WITCHWOOD

Something is kidnapping the strongest witches in a small town near Seattle—and Anna is in danger.

In Josephson’s third series installment, 14-year-old Anna and 15-year-old Colin investigate disappearances in the town of Witchwood, which is hidden by a glamour, where Miriam, Anna’s aunt, is head of the town council. Aunt Miriam lives with her daughter, Leah, in a house that belonged to Anna’s grandparents and that moves about on chicken legs. Colin sets out to speak with the partners and families of the women—all powerful witches—who were taken by something that emitted an intense, bright light. But Witchwood’s denizens are hostile toward Ravens, who, like Colin, are guardians of the shield between the magic and ordinary worlds. Meanwhile, Anna turns out to be a witch, and in addition to having the gift of psychometry, which she’s still developing, she seems to be a potential target of whatever is taking the witches. She’s also intrigued by and drawn to the ways that her aunt and cousin acknowledge their Jewish heritage, such as observing Shabbat and placing mezuzahs on their doorposts. The narrative, which alternates between Anna’s and Colin’s voices and viewpoints, blends magic and cosmology from multiple traditions. The quotidian magic—teas, candles, and enchanted objects for sale at the Witchmarket—is engaging. Max the Jabberwocky in cat form and the sentient houses—Ravenfall Inn (where Anna and Colin live) and Aunt Miriam’s home—will charm new and returning fans alike.

Solidly entertaining.