Black Maria
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover, illustrated by David Wyatt, is from Geraldine McCaughrean’s The Kite Rider. Geraldine McCaughrean is interviewed by Stephanie Nettell. Thanks to Oxford University Press for their help in producing this January 2001 cover.
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Black Maria
Illustrated by Paul Hess
Collins are currently republishing several of Diana Wynne Jones's magical tales, presumably on the crest of the Harry Potter wave. Black Maria, first published in 1991, is a complex story of magic and sorcery used to dominate a small seaside town. Mig's Great Aunt Maria and her coven of 13 witches have reduced the men of the town to zombies; the children to clones. Power swings back and forth as Mig and her brother work to solve the mystery of a visiting ghost, challenging Aunt Maria all the while, with devastating results. Highly enjoyable, there are many comic touches as we follow Mig's thoughts and feelings while she gradually uncovers what is going on and Aunt Maria gets her comeuppance.
