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Catharina Steel smiling on the left, forest backdrop behind, text ‘Catharina Steel and the worlds she writes’ in the center, and Catharina with her greyhound, Macherie, on the right.

Explore Magical Worlds

Explore the magical, forested world of Clayton Forest, Wythic Wood, and the Hidden Forest—along with Tilly, her twin cousins Jess and Zach, and Michael as they embark on unforgettable adventures filled with mystery and wonder.

Catharina Steel brings this world to life in Vanishings, The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series | Book One. It is a middle-grade fantasy/mystery that invites young readers to uncover secrets hidden just beneath the surface. This middle-grade fantasy mystery story has captured readers’ imaginations.

Beyond this, Catharina is writing The Kinesis’s, a young adult romantasy/mystery series set in an alternate world that has evolved differently from Earth.

Discover more and join the journey.

Step Into the Magical World of Vanishings

Vanishings cover, middle-grade fantasy mystery by Catharina Steel.

Praise for Vanishings

“Catharina Steel’s Vanishings, the first installment in The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series, is a spellbinding entry into the world of children’s fantasy literature. With its richly imagined setting and endearing cast of characters, this book transports readers to a realm where magic, mystery, and courage intertwine. Vanishings is not just a story about magic—it’s a tale about finding strength in the face of fear and learning to trust yourself when the world seems uncertain. I can’t wait to see where Tilly’s journey takes her next.
Highly recommended for fans of whimsical adventures and readers who believe in the extraordinary power of magic.”—Alane Adams, author of The Witches of Orkney series and more.

Vanishings Publishing Information

Vanishings was published by Spark Press in May 2025 and is distributed by Simon & Schuster.

Award Recognition

I am thrilled that my debut novel, Vanishings, was longlisted for the 2026 OZMA Fantasy Fiction award. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among visionary fantasy authors and to receive expert acknowledgment for the story’s imaginative elements and depth.

To see the list of 50 books in the running for the short list click the button below.

Social Media

Catharina Steel sitting in a lounge chair reading her book Vanishings, The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series | Book One and the backdrop is a shelf filled with books.




Follow Catharina Steel on Substack and Instagram for blogs, reels, updates, and more.

Pictured: Catharina Steel relaxing with her debut novel Vanishings, inviting readers to join her storytelling journey.

Writers Group Membership

Three women standing together with one woman in front without pointed ears, and two women behind with pointed ears, under the text ‘Women Writing Other Worlds’. The bottom text reads ‘Currently Open for Membership’ with the website womenwritingotherworlds.com underneath.
Image by: Margot Conor



I am a member of Women Writing Other Worlds, a supportive alliance of indie fantasy and sci-fi authors. Visit our website to explore member bios, blog posts, and resources: https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/.

Interested in joining? You can apply for membership: https://womenwritingotherworlds.com/membership/