Wish You Dead

Wish You Dead is an enjoyable take on the school friends/murder mystery genre, with a witchy twist and characters inspired by Arthurian legend.

Four years after being abandoned by her mother on her previously unknown father’s doorstep, Morgana Merrick has successfully reinvented herself. Her first year in Avalon was utterly miserable; neither her father, his perfect wife, or her half-brother Art wanted her there, and her classmates at Avalon Academy were equally unwelcoming.

Morgana senses the mystical atmosphere of Avalon and, with the help of the book, 'Wytchcraft & Magick for Beginners', she begins to explore her inner power and gains glamour, focus and poise, determined to gain control - and revenge. By year 11, Morgana is voted most popular girl but is alone - until she meets the mysterious and beautiful Celeste, the first person who seems to understand her. As the results of Morgana's hexes become increasingly serious, dare she let Celeste see her true self? And what will happen if she does?

There are some great feminist messages in this book, exploring themes of friendship, consent and self-identity. I enjoyed the portrayal of magic, often as an expression of our own inner power. Some of Morgana's spells are included, such as the 'Self-Esteem Chalice Spell' and the 'Shut-Your-Mouth Freezer Spell', which focus on manifesting the change you want to see for good or bad, with the consequences gently explored.

The dynamic of the school characters feels rather American in places but doesn't detract from the story. Avalon bears similarities to Glastonbury and Tintagel and the beach is a big setting, delivering a holiday read feel. Perfect for a mature Year 7 reader (12+) and up.

Trigger warning: one of the characters is murdered, and some of the characters are caught by an incoming tide and are in danger of drowning. 

368 pages / Reviewed by Kimberley Lawson, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+