• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 3 to 12

Three sleuthing sisters become aware of how their spells affect others in book three of this hilarious magical mystery series

It’s autumn, and Covenly residents are gathering at the annual fall fair. The three Weird Sisters—Hildegurp, Glubbifer, and Yuckmina—are running a Flying Broom ride for the town’s kids and nine-year-old Jessica Nibley is overseeing the petting zoo nearby.

Suddenly, a prized show chicken goes missing and there’s a new mystery to solve. Suspecting fowl play, the four friends team up to find the hapless hen in a madcap hunt that involves an enchanted roller coaster, a frog in a top hat, and a sticky trail of goo. As they sleuth, the sisters also discover some unfortunate and unintended consequences of their magic, bringing about a gentle lesson in apologizing.

The third book in this whimsical chapter book mystery series is full of clever wordplay, humorous misunderstandings, and dynamic illustrations. With hints and phrases from Hamlet, readers are reminded that actions have consequences that can’t always be undone.

MARK DAVID SMITH has dug many holes but usually unearths rocks, roots, or underground creatures that prefer to be left alone. He is a teacher and writer living in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, with his family, whom he treasures. The Deepest Dig, which was inspired by the discovery of a mammoth skeleton on a Michigan farm, is his first picture book.

Mark David Smith's profile page

KARI RUST is the author and illustrator of Tricky and The House at the End of the Road. Kari has a background in character animation and design, and her hand-drawn images are full of warmth, style, and humor. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Kari lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Kari Rust's profile page

"The book’s copious wordplay is a sly way to familiarize readers with homonyms.... A witchy series book that can easily be enjoyed as a standalone."

School Library Journal

"A playful addition to an entertaining and punny series."

Kirkus Reviews

"In this third early chapter book in the “Weird Sisters Detective Agency” series, young readers will once again be able to read an enjoyable, fast-paced, and amusing story... Mark David Smith does not hesitate to challenge readers with a complex storyline, a myriad of diverse characters, and amusing examples of wordplay."

Canadian Review of Materials