A Sprinkle Of Sorcery - Michelle Harrison (Release date: 6th February 2020)

'Everyone's dealt bad luck at some point ... It's how you cope that counts.'

Earlier this week, O and I bid a welcome return to the Widdershins as we headed back to Crowstones.  Here's what we thought:

Whilst out in the yard of The Poacher's Pocket one night, Charlie discovers Willow hiding.  She and Betty take pity on her, bringing her in to the pub, only to be disturbed by two prison wardens who are looking for two escaped prisoners.  Hiding Willow, the sisters try to protect her, however, Charlie is then mistaken for one of the escapees, arrested and taken away (along with their granny).  Willow then explains that her father has been wrongly imprisoned for murder and is due to be executed if she cannot prove his innocence.  Determined to rescue their sister and also help Willow, Betty and Fliss head off (with Willow) on an adventure that will take them over marshes and seas to an island that doesn't exist according to the maps.

K's opinion:

It was so good to return to The Poacher's Pocket and to catch-up with the Widdershins, to be welcomed by the shabbiness of the pub and to sit next to Fingerty with a  wee nip of port - it felt like heading back to somewhere warm and familiar.  The book is wonderfully written with a flow the to the description that carries you along effortlessly through the pages (particular shout out has to go to the place names used (Nestynook Green, Great Snodbury & The Snooty Fox are all places I now feel the need to visit!).

This is a roller-coaster of an adventure that grips from the very beginning (I literally couldn't put the book down!).  We see, once again, Charlie's feisty nature and Fliss' ability to charm (which can come in handy!) but it's Betty who leads the way, showing strength and determination in everything; driven by doing the right thing but, ultimately, by her love for her sisters.  There are a host of characters that will enthral and that you'll love and also hate but it's the mystery, magic and wonder within the plot that truly captured me, from the mystery of the pirates to the unknown islands and the sense of anticipation.  A Sprinkle of Sorcery is a brilliant and fitting adventure for the sisters that will have you utterly gripped.

O's opinion:

What a sequel to an already amazing book. I love how Betty's courage is always showing, even when times are hard and she is alone and afraid, and that the girls were kind enough to hide Willow, even if it meant putting their freedom at risk. Even though they were without Charlie, Betty and Fliss were still powerful together in order to help Willow and save Charlie. Michelle writes such wonderful books, and I couldn't put this down. An amazing book to finish off an amazing year (or to start the new year with!). Well done!