Murder 101: Kitchen Witch Mystery Series, Book 1.5

Kitchen Witch Mysteries #1.5

by Lynn Cahoon

Mia Malone has opened a catering business in Magic Springs, Idaho, putting both her culinary expertise and her gift for spellcasting to good use. But it'll take more than witchcraft to make a murderer disappear behind bars....

Mia Malone has landed a lucrative and convenient gig, catering a reunion at the old school that's become her new business headquarters. The town swirls with rumors that St. Catherine's Preparatory is haunted, but there's one living visitor that Mia wasn't expecting - her mother. Theresa Malone stepped away from the magic that runs in Mia's family, much to the annoyance of Mia's grandmother. Soon Mia has to deal with more than personal drama when Robin Hanover, the head of the reunion committee, is murdered in one of the classrooms.

Robin had a history as a mean girl. Could one of her old enemies have been nursing a grudge all this time? Or is the culprit even closer to home? Mia will need the help of her magic, her wits, and her family to figure out the truth - before she gets schooled by a clever killer....

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fantasy, Witches, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published April 27, 2021

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder 101 is the mini-novella between the first and the second books in the Kitchen Witch series written by Lynn Cahoon. I've read the prequel and the first book, so I had to catch up on this one before I could read the latest being released over the summer. If you're a fan of witches, Idaho settings, and playful stories, you'll enjoy this one, just like me.

Mia's opened up the remodeled school building and she's secured her first major client -- a reunion of a graduating class from over 30 years ago. What she didn't realize at the time was that it's her mother's class, and her mother's former friends have descended upon Magic Springs. Grans loves her daughter, but since she gave up magic, the two don't see eye to eye anymore. Mia's caught in the middle, and then, when the hostess of the class reunion is found dead, the whole past comes flooding forward. What happened to a member of their class who died years ago? Why did Mia's mother drop out of one school and enroll in another, including change her name? So many little diversions to resolve.

In the end, I enjoyed the story. There is very little magic in the books so far... it's all about a couple of people with powers but they never use them. I like this balance, as I understand the rules. I look forward to reading the latest in the series which comes out in July... I got a copy from NetGalley, and I'm ready to dive in, but I'll wait until July 1st at least, so I can keep my rotation of about 30 series right now all in line!

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia is catering a reunion at her new "old" school. This was a fun short story. I would prefer a full size cozy, but I do enjoy that Lynn Cahoon has the short ones mixed in to keep you wanting more.

[shannon✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun, even though the mystery wasn’t all that mysterious. I think it was pretty obvious who did it. I’m curious to learn more about what happened in Mia’s family though.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick mystery

As Mia expands her business, she learns more about her craft, the schoolhouse she now owns and her own family history! While managing a weekend long reunion event at her own school/business Mia is once again dragged into a murder that has history starting at school! Fun, quick read, can't wait for more!

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book. It had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. If you love a good mystery and need a break from those huge chapter books, then this book is perfect for you.

[Barbara Bland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good read. A short novella that I was fortunate enough to win from Goodreads. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I am going to check out more of her books.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the setting for this series being in an old private school, and it just the right kind of spookyish vibe for a murder set at a class reunion. Even readers who've not read the first novella or first book could easily follow along, since there's enough brief explanations, but I think it'd be lots more fun to start with the first novella, then the first book before this.

The murder was solved fairly quickly due to this being a novella, and the whodunit wasn't a huge surprise once someone else was cleared. I liked that Mia's mom came to the reunion and even though she didn't get along with Grans, it seemed as if they might have actually been talking. It did leave it open for something to happen though, so now I'm anxious as to when this something is actually going to happen.

I read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author, and my opinions are my own.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder 101 is book 1.5 in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Mia Maone is a Kitchen Witch who mainly does healing spells although she tries not to use her magic.. She just bought an old school that she is renovating for her catering business and cooking classes and she and her assistant and friend Christina live on the 2nd floor. Mia's grandmother (Gran) lives nearby. In this book, Mia is hired to be the caterer for a class reunion and it will be held at Mia's school which was the school the participants attended before it closed. Mia has a difficult time keeping the reunion attendees out of the off-limits part of the building and strange things happen. Mia's mom, Theresa, arrives unexpectedly for the reunion which causes a little family drama. Then one of the reunion organizers is found dead. Christina, Gran, Mia's boyfriend' Trent and his brother Levi all help Mia with catering the reunion as well as tracking down the suspects. The characters really make this cozy mystery so enjoyable. The cozy mystery kept me guessing until the end. This series is a wonderful paranormal adventure. Thank you to Lynn Cahoon for the book code. This is an honest review and the opinions are my own. #Murder101 #LynnCahoon

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia Malone has opened a catering business in Magic Springs, Idaho hoping to use both her culinary skills and her magical abilities. She lands a lucrative gig catering a reunion at an old school which happens to be her place of business. But when she finds the body of the event coordinator, Robin Hanover, things take a dark turn.

I loved this book which was a quick, fun read. The book's well-written with wonderful characters. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both this book and the first of the series.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short novella that introduces Mia’s mom. It was an okay mystery and a good read, the resolution to the mystery occurred off page so it really wasn’t exciting. It was good to see Cristina coming out of her shell now that Isaac’s influence is gone.

[Amber Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this witchy cozy series. Mia has landed a very lucrative catering job doing the school reunion for her mother's high school. No one expects there to be a murder. Mia uses her magic and wits to help solve this crime. The mystery was so good. I will be reading the next one.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good novella, moves the series along nicely and the mystery was enjoyable. Mia is hosting a huge event, a high school reunion, in the old school that she runs her catering business in. But high school reunions aren't just a chance for reminiscing, but for revenge...

