Black Maria Jones, Diana Wynne

**Black Maria by Diana Wynne Jones - Preloved Fantasy Adventure**

When Aunt Maria invites Chris and his mum for a "harmless" seaside holiday, things get wickedly weird fast. This isn't your typical granny - she's got the whole town under her magical thumb, turning inconvenient people into wolves and ruling through fear disguised as teatime politeness. Chris must navigate this sinister world of enchantments and uncover the truth before his family becomes permanently part of Aunt Maria's collection.

Diana Wynne Jones, beloved author of Howl's Moving Castle, delivers another darkly funny fantasy that explores themes of manipulation, family dynamics, and finding courage when adults can't be trusted. Perfect for middle-grade readers who like their magic with a side of genuine creepiness and kids who appreciate protagonists who actually think for themselves.

This preloved copy from Patina Paperbacks brings you classic British children's fantasy at its finest - psychological depth wrapped in accessible adventure.

*"Genuinely unsettling but never too scary - Jones knows exactly how to balance magic and menace."*

*"My 11-year-old devoured this in one sitting and immediately asked for more Diana Wynne Jones books!"*