Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2020
Genres: YA Graphic Novel, Mystery, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Audience: Grades 10–12
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand
Content Warnings: Magic, violence, language, and themes of disappearance/kidnapping.
Publisher’s Summary
Pete and Alastair Montague are just a couple of mystery-solving twins living an ordinary life. Or so they thought. After a strange storm erupts on a visit to the beach, they discover there is more to their detective skills than they had thought. Their guardian, David Faber, a once-prominent professor, has been keeping secrets about their parents and what the boys are truly capable of.
At the same time, three girls go missing after casting a mysterious spell, which sets in motion a chain of events that takes their small town down an unexpected path. With the help of David’s daughter, Charlie, they discover there are forces at work that they never could have imagined, which will impact their lives forever.
Review
The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand is a graphic novel set in a coastal town around the 1960s. The story follows teenage twins Pete and Al Montague and their adoptive sister, Charlie. Orphaned at a young age, the twins are raised by family friends David and Shelley. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that David has been hiding secrets about the boys’ parents and his own background. After witnessing a strange storm at the beach, the teens begin to investigate. With guidance from Rowan, one of David’s students, Pete, Al, and Charlie start learning magic.
At the same time, three girls go missing after attempting to cast a mysterious spell. One of them, Charlie’s childhood friend, is trying to resurrect a witch in order to take revenge on someone close to her—which leads the group into a dangerous investigation. The book takes readers on a thrilling journey that builds tension and ends well for all the characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Witch’s Hand, especially its magical elements and strong characters. The illustrations were detailed and expressive, allowing readers to truly feel the emotions of the characters. The graphic novel also includes humorous moments that help balance its darker themes. The plot is fun and thrilling, seemingly inspired by the Salem witch trials and classic detective storytelling. The book explores meaningful themes such as family, identity, and acceptance. One of the main characters is gay, and his struggle with coming out to his family is portrayed in a respectful and emotional way, which I appreciated. This thoughtful representation adds depth to the story and makes the characters feel more real and relatable. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would definitely continue reading the rest of the series.
🕵️♂️ Genre Fusion: Hardy Boys Meets American Gothic
This graphic novel excels by blending two distinct storytelling traditions. By combining the “teen detective” vibe of the 1960s with dark, supernatural folklore, it creates a unique atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
🎨 Visual Storytelling & Themes
- Expressive Illustration: Drew Shannon’s art style effectively captures the 1960s aesthetic while using “detailed and expressive” character designs to convey the emotional weight of Pete’s coming-out journey.
- The Salem Connection: The plot draws heavy inspiration from witch trial history, grounding the fantasy elements in a recognizable (and darker) American historical context.
- Identity & Acceptance: Beyond the “whodunnit,” the core of the story is about teenagers finding their place in a world that is literally and figuratively changing around them.
