THE WITCH OF HAGSTONE HILL

Three sisters confront the evil beldam—a witch who’s taken their aunt captive.

Ten-year-old Nell Grim is the oldest of a set of triplets, and when her sisters, Hannah and Annet, fall deathly ill with typhoid fever, she strikes a deal with the beldam of Hagstone Hill: something precious of Nell’s in exchange for her sisters’ recovery. All appears well until the beldam comes to collect, and she announces that she’ll take the sisters’ primary caregiver, Aunt Lena. The girls summon ghosts, call on goblins, and embark on an epic journey to find what they need to stop the beldam and save their aunt. Van Veen’s otherworldly story is fully engrossing and well imagined. The beldam is terrifying, with her sharp teeth and wicked nature. Nell is a quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and hot-tempered girl who’s foolish enough to get into danger but also creative and determined enough to find her way out. Ghost boy Cornelis is a scene-stealing, likable character who’s delightfully chivalrous and eager to assist. Lagartos’ smatterings of evocative black-and-white illustrations bring pivotal scenes to life, pairing well with the style and tone of the text. The pacing never lags, and readers will be on the edges of their seats wondering whether Nell and her family will escape unscathed. Hannah has a limb difference due to an injury sustained during birth. Characters present white.

Compelling and imaginative: a thrill to devour.