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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 books130 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 - 30 of 32 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!
October 13, 2026
Cute, cozy, fall mystery, with a touch of romance! Loved this book to start my fall/Halloween lineup.
November 20, 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.
November 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
This book was such a cute & cozy little Halloween mystery romance. 🎃 Genuinely, I loved reading it. It wasn’t super long, so it was pretty easy to digest, and tbh, sometimes that’s exactly what I want. I could kind of anticipate the ending, but that’s okay because it was still cute and fun to read!
I actually liked both the FMC and MMC separately as people, which is saying something because I genuinely struggle to like FMCs sometimes. The author’s writing was good, and I really appreciated the historical context and blurbs throughout the book. As a Pagan and witch, I especially appreciated that there was actual historical reality to the witchcraft aspects rather than just throwing things in for the aesthetic.
My only real complaint outside of some romance grievances (which we’ll get into below lol) was that the ending felt a little too fast-paced for my liking. The pacing throughout the actual book was perfect, though!
oh and i took a pic of the recipe. the book made me hungry for Sophie’s baked goods sooo bad. 😭
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SPOILERS BELOW 👇🏼
—————————————————————————————-
Something that really bothered me, and I HAVE to get off my chest, is that Quincy really made Sophie a backup choice. A consolation prize, honestly. 😭
He was so stuck on his ex-fiancée (or fiancée, as he believed) and then, after ONE sudden phone call with said ex, he suddenly loves Sophie, goes to her, and BOOM. Just like that, she accepts him, and they’re together.
I don’t know. It really felt like he was settling. Of course, Sophie was the better option, but it genuinely felt like he only chose her because his ex didn’t want him. And I just didn’t love that. Sophie deserves better than being someone’s second choice, especially when she had clearly been there all along. And she was pretty cool:)
NOW. They are cute. I will give them that. But remember when I said the ending was too fast-paced for me? Yeah. I LOVE slow burns, and these two went from dating to meeting parents to engaged to married to pregnant all within… like four months? HELLO??? whaaaat.
Pretty wild. Not necessarily abnormal for romance, but definitely not the pacing I personally love. I would’ve enjoyed getting to actually sit with their relationship a little more.
Either way, I really did enjoy this book! It was cozy, cute, fun, and such a lovely little Halloween read.
And a big FUCK Elle. :) She grossed me out immediately.
This book was such a cute & cozy little Halloween mystery romance. 🎃 Genuinely, I loved reading it. It wasn’t super long, so it was pretty easy to digest, and tbh, sometimes that’s exactly what I want. I could kind of anticipate the ending, but that’s okay because it was still cute and fun to read!
I actually liked both the FMC and MMC separately as people, which is saying something because I genuinely struggle to like FMCs sometimes. The author’s writing was good, and I really appreciated the historical context and blurbs throughout the book. As a Pagan and witch, I especially appreciated that there was actual historical reality to the witchcraft aspects rather than just throwing things in for the aesthetic.
My only real complaint outside of some romance grievances (which we’ll get into below lol) was that the ending felt a little too fast-paced for my liking. The pacing throughout the actual book was perfect, though!
oh and i took a pic of the recipe. the book made me hungry for Sophie’s baked goods sooo bad. 😭
—————————————————————————————
SPOILERS BELOW 👇🏼
—————————————————————————————-
Something that really bothered me, and I HAVE to get off my chest, is that Quincy really made Sophie a backup choice. A consolation prize, honestly. 😭
He was so stuck on his ex-fiancée (or fiancée, as he believed) and then, after ONE sudden phone call with said ex, he suddenly loves Sophie, goes to her, and BOOM. Just like that, she accepts him, and they’re together.
I don’t know. It really felt like he was settling. Of course, Sophie was the better option, but it genuinely felt like he only chose her because his ex didn’t want him. And I just didn’t love that. Sophie deserves better than being someone’s second choice, especially when she had clearly been there all along. And she was pretty cool:)
NOW. They are cute. I will give them that. But remember when I said the ending was too fast-paced for me? Yeah. I LOVE slow burns, and these two went from dating to meeting parents to engaged to married to pregnant all within… like four months? HELLO??? whaaaat.
Pretty wild. Not necessarily abnormal for romance, but definitely not the pacing I personally love. I would’ve enjoyed getting to actually sit with their relationship a little more.
Either way, I really did enjoy this book! It was cozy, cute, fun, and such a lovely little Halloween read.
And a big FUCK Elle. :) She grossed me out immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 20, 2026
This was such a cute cozy fall read! I loved the Salem setting, the bakery, and how the mystery tied into the history of the Salem Witch Trials. The mystery definitely takes center stage, starting with hauntings, break-ins, and burglaries before eventually turning into something much more dangerous.
I really liked Sophie and Quincy working together to figure out what was going on. Their romance is a sweet, clean slow burn that never takes over the story.
Sophie is healing from her past relationship and learning to trust again, especially when it comes to cops. Quincy is separated from his fiancée and trying to figure out where they stand while also developing feelings for Sophie. I loved watching them slowly grow closer while solving the mystery.
The pacing was good and the mystery kept me interested. Even though some of it was a little predictable, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. A fun mix of mystery, Salem history, healing, and slow-burn romance!
I really liked Sophie and Quincy working together to figure out what was going on. Their romance is a sweet, clean slow burn that never takes over the story.
Sophie is healing from her past relationship and learning to trust again, especially when it comes to cops. Quincy is separated from his fiancée and trying to figure out where they stand while also developing feelings for Sophie. I loved watching them slowly grow closer while solving the mystery.
The pacing was good and the mystery kept me interested. Even though some of it was a little predictable, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. A fun mix of mystery, Salem history, healing, and slow-burn romance!
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.
August 25, 2026
I really enjoyed Enchanting Pies, Haunting Lies. The charming main characters and cozy Salem setting kept me invested from start to finish. As someone who loves Salem, the book had me wanting to book a return trip and experience all of its magic and history again.
While some parts of the story felt a little rushed and I figured out the plot twist fairly early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The atmosphere, relationships, and small-town charm made this a fun and engaging read. If you enjoy witchy settings, light romance, and cozy mysteries, this one is worth picking up.
While some parts of the story felt a little rushed and I figured out the plot twist fairly early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The atmosphere, relationships, and small-town charm made this a fun and engaging read. If you enjoy witchy settings, light romance, and cozy mysteries, this one is worth picking up.
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.
October 25, 2026
I loved this book!! A different book from Jenny Rabe’s normal romance books. I loved the mystery and the history behind the story!! Loved the two main characters and the story between them!! Great Halloween book to read this time of year!!
October 29, 2026
I don't think this was a bad book, this just wasn't for me. If you enjoy Hallmark movies you'll enjoy this. I had read several heavier books and needed something lighter but romance just isn't my cup of tea.
November 3, 2026
Such a feel good story, love a good closed door where it focuses on building the relationship versus being told what’s going on behind the scenes. Such a good story about the Salem Witch Trials, and I love the romance. It’s so cute and I “heee heee’d” my way through it lol
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.
August 5, 2026
Cute and wholesome.
Small bit of violence but pretty safe if you have any teens looking for books.
I enjoyed the story
Small bit of violence but pretty safe if you have any teens looking for books.
I enjoyed the story
October 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this!!! The lore and the romance was just so perfect!
October 11, 2026
A Hallmark Crimes and Mysteries style read. Swoony fall vibes with a touch of crime. Love overcomes evil. Predictable yet so sweet. Definitely a palate cleanser if you have been reading heavy stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews