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Witches of Willow Hollow #3

Donuts and Divination

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There’s no predicting what might happen in the supernatural tourist town of Willow Hollow, Tennessee.


The local sheriff stands accused of murder. Since a not-so-witchy witch is forced to investigate with the help of a familiar named Bub, trouble can’t be far behind.


With the local bear of a sheriff blamed for killing his former boss, Harper Dade sets out to solve the decades-old murder. Suspects abound, then a key suspect goes missing.


Under the watchful glare of the interim sheriff, Harper struggles to right the skewed magic suddenly invading East Tennessee.


Residual hauntings, ghosts, and conspiracies overtake the place where Harper had hoped to live a simple life and have a possible romantic connection with the local wizardly mechanic. But she’s fast discovering there’s no such thing when it comes to the Witches of Taste of Magic Bakery.


Dollars to donuts, the odds are against her. And, like sprinkles on top, a bad case of wrong-way magic, murder, and mystery await.

Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

54 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Kat McGee

52 books48 followers
Southerner 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.

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5 stars
84 (66%)
4 stars
31 (24%)
3 stars
11 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,900 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2022
It didn’t quite make it to my like-list.

There were good things about this and things that I liked less.

What I loved:
The lighthearted tone. Harper has a sort of self-deprecating way that feels relatable. The case itself was good, intriguing. But that’s where it stopped for me.

What I didn’t love as much:
I guess the slightly messy style just didn’t do it for me. My head’s in a messy place right now and it didn’t provide the escape I wanted. The ‘fun’ parts felt a bit OTT for me. Harper irritated me a few times. But it seems I’m alone in this, because all the other reviewers are raving about this. I may have to pick it up later and try again, when I’m in a different mindframe. My apologies to the author, because I know it’s a bit harsh, giving only 3 stars, but right now, this was not the book for me. If I do pick it up later and like it better, I'll be sure to edit this review.
2,991 reviews41 followers
October 6, 2020
This is book three of the Taste of Magic Mystery series and continues the story of cursed witch Harper Dade, former paralegal and now baker in Willow Hollow. She works in the Taste of Magic Bakery and is working hard to even manage to make a cake structure out of donut holes successfully. Tonight is the big night as the coven are going to meet to see if she and her wacky magic can stay in town. She’s been going to night classes to learn magic, but her magic glitches or drains others powers unexpectedly. She is about as good at control her magic as she is at her amateur sleuthing. Now she has managed to create a residual haunting, and that of a husband who was killed some ten years before, apparently by magic and still unsolved.

I haven’t had the chance to read the first two books in the series, so I have missed out on reading about her previous escapades and investigations, and the problems she had at the spring fairground. The ghost she has brought back was Opal’s husband and the former sheriff. It is Opal’s house where the annual witch gathering is to be held and the local law enforcement officers were to be honoured, not the easiest when the former ghost will be walking about. Harper was cursed by her own mother in her early childhood, in an effort to help with her dodgy control over magic and her aunt CeeCee had asked the coven to help Harper with her magic control. Opal is the coven maven and it isn’t going to go down well, for her ex-husband to be wandering around while the coven meet! Now Opal wants Harper to make her husband’s ghost disappear, but without helping tell her how.

Harper had many magical mishaps in her past and the one that caused the former sheriff Norman to become the man he was, which probably caused his murder, was when her magic tore down the Majestic magic Movie Palace. He holds Harper responsible and thinks witches and shifters, as most of the local law enforcement are, should never mix, even though he married a powerful witch. Now instead of just a haunting, Norman is now a ghost and other ghosts from the time of his death, have started to appear in the house! Now Norman wants to have his own murder investigated and even take over his former job, and stop the misuse of magic in the town! The current Sheriff Rosenthal Frankenfurful turns up to speak with Opal and then his Deputy Draco as well. It seems Sheriff Rosenthal was a suspect, along with others, at the time of Norman’s death and he really shouldn’t be investigating this now. Deputy Draco tries to take both him and Opal for questioning, while Norman has taken over Crank, the local mechanic’s body.

It seems there is some sort of conspiracy in town with shifters in charge of law enforcement and the new sheriff somehow tied up in the murder of the previous sheriff and his very vocal thoughts about controlling witches and their use or misuse of magic. A power struggle is ongoing in town between witches and shifters and now there are scores of ghosts wandering around, due to Harper’s misfiring magic. It seems three of the town’s colourful residents made a pact to stop the then Sheriff Norman, all those years ago, but someone else must have killed him due to his agenda towards the magic users. Add in a loan buyout scheme, being investigated by the local Gazette newspaper owner Tate and the perilous position of her aunt’s bakery after the loan she made to Harper’s parents to help them relocate, and it seems there is far more than one conspiracy going on. One man’s mission was to eradicate all magical items within the town.

