Short Synopsis
From the award-winning creator of the Dragonbreath series comes Castle Hangnail—a tale of witches, minions, and one fantastic castle.

Full Synopsis
When Molly shows up on Castle Hangnail's doorstep to fill the vacancy for a wicked witch, the castle's minions are understandably dubious. After all, she is twelve years old, barely five feet tall, and quite polite. (The minions are used to tall, demanding evil sorceresses with razor-sharp cheekbones.) But the castle desperately needs a master or else the Board of Magic will decommission it, leaving all the minions without the home they love. So when Molly assures them that she is quite wicked indeed (So wicked! Really wicked!) and begins completing the tasks required by the Board of Magic for approval, everyone feels hopeful. Unfortunately, it turns out that Molly has quite a few secrets, including the biggest one of all: that she isn't who she says she is.

"[I]t offers a read with substance and resonance, despite the more whimsical trappings." ---School Library Journal

"An appealing protagonist, lots of action, clever, witty writing, witchcraft and evildoers who get nothing but what they deserve---what's not to love?" ---Kirkus Starred Review

"Vernon… deftly weaves silly, suspenseful, and only slightly scary elements throughout this engaging coming-of-age story, which will easily appeal to fans of spells and sorcery." ---Publishers Weekly

"[T]he satisfying conclusion leaves the door cracked for future adventures." ---Booklist

Kirkus Review