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Enchanting Pies, Haunting Lies
In a town haunted by secrets, love might be the most dangerous spell of all.
Sophie Dodge is tired of being forgotten. Her old-school bakery on Essex Street is losing business to the newest sweet shop in town. And her love life? Let’s just say her ex made sure she’s sworn off romance for good. She’s determined to focus on her craft, her coven of loyal friends, and staying far away from the Salem PD—especially after what happened last year.
But when a swoon-worthy new detective lands in town, and a string of unsettling events puts Sophie squarely in the middle of an active investigation, staying uninvolved isn’t an option. The detective asks all the right questions, flashes all the wrong smiles, and seems to know more about Salem’s hidden history than he should. And maybe… he knows more than he should about her...
As strange clues surface and sparks fly, Sophie finds herself caught between the ghosts of her past and a future she isn’t sure she can trust. Because in Salem, nothing stays buried forever—and the deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes. And this time, her heart—and maybe her life—are on the line.
Sophie Dodge is tired of being forgotten. Her old-school bakery on Essex Street is losing business to the newest sweet shop in town. And her love life? Let’s just say her ex made sure she’s sworn off romance for good. She’s determined to focus on her craft, her coven of loyal friends, and staying far away from the Salem PD—especially after what happened last year.
But when a swoon-worthy new detective lands in town, and a string of unsettling events puts Sophie squarely in the middle of an active investigation, staying uninvolved isn’t an option. The detective asks all the right questions, flashes all the wrong smiles, and seems to know more about Salem’s hidden history than he should. And maybe… he knows more than he should about her...
As strange clues surface and sparks fly, Sophie finds herself caught between the ghosts of her past and a future she isn’t sure she can trust. Because in Salem, nothing stays buried forever—and the deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes. And this time, her heart—and maybe her life—are on the line.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
About the author
Jenny Rabe
28 books120 followersAfter going on over 150 first dates, Jenny has a a wealth of dating experience. She lives with her husband and three kids near the mountains, drawing inspiration from the constant ups and downs of relationships. When she's not writing clean, swoony romances, she's following some other dream to make a difference in the world.
Check out her inspirational romances under the penname of June B. Anderson.
Check out her inspirational romances under the penname of June B. Anderson.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 29, 2025
In a town haunted by secrets, love might be the most dangerous spell of all is a delicious blend of cozy mystery, witchy charm, and slow-burn romance that completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was hooked by Sophie Dodge—fiercely independent, emotionally scarred, and utterly relatable as a woman trying to protect her heart while holding onto everything she’s built.
The Salem setting is perfectly atmospheric, steeped in magic and history, with just the right hint of eerie suspense. Sophie’s bakery on Essex Street is practically a character in itself (I could smell the cinnamon rolls through the pages!), and her coven of loyal friends adds warmth and depth to a story already rich with emotion.
Enter the new detective—mysterious, brooding, and hiding secrets of his own. The chemistry between him and Sophie crackles off the page, but what makes it truly compelling is the emotional tension. This isn’t just a case of girl-meets-boy. This is about trust, trauma, and learning to open your heart when everything in you screams not to.
The mystery unfolds with perfect pacing, revealing just enough with each chapter to keep you guessing. Ghosts, hidden histories, magical secrets—it all ties together into a finale that is as satisfying as it is thrilling.
If you’re a fan of Practical Magic, Gilmore Girls with a supernatural twist, or cozy mysteries with real emotional stakes, this book will cast a spell you won’t want to break.
Absolutely 5 stars. I’m already counting the days until the next one!
The Salem setting is perfectly atmospheric, steeped in magic and history, with just the right hint of eerie suspense. Sophie’s bakery on Essex Street is practically a character in itself (I could smell the cinnamon rolls through the pages!), and her coven of loyal friends adds warmth and depth to a story already rich with emotion.
Enter the new detective—mysterious, brooding, and hiding secrets of his own. The chemistry between him and Sophie crackles off the page, but what makes it truly compelling is the emotional tension. This isn’t just a case of girl-meets-boy. This is about trust, trauma, and learning to open your heart when everything in you screams not to.
The mystery unfolds with perfect pacing, revealing just enough with each chapter to keep you guessing. Ghosts, hidden histories, magical secrets—it all ties together into a finale that is as satisfying as it is thrilling.
If you’re a fan of Practical Magic, Gilmore Girls with a supernatural twist, or cozy mysteries with real emotional stakes, this book will cast a spell you won’t want to break.
Absolutely 5 stars. I’m already counting the days until the next one!
