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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
“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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!