Author(s): Diana Wynne Jones

Middle-grade fiction (9 to 12 years)

On the surface, Aunt Maria seems like a cuddly old lady, all chit-chat and lace doilies and unadulterated NICEness! When Mig and her family go for a short visit, they soon learn that Aunt Maria rules the place with a rod of sweetness that's tougher than iron and deadlier than poison. Life revolves around tea parties, while the men are all grey-suited zombies who fade into the background, and the other children seem like clones. The short visit becomes a long stay, and when all talk of going home ceases, Mig despairs! Things go from bad to worse when Mig's brother Chris tries to rebel, but is changed into a wolf . Mig is convinced that Aunt Maria must be a witch -- but who will believe her? It's up to Mig to figure out what's going on. Maybe the ghost who haunts the downstairs bedroom holds the key?

GOOD BOOKS Staff Review
Diana Wynne Jones was a powerhouse. My hands-down favourite writer of all time, give her a go if you want some beautifully imaginative, original fantasy. Intricate stories set in multiple worlds, magic that behaves like nothing you’re read before… I’ve read thirty-something of her books and I’ve never once been disappointed. - Freya