December 1, 2025
Enchanting Pies, Haunting Lies mixes the right combination of ingredients:!mystery, intrigue, secrets, history, unexplained events, lies, twists, and a dash of romance which result in the correct recipe for the perfect cozy mystery. The plot was so intriguing with the perfect mix of history of the Salem Witch trials and how past events descend into the future. How intriguing that the author is a descendant of one of the accused witches. If you’re looking for a unique story with historical elements, small town vibes,,and a generous dash of sweet romance with an HEA, this book was made for you.
March 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Jenny Rabe is one of my favorite friends I have met on booktok, so I was excited to read her new historical mystery-romance book. I am not a big fan of romance books, but I appreciated that this book was clean and also had a big focus on the mystery elements. It was a cozy mystery, but it also had big stakes. I found myself surprised by the final twist! It was also fun that the povs switched throughout the book. One of my favorite additions to this book was the recipe for the pie that the characters loved being included at the end of the book.
Potential spoilers in the content review below:
Content:
•Murders/References to the Salem Witch Trials/Assaults/Drownings/Fire (maybe pg-13 on the violence with 2 instances being somewhat clearly described in a way that could be upsetting for some sensitive readers with blood/wounds described lightly)
•I would describe this as pg maybe pg-13 just with kissing and maybe pg-13 due to the pining etc. the reason I didn’t give this 5 ⭐️s is because I honestly feel awkward reading even just a little pining/yearning
Jenny Rabe is one of my favorite friends I have met on booktok, so I was excited to read her new historical mystery-romance book. I am not a big fan of romance books, but I appreciated that this book was clean and also had a big focus on the mystery elements. It was a cozy mystery, but it also had big stakes. I found myself surprised by the final twist! It was also fun that the povs switched throughout the book. One of my favorite additions to this book was the recipe for the pie that the characters loved being included at the end of the book.
Potential spoilers in the content review below:
Content:
•Murders/References to the Salem Witch Trials/Assaults/Drownings/Fire (maybe pg-13 on the violence with 2 instances being somewhat clearly described in a way that could be upsetting for some sensitive readers with blood/wounds described lightly)
•I would describe this as pg maybe pg-13 just with kissing and maybe pg-13 due to the pining etc. the reason I didn’t give this 5 ⭐️s is because I honestly feel awkward reading even just a little pining/yearning
October 11, 2025
This is a cozy mystery/clean romance story that takes place in Salem, MA. Some of the shop owners on Essex St. are experiencing hauntings, break-ins, and burglaries of their businesses. Sophie, who owns a bakery, and Quincy, a detective that just transferred to Salem from PA, work together to figure out who is behind the mischief. Several interesting stories are revealed around the Salem Witch Trials during the investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s well-written and rich with history. It’s a great cozy fall read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s well-written and rich with history. It’s a great cozy fall read.
November 16, 2025
Omg! This book was sooo good! Definitely my favorite Jenny Rabe book yet! I literally did not stop reading this book once I picked it up. It had me in a chokehold from page 1 to the end.
This book has suspense, angst, slow burn, an all around thrill ride. That ending though, has me in all my feels! So good!
The way I was trying to guess and figure out who done it, was crazy, I had so many suspicions, I was right on one of them, but didn’t see the way it come to light and what it all entailed!
This book has suspense, angst, slow burn, an all around thrill ride. That ending though, has me in all my feels! So good!
The way I was trying to guess and figure out who done it, was crazy, I had so many suspicions, I was right on one of them, but didn’t see the way it come to light and what it all entailed!
March 23, 2026
I met Jenny Rabe and her editor at a sci-fi/fantasy creatures' symposium a while back. They were both extremely helpful. They let me practice my book pitch on them and gave me some great advice. They even asked me to lunch. So, I bought her book!
Since the symposium was all about sci-fi and fantasy I was expecting this book to be a romantasy. It was not. No magic. I have never really read any cozy mysteries before but I did enjoy this one very much. The story was well written and the payoff at the end was pretty satisfying.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Since the symposium was all about sci-fi and fantasy I was expecting this book to be a romantasy. It was not. No magic. I have never really read any cozy mysteries before but I did enjoy this one very much. The story was well written and the payoff at the end was pretty satisfying.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
September 22, 2025
Absolutely loved this sweet romance mystery suspense. Businesses in Salem on Essex Street are being targeted. Quincy is a cop that has just moved to town and he is investigating what is going on. In the process he meets Sophie and it’s practically love at first sight but he still considers himself engaged. So he tries to fight it but when mysterious things keep happening all he wants to do is protect her and solve the case. Also, don’t forget the strawberry rhubarb pie.
September 28, 2025
Enchanting Pies, Haunting Lies transports you to a modern-day Salem, MA. Quincy, the new dective in town, is investigating a string of crimes that leads him to Sophie. She owns the local bakery. Quincy finds more than her baked goods enticing, and it becomes a will they won't they be dating situation. See if you can figure out the twists in this who did it mystery. Definitely don't forget the pie recipe in the back!
