A Tangle of Spells

This is the third book in the Pinch of Magic (Widdershin Sisters) trilogy. The first half of this book is beautifully eerie, like the classical ghost stories of the 19th century; for the discerning adult reader, the second half degenerates into a second rate adventure with some banal passages and an abrupt ending with some loose ends.Overall, though, the book is worth reading; the first book in the series was the best, and the second can be skipped (it is a second-rate adventure story) without detriment to the enjoyment of the third.

A Tangle of Spells is the first book where the Widdershins are able to truly leave Crowstone and the Sorrow islands behind as events from the previous novel have allowed them to finally escape all that they have known and kept the family almost hostage for decades.Like the previous two books it seems as though the Widdershins sisters are unable to escape trouble, but for once they are not alone - the entire family have trouble knocking on their door as they begin their new lives. The way Michelle Harrison is able to build such an incredible world and the atmospherics of trouble in this series is as always incredible but I truly believe A Tangle of Spells is by far the greatest of the three in drawing the reader right into the magical world (excuse the semi-pun there) and you know that the family are going to really be facing trouble like they haven't before. I know... for those who have read the previous two that seems preposterous but promise you will agree when you begin to read this tale.I have loved reading this books and like others who have read them, there is an urge to want to be able to protect them and to tell Granny especially to just listen to the three girls at times but in A Tangle of Spells? The three sisters are growing apart as their ages set them apart, Fliss is working and her priorities aren't so much focused on sisterhood but her future and boys, Betty is still very much our fierce protector and warrior though she still doubts herself and Charlie is eager to experience a new sense of freedom away from Crowstone. It is this distance that leaves them vulnerable and doubt to creep in when things begin to go awry as they are oft to do when trouble comes calling.With ghosts, magic and the fear of it leading their new friends (and foes) to weave a tale that leaves Betty fighting for survival and the Widdershins family coming adrift, Michelle Harrison has once again achieved a fantastic tale of family, sisterhood and adventure to leave the reader feeling adrift too when it comes to an end...

Another spellbinding adventure with the three Widdershin sisters, Fliss, Betty and Charlie! This time they're leaving the mists and mud of Crowstone behind and heading to the enchanting village of Pendlewick. But not all is as it seems. There are strange legends and spooky songs of witches long since gone from the village, but still everyone is reluctant to talk of magic, and suspicious of anyone with any connection to it, a slight problem for Betty and her magical set of nesting dolls. When Fliss starts behaving strangely it's down to Betty to unravel the mystery and work out what's really behind all the strange goings on in the village. But can she work it out before it's too late? The story moves along at a cracking pace and there are enchanting characters both old and new, and threaded through it all are old superstitions and tales. A really enjoyable read!

Although I am not a child or young adult this was the perfect story for me! I absolutely loved it. I discovered the Widdershin sisters during lockdown and have now read all three in this series. If anything, I think that A Tangle of Spells is my favourite although I hugely enjoyed all of them. Being an adult, and therefore not strictly speaking the designated audience for the book, it is a joy to return to the magical possibility of children’s fiction again. It feels so incredibly liberating to open the pages and watch your imagination fly along with the story. The story starts with the Widdershins leaving Crowstone and The Poacher’s Pocket and I felt a slight feeling of reservation about the move as this was where all the adventures had happened. However, as the Widdershins arrive in Pendlewick it is very quickly clear that all is not what it seems and the adventure feels even greater and even more dangerous than those before it. I love reading about these three sisters - the brave Betty, courageous and hungry Charlie, the loyal but lovestruck Fliss. I love the simplicity of their good magic - the nesting dolls are all they have to protect them against some really dark magic and it is the strength of their characters which ultimately overcomes. This story had me on the edge of my seat, it felt dangerous and impossible and wonderful. If I were a child, I would find it deeply satisfying that as always the adults just have no idea what is going on, and left to them all would be lost! I think that these books would make the most wonderful films! With thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a digital copy of this amazing story.

Amazing book, maybe one of her best ones in this series yet! If you have read the other two books (A sprinkle of sorcery and A Pinch of magic) then I 100% recommend this. There were many times when I just couldn't put it down! Tons of plot twists which made the book interesting and a must have for my bookshelf. Arrived with some lettering scrubbed but don't let that put you off the book itself. Michelle Harrison is one of my all time favourite authors, with her books getting better and better each time. Some of her other books she has written just arrived today and I have no doubt they will be just as outstanding as this one. 10/10.-ErinAge 11

I was so excited to find out there would be a third book in A Tangle of Spells and when I saw it was available on NetGalley I was desperate to read it. It did not disappoint - I was hooked right from the beginning.When Betty and her family finally get to leave Crowstone and move to a seemingly idyllic country village, you may think they have left all their problems behind them. However, it is not long before there are some worrying signs that not all is right with their new home in Pendlewick. A dark magic lurks in the village, but will Betty be able to overcome it this time?Both the previous books in the series have been so brilliant, but I have to say that this one is even better! It is full of suspense, sinister characters and lots of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.I read A Pinch of Magic with my class last term and they loved it; I can’t wait to tell them all about the latest instalment.