Skip to content
Home » Books by Catharina Steel

Books by Catharina Steel

On Sale from 20 May 2025

Preorder available

For fans of Amanda Foody and Debbie Watson comes a magical adventure story about an eleven-year-old girl who will do anything to help a friend—but could use a lesson or two in looking before she leaps.

Cover of Vanishings by Catharina Steel

“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.

“Set in an enchanted forest, Vanishings is a heart-warming story filled with magic, friendship, self-discovery, and one determined young girl’s search for truth. This immersive tale of loyalty and bravery will captivate the imaginations of fantasy readers of all ages.” Katie Keridan-Author of The Felserpent Chronicles.

“. . . the adventure begins and carries the reader through dangers and discoveries to a conclusion that promises more.”—Nancy Schimmel, author of The Princess and the Witch

Tilly’s friend Michael disappeared from Wythic Wood a year ago, and he’s still missing. Convinced that no one’s searching for him, Tilly convinces her gran to allow her to spend the summer with Opa, their family’s magical teacher and wizard, at his home in Clayton Forest—which just so happens to be right next to Wythic Wood.

In Clayton Forest, alongside her twin cousins, Jess and Zach, Tilly meets magical beings like fairies and gnomes, gets lessons in potion-making and a goblin style of martial arts called Gobight fighting, and starts to understand her own magic better. But none of this excitement distracts her from her real goal, and with Jess and Zach at her side, she soon embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about Michael’s vanishing. But as usual, impulsive Tilly doesn’t exactly think ahead—and she and her cousins soon find themselves hunted by the Witch of Wythic Wood and the creatures under her command.

An enchanting escapade perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and The Wingfeather Saga, Vanishings is a tale of friendship and teamwork in a realm where magic can be wielded for both good and evil purposes.

“More than just a fun forest frolic with pixies and gnomes, this book takes kids on a journey of heroism that is both action packed adventure and cautionary tale on when to stop and plan before you leap, even when your heart is urging you forward.” Sharon Skinner, Author and Book Coach.

A twelve-year-old boy discovers he’s a wizard and meets an elven queen who agrees to teach him magic in exchange for helping them find the captured mythical beings.

“A heartfelt, exciting adventure with mysterious magic and unexpected alliances. The magical creatures of Crystal Wood [human name: Vile Wood] have been imprisoned by a ruthless Prince and Piet and his friends plot to save them. Along the way, he discovers the value of friendship and what it means to fight for the higher good. Enchanting and inspiring!” J.L. Henkerauthor

Piet, a twelve-year-old boy living in 1749 Oostende, The Austrian Netherlands (now Ostend, Belgium) discovers, together with his best friend, Jean, that mythical creatures are real and some are living in a forest called Vile Wood on the outskirts of the fortress.

The queen of the elves offers to teach Piet how to use his magic if he’ll help her find where Prince Karl is keeping the captured mythical creatures.

Piet and Jean manage to get themselves into a few close scrapes in their attempt to help their new friends.

Can Piet help save the creatures and keep his own magic a secret?

Only available by subscribing to my newsletter. See subscription form below.