Magic Can Be Murder — Vivian Vande Velde

“[A] lighthearted mystery . . . Kids who like mystery and fantasy and fans of television's Sabrina, about a teenage witch, will like this” (Booklist).
 
Nola's not much of a witch -- she can work only a few useless spells, like the one that lets her spy on people. But there's no spell for keeping her crazy mother -- who hears voices and is a magnet for witch-hunters -- out of trouble. The two flee from town to town until the day Nola witnesses a murder. Which is bad enough, but worse is that the murderer may frame Nola and her mother for the crime. And then no amount of magic will save her.
 
And you think your teenage years are tough . . .
 
“Dialogue is fast and funny, the characters evincing a certain human desperation that makes them (the good guys, anyway) unfailingly sympathetic. Introduce Rowling fans to Vande Velde, and watch them make magic.” -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
 
“Vande Velde has produced a winner in this fantasy mystery . . . [Fans] will not be disappointed in this funny and charming story, which will attract mystery and romance lovers as well.” -- VOYA
 
“Vande Velde's offering throws murder, witchcraft, and romance into the brew . . . The well-developed characters provide entertaining reading.” -- School Library Journal
 
“Fun and suspense for readers . . . Entertaining.” -- Publishers Weekly
 
“The story moves from a witch's tale of many spells, to a murder mystery, and finally, a love story . . . Amusing, light reading.” -- Kliatt
 
“An entertaining fantasy for any reader.” -- SF Site