What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches of Willow Hollow #2
Pie and Potions
Living in Willow Hollow, Tennessee, can be murder with a slice of pie on the side.
When a contest judge takes an eternal nap in the middle of the pie entries, fledgling witch Harper Dade's aunt stands accused. With more than the success of the Springtime Magic Fair and the town’s businesses on the line, the local bear shifter sheriff considers her aunt a prime suspect.
As Harper delves into clues and stirs the ire of local witches, she unearths conspiracies better left buried. She’s left with a curse, a newfound friendship with a sasquatch and Bub, her familiar. Despite her attempt to play amateur sleuth and Bub’s helpful hints, Harper fears she doesn’t have a ghost of a chance to solve the mystery.
A defective witch, Harper struggles to face the truth about her heritage and deal with a possible romance with a wizard mechanic, but still can’t cast a successful spell or bake an edible pie.
Yet she must, for the sake of Willow Hollow, make sure a murderer gets their just desserts.
When a contest judge takes an eternal nap in the middle of the pie entries, fledgling witch Harper Dade's aunt stands accused. With more than the success of the Springtime Magic Fair and the town’s businesses on the line, the local bear shifter sheriff considers her aunt a prime suspect.
As Harper delves into clues and stirs the ire of local witches, she unearths conspiracies better left buried. She’s left with a curse, a newfound friendship with a sasquatch and Bub, her familiar. Despite her attempt to play amateur sleuth and Bub’s helpful hints, Harper fears she doesn’t have a ghost of a chance to solve the mystery.
A defective witch, Harper struggles to face the truth about her heritage and deal with a possible romance with a wizard mechanic, but still can’t cast a successful spell or bake an edible pie.
Yet she must, for the sake of Willow Hollow, make sure a murderer gets their just desserts.
- GenresParanormalMystery
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
84 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Kat McGee
52 books48 followersSoutherner Kat McGee writes paranormal cozy mysteries set in the magical South, including visits to the mystical shores of Maine and the haunting streets of New Orleans, with a bit of mayhem thrown in. Fast-heading toward crazy-cat-lady status, she enjoys chocolate nonpareils, and her favorite mystery book and movie is Where the Crawdads Sing.
Signup for New Release Notices:
https://bit.ly/2XKNMRn
Signup for New Release Notices:
https://bit.ly/2XKNMRn
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 18, 2020
A cat turning green is a riot!!! Our bad witch is back and has to solve yet another murder. An evil plot. Pie. Sketchy witches. We hardly learn anything more about her past but I heard there’s more books in the series. I do wonder about if there’s romance in the future for Dade.
August 22, 2020
This book has lots of potential. It is book two in what looks like to me to be a new series.
I love the names of some of these characters. I really want to know how many martinis it took to come up with the sheriff's name. Laughed for a bit with that one. Should have known with a deputy"s name too. Slapped myself upside the head for missing that one. Maybe I needed a martini? (Note this is my attempt at being funny. Just want you to know because not everyone gets my humor. Thank you.)
Note: I am started this series with this book and missed book one. Each magic world is slightly different. This one appears to be no different. It has gatherings, do things with fingers and so on.
I had several issues reading it. There were passages that I had to read five or more times,even aloud, to get the meaning. I will grant that one may have been the effects of a possible spell but still not sure.
There is the issue of her curse. Never got full understanding of it. It may have been discussed in the first book, but then not enough tidbits here to figure out if that is the case. I am hoping that it is part if the undercurrent theme in this series and more information will be given as series is continued.
I also have questions as to why the ghosts became ghosts, but more importantly why someone else did not. The circumstances appeared similar to me.
Usually I would tell you could be read as a standalone, but not sure of that because of my confusion. That and the above are why not five stars.
It is a fun cozy read.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
I love the names of some of these characters. I really want to know how many martinis it took to come up with the sheriff's name. Laughed for a bit with that one. Should have known with a deputy"s name too. Slapped myself upside the head for missing that one. Maybe I needed a martini? (Note this is my attempt at being funny. Just want you to know because not everyone gets my humor. Thank you.)
