chez_jae

Finished reading Spells and Scones, by Bailey Cates, tonight. It's part of her "Magical Bakery" mystery series, featuring lightwitch Katie Lightfoot.

The book store next to the Honeybee Bakery is hosting an author signing, and Katie, Lucy, and Ben are catering the event. During the author's appearance, a few people berate her for her irresponsible relationship advice, which harmed their own relationships when they tried to follow it. After the event, the store owner asks the author, Dr Dana Dobbs, to sign some extra copies of her book. She is later discovered dead in the back room, the victim of poisoning.

The most likely suspect was a young woman who was escorted from the store after trolling the author, as she is found crouched over Dr Dobbs' body. Later, Katie learns the woman used to be a practicing witch, and that Katie's own familiar Mungo, once belonged to Angie. Katie doesn't think Angie murdered Dr Dobbs, and even Mungo is encouraging her to defend the woman.

As Katie delves into the investigation, things are further complicated when Steve, whom she once dated, returns to town, and Declan, her boyfriend, springs a surprise proposal on her.

I enjoyed the story, but I must say, I think I've read at least half a dozen murder mysteries that use the old "author murdered at his/her book signing event" trope. Come up with something new, people! I also didn't like that Katie still seems to have feels for Steve. He's an odious creep, and even Mungo agrees with me on that. Hmpf.

Favorite line: "Some of your decisions are going to be wrong. That's okay. Life teaches you how to live it the longer you do it."

Four of five:

****

Tonight, I finished reading Some Enchanted Eclair by Bailey Cates. This is the fourth installment in her "Magical Bakery Mystery" series.

The story continues to follow Katie as she works at the Honeybee Bakery and learns more about being a hedgewitch. When a movie production comes to Savannah, the Honeybee lands a lucrative catering job. The job falls through when the person who hired them ends up murdered on the set. A psychic informs Katie that she will be the one to solve the murder. Thus inspired, Katie begins to do some digging on her own.

I enjoyed the developing relationship between Katie and Declan, and Declan learns something about himself that he never knew. Katie also finds out some truths she wasn't ready for. The story introduced some new characters, and it featured several potential suspects. I was kept guessing up until the end.

The only disappointing thing was, the type-set in this book was larger, which means I didn't get as much book for my buck. Still, it was a light, fun read, and I'm giving it four stars:

★★★★

I took advantage of my unplanned day off to finish reading Bewitched, Bothered and Biscotti by Bailey Cates. It's the second installment in her "Magical Bakery Mystery" series.

Having learned she's a witch, Katie has been getting more comfortable practicing magic and using its practical applications in the baked goods she creates for the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah. She still can't quite commit to either of the two men in her life, Declan or Steve.

On a picnic with Declan, she discovers a dead body with an intriguing tattoo. Searching for information about the tattoo leads Katie into all sorts of danger and intrigue, and she relies on both Declan and Steve to help her unravel the mystery.

So far, these books are entertaining, as well as sweet and spicy. Hah! I do find myself cheering for Declan, however. He's a fine, Irish gentleman, whereas Steve comes across as arrogant and pushy. Of course, the "bad" boy is the one who makes Katie's girlie parts tingle.

I'm giving this four stars. I'd give it five, but the character of Steve sours it for me.

★★★★