4 out of 5 stars.
Spells and Scones is the sixth book in the Magical Bakery series by Bailey Cates. I think this is my favorite in the series so far. I’ve enjoyed the series, but this is the first one I’ve felt was worth 4 stars.
Purchase Links: Amazon – B&N – BAM – Kobo
Brief Synopsis
When the bookshop next to the Honeybee Bakery hosts a signing for a Savannah radio celebrity’s new self-help book, magical baker Katie Lightfoot is happy to provide some delectable desserts. A big crowd has turned out for the event, curious about the book (and maybe to sample some goodies), but the final chapter comes too soon for the author when she is found dead at the event.
The prime suspect is Angie Kissel, a former witch whose familiar was once Katie’s own terrier, Mungo. Katie is at first hesitant to help, afraid of losing the little dog who has become so important to her. But after a little nudge from Mungo himself, Katie decides to try to conjure up the real killer—before Angie gets served…
(Source: Goodreads Description)
Review
I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Magical Bakery series. I’ve enjoyed the series, they’re certainly entertaining, but they haven’t always received a real high rating from me. This one actually rates a 4 out of 5. This is one I’d actually be willing to read a 2nd or 3rd or 4th time.
I felt that this time around, the story was much more complex and involved. The first few books, I pretty much figured it out way before the end. A couple of them, I figured out before I was even halfway thru the book. I had a slight suspicion of the villain but I was never entirely sure until right at the very end of the book.
I felt we got to know our characters even better. I will admit that I was a little surprised at a particular part between Declan & Katie (not saying anymore about WHAT part as I don’t want to spoil anything!). I was mostly surprised because Katie had made things pretty clear in that area in previous books. But, it works out in the end.
All in all, I really enjoyed this installment. I do suggest reading the other books in the series before jumping in and reading this one. There’s nothing wrong with the other books. They’re fun to read and certainly entertaining. I just liked this one better!
About the Author
Cricket McRae (aka Bailey Cates) enjoys home crafts like food preservation, cheese making, candle making, and fiber arts. She writes the Sophie Mae Reynolds Homecrafting Mystery Series. As Bailey Cates, she also writes the Magical Bakery Mysteries.
For two years Cricket managed her own soap making business, including all product design, manufacturing and marketing. The recipes included in her first book, Lye in Wait, are all Cricket’s original formulations. She has also worked in a variety of other fields ranging from drivers license examiner to program manager for a major software firm. This fulfills her mothers warning that she’d never have a regular job if she insisted on studying philosophy in college.
(Source: Goodreads Author Page)
Valerie's Musings 