Yet another book bought to read along with Mark discovering the Discworld.

Like its predecessor, I had read a German copy of this book before, although once again I had forgotten most of its plot. (For example, I had no idea what the titular hat referred to.)

The plot:
When Tiffany accidentally attracts the attention of the Hiver, a sentient entity that likes to take over powerful minds, she has to fight against this hostile takeover.

I liked this book a bit better than its predecessor. I already didn't like the elves in Lords and Ladies, so my reaction to the elf queen in The Wee Free Men was similar. The hiver is a more interesting antagonist, as it's not so much evil as simply alien, a parasite that unfortunately ends up killing its hosts. As Tiffany realizes at the end of the book (Spoiler, highlight to make visible) it's something to be pitied.

I also liked how Tiffany gets introduced to more witches. Miss Level, naturally, is particularly intriguing, whereas the young witches' coven is a bit similar to the one Agnes used to be a part of. I rather liked Petulia (ums, and all) and I enjoyed seeing her get her moment to shine.

I found Roland to be surprisingly sweet (surprising considering how much of a jerk he was in the first book). The silver horse necklace was not a simple piece of jewellery (which Tiffany might or might not have liked) but it showed he understood Tiffany well enough to know what really mattered to her. In troublesome times, this was her reminder of home and her connection to the land. Such a thoughtful gift.

Next up: Going Postal (which I haven't even bought yet...)
Next book I actually read: Wintersmith