- Chapter Books
- Ages 8–11
- Mystery
The Howling Hag Mystery
Book 1 in Howling Hag MysteriesView the full series
When a villager is murdered and a hag howls at the local inn, secret witch Raven Charming fears a rival is practising the darkest magic. With sleuth Mortimer Scratch and the wily cat Nightshade, she sets out to solve it.
- 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.
In a village that has no idea magic is real, Raven Charming keeps her witchcraft a careful secret. So when a murder shocks the community and an unearthly hag is heard howling at the local inn, Raven's blood runs cold: someone nearby may be a rival witch, one who dabbles in the very worst kind of magic. Teaming up with the eager amateur detective Mortimer Scratch and a sharp, sardonic talking cat named Nightshade, Raven follows a trail of strange happenings to uncover who, and what, is really behind the howling. Spinning off from the world of The Last Chance Hotel and starring fan-favourite Nightshade, this is the first in Nicki Thornton's Howling Hag Mysteries: cosy crime and golden-age puzzling wrapped in warm humour and everyday enchantment, perfect for readers who like their whodunits with a supernatural shiver.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
A cosy magical mystery for readers of 8-11 and a lovely read-aloud from about 7. There is a murder to solve, but the tone is warm and puzzle-led with mild spooky atmosphere, so it suits most children who enjoy a gentle thrill.
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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
Nightshade the cat steals every scene with her scornful running commentary, and the idea of a witch hiding in plain sight in an ordinary village is brilliant. Chasing down who, or what, is making that spine-chilling howl keeps you guessing to the last page.
- Being a detective
- Magic powers
- Talking to animals
- Secret world
Why parents love it
It reads aloud beautifully thanks to Nightshade's dry voice, and the golden-age mystery structure teaches children to notice clues and motive. The peril is gentle and the village world cosy, making it an easy step up for readers new to whodunits.
- Shared humour
- Conversation starter
In the series
Howling Hag Mysteries.
3 books · open the series →
About the author
Nicki Thornton.
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