The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag (Alan Bradley)

The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag was the second book in the series of six involving the character Flavia de Luce. After reading the first book - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - and loving it, I was quite excited to start this one because I loved the character Flavia de Luce.

The Book Cover

Upon beginning the novel, I was faced with a little confusion. The story began in such a weird way that I struggled to grasp the plot that was evolving. Once getting on track with the storyline, I was faced with some disappointment. I knew before starting this novel that it was not a sequel but was, however, a continuation of the character and her town.

Despite knowing this concept before starting this novel, I was disappointed by the fact that it was basically the same plot outline, but with different people and a slightly different mystery. This put me off the book and eventually I gave up on the story; I never finished reading it.

I would rate this novel 1/5 because it failed to hold my attention and it was simply a disguised repeat of the previous novel.
*(Despite this low rating, I ask that if you liked the first novel to at least try this one. When reading this novel I was faced with moving to University and perhaps my focus was off therefore making my judgement clouded.)

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Alan Bradley)

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is a mystery novel that follows the thought path and detective work of an 11 year old girl named Flavia after a murder in the garden of her family home. This book, though a little slow at the start, is quite fast paced and takes many unexpected twists and turns.
Similar to all mystery novels, the goal of the story is to determine who committed this act of murder and make sure an innocent person does not go down for it.

The Book Cover

What intrigued me most about this story was the character Flavia. Despite only being 11 years old, she has this maturity and confidence about her that draws you in. Personally, this aspect is what really kept me reading - other than finding the murderer - because I was fascinated by the fact that an 11 year old girl could have that much confidence; it sprung from the pages even more as the story progressed. That little girl made me reflect about myself and the confidence, or lack there of, that I myself possess.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is the first novel in a series of 6 books by Alan Bradley:

1. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
2. The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag
3. A Red Herring Without Mustard
4. I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
5. Speaking From Among the Bones
6. The Dead In Their Vaulted Arches 

   

   The First 5 Novels (6th not shown)

I would rate this book 3.7/5 because of the hidden theme throughout the story and the well thought out storyline; however, it did lack some aspects of mystery novels that I enjoy. I found this mystery book to be a little too light-hearted and "fluffy".

Until next time,
Happy Reading Fellow Bookworms :)