Why don't more 60-something-year-olds get to have fun magical adventures? Delia Spark is caught in a maelstrom. Her former life as a London theatre director is on the brink of implosion amid a scandalous divorce, a tarnished reputation, and, for reasons she cannot fathom, things keep spontaneously combusting around her. Her sixties were supposed to be peaceful, but now even her grown daughter won't return her calls. Escape is the only option. In the remote village of Myrtlewood, she seeks solace, not suspecting that in this quaint haven, far stranger adventures await than the urban chaos she left behind. Delia is oblivious to the undercurrent that her arrival stirs. Amid whispers of magic, she finds herself on the precipice of an extraordinary transformation. As she grapples with these new realities, an ominous shadow lurks - a secret Order, steeped in ancient lore, is watching, plotting and scheming. Delia must confront her destiny. Will she surrender to the enchanting pull of Myrtlewood and the ancient prophecies of the elemental crones, or will she claw back her former life from her power-hungry ex? Welcome to a world where the extraordinary is ordinary, where tranquillity is a veil for the mystical, and where time itself whispers secrets of old served with delicious cakes and cups of tea – or coffee if you insist!

Delia's discovery of her magic and its link with the legendary Myrtlewood Crones has thrown her already tumultuous life into further disarray. After unlocking the first stage of their ancient powers, she and the other crones—Ingrid, Marjie, and Agatha—find themselves enshrouded in the elusive shield of invisibility. But this protective veil is tenuous, and the relentless Order of Crimson is closing in. With the Winter Solstice on the horizon, the celestial opportunity is presented for releasing the next stage of potent crone magic. The ancient grimoire reveals further puzzles relating to Delia’s heritage and the sudden appearance of an unknown relative on Delia's doorstep presents an entirely new challenge. Time is running out, and the stakes are high. Alliances will be tested, mysteries unraveled, and the battle for the very essence of crone magic will leave no one unchanged.

In the world of Myrtlewood, magic isn't just a myth—it's a birthright. It's Christmas eve and Delia's family is finally together again. All is quiet and still, and yet can't help but feel a sense of foreboding. After all, an ancient dragon has just awakened and stronger magic is pulsing through the veins of the Myrtlewood Crones. Delia braces herself for her most enchanting adventure yet as questions about her grandmother's mysterious death and her heritage haunt her. On top of all this, her daughter Gillian's strange behaviour becomes even more unsettling and the spirited grandchildren tumble into the mix. Every new revelation pushes the Crones closer to danger, as they work to unlock their deeper powers, but Delia is now more determined than ever to confront the mysteries that threaten her family and confront the past. Dive headfirst into a whirlwind of magic, betrayals, and family secrets!

In the tranquil embrace of the Clochar of the Veiled Sisterhood, Delia Spark finds the days flow with peace and tranquility, far from the familiar streets of Myrtlewood. Her sudden disappearance leaves the Crones in turmoil, sparking a fervent quest to find her. Amidst the search, Ingrid's ancestral ties to the Clochar raise further questions. Meanwhile, Marjie is grappling with some family secrets of her own. As the water Crone, her journey demands a plunge into depths unknown, challenging the limits of her courage and revealing the strength of her heart. As the Crones navigate through tangled webs of magic and mystery, their bonds of friendship and power are tested, revealing that the true magic lies in their friendship and the courage to confront the unknown.

Delia Spark has faced her fair share of drama both on and off the stage. But just as she's getting used to being a powerful fire crone, life throws her a twist that would challenge any mother's heart. Contending with revelations about her family's magical legacy, and her impending divorce from her cult-leader ex, Delia must navigate treacherous magical politics, confront long-buried secrets, and race to find the fire dragon before its ancient power falls into the wrong hands. Accompanied by her brooding immortal warrior, the playful banter of her fellow Crones, and one particularly sarcastic demon cat, Delia discovers that magic lies not just in power, but in embracing the messy, complicated, and sometimes absurd beauty of life. The fifth installment of The Crones of Myrtlewood series weaves together theatrical flair, warm humor, and deep emotion as Delia faces her most personal - and dangerous - adventure yet.