Spells and Scones

Magical Bakery Mystery #6

by Bailey Cates

There's a body in the bookshop in this latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Magical Bakery mysteries...   When the bookshop next to the Honeybee Bakery hosts a signing for a Savannah radio celebrity's new self-help book, magical baker Katie Lightfoot is happy to provide some delectable desserts. A big crowd has turned out for the event, curious about the book (and maybe to sample some goodies), but the final chapter comes too soon for the author when she is found dead at the event.   The prime suspect is Angie Kissel, a former witch whose familiar was once Katie’s own terrier, Mungo. Katie is at first hesitant to help, afraid of losing the little dog who has become so important to her. But after a little nudge from Mungo himself, Katie decides to try to conjure up the real killer—before Angie gets served...   RECIPES INCLUDED!

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

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

A.K.A. Cricket McRae, A.K.A Bailey Cattrell:

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a cozy mystery, and it is the 6st book in A magical Bakery Mystery series. I enjoyed this book, but I did not like it as much as the other books in this series.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting case in Savannah. I'm a wee bit disappointed that the recipes at the end didn't include the eggnog pecan bundt cake that was mentioned in the story... it sounds so good!

[oshizu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down because my favorite warlock fares poorly in this book. Very poorly.

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can't believe I actually get to see her!"

The bookstore next door to the Honeybee Bakery is having a book signing by a popular radio psychologist. Several patrons are unhappy with her advice and become vocal during her presentation. Katie puts on her sleuthing cap when the woman is discovered dead in the back room of the bookstore after the event.

This is the sixth book in the Magical Bakery series. They get better with each book. I always enjoy visiting with Katie and the crew in the fabulous Savannah, Georgia.

I really like that Katie has come to terms with her inherited powers and uses them to help right wrongs. I was concerned when the main suspect was a "former" witch who also happened to be Mungo's previous owner. Katie's calm, reasonable manner put everything at ease.

I'm pleased with the progression of the relationship between Katie and Declan. Steve was like a thorn in the side when he showed up again. I have been firmly on Team Declan since he was introduced.

The mystery had a few twists and turns but I had pretty much figured out who the murderer was early on in the book. It's always nice to get validation.

I love the circle of strong women that support each other. Mimsy is one of my favorites!

The recipes are always a delight. Only two this time: one savory and one sweet. I may have to try them both.

I really enjoy this series and recommend it highly. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good mystery, I'd thought that the murderer was the husband, not the sister even though I'd had the motive correct. But now that Katie has accepted the proposal does that mean Steve is out of the series or is he going to be in serious bad guy mode. My best guess is that he'll turn this books problem around and stop the marriage before it gets that far.



Have to wait until November 7th 2017, for the next book to see if any of my guesses are correct.

[Stephanie Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books for the "Magical Bakery" series are awesome. I love the setting of the book and that they are in tuned with the earth's elements. It is a different kind of series and I really enjoy it. I hope she comes out with another one because the first six have really been awesome. It's refreshing to get a book away from the intense "love/drama" type books and really just enjoy reading. That's how I feel about these books. I hope to read more of Bailey Cates books.

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could go on and on about how much I love this series! It is one that will be added to my reread list. If you are looking for a great cozy with a little magic, then this is the series for you!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to get Bailey Cates most recent Magical Bakery Mysteries on my table and in my hands this week. I have read the entire series and love the titles of these books. I also am a fan of the cover art. The paranormal cozy series as a whole is quite good. In Spells and Scones, book 6 in the series, Katie finds herself involved in yet another mystery and murder. While I was pleased with myself for figuring out the murderer early on in the story I really did enjoy the secondary mystery and Katie's insecurity. Old friends and new friends in this story, along with good mystery happenings and truly mouth watering suggestions at the Honeybee Bakery! I also love the title of this book!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

I didn't understand her decision in the end, she said that not everyone would be happy about her decision, so I thought she would say no, but she aceppted ????? Why?

