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Can she bake a winning cake without getting iced?

Competition is hotter than the pre-heated ovens as The Great British Baking Competition moves into cake week. Amateur baker Poppy Wilkinson has a lot to deal with, from learning she has talents she never knew about, to trying to keep cool and bake under pressure.

She’s also trying to track down the secrets of her parentage. Meanwhile, she’s saved from death by a local Border collie who seems to think she’s part of his flock and herds her out of danger. Was it an accident or does someone want her out of the baking competition permanently?

With witches, an energy vortex, an ancient manor house that holds it’s secrets tight, Poppy’s barely got time to practice her fondant icing, never mind escape from a killer.

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First published March 14, 2020

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About the author

Nancy Warren

363 books1,893 followers
Nancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels.

She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.

Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
426 reviews85 followers
June 27, 2020
Loved it 🐈🐈🤩🤩
Waiting on book 3👻
Witches, magic, cats, murder, baked goods, how could it be bad;)
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,360 reviews1,234 followers
March 18, 2020
It's week two of the Great British Baking Competition so Poppy and her fellow contestants are back in the tent preparing to bake their favourite cakes. Poppy is still hoping to find out more about the parents who gave her up but she needs to do as well in the contest as possible so that she has an excuse to spend time at Broomewold Manor. Arriving early in the hope of finding local ingredients for her recipes Poppy soon finds herself caught up in mysterious events at a neighbouring farm and it looks like she'll have to put her newfound detective skills to use again.

Baker's Coven is the second book in Nancy Warren's Great Witches Baking Show cosy mystery series and while each story contains a different mystery to solve I'd still recommend reading the books in order so you can get to know the characters. This book gives us the chance to start getting to know some of the other contestants a little better as well as the local residents.

I love the Bake Off inspired format of the story and am enjoying seeing Poppy start to learn more about her witchy heritage and the powers that she has. We're also starting to explore more of the area around Broomewold Manor and learn a little about the Earl his family. It's obvious the family has plenty of secrets so it's going to be really interesting to see what else we uncover as the series continues. I'm looking forward to reading about more of Poppy's adventures.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,320 reviews39 followers
March 18, 2020
Poppy's back for week two in the Big White Tent to continue to compete in the baking contest and feeling a little unsettled after getting warnings that she is in danger, finding a dead man and watching a grumpy groundskeeper being rude to the sweetest pup! She'll have to work hard to remain in the competition while also trying to figure out who has offed a villager before she finds herself the next victim. I absolutely love this series. The characters are so vivid and realistic even the animals have distinct personalities that you can't help but fall in love with. The plot is quite well written with nice twists and turns to keep you intrigued and engaged! If you haven't read this series yet, you really should. I would recommend that you start with the first book to enhance and prolong your reading pleasure!
Profile Image for Johanna.
859 reviews54 followers
August 3, 2024
Almost every character was familiar from the first book so it was easier to remember who was who. I liked some of the new characters, the dog called Sly made my heart melt.

I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get new information about Poppy's past, that was why I was so intrigued to continue the series. There were several detailed baking scenes and it took pretty long before the first body appeared. This was cozy, indeed, but I was not amazed.
Profile Image for Maria.
3,042 reviews98 followers
March 20, 2022
I enjoyed this as much as the first one, although I wish there had been more movement on finding out more about her birth family. The mystery was another good one and I wasn’t sure who the killer was until the very end. The story kept me intrigued and I didn’t want to put it down. I already have the next one downloaded so I can see what happens next.
Profile Image for Lola.
2,003 reviews276 followers
May 31, 2020
I received a free audible code from the author and voluntarily reviewed this one.

I really enjoyed book 1 in this series and was lucky enough to be able to listen to book 2 as well as these are great in audio. It was so much fun to be back at the baking contest and follow Poppy as shes spends another weekend baking and solving a murder or two.