[Jo Ann Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this new series. There are cliff hangers in this series which I'm not fond of but love the story.

[Christine Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful short story about family and murder during a high school reunion.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very just okay. I felt like the mystery completing off page was a disappointment. It was a good introduction to her mother.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and entertaining, I liked it.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: ★★½
audio narrated by Angie Hickman

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick listen. Not as impressive as the others in the series but not bad.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy these books but I wish there was a little more to each story.

[Betty]

entertining book. School reunions? they can be fun or could be deadly. Read this Cozy mystery . THey have become some of my favorite reads. Tried to review earlier but was not allowed due to pre publication.

[Neena Christianson Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reunions can be murder.

Mia, the owner of an old high school that she's turned into an event center and catering business, is hosting a class reunion of it's previous students. Nothing's going as planned, nosy ex-students won't stay away from the restricted areas, and someone had the gall to kill the reunion leader.

[Diane Hassler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway

Very fun read. I loved the characters. Makes me want to go out and get the other books in the series.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella in a new series by Lynn Cahoon. I was fortunate enough to win this book from Goodreads, and while I have read other books by Lynn, I hadn't started this particular series.
Mia Malone is a kitchen witch who has moved back to Magic Springs, Idaho, to open a catering business after breaking up with her old boyfriend. (That story was covered in book one One Poison Pie, which I have just ordered.)
Her current job is catering a high school reunion, and that becomes a murder scene when the head of the reunion committee is murdered. Mia's business is just getting started, and she can't afford to lose her business or her life because of the murder. Talk about incentive!!
As I mentioned, I did win this book, and enjoyed it so much that I've ordered both the first and pre-ordered the second! I've written this review because I feel other readers of paranormal cozies would love this series too!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder 101 is Book 1.5 in the FANTASTIC Kitchen Witch Series by Lynn Cahoon.

I really love this series and this novella was a great mystery.

Mia Malone has started a catering company in Magic Springs, Idaho. She is a kitchen witch and she puts that into all of her wonderful food.

Mia has acquired a great job catering a reunion for the school which her business is currently run out of. Her mom is part of that school but gave up her magic many years ago.

Robin, who is the head of the reunion committee is found murdered and Mia is investigating before the murder strikes next. Mia is also dealing with some family drama between her mom and her grams. I loved the family dynamic that added alot to this story.

I truly LOVE this series so much. I love the characters , they are well developed and fleshed out.

The mystery is fantastic, and I loved the romance that is developing between Mia and Trent.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, definitely check out One Poison Pie

I cannot wait to read more of this well written series.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a Kindle copy as a GoodReads giveaway. A short, fun cozy read. I haven't read other books in the series and was a little mystified about things that were possibly explained in the previous book(s?) - Mr. Darcy/Dorian - say what?! But the author provided enough background information on these unusual happenings that I was able to follow the plot in this book. I'd like to read more in the series.

[Brenda Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Getting more background on the characters was great. I hope to learn even more of their history in the upcoming books. I can't wait!

[Sheila Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was creative, original, entertaining, and enjoyable, I've got to let you know that it's extremely short, and it's apparently just an interlude between book #1 and book #2. Either that, or there was a HUGE HUGE portion (the ending) omitted. I'm on the waiting list for book #3 (Two Wicked Desserts), so I will see if this is wrapped up in that book. If it's not, then I'm not happy with the ending of this one.

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little murder mystery novella. I find this series well written and the characters are a ton of fun.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon lets us finally find out why Mia's mom gave up her heritage.

Will the killer get away once the high school reunion is finished?

Mia Malone
Mia Malone is a kitchen witch who runs a catering business specializing in takeaway meals and cooking classes. The catering part is why Mia is stuck not only catering to her new home's high school class reunion but also hosting the reunion at her home. Mia has her hands full of drunk adults trying to do things that were once prohibited for them, but also dealing with her mom. Yeah, Theresa Malone was once a high school member of St. Catherine's School, Mia's new home and business center, and gave up her witch inheritance. Mia doesn't allow anyone to walk all over her and tries not to let her mom's presence affect her anymore. I have to say that Mia made many good decisions for a short book, especially with the murder and her family.

The Victim
Robin Hanover, the mean popular girl in high school, was found deceased in the chemistry classroom on the second floor. Mia isn't happy that another death happened in her home. In all pretenses, Robin Hanover looked like the equivalent of a person having a great life after high school ended. She married the high school quarterback while she was the head cheerleader, and they looked like a happy perfect couple. In reality, that was far from the truth. Just who had the ideal motive to kill Robin?

Five Stars
Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon has our kitchen witch sleuth that is trying to restart her adult life in Magic Springs, Idaho. I love each installment from this series when I get a chance to read it. I'm giving Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon five stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to try it out. The book also has a recipe in the back. It's called Monkey Bread.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon.

Until the next time,



This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia’s Morsels

With the help of some friends, Mia Malone is hosting a reunion weekend at Mia’s Morsels. The planning committee is excited because it’s going to be in their old school house. Mia, with help from Christine, Trent, and the town’s coven has planned the party. She may be nervous because it’s her first big shindig, but Mia isn’t expecting problems. At least not the problems she’s having. It turns out the school had a coven of amateur witches who sneak upstairs to cast a spell. When the woman who co-ordinated the party is found murdered upstairs, Mia wonders about theUr intentions. As she continues to host the attendees (suspects), she keeps her ears open for information and intrigue. If the murder wasn’t stressing enough, Mia also has to deal with her mother and her Grans fractured relationship as the re union has united the two women. As always this is a clever mystery involving a close knit community with a small town atmosphere. It’s a fun read and the second book in the series, if you don’t count the Novelas. I look forward to the next installment