A Pinch of Magic

The Poacher’s Pocket is home to Betty Widdershins, her sisters, Fliss and Charlie and their grandmother. The pub is found on the dismal island of Crowstone, a place Betty dreams of escaping from as she longs for excitement. On her thirteenth birthday, whilst trying to leave the island on an adventure, Betty is stopped by her grandmother who explains that there is an ancient curse trapping the sisters on Crowstone; those who attempt to leave will die. Three magical objects have been passed down through the family - a magical bag which can transport the owner wherever they wish to go, a looking glass which shows the holder whatever they wish to see and a set of nesting dolls which offer invisibility.

Determined and resourceful, Betty will clutch at any chance to break the curse, but the bad luck of the Widdershins seems set against them…

A wonderfully magical and compelling tale, this story has all the elements needed for a thoroughly satisfying and riveting read.

The world Michelle Harrison has created is so lovingly constructed with plenty of detail, populated by memorable characters, that it stays with you long after you have closed the covers of the book. Betty and her sisters are very different, but each well defined and believable. Sibling rivalry and affection are captured perfectly as the bond between the sisters enables each to reach their potential and show the different ways to be brave in order to save each other. Charlie is particularly appealing - feisty and headstrong, but also vulnerable.

The threads of the story weave together perfectly to combine past and present, acts of love and betrayal. There are moments of humour and moments of peril as the darker side of human nature is contrasted with its finer points.

‘A Pinch of Magic’ is a pinch of reading magic- a rich, fascinating and special story with the added benefit of names that Dickens would have been proud of!

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471124297