Note: I am started this series with this book and missed book one. Each magic world is slightly different. This one appears to be no different. It has gatherings, do things with fingers and so on.
I had several issues reading it. There were passages that I had to read five or more times,even aloud, to get the meaning. I will grant that one may have been the effects of a possible spell but still not sure.
There is the issue of her curse. Never got full understanding of it. It may have been discussed in the first book, but then not enough tidbits here to figure out if that is the case. I am hoping that it is part if the undercurrent theme in this series and more information will be given as series is continued.
I also have questions as to why the ghosts became ghosts, but more importantly why someone else did not. The circumstances appeared similar to me.
Usually I would tell you could be read as a standalone, but not sure of that because of my confusion. That and the above are why not five stars.
It is a fun cozy read.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
August 21, 2020
Harper Dade now makes Willow Hollow her home and is an Assistant Baker for her Aunt CeeCee in the Taste of Magic bakery. Harper is actually a witch, but she does not have any reliable magic yet. She is still eager to discover more about her lack of witch powers and learning to improve her pie-making skills. Yet despite her shortcomings in the pie-baking area, she still intends to enter her pie into the pie eating contest. But with one of the judges dead on the table of pies, that might not be a timely idea.
Since Harper had helped with the solving of the previous murder in Willow Hollow and was a former paralegal which meant she had “skills”, Sheriff Frankenfurful appoints her as an investigator for the Willow Hollow police station to help find the murderer. He would have snagged Tate Winthrop the Third, owner and reporter for the local Willow Hollow Gazette, also to investigate but aside from conflict of interest issues, it was a full moon and he wouldn’t be able to do it. Can Harper track down the murderer?
The author has the best covers for these cozies! I’m still looking forward to when a certain someone’s magic begins to show up and present us with a whole new set of possible story lines. At least she is practicing! Grab your copy and follow Harper as she once again makes sure justice is served!
Since Harper had helped with the solving of the previous murder in Willow Hollow and was a former paralegal which meant she had “skills”, Sheriff Frankenfurful appoints her as an investigator for the Willow Hollow police station to help find the murderer. He would have snagged Tate Winthrop the Third, owner and reporter for the local Willow Hollow Gazette, also to investigate but aside from conflict of interest issues, it was a full moon and he wouldn’t be able to do it. Can Harper track down the murderer?
The author has the best covers for these cozies! I’m still looking forward to when a certain someone’s magic begins to show up and present us with a whole new set of possible story lines. At least she is practicing! Grab your copy and follow Harper as she once again makes sure justice is served!
February 17, 2020
Just when you think all is good and quiet in the small town of Willow Hollow, another murder occurs.
For Harper Dade after solving the last mystery in Willow Hollow and discovering more about her lack of witchy powers, she's now determined to get to the end of the curse her mother placed on her and maybe learn to bake a halfway decent pie.
With the beginning of tourist season beginning and the fair just around the corner, baking doesn't seem to have come any easier to Harper. But she's still going to submit her pie into the pie eating contest...Well she was until she saw one of the pie judges lying dead on the table surrounded by pies.
Once again Harper is inducted as an investigator for the Willow Hollow police station to help find the murderer to help clear her aunt and friends.
If I had any complaint about this story it would be that there wasn't much in this story to deal with Harper's curse, nor was there much time for her to be able to figure out if there is a way to help with her wayward magic.
For Harper Dade after solving the last mystery in Willow Hollow and discovering more about her lack of witchy powers, she's now determined to get to the end of the curse her mother placed on her and maybe learn to bake a halfway decent pie.
With the beginning of tourist season beginning and the fair just around the corner, baking doesn't seem to have come any easier to Harper. But she's still going to submit her pie into the pie eating contest...Well she was until she saw one of the pie judges lying dead on the table surrounded by pies.
Once again Harper is inducted as an investigator for the Willow Hollow police station to help find the murderer to help clear her aunt and friends.
If I had any complaint about this story it would be that there wasn't much in this story to deal with Harper's curse, nor was there much time for her to be able to figure out if there is a way to help with her wayward magic.
