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Spells & Caramels #6

Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips

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A bewitched prison. A brother with a deadly request. Can a magical baker launch a jailbreak and still keep her prince in the process?

Imogen’s magical bakery is thriving and she loves the company of the Water Kingdom’s dashing prince. But she’s not so enamored with the time she’s forced to spend with his awful Royal Family. She also can't help but worry that the increased media scrutiny could reveal her secret contact with the Royal Family’s sworn enemy: her own brother.

When her sibling shows up and demands Imogen spring his cronies out of jail, she flat out refuses. But when he threatens to hurt the ones she loves the most, she balances her allegiance to the prince with her plan for a covert prison break. Can Imogen keep up family appearances and avoid betraying the kingdom or will her pie-in-the-sky scheme become a recipe for disaster?

Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips is the sixth standalone book in a clever paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like crafty witches, charming romances, and fabulous French settings, then you'll love Erin Johnson’s enchanting adventure.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2018

446 people are currently reading
367 people want to read

About the author

Erin Johnson

90 books716 followers
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.

In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,366 followers
July 31, 2022
The Spells & Caramels Cozy With Mystery series written by Erin Johnson just keeps getting better and better with the launch of the 6th book, Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips: A Cozy Witch Mystery, published today. I had to get the book as soon as it was available and tore through it in a few hours. What an amazing series with fantastic characters, surprises and major possibilities for the future. You know a series is on the brink of becoming something quite big when you feel that investment brewing deep inside and can't sit still while reading a book!

In this one, Imogen learns the truth about what happened all those years ago with the Monsters invading her world, turning her into a swallow and leading to her adoption into the non-magic world. And it's a doozy of a reveal tying in parts of Hank's past, the royal family and the supposedly inescapable prison we've heard about before. From brilliant imagery to shocking partnerships, this story has it all. Johnson has delivered the best in the series with Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book now that I'm all caught up... and if you've not experienced them before, you must start from the beginning. It will be very rewarding to see the growth in both the characters and the fantastic world Johnson has built with all these magic kingdoms.
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
September 24, 2019
I was given this book for free for an honest review.

This was the best out of the whole series so far. I loved all of them , but this one really stood out.
The twists kept me guessing till the last pages.
Some more characters introduced in more detail in this book , we learn so much more about Hanks past too.
We really see some different sides of Horace and i think along with the characters I'm trying not to like him!
I can't wait to see what will happen next, it ended on such a cliff hanger !

Updated:
I have just finished the audio of this book. The audio is also the best so far, brilliantly captivating, I was glued to it.
Can't recommend the book or audio enough.
The naration is brilliant .
Profile Image for Nina Silva.
198 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2018
Another enchanting Spells and Caramels mystery that will delight your senses and grip your heart. Seriously. I’m not being dramatic. This book grabbed my attention like no other Cozy Mystery before. My heart was actually pounding while reading the jailbreak chapters; and I had busy butterflies fluttering in my stomach through the big reveal at the end. Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips is cozy excitement at its best.

World-Building: Erin takes us to another new location in this 6th story, the Air Kingdom. With its pretty royal colours of white and silver, islands hovering in the clouds and held together by rope bridges and twinkling lights of airships against a night sky, the world of the Air Kingdom provides a beautiful backdrop to the story and is very distinct from each of the kingdoms we visited before.
The Carclaustra Prison in brilliantly defined and described as well. The protection mechanisms described by the author are clever and imaginative. I even began imaging a grand Harry Potter Gringot’s style escape!

The theme of friendship is very important to this story. Imogen must confess to her friends her dealings with her brother. Their loyalty to her is delightful to watch play out (although she is a wee bit dramatic in expecting their condemnation). Hank’s friendship with his old mentor gets a central focus. Even Horace seems affected by the binds of friendship- although we are left to wonder at his sincerity.

Where Book 5 explored Imogen’s feelings about her relationships with Hank and Horace, this one brings Hank into the spotlight. We see that the darling Prince has had his own difficult battles to fight and is still fighting a past he doesn’t quite understand. His character is more fully developed in this story, through revelations of the past and his interactions with his family.

The Mystery itself: Again, I’ll point out that this is a series best read in order. The body discovered at the opening of the story plays into the big reveal at the end but parts of that story have been building up since earlier books. I would say the big conundrum of this book is the ‘prison break’. The ‘how’ is a great tale!

