Castle Hangnail's minions have a problem: there is no Master of the castle, and the Society of Magic is on their backs to get one, because without a Master, magical places can go a bit... wonky. So, it's a relief when Molly, Wicked Witch, age 12 shows up. Sure, she's young, but she demonstrates the ability to do magic, and she has an invitation. Plus, she's an Evil Twin, so she's probably some sort of prodigy. Most of the minions are relieved and willing to work with her, though the Majordomo has some qualms. There are some immediate problems, though, not the least of which is that the castle is without funds, and the ancient plumbing has just given out. There's a real estate developer lurking, just waiting for the castle to be decommissioned and go on the market. Plus, Molly may be hiding just a few secrets from her new companions...

This was a very fun read. Vernon (who publishes for adults as T. Kingfisher) has a delightful writing style, and I loved getting to know these characters. There's lots of humor, and the plot moves apace, with interesting (if sometimes predictable) twists and turns. If you enjoy middle-grade fantasy, this one is a pleasure to read. ( )

Sweet good magic books, goth for 9year olds. ( )

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

Oh, Ursula Vernon, you are a delight to my soul, and a paragon of silliness. Dragon donkey, mid-sized Witch, mole magic and a castle with needy minions and an overgrown garden -- a paradise of potential that does not disappoint. Not since Tiffany Aching have I been so enchanted with a 12 year old witch. Good company, that. ( )

Ursula Vernon riffs on Eva Ibbotson. Perfection.
Unless Castle Hangnail gets a new Master soon, it will be decommissioned. And the minions will have to go. So when young Molly shows up to be the Master candidate, they are cautious but willing to give her an opportunity. Molly loves the castle, loves the minions, and is, in fact, a Wicked Witch-- but her bona fides aren't exactly up to snuff. So, how can she protect and defend the castle, win over the populace, etc, and finish the Tasks to become Master, without getting tangled up in her misdirections?

I love Molly. I love Molly's neighbors. I love the minions. I love how Vernon has put what are clearly parts of herself into this character, and to the experiences... but I also love how she has taken Eva Ibbotson's inspiration to make a truly entertaining and heartwarming story. ( )