[Dez Nemec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite cozy series. Baking and witchcraft. What fun!

[KatintheCradle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series has now become formulaic with little variation and characters are made to behave illogically, unlike their previous behavior just to add more suspects to confuse a very obvious plot.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's missing all of the great characters of the earlier books. Totally about righteous Katie

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catering, Book Signing and Murder Lucy, Ben and Katie are catering a book signing for a self-help guru, Dr. Dana, at their business neighbor's bookstore. As the author arrives, there are a few people who have shown up to contest that the guru is what she says she is. Her "Radical Trust" philosophy has proven detrimental to many relationships. Her sister and her husband help to usher her to the back of the store when it seems all that were present to get an autographed copy of her book have been taken care of. She is found laying on the floor with a scent of almonds. 
 
The woman accused of the murder turns out to be a witch and Mungo's former owner. She had stopped practicing magic and was divorced following the advice of Dr. Dana. Mungo convinces Katie to help her and prove that she couldn't have murdered Dr. Dana. As Katie delves into the mystery she finds many other suspects, including Dr. Dana's sister, husband, a bar owner and his wife. 
 
Fun read. Declan and she are moving closer to being together and have been together for a year. Steve has returned to town and has broken ties with his father and the Dragohs. He is also wanting to be with Katie again. 
 
 

[Rachel-RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts out a bit slow (there is the reminder of Katie's move, magical abilities, etc). It does pick up. Katie's bakery is catering an author signing at the bookstore next door. This takes a turn when the author, a bit of a "relationship guru," is murdered.
Katie's familiar, Mungo, used to belong to someone else. It turns out he belonged to another witch and left her after she gave up being a witch. Angie, the ex-witch, is accused of murder and Mungo lets Katie know she didn't do it. So, it's up to Katie to figure out who the guilty party is, because, of course, the police are only focused on Angie.
Katie does get a new friend/ally with Angie. I like how Katie has grown into her abilities. They are a part of her and she accepts them and as a result is stronger. Her relationship with Declan changes in this and they go to the next level. She also has realizations about Steve. Angie might be a possible love interest for him (we will have to see). Anyway, murder solved and all nicely tied up.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
Really enjoyable

[Jillian Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author ends up dead with a lot of angry customers. Familiars can find more than one owner. Love interests build and crash. Overall, a great addition to the series.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continue to love this series!

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably my favorite installment in the series thus far.
What a cute story.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting better as it goes. I believe the hint of love triangle is finally gone - yay!!!

The gang is at the bookstore next door for a book signing that doesn't end well. First there are a few hecklers to the marriage advice then there is the dead body. The main suspect has ties to the gang through Mungo, so they work to prove her innocence.

I really like the characters and it was a good mystery although I did guess whodunit, but not too early. Glad to see Katie evolving both personally and with her witchcraft. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5...my favorite in the series so far!!! Loved it!!! ^_^

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is getting pies ready for the Thanksgiving crush and wondering about her future with Declan when she takes a break to cater an author signing in the bookstore next door. The author is a radio personality famous for her weird no-secrets-at-all couples counseling. Some of the audience are angry that following her suggestions had negatively affected their marriage. Three of them are very angry. When the author drops dead from poison while signing the last few books, the police are certain that the one of the hecklers-a former witch- did it. Mungo, however, begs to differ and convinces Katie to help. Yes, Mungo is a dog. Well, he is Katie's familiar. Can Katie help prove her new friend's innocence before the turkey is served? And is that former boyfriend Steve driving down the street in a fancy car?

This series is a little bit funny, a little bit weird, but I enjoy them.

[Maura Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with cozy murder mystery and this is the genre at it’s best. Lol. Baking - a book club- a hot firefighter - hedge witches AND cute little dogs ?!?!?!

I haven’t read any of the other magical bakery mysteries - but I’m excited to Re visit these characters. I wonder if the exposition would be tiresome had I read the other books …. But coming into them in the middle, I felt guided in the way of the character’s relationships.

