- Chapter Books
- Ages 8–11
- Mystery
The Floating Witch Mystery
Book 3 in Howling Hag MysteriesView the full series
A riverside town is threatened by dark magic and only school reporter Veena Vale and a sardonic talking cat can see it. To save her home, Veena must unravel an ancient curse before it is too late.
- Best for8–11
- FormatChapter
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The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Comedic
Tone
- Suspenseful
- Funny
- Whimsical
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Veena Vale loves her riverside town, so when a nosy stranger turns up and strange things begin to happen, her reporter's instincts prickle: something dark is stirring, and it feels like magic. The trouble is, no one believes magic is even real, and the only one who will listen is Nightshade, a tart-tongued talking cat. Together the unlikely pair must dig into an ancient curse, tell a few uncomfortable lies, bake an alarming quantity of flapjacks, and somehow convince Veena's friends to band together before the forces of dark magic swallow the community whole. Cosy crime meets creeping enchantment in this third Howling Hag mystery from the bestselling author of The Last Chance Hotel. Fast, funny and full of heart, it is a satisfying puzzle about believing what you see and standing up for the place you call home.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A cosy magical mystery for readers of 8-11 and a good read-aloud from about 7. Dark magic threatens the town, but the peril is atmospheric and puzzle-led rather than graphic, making it suitable for most fans of gentle suspense.
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- Best fit · 8–11
- Read aloud · 7–10
- Independent · 8–11
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
Low
Reluctant-reader friendly
Workable
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
3 / 5 · Workable
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Mystery fans
- Witch stories
- Cat lovers
- Cosy crime fans
Avoid if
- Wants realistic stories
- Sensitive to death themes
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
There is something wonderfully frustrating and exciting about Veena being the only person who knows the truth, with just a sarcastic cat to help. Unravelling an ancient curse while everyone insists magic is not real makes you root for her all the way.
- Being a detective
- Talking to animals
- Making a difference
- Secret world
Why parents love it
Nightshade's wit keeps the read-aloud lively, and Veena's struggle to be believed gives the mystery a satisfying emotional core about trusting yourself. The threat stays atmospheric rather than frightening, and the message about protecting your community lands lightly.
- Shared humour
- Conversation starter
In the series
Howling Hag Mysteries.
3 books · open the series →
About the author
Nicki Thornton.
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