Overall, there are many puzzle pieces to fit together. You’ll find those pieces in this book and in earlier ones as well. The hunt for the pieces is worth it as they fit together brilliantly!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this books provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
July 17, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

I fell in love with both the world and the characters while reading book one and each new installment just reinforces that love with this one not being an exception. Imogen finds herself being manipulated by Horace before and during the planned tripped to the Air Kingdom. Of course all of her friends are involved (Iggy is still hilarious) and things with Hank are still experiencing bumps in the road. All of this builds into a finale that was rather explosive and full of secret tidbits. It was just great and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. If you enjoy magical cozy mysteries that will truly transport you to a new world then you really have to read this book/series. I absolutely loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
102 reviews
June 20, 2018
In this story Prince Hank & Imogen discover Hank's old mentor and it's not good. Imogen & her bakers are being blackmailed by her brother Horace to free his friends. Lots of action and unexpected twists & turns and a cliffhanger. I couldn't put it down. Full of love, loyalty, friendships, trust and secrets revealed. I received an advanced copy and my review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Lola.
1,988 reviews275 followers
December 10, 2018
I am really enjoying this paranormal cozy mystery series. In this book Imogen and her friends visit the air kingdom. It's fun to visit another place and there's another mystery and another adventure waiting. And ofcourse more baking, some romance and the awesome friendships I've grown to expect from this series.

Imogen and the rest of the bakers are taking over for the air bakers while they're visiting the air kingdom so the air bakers can get some time off. Imogen also has royal parties to attend now that her relationship with Hank is out in the open. And then Horace arrives and demands she and her baker friends help him break two people out of the highest security prison in the kingdoms. He threatens everyone they love if they don't help him and they can't tell anyone either.

So they all have the juggle multiple responsibilities and keep the planned prison break a secret. While I really liked the visit to the air kingdom and even the tension the prison break plan brought along, I wasn't a big fan how they got forced into it. As it didn't feel like they had a choice in the matter. But in the end I did really like how things got resolved. And then at the end when even more truths come to light and things fall on it's place was awesome. There are also some great twists along the way.

I like how each book has a mystery that gets resolved in that book, but there is also a bigger plot line in the background that progresses. This book has some strong connections with book 4 and 5, where some of the important parts of the bigger plot line in the background got set up. And even with everything going on and the high stakes of the plot lines, these books are just so much fun to read. I love how the author manages to keep the tone fun.

The actual mystery in this book was a tad different, it's a bit of a cold case when Hank and Imogen discover something and decide to investigate. But throughout the book there isn't as much investigating as I would've expected, but that made sense with everything else going out and after the biggest pieces they needed certain information from someone else, which they get later in the book. Toward the end the truth comes to light and it all falls on it's place and it's awesome. I did piece a small part together, but not the rest and it was great to see how it all worked together and connected to the bigger plot line throughout the series too.

I enjoyed seeing how Imogen and her friends handle this newest challenge and how they stick together. The bakers form such a tight group of friends and I enjoy seeing how they have each other's back. It also was fun to see Maple and Wiley together now in this book. And how Hank and Imogen act now that their relationship is out in the open. And I enjoyed Iggy's unique brand of humor and snark as well. Iggy played a less big role at first, but toward the end he become more important. I still can't fully get a grip on Horace and his motivations, some times he seems almost likable and other moments he acts more like the villain again.

I also like how with each book the world gets expanded a bit. This time with seeing more of the air kingdom and also more about magic that we learn. And I like how the series has a good sense of continuity with character from previous books coming back and making another appearance. And plot liens continuing throughout the series. This book had some strong ties with book 5 and multiple characters we met there make a reappearance here.

To summarize: If you like paranormal cozy mysteries I would definitely recommend this series. It's probably my favorite series in this genre and the series keep going strong. Each book has it's own mystery, but there's also a bigger overarching plot line playing out throughout the series. I like the continuity in this series and seeing how things progress throughout the series. Imogen and her baker friends land in some trouble in this book when they're forced to help Horace with a prison break. They also visit the air kingdom, which made for a fun pace of scenery. Some big secrets and truth come to light at the end, which was great. And with how the book ends I am curious what will happen to the next book.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2022
Oh my!

