by Jayne Entwistle – was your favorite?

Mad Meg's voice was wonderful. Of course Flavia's got to be everyone's favorite, but these featured characters are tops. I love the accent she uses for both Meg and the cook!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes - when Flavia found the mother in the dovecote holding a vigil for her poor son... great scene.

Any additional comments?

I hope Mr. Bradley is writing fast. ;o)

Treasured every minute!

An engaging detective story looked into by our dear Flavia! Funny, sweet, atmospheric listen for a good mood. Learn, how the little boy died, and have a glimpse into love affairs of Bishop Lacey!

I love this little girl!

These stories are amazing. Flavia is funny, witty and exceptionally smart! You feel what she feels and sees what she sees. So on rare occasions when her feelings are hurt, because after all she is only eleven, your heart breaks. Then it leaves you wishing for the culprit to get their comeupins... lol

I love that kid!

Flavia de Luce -- a great series

Is this YA? I don't know. Regardless, it is great writing. This is my 2nd Flavia de Luce book; will listen to more. The narrator is excellent.

Flavia meets father Brown

This one had the distinct smack of father Brown. Enjoyed it immensely. Loved the characters and the depth of the story. The precociousness of Flavia and neverCeases to surprise me

Brilliant!

Well written compelling prose read by a wonderful and enthusiastic reader who captures the spirit of the story just so.

Love me some Flavia!

I was so glad to get my hands on another Flavia book! Even as a thirtysomething, I can so relate to this precocious girl. And Bradley has such a great feel to his writing.