It seems a power struggle occurred a decade ago and now at the same time of year in the present time, it is about to explode again. Hopefully Harper and her familiar Bub, a cat, can hope to track down the guilty parties and get Crank restored to his normal self, whilst also solving a decade’s old murder. She will also have to outsmart the current dragon shifter deputy sheriff and his fellow shifters, who seem to want to take over the town. Her magic may be wonky and flair up at the worst possible moments, but when someone attacks those she loves and their businesses, then her heart and determination will ensure those in the wrong will pay for what they have done. A fun read with witches, shifters of all varieties and even trolls coming to the rescue. An untrained witch and amateur sleuth has to solve a decade old murder mystery and save the town in the meantime. I look forward to reading more of this series and also catching up on what I have missed so far. All round easy reading magical murder mystery, which I would recommend to all who love this genre. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
1,190 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2020
Harper is helping her Aunt at the shop for the big witch get-together. Harper is hoping that they will help her with her curse. Harper decides to use her magic and things go wrong. Harper's magic cause a residual haunting of old sheriff . Harper decides to follow where it goes. Harper opens a box with the key she is using. Now Harper has to deal with a the ghost of the former sheriff. The former sheriff decides he is going to jump in to a person.
Harper will have to investigate who killed the sheriff and why. Harper discovers that there is a cover up of the crime. She has some suspects, but not sure if they are the right ones. Harper will have to learn about the past in order to save those now. Harper isn't the only one in danger if she can't find the culprit.

This was a really entertaining story to get lost in for a while. The main character and her issues with magic and her past. The other character interactions. I am enjoying the slow romantic possibilities with Crank. You will get some answers in this book as to what really happened with Harper when she was a child. It opens up so many different directions she can go into.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2020
Best book in series yet!

This is the best book in this series yet! I could literally not put it down!! I had to find out what happened and who was in on it!
Harper is becoming more confident in her cursed magic even able to use simple spells to some extent (though she still can't bake)
After using her magic, it unsurprisingly backfires, she releases a decade old conspiracy and no one wants to answer her questions. Even the Sheriff who hired Harper as an investigator previously is reluctant, and Draco the P.I.T.A Dragon shifter deputy shows his true colours.The clues Harper finds help answer not just the mystery in hand but also may help solve that of her curse and Bub is...well Bub, his usual helpful snarky self, he earns his cat nip this time!
A great storyline with characters old and new , (I do hope we will see more of Tootsie)
I highly recommend this one. Though i suppose you could read this book as a stand alone I think to not only understand the nuances of the storyline that is carried through each book you will get more enjoyment from starting at book 1 Cupcakes and a Casualty it's well worth sticking with it. I am really looking forward to book 4!
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2024
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Harper is a witch with wonky powers. She works in her aunts bakery. Her small town is filled with magical as well as humans. It is a small tourist town where people come to See magic things happen every so often. Harper was blamed for the destruction of a movie theater back when she was a child. Her parents moved away with her many years ago and her parents died in a car crash. She moved back after her careers paralegal for a while to live with her aunt and work in the bakery. She has some minor powers but they go wonky and then one day she gets a few more powers that are explained in book one. She also has a nose for mystery and a new familiar that shows up and book one as well. Along with her aunt her best friend and many other friends and family from the town she pokes around trying to help solve mysteries. And see what adventure she can get into this time.
5,665 reviews62 followers
October 7, 2020
Harper is in over her head again because of her cursed magic (nothing works like she wants it to). She is hoping her aunt and other witches at the big gathering will be able to help her with the curse. Due to side effects of her magic, ghosts are released and one is the murdered sheriff from years ago. She investigates possible suspects in the town, and where the ghost of the dead sheriff goes as well. The characters are well done and sometimes crazy and a touch of romance is in the air. The suspense is coming from all directions, but things do get under control at the end and people are happy again. Best one of the series so far. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face more than once.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,978 reviews42 followers
September 28, 2020
More of the backstory for Harper is revealed, along with some eventual clarity about her gifts

A troubled and troublesome spirit returns to wreak some havoc and alleged justice. He makes some strides at efforts linked to mysterious financial issues

A power hungry deputy has a fair shot at a power grab. He might be limited for now, but the rising of the power hungry deceased sheriff shows that even death might not be a permanent barrier

Intense drama and action, with accidents aplenty, and conflicting loyalties and betrayals

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.6k reviews354 followers
October 2, 2020
Harper Dade, whose magic has been cursed since childhood, isn't good at spells and managing magic. She accidentally ends up releasing some ghosts and is forced to investigate the murder of a former sheriff who intends to cause trouble until his murderer is found. Things are pointing to the current bear shifter Sheriff. Now Harper has to solve this murder to make things right again.

This was a good story line revolving around an old murder mystery Harper has to solve. We are given more of Harper’s own backstory and meet some additional characters along the way. Grab your copy and enjoy!
270 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2020
What I like most about Kat McGee's books is that they are fast pace, no time wasted.  You start the book and first thing you know, it's over!  In this one, Harper needs to solve a decade old murder.  With the help of the Troll community and the familiars, she will work on solving the murder but also save the life of someone dear to her.  And don't forget the familiars, who are always there to put in their two cents!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2020
This is such an adoreable little cozy. It has ghosts and a cursed witch who doesn't have control of her magic. She works in a bakery owned by her aunt and during a coven event sets loose a ghost who has a mind of his own. He is the deceased husband of opal the coven matron. I love this series. It is full of drama and suspense. The characters are very loveable and real. The plot twist is kind of cool and I was surprised who the killer is. This is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel N.
476 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2020
*4 Stars!!