What an exciting book this was!!! So much happening, I read this book on the edge of my seat, holding my breath! So good. And Horace, oh no! A lot of this book is about what he is forcing Imogen and her friends to do. But of course there is also a murder case to solve. But yes, it is more about the prison break than the case, the case isn’t the main focus of the book, but it was so fun to read! But in the prison, it does get scary, almost too much so! A bit horror-y, but only for a bit. This story contains many twists especially where it concerns Horace. But, beware, there is a cliffy at the end! So onto book 7 immediately! This series is too good to put down!
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,055 reviews83 followers
June 25, 2018
Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson is the sixth installment in the Spells & Caramels series. Imogen and her fellow bakers are enjoying being back home on Bijou Mer. Now that her relationship with Prince Hank is out in the open, Imogen is invited to attend the various soirees hosted at the palace which means spending time with Hank’s family (Imogen cannot figure out how Hank turned out so well). Things are going swimmingly until Imogen’s brother, Horace shows up in the bakery. He knows that they are heading to the Air Kingdom for the Spring Solstice Festival. The Air Kingdom is where Carclaustra Prison is located. Horace demands that Imogen and her friends break out Pritney and Nate (who they helped put into prison). He threatens the lives of their families if they do not cooperate and Imogen is not allowed to tell Hank. How can they get two people out of the one place no one can visit?

Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips is an action-packed book. In addition to what I mentioned above, Hank and Imogen stumble across a body in a black box in a small storage room. It turns out to be Hank’s old mentor who disappeared one day. Hank wants to find out what happened to him and how he ended up the black box. I recommend reading the Spells & Caramels series in order. Each book in the series builds upon the previous book. There is a delightful group of characters in this series. Imogen has a unique perspective since she grew up human and did not know she was magical until entering a baking contest. Iggy, Imogen’s flame, is my favorite character with his witty and sarcastic quips. Hank’s family, though, leaves something to be desired. It is amazing how kind and thoughtful Hank considering King Roch is his father. It was fun to visit the Air Kingdom. The author created a unique environment and provides beautiful descriptions of it. Can you imagine sailing around on airships? Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips contains good writing and steady pacing. While Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips is a good story, it was missing the light heartedness and humor that was present in the previous books in the series. I miss Iggy’s entertaining and witty retorts. There is a Dobby reference that I loved. My rating for Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips is 4 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait to see how Imogen, Hank, Iggy and the gang get out of their present situation in the next Spells & Caramels novel.
430 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2018
Each book that comes out in this series becomes my favorite. Finding the secret room with the box had me intrigued. I love the friendships and the mystery. The characters are vibrant and fun to follow. This fun magical series is a must read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.

Profile Image for Sabetha.
Author 20 books131 followers
June 14, 2018
AMAZING! This books answers so so so so many questions I've been waiting for! I love how each character discovers themselves, and their own way a little more in each installment. The tight nit bakers are inspiring and hilarious. This book really brings to light why it's so important not to learn everything about every character in book one. Erin has created a wonderful magical world and I can't wait to see how Imogen and the gang try and tackle their next adventure.
Profile Image for Minnie.
892 reviews
December 27, 2025
5⭐

OK, please read this completely because I don't want anyone to misunderstand me.
I mean, I gave this book 5⭐, it should be obvious that I absolutely loved it 😁 So...

I'm so EXTREMELY annoyed 🤬 This freaking royal family. The freaking king and all the others. There is just one person who doesn't suck. Prince Harry. But his brothers are snobs and arrogant and bow for their father like... Yeah, like he is the king, he is 🙈 But still. It's not just that. They look down on Imogen just because she isn't royal. She is just a baker.
The only one who never did it is Princess Shaday. And now there is a second one... Princess Emmaline. She's one of Harry's sisters-in-law. She gets bullied by other royals as well 😔

So, I'm not annoyed by the book or the story or anything, I'm just annoyed by the fact how the royal family acts. And yes, it's important for the series, so obviously it can't be changed 🙈 And I love it when I can complain about side characters 🤣

I'm excited about what's coming next, especially because of Horace and his army. What does he want? I just don't get it 🫣
Profile Image for Charles Ray.
Author 559 books153 followers
June 15, 2018
Things have gotten both better and worse for Imogen. Her bakery is thriving and she can now openly acknowledge her relationship with Prince Henry. On the negative side, though, she must spend time with his awful family. Just when she thinks things could get no worse, her wayward brother, Horace, a member of the Badlands Army, approaches her and her colleagues with an offer they can’t refuse—because he uses threats—break some prisoners out of the impenetrable prison of the Water Kingdom.

Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson is book five in a series that I’ve come to love. The author takes us on a madcap journey as Imogen and her friends take on an impossible mission, one that will change the future of Imogen and the magical kingdom that she has come to call home forever.

While this can be read as a stand-alone story, it would be far more interesting if you went back and started reading with book one—just a suggestion, but you’ll thank me for it if you do. Nonstop action, suspense, and double-dealing in a story that will have you chuckling and shivering by turns.

I received a free review copy of this book. Another five-star offering from an outstanding author.
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime.
5,641 reviews329 followers
July 15, 2018
Review: AIRSHIPS, CRYPTS, AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS by Erin Johnson
(SPELLS & CARAMELS #6)

A delightedly lighthearted cozy paranormal mystery with an engaging title and likable main characters (and suitably annoying foil characters), AIRSHIPS, CRYPTS, AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS is Book #6 in Erin Johnson's magical paranormal SPELLS & CARAMELS Series. Magically-enhanced baker Imogen is in some ways almost a Cinderella role in the Water Kingdom; among the Queen and her sons and daughters-in-law only her fiance the Prince and one of his sisters-in-law properly value her. But when Imogen and Prince Hank discover the unexpected fate of his admired mentor, and then her "Kingdom's most wanted" brother subverts Imogen into fomenting a prison break, the stakes are immense and all her wit and magic will be called into play if she is to save the day.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2018
In the course of researching more information about their magic powers, Hank and Imogen discover a skeleton - Hank's former mentor that he thought had just abandoned him long ago. As they investigate, Imogen's brother Horace shows up with a terrible plan that he wants implemented at the Air Kingdom's maximum security prison - and he will kill everyone dear to the bakers if they don't assist him.

After all the anti-climatic relationship drama in the last book, I wasn't sure how this newest release would stack up - but I'm happy to say the author pulled it off, although in a different way. This one seemed to be more focused on mystery in addition to drama with Imogen's brother Horace. Is he good or bad? The jury is still out on that one! I like how the author has taken us to different kingdoms as the backdrop to the books - this time the Air Kingdom - and shared her imagination with lush descriptions of what that would look like! Just a wonderful, magical entertaining read.

Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is absolutely voluntary.
Profile Image for Deanna Summers.
27 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2018
(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.) I find each book in this series is more Amazing than the last. In book 6, Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips (love these titles), We are transported along with Imogene, the Bakers, Hank & the Royal Family to "The City of the Clouds" aka The Air Kingdom. In the days before departing for the Air Kingdom, Hank and Imogene discover a secret room with a mysterious box, but before they can do more investigating, Imogene's brother Horace appears and it's not a happy reunion. He has a dangerous & risky plan and needs Imogene & the Bakers to make it happen. Horace gives them an offer they can't refuse. I just love Imogene & the Bakers' friendship. They have a bond and would do anything for each other. And they will need it to pull off the plan Horace has in store for them.

I love this Enchanting & Magical World and getting to know each of the characters. More secrets will be revealed. One secret is so "Big" that it might destroy the Royal Family & All the Kingdoms.

I can't wait for book 7!

Profile Image for Erin.
1,853 reviews32 followers
February 28, 2021
Another part in the series about Imogen, her prince boyfriend and her magical bakkery crew.

I read this as a stand alone. I only read the first book in this series.
To understand it even better, without having to guess things, I think you can better read this series as it was supposed to be read book for book.

This one is about Imogen and her crew being blackmailed by her brother Horace to get prisoners out of a prison nobody escaped from before.

A read with action and some mystery and secrets exposed.

And a little cliff hanger at the end to the next book in the series.

If you like a good magical action read this is a good book to read
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2018
Airships, Crypts & Chocolate Chips is the sixth standalone book in a clever paranormal cozy mystery series.
What I like about these books is the different backdrops. Each one takes place in a different kingdom. The characters are wonderful (even the ones you want to hate). The author’s imagination is amazing.

I liked that this book had more mystery to it than the last. Imogen must spend time with the awful Royal Family of Prince Henry and deal with her brother, who is the Royal Family’s sworn enemy.

See how Imogen deals with the challenges and how those changes affect her.

