Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Wicked Little Things

Arnold, Justin. Wicked Little Things. 2022. 226p. ISBN 9781739983475.

Wicked Little Things book cover


Sixteen-year-old Dane Craven grew up in the small town of Jasper Hollow, but his mother couldn't wait to get out of there. His family still lives there, however, and he often came to visit his cousins when he was younger. Unfortunately, on his last visit his cousin Grant outed him, and, to avenge himself, Dane made Grant run through the woods wearing a dress. Unfortunately for Grant, he was attacked by a killer wearing a rabbit costume, and though he dialed Dane, Dane did not answer at the time, something he regrets now that Grant has been murdered.

Things go from bad to worse for Dane. Though he sometimes feels like he will burst in flames, and his temper can get the better of him, it's because he's a witch who possesses magical abilities. He's also supposed to be part of a coven of teen girls, who all wear red and are referred to as the Reds. Grant's sister is bitter as her brother's disappearance, and though she suspects Dane and him had a falling out, she doesn't know what really happened between the two of them.

Dane is visited by his familiar, a raccoon named Aloysius who speaks like a British butler. As Dane tries to wrap his head around being a witch, he's also trying to solve Grant's murder, and, as if this was not enough, he's also falling for EJ, a boy his age who works in the local coffee shop. With magic on the loose and a killer lurking, no one is safe in Jasper Hollow, and it's up to Dane and the coven to solve this mystery before it is too late!

The characters are over the top, but the plot moves along quickly and the story culminates in a thrilling confrontation. Dane learns that there are positive elements to his hometown, a place he looked down on before. He learns more about himself, and grows as a person. 

Fans of mysteries and whodonit will love this murder mystery caper and will enjoy watch Dane make mistakes and learn from them.

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