I really enjoyed this one, I liked how different creatures were brought into the story and the talking parrot Tootie! hope we see more of them in the next book. im glad that it showed that Harper had a bit more control over her magic and that its doesn't only cause problems.

Looking forward to reading the next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
230 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2020
Harper isn't good at magic. She accidentally releases some ghosts and has to now deal with a former sheriff who was murdered, and intends to create chaos until his murderer is found. Now Harper has to try to solve his murder to make things right. Great book with an old murder mystery, some paranormal with a hint of a romance in the making.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brandy Rice.
1,747 reviews19 followers
October 3, 2020
Harper Dade is at it again. She's putting her sleuthing skills to use while her wonky magic continues to wreak havoc in Willow Hallow. The story line is intriguing as secrets are revealed and a mystery is uncovered. This is my favorite book in the series so far! This was a fantastic read filled with surprises. Can't wait to read what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,061 reviews35 followers
October 4, 2020
Donuts for the Deceased is the third book in the Taste of Magic cozy mystery series and is an entertaining cozy read.

I am loving this series and the quirky characters. Harper and the familiars work with the Troll community to solve an old murder. There is humour, danger, accidental magic, mystery, and mayhem to enjoy in this delightful story.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
908 reviews18 followers
October 23, 2020
The witch who couldn't

Do magic properly, was considered a disaster magnet & so much more, is finally putting together the puzzle of her early childhood.

In this fast paced, mad cap 10 years old murder mystery, many things show up with crystal clear clarity.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book, hoping to know more about Harper's reality & how she breaks the curse that rules her life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
769 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2020
Answers are a good thing
It's a full moon night and there are shifters galore. Who killed the previous sheriff? Why is the new sheriff making bad decisions? Is Harper really cursed? Will there be answers or more questions? A great story with loads of action! Loving it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
372 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2020
When witch Harper Dade’s magic goes astray and sets free a bevy of ghosts, one of which is the former sheriff, she investigates when bear shifter and current sheriff Rosenthal Is accused of his murder. More backstory on Harper and all the interesting characters make this a fun and fabulous read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.7k reviews125 followers
October 12, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Kat McGee; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
257 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2022
Great book

Harper Dade, she's funny and curious and determined to figure out her magic and definitely learn to bake! She can raise the dead and then send them back again! Sad story at times yet the next sentence you'll be smiling if not laughing out loud! Read the series! You'll be glad of the up beat smile you end the story with!
Profile Image for Larry.
2,923 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2024
In this story, we have ghosts trying to take over the town, Trolls making a confession, the ghost of an ex-sheriff making trouble, and a dragon shifter too big for his deputy britches. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the former sheriff and why. The answers are myriad and frankly strange. Still, I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Aineenmarie.
389 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2020
I loved the storyline. The author really draws the reader into another world. Can't wait to read another book by This author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vicki.
185 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2025
I enjoy these stories for the most part, but the overuse of metaphors and similes is distracting. I'd be happier with a shorter book that was more concise. Other than that flaw the books would be at least 4 stars.
5 reviews
September 25, 2020
I love this Taste of Magic series! When the donut loving ghost of a former sheriff hijacks the body of a local citizen, who happens to be shifter, things start to get a little weird.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,282 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2020
Another exciting who done it with the witches. Always an exciting trip in this little town and who knows who will show up. HEA
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
August 21, 2021
Enjoyed

This was the second book of yours and really enjoyed your characters and the story line are excellent and I am looking forward to your next book.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
656 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2021
Another case solved

A long ago death and a ghost bent on revenge and mayhem in the magical town, but he underestimated our heroine. Another great read.
1,491 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2023
Book 3 and it gets better and better. Harper's magic is still skewed, so much so that she is afraid to use it but circumstances forces her hand, and it works out OK. A long dead sheriff who is not prepared to stay dead, but is ready to take the town over, working through the hottie mechanic and with an overambitious dragon shifter deputy, havoc ensues.

I am really enjoying these books, exciting, well written and clever too. I like Harper and am glad that she is beginning to start to believe in herself and her magic. A lot is also revealed in this book, but no spoilers so I shall not carry on, other than to say that if you have read the previous 2, it does make this one even better.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,751 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2023
An influx of ghosts and an unsolved murder. Just another day in Willow Hollow for Harper. Talk about the past coming back to haunt someone. That’s exactly what happened and it’s up to Harper to figure it out before more disasters strike. We learn so much about the past, including Harper’s and about her curse and especially the destruction of the theater when she was little. I couldn’t put the book down!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Willow Webster.
454 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2025
Good plot full of twists and turns and the characters are a riot and loads of fun. I really loved the book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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