The narrator is a 3 star —- she felt a little monotonous but overall I enjoyed her performance


The title however is a 1 star. There were no scones and it was vaguely harvest /thanksgiving themed ?????

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2022 bk 212. When an author visit to the neighboring bookstore ends in a death, Katie and her family are drawn into the solving. Peter Quinn is not happy about their involvement in the case but is dumbfounded when included in a trap to catch the murderer. A good read that kept me up far past my bedtime!

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn’t nearly as dark as the two previous ones, but a character was introduced that can’t seem to keep her speech clean, and the phrase she uses is one I cringe at every time it’s uttered.

The love triangle came back, and although Katie seems fairly sure of her choice she does seem to waffle a bit.

Katie also showed a lot of jealousy and self doubt when her familiar’s previous owner comes around.

Overall, not my favorite. However, for some reason I seem to have the entire series, other than the one that won’t be released for another few months, so I’ll keep reading in hopes that they improve.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and easy reading, which is exactly what I expected from it. Another solid entry in a really fun series.

[Courtney Larkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series so far! I would give these books 10 stars if I could!! 💫

[Jennifer Oberth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the 6th installment of the Magical Bakery Mystery!
I just adore this series and the characters and the writing and the humor.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Paige Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t stop reading this series, it’s so cute. Definitely getting me in the mood for a cozy fall ☺️

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are going quite well for Katie and the Honeybee. She and Declan are coming up on their one year anniversary and the bakery is so busy they need to hire part-time help. When the Honeybee was asked to cater a book signing at the bookstore next door, they are only too happy to help. Katie's neighbor, Margie, is eager to meet the popular radio talk show host and author dr. Dana. However, some people in the audience are not so excited. They claim the psychologist is a fake who gives terrible, outdated advice that will ruin any relationship. When Margie discovers Dr. Dana lying dead in the back room, one of the hecklers, Angie Kissel, standing over the dead body, Katie is drawn into yet another murder investigation. Detective Quinn thinks this case is cut and dry-Angie did it- he just has to prove how. Angie proclaims her innocence and begs Katie to help her. Katie wonders why the other woman has chosen her, until Angie reveals she is also a (former) witch and Mungo used to be her familiar! Katie feels torn between doing the right thing and preventing the other woman from taking her beloved familiar back. Katie knows what she has to do, but it won't be easy. Her relationship with Declan is also at a crossroads and Katie needs to make a decision about their future.

While the mystery is lacking in this book, the relationship aspect takes up a larger part of the story and brings the series to a conclusion (possibly?). I figured out who and why and how right away. It was SO obvious and even more so once the big clue was dropped. Katie should have known. There's a pattern to all the previous murders she's investigated. She does ask some stupid questions and slightly abuse her power but she recognizes what she's doing. Her relationship drama is rushed through at the end. I didn't really get a sense of how she made her decision and that she was confident in her choice. She's grown as a character throughout the series and lets the reader know that. Any reader who has read the whole series should be able to see that and doesn't need to be told.

The only major secondary character is Angie. At first when Katie isn't sure what to make of her, the reader isn't either. Then she becomes a big part of the story and I think she will be a good friend for Katie. If the series continues, I hope to get to know her better. The surprise at the end was great.

Dr. Dana doesn't sound like she was a nice person. Her advice didn't work for her so she had no business preaching it to anyone else. I don't even know why anyone would listen to her! Radical trust is creepy. She makes her sister into a flunky assistant, doing everything to please the prima dona. I don't understand why Phoebe put up with Dana. Then there's Dana's husband, who is kind of difficult to know. He isn't in the story much, but he can't have been happy married to Dr. Dana.

This is a nice, light entry into the series. There's not a lot of wiccan activity going on or any more light shed on Katie's special powers so if that's your main interest, you may not enjoy this one as much. I was happy Mungo plays a big role in directing Katie's actions in this one. He is just so cute!