Whispering to Witches   by Anna Dale Bloomsbury, 2004, 297 pages, ISBN 0747573328

How easy was it to get stuck into this book?
Although the book does seem to be aimed at younger readers, it does have quite a lot in it that may interest older readers. It follows Joe, reluctantly travelling to spend Christmas with his mum, after his dad has to go off and help a stricken relative. There's quite a lot of action in the book, but some people may not get on with it that well.

Who are the main characters?
The main character is Joe, travelling to spend Christmas with his mum and Step dad, when he is witness to a very strange series of events involving what he later discovers are witches. Other important characters in the book are Twiggy, a girl who he meets, who also happens to be a witch, Patsy, Rose, Winifred and Ulfic, also witches, who are members of the Dead Nettle Coven, a group of witches. Finally, Logan Dritch, an infamous witch, is attempting ot unleash a dreadful spell on the world which will endanger everything.

What's the storyline?
When Joe ends up in the heart of Dead Nettle Coven by mistake, the witches are forced to wipe his memory out. However when Twiggy comes and reinstates it, he becomes involved with the coven, and especially the goings on of the notorious witch Logan Dritch, who is trying to steal a very powerful and valuable witch artifact. Joe and Twiggy suddenly find that much of the responsibility is on their shoulders, and with Joe not even being able to cast a simple spell, it will be a very difficult challenge indeed.

How's it written?
The book is obviously better suited for younger readers.

Other books by the same author that Tim knows about?
None

The overall verdict is
Well worth a look

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