The cast of characters are as multitudinous and as colourful as before. Young Titus Strega-Borgia is on the threshold of inheriting his grandfather's millions, and it is driving a wedge between him and his estranged sister Pandora. Lucifer Di S'Embowelli Borgia is the disfigured, twisted uncle of Titus who thinks the money should be his and wants to kill Titus to get it. Damp Strega-Borgia is the infant sister of Titus and Pandora who just happens to be realising that she is a powerful magician and is causing mayhem with her youthful magic games. Fiamma D'Infer is an impostor student witch who is really Astoroth--a second minister of the Hadean executive who has lost an item most precious to his "Boss" that he must recover at all costs. Unfortunately, this item is somewhere in StregaSchloss and this devil in disguise will stop at nothing to get it. It's all a recipe for much mirth and hammy disaster.

Fast and funny, exotic and madcap, Pure Dead Brilliant is populated by a menagerie of witches, dragons, rats, spiders and mythical beasts that are all thoroughly entertaining. You won't forget this book in a hurry. Suitable for ages 10 and over) --John McLay