Frances Stein (Fran) is a remarkable witch but she knows she has little time left to live. So, Fran settles her financial affairs and, with her cat Sooty, moves to live with her niece Rosa at her home, Castle Stein. Rosa is having marital problems with her husband, Lord Rudolf. The problems eventually led to a dramatic parting of the ways, with Rudolf leaving the castle in a very original fashion.
Rosa and Rudolf’s ensuing marital feud results in some remarkable creativity from Rosa and Fran, who have some unusual ideas and are ably assisted by Rosa’s staff, her butler, Beaton, his wife, a very slow builder, Mason, her maid, Igress and footman Aiden. The Castle Stein team are very resourceful; examples include Rosa’s innovative use of a billiard table and Fran’s unconventional recycling techniques to create a bodyguard for Rosa.
Meanwhile, Rudolf moves to a local inn, The Lamb and Werewolf, where, with the help of his two old army friends, Rudolf plots his return to Castle Stein and the forceful removal of his troublesome wife.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Gingerbread Children (blog post review), Carol’s first novel, I was expecting something special and out of the ordinary from Twice Time; it did not disappoint, and I loved it.


