SOLVED. Yong children's chapter mystery book about an unkind girl ? Margaret , living next door to 3 old ladies / witches who turned into crows, or possibly ravens. [s]

[Sally]

This book was about an unkind girl who lives next door to three old ladies( one called Hester?) There were always 3 crows on the roof ( or ravens ). Girl is probably Margaret and she throws stones at the crows one day. she gets caught and dragged into house by one lady. Another comes in with a cut on her cheek from a stone, she says. Margaret realises they are witches and she isn't allowed to leave until she has become a much nicer person!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

When did you read it or when was it published? Illustrations, if yes, what style? Author male or female?

[Sally]

It was ordered from the scholastic school magazine between 1971 - 1976 in Canada.. But I don't remember the author at all. My copy was a rose pink paperback with spiky black line drawings.

[Mahya]

Possible The Wicked, Wicked Ladies in the Haunted House by Mary Chase

[Sally]

Yes!! That's it!!! You wonderful people.. Thankyou so much.. It does sound rather an odd book ...reading the synopsis, and one I was never sure I enjoyed but it obviously got under my skin. Thrilled to be able to have the title at last... Sorry, bit excited as I have just finished a nightshift!!