The author blends the different elements well. These aren't just about the mystery, there is a lot of other things going on as well. It takes some time before the murder takes place and in between solving the mystery there is the baking competition as well. Then there is the paranormal aspect of Poppy learning more about her witchy powers and trying to find out more about her birth parents. It makes for an engaging read with a lot going on.

The mystery in this one didn't hook me as much as the previous one, but it still was an interesting one. Arnold Bentley is murdered when the murderer makes sure he's stung by a swarm of bees and he's highly allergic and doesn't have his epipen by hand and thus he dies. I wasn't really sure who the murderer was and when it was revealed it did make sense, but even so the most important clue was only revealed at the end and without that it would've been more difficult to guess it right. The way the murder got revealed was a bit weird, but I did like the big reveal about how everything had happened.

The baking contest was a fun one again this week, especially the first part of the competition and listening to Poppy's idea for her cake and how she got the fresh ingredients was fun. And hearing what all the other contestants were baking as well. There is some progression about Poppy's witchy powers and I liked seeing her meet the coven as hinted at in the title. There are some minor clues about her heritage, but not as much progress about that in this one.

I like Poppy as a main character, she's caring and I like how she's slowly discovering a bit of her witchy powers and making friends with the other bakers. Now in the second book it was easier to remember who was who from the other bakers and you get a bit of a better feel for all of them. there are also some new side characters, like the ones involved in the mystery as well as the adorable dog Sly.

The narrator does a great job with this series. I liked listening to this book and hearing the different voices for the characters. Sometimes some of the side characters sound a bit alike, but most have their own voice and she also does Hamish' accent and Florence her over the top way of speaking well. I definitely recommend the audio versions of these.

To summarize: This was a great sequel and I enjoyed listening to it. Poppy is back for the second episode of the baking contest, she also has to solve another mystery and discover more about her witchy powers and continues to look into the mystery of who her parents were. The mystery started a bit later in the book as this author often does, but it works here. The way the mystery started didn't fully work for me and it didn't grip me as much as the first one, but it was a solid mystery and I liked the reveal of who was the murderer and how everything happened. I continue to enjoy following Poppy in these books and I liked getting a better feel for the side characters in this one. now that we spend some more time with the big cast of side characters they come alive more and there are some new characters as well like the adorable dog Sly. All in all another great read and I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Karen Barber.
3,273 reviews74 followers
July 22, 2024
This sounds like a rather drawn-out way of focusing on the baking competition with each book focusing on a different week.
Week two gets underway so Poppy returns to the village and, before you know it, we have a number of strange coincidences and people in dispute. While gathering homegrown gooseberries Poppy is almost crushed by a falling slab, but she’s saved by Sly, the collie who takes a shine to her. It doesn’t take too long before death comes to the village once more.
A bit like so many of the cosy mysteries that take place in these rural village settings, there’s a suspiciously high body count and nobody bats an eyelid. They could be unfortunate accidents, so it’s handy that the amateur sleuths manage to crack the case before the police seem to get a look in.
There’s a growing focus on Poppy’s skills, but I’m afraid there’s not enough here to interest me in continuing the series.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,163 reviews132 followers
March 14, 2020
"'Dead?' Florence cried. 'Holy Mother of G-d. What craziness is happening at Broomewold?'"

It's the second week of the Great British Baking Show at Broomewold Manor, And Poppy and Gauteau Can hardly wait to see what will happen this week. The contestants have been charged to have local fruit or other produce to incorporate into their cake competition. Poppy has come up early as an excuse to get back into the Manor House hoping to get more answers. Instead, she, Gauteau and her ghostly buddy are confronted with another series of conundrums that put lives in danger. How will these ingredients add up? Will the recipe come out right? And what if there's something missing?