August 19, 2020
Harper is trying to learn how to bake, it is not going well for her. She is also trying to learn her magic with the curse. Harper and Aunt CeCe take their pies to the festival. They get to the sign up tent, they see the dead body of one of the judges. The sheriff asks for Harper and Tate's help, Tate decides he can't help in this investigation. Harper decides that she will help as much as she can. The witches try to give Harper a hard time about her past and magical abilities. Harper is more surprised by Bethany's behavior. When hidden witchcraft effects everyone at the tent, Harper puts a target on her back. Harper will do everything she can to find the culprit before anyone else gets hurt
This book was an entertaining read, you will have fun trying to figure out who did the crime. You will see Harper do her best trying to figure out the crime and her abilities. Will like to see her relationship with Crank move along some.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was an entertaining read, you will have fun trying to figure out who did the crime. You will see Harper do her best trying to figure out the crime and her abilities. Will like to see her relationship with Crank move along some.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 22, 2020Thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters and setting out to figure who was the killer, with a cast if characters who each have their individual quirks and draw you into their home town with ease.
I probably would have got more from the book if I had read the Book 1 first, or if there was a good introduction as there is a complicated back-story for the main character which I still haven't got a real handle on - this is often the risk if you have missed the initial storyline.
Definitely would recommend to any copy mystery fan, AFTER, they've read Book 1, Cupcakes and a Casualty, which I'm off to do right now.
Keep this author on your must read list as I think her books are only going to get better and better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I probably would have got more from the book if I had read the Book 1 first, or if there was a good introduction as there is a complicated back-story for the main character which I still haven't got a real handle on - this is often the risk if you have missed the initial storyline.
Definitely would recommend to any copy mystery fan, AFTER, they've read Book 1, Cupcakes and a Casualty, which I'm off to do right now.
Keep this author on your must read list as I think her books are only going to get better and better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
This is book 2 of the Taste of Magic series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but does read better if you read each book in order because the under laying story line is progressive.
Harper is a dysfunctional witch but seems to have a knack at solving murders. When the pie judge is found dead at the pie tent, the shifter sheriff asks for her help. Everyone appears to be a suspect because Chesterfield Holt has been doing some shady dealings and paybacks can be deadly.
Good story concept. It could have been tightened up a bit, but overall it was a good. Like the characters.
Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harper is a dysfunctional witch but seems to have a knack at solving murders. When the pie judge is found dead at the pie tent, the shifter sheriff asks for her help. Everyone appears to be a suspect because Chesterfield Holt has been doing some shady dealings and paybacks can be deadly.
Good story concept. It could have been tightened up a bit, but overall it was a good. Like the characters.
Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2020
I struggle with this series due to the fact that they are a little chaotic. I'm not sure why I understand the sheriff would ask someone not in the department to help him. I know she helped in the 1st book but it's as if he just turns everything over to her. There. so many characters in these books that at times you get lost. There are times when the author just jumps from scene to scene and it's kind of confusing as well. The story line is good and I did enjoyed the story and the mystery of who killed whom, but the chaotic T and confusionat just makes me put the book down and not wanna pick it back up but I do pick it back up and I do finish the story it was a good read I just wish things were a little smoother within the story line
February 25, 2020
This is the second book in the series. I’m still digging the cover art and the idea of a town full of bewitched characters. I’m also still left a bit wanting. Bethany is supposed to be Harper’s best friend but we have yet to see her acting even remotely friendlike. And while one character is obviously being teed up as H’s love interest, Tate has been much more interactive with her. What does he see in Bethany? Perhaps the introduction of a triangle or quadrangle with him, Crank, Harper, and Bethany would add some interest. Bethany seems more like a frenemy anyhow— might as well get some mileage from it.
August 21, 2020
Harper is a witch who left town after a disaster in the movie house of her hometown
She is blamed for the destruction, yet it sounds like she saved many lives
Harper’s return to her hometown after the sudden accidental death of her parents leaves her barely trained and a magical draining threat to the community
Her different skill set helps her uncover long held secrets and motives. Is she any closer to removing her curse or solving the mystery behind the tragedy that cost Harper her home?