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author and these are my own opinions.
9 reviews
June 18, 2018
I was lucky to get an advance reading of this book and its a brilliant book and the series is fantastic, have enjoyed reading the series and the author makes you care about the characters. I enjoy the fact you get to know all the characters more in each book and the story is very easy to read . I only just brought the first book by chance and then had to buy the last 4 and read them all within a week. would definitely recommend if you want a book to lose yourself for a few hours and going to give to my family to read as I enjoyed them all.
Profile Image for Aimee Convoy.
452 reviews14 followers
June 14, 2018
This story is brilliant, absolutely enchanting (!) and it is easy to see how I could not put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's well written, the storyline flows smoothly and keeps you interested.
This book is full of murder and lies that it will keep you guessing right up to the end with some quite surprising discoveries. I love seeing how the relationships are devoloping, especially between Imogen and Horace.
I was shocked how the book ended as I didn't want it to end there, I can't wait for the next book in the series.
3 reviews
June 18, 2018
I love this series. Another great book from Erin..Cant wait to see what they all get up to next time!
Profile Image for Heather.
154 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2018
What a fantastic next book in the series. I really love these characters and I'm rooting for Imogen and Hank, they're one of my favorite couples and I want to see them together and happy. But throw in Imogen's brother and it's not going to be an easy ride. Our favorite bakers are in the Air Kingdom and suddenly involved in a jail break. Will they get away or will they find themselves locked up instead? You'll need to get the book and read, I'm not telling.
2 reviews
June 15, 2018
Book by book it gets better and better! I never lose interest and I have yet to be disappointed! (besides when it ends and I'm left on the edge of my seat wanting more.) This particular book explained a lot of unanswered questions I had along the way. I have been patiently waiting and checking my email daily for this book, and even though this one explained a lot of things, I am still left wanting more! Do yourself a favor and read this series! You will not be sorry!
Profile Image for Lora Edwards.
Author 8 books51 followers
June 16, 2018
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and Erin Johnson set up her game with this one. There are twists and turns in this book. The ending the freaking ending blew me away. I was slack jawed and I can't wait to see where she goes with it. This whole series is a fun romp through a cool new world. I eagerly wait for the next book in the series.
1 review
June 18, 2018
Loved this latest book in the series. It answered some questions about the main characters backgrounds. I love this different take on magic.
15 reviews
June 23, 2018
Mind-blowing! it answered a lot of questions I had but also raised so many more. I actually found myself holding my breath in some places and feeling panicky for them. Erin has such an amazing imagination and really brings the characters to life. I can't wait for book 7!
Profile Image for Caroline.
221 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2018
Sweet and enjoyable. Learning to control your gifts and understanding others is always a good thing
614 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2018
Great story I must read more of her books!
A Fantasy in the sky with lots of adventures. A fun read!
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,121 reviews108 followers
June 23, 2018
Airships, Crypts, and Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson is a great book!
Airships, Crypts, and Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson are just as good as other books in this awesome series. Imogen and her friends are back in the Water Kingdom until they have to go to the Air Kingdom to celebrate the Spring Festival. Of course, things are bad for Imogen as she has to juggle being a baker, being Hank’s girlfriend, helping Hank figure something out, helping her brother, and wanting to tell Hank some things. It’s just a recipe for disaster for her. I will also try not to spoil anything for you guys.

What I liked about the book:
• Everything about this book was so good and wonderful. It was everything I imagined for the book after Imogen and Hank announced that they were together.
• I even liked it when Horace came to Imogen in this book as well.
• Of course, like always, I loved all of the characters especially the very minor ones that don’t appear a lot. They all seemed so real. I even felt bad for poor Imogen at some points.
• Some things start to make sense in this book about everything. Yep, some of the pesky questions get answered.

What I disliked about the book:
I didn’t like how Hank always felt like no one really paid attention to him at all. Especially since no one ever took the time to celebrate his birthday. Hank deserves much better than with what he got for a family. The main person I hate (yes hate not dislike) in this book isn’t Horace but Hank’s dad. He’s so mean especially to Hank. I also felt bad for Emmaline as well. Which you will all see when you read the book. The cliffhanger to this book leaves me guessing about the next book, I can’t wait until it comes out. I don’t want to reveal more than that but, oh man such a cliffhanger.

What I am curious about:
What will happen in the next book especially after that awesome cliffhanger?

Five Stars
Airships, Crypts, and Chocolate Chips by Erin Johnson is a superb book. I am so glad that I got to read this book and it was so great. Now I can’t wait for the next book and that is also because of that great ending of this book. This book is so good. It’s a five-star book in my mind. I read it in three days.

Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you would like to read more reviews like this one please go to baronessbooktrove.com
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