Nancy Warren does it again! This second book, set less than a week after the first could be a set-up for a let down. Thank goodness it isn't. It is as delightful as the first, with additions of local intrigue and backstory, all coming together in a recipe to die for! Highly recommended.5/5

[I received this book as a gift from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
Profile Image for Katreader.
956 reviews49 followers
April 19, 2020
BAKER'S COVEN by Nancy Warren
The Second Great Witches Baking Show Mystery

Despite the murder that occurred during last week's filming, Poppy Wilkinson is ready to get back to Broomewode and carry on competing in the second episode of the Great British Baking Contest. The signature bake is all about local fruits and Poppy thinks she's hit the jackpot when she discovers a source for local gooseberries. But when a falling chunk of an ancient tower nearly crushes her, Poppy realizes that danger still surrounds the area.

BAKER'S COVEN introduces a wonderful new character in the form of Sly, a gorgeous border collie who loves his orange ball. While Gateau isn't charmed, I'm as smitten as Poppy. In fact, my emotions ran high in this second episode of the Great Witches Baking Show. My heart was pumping as I shared Poppy's righteous anger toward Peter Puddifoot. I thought I would like this character as he seemed to care for the bees, but his behavior toward Sly made me feel a murderous rage!

I'm continually amazed how much content, depth, and intrigue Nancy Warren manages to put in such a short book! There are several storylines: the current mystery, the ongoing baking competition, Poppy's development as a witch, and more. All are given proper attention and meld together to form a complete and satisfying story!

BAKER'S COVEN is a mouthwatering mystery jam packed with danger, excitement, and cake. Well rounded characters, a delightful setting, and a thoughtful mystery make me eager for the next offering.

Recipe Included.
Profile Image for Theresa Derwin.
1,143 reviews44 followers
May 13, 2020
In the second of the ‘Great Witches Baking’ series, it’s actually only 5 days after the events of the first book.
*** book one spoilers **
Poppy is a contestant in the Great British Baking show but us using it as a ruse to find her birth parents, who abandoned her as a newborn.
Clues lead to Broomewode Hall, where the cooking show is filmed.
Since the first book, she’s discovered she’s a water witch, and two of the show’s hosts are also witches.
In the meantime she’s quite attracted to ‘Detective Dimples’, obviously not his real name, who she keeps running into by way of robberies and dead bodies.
Her new baking challenge brings her to a local farm for local produce * by local people. Sorry! * and it isn’t long before this cozy crime series sees more murder and mayhem.
This book is a fun blend of comedy, cosy crime, romance and mystery with a splash of magic.
Poppy is an endearing character and the baking show cast, contestants and crew are diverse and fun to read.
As the book progresses, quiet Guarav comes out of his shell a bit, and Hamish shows why he’s a cop in his day job.
It’s an enjoyable, fun read and I look forward to the next instalment.
.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,953 reviews30 followers
July 6, 2022
Pretty simple mystery. Not bad, not great 🤷🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Eden.
2,230 reviews
April 20, 2020
2020 Bk 142: A decent sequel - although we aren't too much further along in knowing the background story of our favorite contestant. The plotting is tighter in this story and we are drawn further into the life of Poppy the baker and new witch as she is introduced to her new coven. The neighboring farm supplies her with the fresh, local produce for her gooseberry upside down cake. When the farmer dies near the bee hives, the accidental death quickly turns to a suspicion of murder. Poppy and friends start their own investigation amid the baking contest.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,807 reviews18 followers
March 15, 2020
Baker’s Coven by Nancy Warren a five-star baker of a read. This is number two in the Great Witches Baking Show series and I would recomedn you read them in order to get the most out of them as each one is set over a weekend of the show and even though they are all encapsulated, its nice to get to know the characters as you start to root for the characters you like and I think we will start to really miss the ones who get eliminated each weekend, and not just the characters who are voted off. This is a great cosy mystery and Poppy Wilkinson is someone you can get behind, I adore finding little titbits about her, but I also adore the other bakers and the locals especially a certain police Sargent with dimples, I for one am hoping he will pop up more. If you are in the mood for quick and easy reading that will entertain no end then give this series a go.
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
July 31, 2021
I'm really enjoying this cozy mystery series . Set in a lovely small engliah village in the middle of The great British baking contest TV show. It's a lot of fun to read. I love the recipie in the back of each book. It's a lovely finishing touch.
Profile Image for Jypsy .
1,524 reviews62 followers
April 6, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Baker's Coven
The Great Witches Baking Show #2
By: Nancy Warren