Intriguing paranormal adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She is blamed for the destruction, yet it sounds like she saved many lives
Harper’s return to her hometown after the sudden accidental death of her parents leaves her barely trained and a magical draining threat to the community
Her different skill set helps her uncover long held secrets and motives. Is she any closer to removing her curse or solving the mystery behind the tragedy that cost Harper her home?
Intriguing paranormal adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
Totally great witchy detective story with various shifter, witches and normal town people. Two murders cause tension during a festival that includes a pie contest. Loved the characters and the locale amid the festival. So much going on and the mystery progressed steadily throughout the book. More backstories came to light during the investigation and there are still more to come for future books, I bet. One of my favorite parts is the quirky familiar, who adds a lot of comedy to the story. Enjoy, as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
Quite disapointed with what promised to be a good story - and did I actually miss an episode? Too many witches making pies for a competiton and a judge gets poisoned by one of them.
I didn't get a 'feel' for Harper or her mis-cued magic - why is her mother's locket so important? Why is Harper called in AGAIN (did she do similar previously?) to make notes/identify a killer. Why has she returned home? Why is her magic not working? All these questions detracted from the 'mess' of witch involvment - there were too many...
A good basic premise, but too cluncky to actually work well. Fairly enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn't get a 'feel' for Harper or her mis-cued magic - why is her mother's locket so important? Why is Harper called in AGAIN (did she do similar previously?) to make notes/identify a killer. Why has she returned home? Why is her magic not working? All these questions detracted from the 'mess' of witch involvment - there were too many...
A good basic premise, but too cluncky to actually work well. Fairly enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
Great read. Totally captivated my attention. Harper Dade has been through a situation with an ex-boyfriend and understands about love and being used. She's a witch and a paralegal and moved back to Willow Hollow after she lost everything to help her Aunt. It is a town of mostly witches and shifters with a bank owned and run by a human with an agenda. He loves pie and is about to judge a pie contest. He is found dead in the pie contest tent that morning and rumor and accusations fly. The sheriff deputizes Harper to do interviews and from there the story accelerates. It is a fast paced, character driven story with lots of twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Red Robin
Red Robin
August 20, 2020
*3 Stars!!
Enjoyed the second book in the series. A bit confused as to why a sheriff would get someone who isn't a police officer or has the necessary experience to fully investigate and take charge of a murder scene. Would have liked for Harper and Crack to have gotten a bit closer but that didn't happen. I found that i didn't like Bethany very much is this one especially her treatment of Harper and the fact that even at the end she doesn't apologise for the hurtful things she said. Also would have liked a bit more of bud the cat in there but oh well maybe next time.
Enjoyed the second book in the series. A bit confused as to why a sheriff would get someone who isn't a police officer or has the necessary experience to fully investigate and take charge of a murder scene. Would have liked for Harper and Crack to have gotten a bit closer but that didn't happen. I found that i didn't like Bethany very much is this one especially her treatment of Harper and the fact that even at the end she doesn't apologise for the hurtful things she said. Also would have liked a bit more of bud the cat in there but oh well maybe next time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2020
There is nothing boring about Willow Hollow and it's residents. Murder again is afoot and Harper Dare is right there in the middle of things again. I'm loving this series. All the residents all have their own little quirks and attitudes, just like any little town, (except for the witches, shifters, ghosts, and other unusual residents) But love is also in the air, pies are everywhere and you never know what will happen next. Kat McGee has a wonderful series with Taste of Magic.
February 26, 2020
Witches, ghosts, shifters oh my! Willow Hollow is a unique town full of entertaining characters. Harper who recently returned to town is just learning her past and her powers. This is complicated by a murder which she is once again has been asked to help. The victim is a popular pie baking judge but not so as a banker. With plenty of suspects can Harper and the sheriff solve this delicious murder. A fun,entertaining cozy with unique characters.
