Hodder & Stoughton Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil (4, 2025) | Oliver Darkshire

'This book is a gem that was perfectly cut to fit the Pratchett-shaped hole in my heart' C.M. Waggoner 'A bubbling cauldron overflowing with imagination and charm' Chris Sugden Books can change lives. Magic books can cause absolute chaos. Isabella Nagg lives on a tiny, miserable farm in a tiny, miserable village with a husband who's about as useful as a wet sock. Her days are filled with scrunge (don't ask), mildly cursed livestock, and singing to her beloved pot of basil. It's not much-but it's hers. Then Mr. Nagg brings home a stolen spell book from the local wizard, and Isabella starts to wonder: what's the worst that could happen? Cue one grumpy cat-like companion, a magical Ponzi scheme, and a journey through a world where enchantment meets bureaucracy and goblins have opinions on capitalism. As Isabella stumbles into spells, secrets, and self-discovery, she might just find that magic isn't the only thing she's been missing. Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil is a delightfully bonkers, footnote-filled romp for fans of Pratchett, folklore, and anyone who suspects their houseplants might be judging them. NetGalley readers love Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil : 'Had me completely enthralled from start to finish' 'A really hilarious cozy fantasy' 'A delightful read . . . I found myself legitimately laughing aloud' 'I described this book to a friend today as "clever funny" . . . I will likely read this again in the future as I enjoyed it that much...which is pretty much the highest praise I can offer'