In Wells, after settling at the "most woebegone motel Lion had ever imagined," he and Bobbi unload the horses, Brie and Rajah, the latter horse-hating Lion's new mount. Dad begins his investigation by visiting Spud's aunt, Mrs. Goodchild, at her ranch. Her behaviour and that of her son, Riley, awaken suspicion in Lion and Bobbi, especially after she tells them Spud is in bed ill when they have already seen her outside. Further investigations conducted by Lion and Bobbi appear to confirm the Goodchilds as villains. The elusive Spud, meanwhile, sensing she is being watched, continues witching determined to complete a search her late father had initiated.

      The plot of the mystery moves briskly focusing on Lion's and Bobbi's investigation surrounding Spud and rumours of a cache of gold nuggets hidden in an abandoned mine shaft. The catalyst for the action, Spud, appears fleetingly - Weir allocates only four short chapters to showcasing Spud's point of view. The "crime," the purpose of Spud's quest, and the true villain do not become clear until the final chapters. Weir relies on fast-paced repartee to establish relationships among the characters and move the story along. Young mystery fans will find engaging characters and plenty of action in The Witcher although they may find some aspects of the plot rather contrived and may wonder why Lion, rather than Bobbi, gets to be the main protagonist. The publishers plan a sequel for 1999 publication.

Recommended.