August 21, 2020
This was a fun and quirky cozy mystery. Harper is back with another murder mystery to solve. A green familiar, lots of pies, a killer witch, shifters, and magic make this cozy mystery a must read. There are a lot of new characters to keep track of, but the story kept me guessing until the very end. Can't wait to read what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
This is the first book I've read from Kat McGee and it will not be the last! It's a witchy, amusing fun book. The characters and the story are good. It kept me guessing up till the end with all the turns the story took me. It's short, about a 150 pages and very easy to read.
I received a copy of this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.
August 21, 2020
This is the second book in the series and I really enjoyed it very much. The beginning was a little tough to follow as there are a lot of witches and shape shifters in the book and I had trouble remembering who was whom. It would probably have been easier if I had read the first book. I loved trying to figure out who the murderer was. It took a while, but I guessed right.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from BookSprout.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from BookSprout.
August 21, 2020
Another great addition to this series. Their getting ready for their festival, pie competition, when they entered the tent guess what they found? Yep another murder. Even though a murder is serious business, the witches and Bub (the cat) brings the humor to the story. I really enjoyed this story. HEA.
August 21, 2020
Small town Willow Hollow is having a magical pie contest. When a judge dies eating the pies, Harper Dade is asked by the shifter sheriff to help in the investigation. Plenty of suspects, nice cast of characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2020
Can't anyone get a piece of pie?
As Willow Hollow townsfolk prepare for a pie tasting contest, one of the judges is found dead on the tasting table! Can the mystery be solved quickly so the festival can carry on? Lots of suspects with twists and turns galore! Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As Willow Hollow townsfolk prepare for a pie tasting contest, one of the judges is found dead on the tasting table! Can the mystery be solved quickly so the festival can carry on? Lots of suspects with twists and turns galore! Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
Harper is a baker for her aunts bakery. Shes also a witch with no magic. She makes up for it by solving murder cases. The characters are lovely. The world building is exceptional. The mystery is always tough to figure out. I just love this fun and light hearted cozy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2022
Good book!
Harper got pulled into another murder, one she didn't think she should have been involved in since her aunt was a suspect! But she ferreted out the real murderer and the town fair went on! For more on the fair and pie contest, read the book! Its got a lot twists and turns in it! You'll be glad you did!
Harper got pulled into another murder, one she didn't think she should have been involved in since her aunt was a suspect! But she ferreted out the real murderer and the town fair went on! For more on the fair and pie contest, read the book! Its got a lot twists and turns in it! You'll be glad you did!
February 19, 2020
Death by poison couldn't be that simple.
Quite fun to read as layers of truth unfold. Each revealing parts of truth about town. Finding the culprit takes a bit of trickery, planning & Magic.
Quite fun to read as layers of truth unfold. Each revealing parts of truth about town. Finding the culprit takes a bit of trickery, planning & Magic.
February 20, 2020
Great read!
Was not disappointed with this 2and book in the series! Another mystery solved and more questions popped up that will hopefully get answered in the next book! Pies, green cats, shifters and of course witches are abound in this must read mystery!
Was not disappointed with this 2and book in the series! Another mystery solved and more questions popped up that will hopefully get answered in the next book! Pies, green cats, shifters and of course witches are abound in this must read mystery!
February 24, 2020
The story was very enjoyable. Another murder in town during the fair. Harper is determined to solve it. New character additions love Ingleburton and I want a bub. Love the idea of a tourist town filled with paranormal characters.
February 24, 2020
Another murder has occurred and the sheriff has put Harper on the case again. This time a pie judge has eaten his last slice. Now she has to find the one responsible and protect those who are innocent.
February 29, 2020
Harper is fun and quirky, and being thrust into a murder investigation isn't something new. You'll be trying to piece together the clues with Harper (and maybe get a craving for some pie while you're at it). I can't wait to read the next installment when it comes out!
April 18, 2020
3.5 stars: Better than the first
The second in Kat McGee's witchy cozy mysteries had an improvement narrative with less emphasis on "I" sentences and a better grasp of setting and character. It was once again a fun romp which did well setting up future books.
The second in Kat McGee's witchy cozy mysteries had an improvement narrative with less emphasis on "I" sentences and a better grasp of setting and character. It was once again a fun romp which did well setting up future books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews