Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

The Witch’s Broth is book 5 in the Henratty Mortimer Series for children by Henrietta Defreitas. Lillian the witch had three hundred long years to plan her revenge on Meerville Town after the meerkats banished her to the woods. She concocts a special magic broth to restore her beauty and resurrect Dustmist. The only ingredient missing from her vile, smelly, bubbling brew is blood that must be obtained from a special meerkat, but acquiring it might be tricky. Jack, Henratty and their other meerkat friends constantly hear weird voices chanting, “Drip drop, a drop of blood.” They are not aware of the impending danger Lillian has planned for them but know something evil is lurking around. The friends decide to do some sleuthing but the witch always monitors their movements. Lillian likes playing mind games with them, but Jack and his friends are good at games too.

“Drip drop, a drop of blood” is the first line in the spooky poem that will give you goosebumps. I can’t describe how much I loved reading The Witch’s Broth, an enchanting adventurous story providing thrills, chills, and lots of laughter both children and adults will find entertaining. Lillian is pure evil, while her loyal assistant, Maynard, is unique and wry witted. The meerkats are a delightful, caring bunch. Henrietta Defreitas is another author who caught my attention with her strong imaginative writing talents. The book will be difficult to put down once started. All the characters are charismatic in a great plot. The Witch’s Broth, book 5 in The Henratty Mortimer Series is a must-read for everyone.