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
I have obsessively watched baking shows for years. When I saw Baker's Coven, I knew immediately that I had to read it. I'm so glad because it's a lot of fun! Poppy is newly aware of her witch powers and looking for information about her witch family when she becomes part of a murder mystery. Still, there are cakes to bake, so she better get busy. This book shows a bit more of the side characters and who they are. Poppy is charming and delightful and engaging. I really like her character because she's perfect for this cozy mystery. Of course, I loved the baking aspects of the book, and it's unique to others I've read. If you want a pick me up fun read with baking, I suggest Baker's Coven. It is deliciously wicked!
Profile Image for Aly is so frigging bored.
1,706 reviews266 followers
October 29, 2020
This has been a fun addition to the series and I am getting more and more attached to the secondary characters, especially the contestants, and I don't want any of them to leave :D I this installment non of the contestants has died, but someone from the village has... Poppy doesn't seem to be any closer to the mystery of her birth, but she's getting more involved with her witchcraft.

Profile Image for Kristen Valenzuela.
647 reviews
July 5, 2025
This was another fun mystery revolving around a British baking show. contestants locals find it a bit unnerving to be on tv, but begin exploring the local town. There is a recipe at the end of the book for fruitcake that was interesting because I actually make fruitcake! Poppy is such a smart and quirky character.
1,422 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2020
Poppy and Gateau are back in Broomewold with multiple tasks in hand. Find her real mother, move ahead another week in the British Baking Contest, learn more about being a witch, and staying alive. This is book 2 in this series and you need to read in order! I love this series – it has wonderful characters (at least some of them) and great story line. Can’t wait for more!!
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews54 followers
March 15, 2020
The second book in the series. Poppy goes back to Broomewold for the second week of the Baking Competitions.

But where Poppy goes, trouble seems to follow. Poppy is trying to come to terms with the fact that she is a witch and the powers she has, while trying to bake the winning cake and find out more about her past.

It was a wonderful and funny story.
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
591 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2020
This is not the typical book that I read as there is no romance. There was a hint that there might be in a future book, but this was a supernatural mystery. I loved it! It was so cute and light. It had me guessing until the end. And I loved the ripoff of the Great British Baking show!
12.7k reviews189 followers
March 19, 2020
Poppy just wants to win the Baking Contest. Little does she know powers she has. Short but delightful as always.
Profile Image for Caitlin C.
517 reviews14 followers
April 19, 2025
This was a super cute second book in the series. It's week 2 of the Great British Baking Competition. Week 1 resulted in the death of one of the contestants, Jerry, who is now haunting the competition. Poppy is focused on the competition, but also on tracking down more information about her parents and her witchy lineage.

I am really enjoying learning more about the characters and watching Poppy grow as a witch. I listened to this one on audio and thoroughly enjoyed it.
382 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2020
The MC is learning more about TV showmanship and her own supernatural powers but alas, makes little progress on finding her birth family since she is in the midst of a murder investigation once again. Such a fun read - really looking forward to the next one!

It was my pleasure to receive this ARC and give my honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,736 reviews200 followers
August 1, 2024
I found this installment kind of boring. The person who died was obviously murdered, he was afraid to go near the bees because of his extreme allergy. Again everything happened during the filming of the second episode. I plan on reading the next book, because I want to know more about the MC's connection to the house and why no one seems willing to tell her about her mother...there's something there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,011 reviews36 followers
March 17, 2020
Baker's Coven, the second book in the Great Witches Baking Show series, just whet my appetite for book #3! I look forward to the next book and seeing where the mystery goes.
Profile Image for Lois .
2,406 reviews622 followers
November 13, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up

This was just okay for me.
I'm not liking the MC much and feeling uninterested and uncharmed by the setting and series mystery as well.

Unsure if I'm getting to end of my cozy mystery binge or if it's this specific book itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews

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