March 2, 2026
Know your history!!!!!!!!!
Really enjoyed all the history used in this book. Really enjoy how she writes from several characters perspective at different times in the book. What a great mystery that looks back in history to , you're out a current crime case. The romance in this book reminds me of real relationships that survived through hard times and accept each other through real things. Loved it.
Really enjoyed all the history used in this book. Really enjoy how she writes from several characters perspective at different times in the book. What a great mystery that looks back in history to , you're out a current crime case. The romance in this book reminds me of real relationships that survived through hard times and accept each other through real things. Loved it.
April 17, 2026
I have a bias when it comes to a particular career. That said, aside from that bias, this was a cute read. It was predictable, I saw the plot twist coming. I wish there was a *bit* more details in some main points of the story, but over all it was cute and I enjoyed it. I also read this one in the school pick-up line and it kept me entertained.
If you like spooky things and Halloween, this is a cute one.
If you like spooky things and Halloween, this is a cute one.
October 1, 2025
“Enchanting Pies, Haunting Lies” is a quick, fun read! There are some romantic aspects, and there are also some mystery aspects. I was curious and looked up the historical names mentioned, and they were really accusers and accused witches during the Salem Witch Trials. I love that Jenny Rabe included true historical information and people. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
October 1, 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect, coziest book to read for the fall season, then this book is for you. With a rich history and personal ties to the Salem Witch trails, this book will cast you all the way to Salem, Massachusetts. This book has all the small town charm along with a sweet romance and mysteries! I would love some more books like this one!
October 5, 2025
This book was the perfect romance read to get you into the fall season. It has a little mystery as well! Sophie and Quincy's story was such a fun read. There story takes place in Salem. Sophie is a baker and Quincy is a detective. Their interest in cracking a mystery helps bring them closer together. I definitely recommend this book along with a piece of rhubarb pie!
October 5, 2025
Absolutely loved it. I have loved every one of her books but this one takes the cake. It is my favorite by far. I love the mystery and those twists. Just when I thought I knew who it was there was a curve tossed in.
October 8, 2025
What a great read! A whirlwind of emotions served with a side of justice. Sophie and Quincy kept me glued to the pages. A super fun “who did it” story with a satisfying conclusion. Great work Jenny and Priscilla. Nailed it per usual.
November 30, 2025
This was just the sweetest! Set in Salem Massachusetts, Sophie the main character is a bake shop owner. Hot new detective, Quincy, enters the scene to solve a haunting mystery. I loved everything about this. I got to go to Salem last year and I’m obsessed with it.
January 17, 2026
Kept me Wanting More
I was so intrigued with the story and wanted to know more. With the suspense of will they find the criminal so up in the air until almost the end it kept me at the edge of my seat waiting and wondering.
Great read you will not regret it.
I was so intrigued with the story and wanted to know more. With the suspense of will they find the criminal so up in the air until almost the end it kept me at the edge of my seat waiting and wondering.
Great read you will not regret it.
November 7, 2025
A cozy clean mystery. I loved this story. The Salem witch hunt is a story that should never be forgotten in American history.
February 14, 2026
This was a super cute cozy mystery. Loved Quincy and Sophie's story. Love a good HEA.
May 17, 2026
Was very good! Glad I finally made the purchase.
March 14, 2026
Absolutely loved this cozy mystery! Will keep you engaged and guessing what is next. So fun and refreshing. Cover to cover the author keeps you engaged. Must read!
October 12, 2025
Author Jenny Rabe joins her mom Priscilla Flake again and baked up a delicious spooky season treat with this cozy mystery mixed with sweet romance.
It follows the FMC, Sophie, who is a baker, and the newest officer of the Salem PD. She's sworn off dating as her last love interest broke her heart. Mr. Police Officer gives mixed signals that confuse Sophie.
Very strange and even dangerous occurrences begin to take place on Essex Street, where her bakery and apartment are located.
Will this rhubarb pie loving officer break through her walls as well as this case?
You'll have to read for yourself! I throughout enjoyed this latest book of Jenny's. I recommend it!
It follows the FMC, Sophie, who is a baker, and the newest officer of the Salem PD. She's sworn off dating as her last love interest broke her heart. Mr. Police Officer gives mixed signals that confuse Sophie.
Very strange and even dangerous occurrences begin to take place on Essex Street, where her bakery and apartment are located.
Will this rhubarb pie loving officer break through her walls as well as this case?
You'll have to read for yourself! I throughout enjoyed this latest book of Jenny's. I recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews