Two Wicked Desserts

Kitchen Witch Mysteries #2

by Lynn Cahoon

Mia Malone conjures up delicacies while casting about for clues in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s Two Wicked Desserts, continuing her Kitchen Witch Mystery series . . .


Magic Springs, Idaho, may be a small town, but Mia Malone is living an enchanted life running her own catering business and cooking school. And while she’s teaching the locals culinary craft, her grandmother is teaching her witchcraft for the day she inherits the family magical spells that have been passed down for generations. Unfortunately, all that knowledge is not helping Mia or her grandmother in removing the spirit of warlock Dorian Alexander from Mia’s cat Mr. Darcy.

But even though Dorian hasn’t yet left this earthly plane, his spells have already been transferred to his daughter Cindy’s grimoire. An actress looking for her big Hollywood break, Cindy is hoping there’s something in her father’s bag of tricks to make her a star. But playing with magic has only resulted in a trip to Idaho where Cindy finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of a hitman whose body was found in the garden of Mia’s Morsels. Now it’s up to Mia to conjure up a killer before everything she’s worked so hard for vanishes with a poof!

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

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2021

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kitchen Witch Mysteries is Lynn Cahoon's latest cozy mystery series, this time with a magical twist. At first, I hesitantly chose not to jump on this one because I tend not to love fantasy-type books... but the author is one of my usual go-to writers for cozies... so I decided to give it a chance this spring. Two Wicked Desserts is the latest, and I've finished reading the previous intro novel and the the two in-between shorter, novellas. A third in-between novel is set to release this summer too, as well as two new series by the author in the latter part of the year. Wow, she's prolific.

I do like the series, including the premise. While Mia is a witch, it's a very small piece of the story... though it's starting to heat up. That said, it's actually been intriguing to learn about her family's roots in the magical world, and there hasn't been any magic performed to date. A few things are spoken about off-scene, yet the setting is grounded in strong realistic roots... the end result means I could easily connect with it and will definitely keep up to date with the series. In this caper, Mia finds a dead body in her backyard, and the threats from John Louis keep coming. When the daughter of her grandmother's recently murdered beau (from the first book) shows up to collect her father's spell book, things get strange.

The plot has several potential suspects and side stories. New bestie Christina is doing well but she's a bit flighty. I like the maturity between books in her personality, tho. Grans is a hoot. And Trent is a solid boyfriend for Mia. The cast has lots of potential, and I daresay I want to see some magic begin to happen. The catering business and art school conversion that Mia have been focusing on also brings a lot to the story, and I can see it becoming an integral part of the town. These aspects of Magic Springs make me wants to visit Idaho, a state still on my bucket list. (I've been to 40 so far). The only small letdown was the ending this time; we know who the murderer is, but it's not entirely proven and didn't have a big culmination scene. That said, changing things up from time to time is also a good tool in an author's toolbox.

If you enjoy balanced cozies with a bit of magic and some artsy settings, you will like this one. I'm still a bigger fan of her other series, but Cahoon is talented... 6 or 7 different series all at once, wow! I'm impressed.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon is the second full length book in the paranormal cozy Kitchen Witch Mysteries series. The Kitchen Witch Mysteries also had a prequel novella and a novella to be read between books one and two of the series. As with most cozy mysteries though each of these books does contain it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.

In the prequel novella in the series readers were introduced to Mia Malone who had traveled back to her hometown of Magic Springs, Idaho at the urging of her grandmother who Mia fondly calls Grans. Magic Springs is a place where magic is out in the open and Mia’s family is far from normal with Mia inheriting her Grans magical abilities and she now uses that witchcraft to create her tasty culinary treats.

Since that trip back to Magic Springs though Mia’s world has fallen apart with Mia finding herself single when her boyfriend leaves her and also became unemployed. Mia decided that the best thing to do is to return to Magic Springs for good where she can use her magic in a gourmet dinner delivery business. Now when a man is found murdered and the daughter of Mia’s Gran’s friend, Cindy, is the number one suspect Mia knows she needs to do what she can to find the real killer.

I was already a fan of Lynn Cahoon before I came across the Kitchen Witch Mysteries series but also being a fan of mixing up genres I knew that I would probably love this new series. The cozy side of the story is the more dominate side but it’s fun to see that twist of paranormal and magic mixed in to a cozy sleuth seeking out a new killer. So far I’ve really enjoyed the characters and stories in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries series and will definitely keep coming back for more having enjoyed this one too.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent second book in this great series. I really like the idea of kitchen witches who supposedly just perform gentle magic and are unable to use it for personal gain or to hurt anyone else. Sometimes it goes wrong though which is why the cat is walking around with someone's spirit living inside him.

The main character, Mia Malone, is building up a catering business and trying to fix up an old schoolhouse as her home. The building seems to have some magic of its own and there are certainly a few ghosts in residence. Other characters include Mia's ex husband's sister, her grandmother and her boyfriend Trent. He is a witch too but prefers not to practice.

It is all really good, light hearted entertainment and it never gets too silly or too spooky. There is a murder of course and it is solved in a logical manner. This is a well written book by an accomplished author. Recommended!

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery, and this is the second book in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I loved a good Witch Cozy Mystery. This book was done so well. I loved that there was Witches learning their powers and their was witches that know their powers. I loved the mixed of characters. This old school that Mia is living in and opening a new business out of sounds like should a cool old building. I feel the old school made the book come to life. I love with a building brings the story to another level. I love the cat Mr. Darcy. All the characters in this book was so much fun. The mystery was fun and I love trying to figure out the clues with the characters. This book was just so much fun to read, and I will have to pick up the next book in this series when it comes out. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Lynn Cahoon) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Note: I also won a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book completed for the Halloween bingo board challenge! Check out my cozy mystery YouTube channel for my thoughts on this book and info to join the challenge!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dl8DULf...

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this series is set in Idaho as it highlights one of my favorite areas of the country. This series has the best characters that are warm and engaging to draw you in and make you want to keep reading about them. Sprinkle in a little magic and great food wrapped up in an intriguing plot and you have the perfect entertaining read to keep you turning pages delightfully for hours! Reading the previous books in the series will definitely increase your enjoyment time as well as filling in the backstory of several characters so I do recommend that you read the other books, but you could enjoy this as a stand alone and not be lost. I can't wait to see what happens to Mia and her pals next!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Mia Malone’s cooking school and catering business, Mia’s Morsels is starting to take off and she is thinking about new ways she can use the space in the large school building she has taken over. While she is cooking up a storm her grandmother, Mary Alice is trying to teach Dorian’s daughter, Cindy, the craft she has inherited since her father passed away. Since his spirit has not left yet, only transferred to Mia’s cat, Mr. Darcy, he is on hand to see his daughter struggling to grasp the importance of the witchcraft and the book of spells that she has now received. She is more focused on her acting career and wants to break the rules and use witchcraft to enrich herself and her own interests. In fact, a little spell she cast is what brought her to Magic Springs. She hopes Mary Alice can help her reverse the spell so she can get on with her life.

Then a dead man is found right where Mia plans to plant her garden and he is connected to Cindy. So much so, that she becomes the prime suspect in his murder and won’t be leaving town anytime soon. This could ruin all of Mia’s plans. Who wants to come to a cooking school where a man was murdered? Can Mia cast out a killer? Can they figure out how to free Dorian from Mr. Darcy? Will Cindy be able to go back to Hollywood or will she live the rest of her life behind bars? Those questions and more need to be answered so Mia can continue living her dream.

Kitchen Witches are considered gentle witches because they use their craft to help people and I love that theme. Mia and her grandmother have such big hearts that even when something as evil as a murder happens nearby their quest is to find the true guilty party at all costs. But even a good witch’s spell can go awry, which is how Dorian’s essence ended up in Mr. Darcy and neither of them are happy about it. Ms. Cahoon has herself crafted some very unique characters. They are cleverly written and very engaging.

The author has placed her characters in a very interesting setting. Both Magic Springs and the old school building have plenty of secrets brewing. The room that was opened within this story had some interesting surprises. We also learn more about the building’s history and I think it is just the beginning of what is going to be revealed.

So many captivating things happen in this story that at times the murder takes a backseat. There were enough suspects to keep readers guessing but the reveal was a little lackluster for me. That being said I enjoyed the story overall. There are a few things still up in the air that I hope will carry into the next book and develop. I would also like to see a little more gentle magic.

Two Wicked Desserts is a lighthearted read with intriguing characters, a unique setting, and a little bit of magic sprinkled here and there. My interest is piqued to find out what happens next with these characters in Three Tainted Teas.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Two Wicked Desserts" the 2nd instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans and Christina! I found myself engrossed in the story and seeing how Mia and Trent and Christina and James relationships are progressing. I’m a huge fan girl of Lynn’s and always fall in love with the characters, town and become invested in what’s happening.

I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, and I can’t wait to learn more about Mias ancestors. It was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I cant wait to see what happens next for Mia and her friends in book 3.

I highly recommend this new series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I’m a big fan of Lynn Cahoon , unfortunately this series just doesn’t do it for me.
Parts of the story dragged on a bit, and the rest of it just fell a bit flat. I will continue to read her other books, but this series is just not for me.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon is the 2nd book in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading One Poison Pie first. It gives you the backstory on Magic Springs, Idaho. Mia Malone is getting Mia’s Morsels up and running with help from her grandmother and ex-fiancé’s sister, Christina. Mia is also learning about magic and spells. I find the characters to be developed and realistic. We get to follow Mia as they go about her everyday life (cooking, eating, learning magic, shopping, making menus, going out with Levi). A stranger is found dead behind Mia’s new residence. Mia finds herself once again dealing with Detective Mark Baldwin. When Baldwin becomes fixated on Dorian’s daughter, Cindy as the guilty party, Mia works to prove she is innocent. The mystery was light. It was not the central focus of the story. There are a limited number of suspects which makes solving it a cinch. I believe more time was spent helping Cindy figure out which spell she activated than on the mystery. The paranormal element is sprinkled throughout the story. We get to learn more about kitchen witches and how they are different from other witches in town. The school may also have a dark history. Mia is trying to learn more about the school and the witches who helped build it. Mary Alice, Mia’s grandmother, and Mia spend time trying to find the correct spell to free Dorian from Mr. Darcy’s body. Dorian is not enjoying his time in a cat’s body. Gran, though, does not seem to be giving it her best effort. The grandmother has something she wishes to discuss with Mia, but she never gets out the full story. I hope we get closure on this issue soon. Christina is having relationship issues plus problems with her new friend. I found the pacing to be mixed (sometimes the story moved along at a good pace and other times it was slow) and the ending was anticlimactic. Two Wicked Desserts is a charming story with fun characters, but I felt it needed a little more work. I am, though, curious to find out what happens next with Mia and the gang especially as to why Trent can hear Gloria. Two Wicked Desserts is a magical tale with a spell gone amiss, a gifted grimoire, a selfish friend, a covert room, a deceased stranger, and mouthwatering meals.

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is No. 2 of the series. The characters pick up from the first book One Poison Pie with the addition of Cindy, Dorian's daughter.. The story is a good one with all it's turns and events. I loved the fact that Dorian's spirit is in the cat Mr. Dorsey and his antics because of it. I loved when the author told the history of the grimoire (book) and the passing of it down. I wish that the author described the town of Magic Springs more and it's association to witches. I would have liked to read more about the history of the family to the town and was disappointed that the grandmother, Mary Alice Carpenter did not reveal the secret she is withholding from Mia. I hope the author gives more background about the family and the ghost that was in the storage room in the next of the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.

[Carlymor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am a fan of Lynn Cahoon's books and am enjoying this series as well, even though I admit it still may need to grow on me. I enjoy Mia's relationship with her Gran and learning about the family history of magic.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5 stars

Magic Springs, Idaho, has a bit of magic going on and supposedly a good bit of witchy history. Mia Malone runs a catering business, a dinner takeout service and a cooking classes out of an old school building. A local realtor is doing his best to get her to leave and let him buy the property. Then a body is found in her backyard, right where she wants to plant a garden. Protecting herself leads her to trying to solve the murder. Entertaining, but I will admit I enjoyed the other two books in the series a little more. Still I am looking forward to reading Four Charming Spells which is already in my TBR. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series seriously starting to gain traction. I am not normally a big fan of paranormal in my books but there is just something about Mia that makes her interesting. Maybe it's the bent towards witch "light", trying to make the food magical, the whole magic vibe is light and positive, unless, of course, it is aimed at her, which seems to be the case when a body is found right outside in her garden to be.

I like how Mia is trying to grow her business, she is smart, and actually works, a pet peeve of mine when small business owners never actually "work" at their business. She continued to explore the building she owns and learns more and more of it's secrets.

Although Mia has no idea who the man that is killed is, she knows that it's going to be up to her to help figure out who did it and why this murder is somehow tied to her.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Nice addition to the series

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Kitchen Witch Mystery Series. These books are entertaining quick reads. The mystery is well-plotted with lots of twists and turns. The characters are amusing, relatable, and have great chemistry with each other. If you are unsure of paranormal cozies there is only a small amount of paranormal content within the storyline. I recommend this to all the cozy paranormal fans.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone..

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in Magic Springs, Idaho, where there are a LOT of supernatural happenings. I love the familiar Mr. Darcy, a cat who can use his mind and magic to bring his treats to him off the shelf - but maybe that was when he was possessed by an evil warlock Dorian Alexander. Mia is an excellent character and I continue to really enjoy this series.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWO WICKED DESSERTS by Lynn Cahoon, is another magical addition to the charming Kitchen Witch Mystery series. While I’m typically not a fan of paranormal stories, Ms. Cahoon walks a fine line between keeping the setting and characters realistic and, so far, mostly only hints at magic. The strong development of characters has drawn me in and the well-plotted and well-paced mysteries has me hooked on the protagonist, Mia, and her family and friends. It’s even made me want to see some magic happening and find out her family’s secrets which has me waiting for the next release in the series with great anticipation!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Kitchen Witch series. Mia Malone is just getting her catering business started with the help of her ex boyfriends' sister, Christina, while still learning witchcraft from her grandmother. A dead body is found in Mia's backyard. She starts investigating when she realizes that there is a connection to the dead man and her houseguest, Cindy. I loved catching up with Mia, Mary Alice, Christina, and Trent and Levi. They are all very well developed characters. I love that Mia is what is known as a kitchen witch. I like the blossoming relationship between Trent and Mia, as well as Christina and Levi. The mystery was well done. There were plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I can't wait to continue with this series.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of TWO WICKED DESSERTS (Book 2 of the Kitchen Witch Mysteries) by Lynn Cahoon in exchange for an honest review. Mia Malone has settled into her new life running a catering business and teaching classes. Mia’s next project is to plant her own kitchen garden to supply her business with hard-to-find ingredients. However, Mia’s plans are set back when a body turns up where her garden is supposed to be going. Dorian Alexander’s daughter Cindy, who was in town to settle Dorian’s estate, ends up being the prime suspect in the murder. To make matters even more complicated, someone has started rumors that Mia is closing her business and leaving town. With a murder in the backyard, with a potential murderess in her guest room, with someone trying to run her out of business, Mia finds herself investigating both the homicide and the rumors in the hopes of saving both her business and Dorian’s daughter.

I like this author and look forward to her books. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder and magic.

#TwoWickedDesserts #NetGalley

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Wicked Desserts, book #2 in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series, is another fun whodunit from author Lynn Cahoon. Mia Malone who purchased the old school house in Magic Springs, Idaho so she could open Mia's Morsels, her catering service and cooking class business, has a body found on her property. That means she needs to find the murderer before any more trouble occurs. I like how Mia drives Detective Baldwin crazy with her theories. I also am enjoying the developing relationship between Mia and Trent. Sounds like Mia's kitchen witch is signaling more trouble to come. I am really looking forward to the next book.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review from Kensington Books and Net Galley.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Mia and her grandmother is having a difficult time removing a warlock spirit from Mia’s cat Mr. Darcy.

The warlock has not quite left this earthly plane as it has transferred his power to his daughter’s grimoire an actress. She hopes her father knowledge will lead to her big break but it only lands her to Idaho where she is prime suspect for a hit man’s murder.

Mia will have to conjure up a murder to go along with the dead body at her restaurant’s garden. A quaint storyline.

[Chris gerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book and series

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!! Another great cozy mystery series

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Planning out your herb garden can lose its appeal when a dead body is found in the designated plot, at least that's what happens when Mia Malone discovers a stranger's remains in her back yard! She doesn't really have time to investigate as she has house guests, a cat with a serious if slightly other worldly problem, and her business, Mia’s Morsels, to run.

Mia is a kitchen witch, her spells are only ever used to help or protect but her guest, who has just inherited the family grimoire, has no problem using the powers for personal gratification even with very little experience of magic. As Mia’s grandmother has been called in to solve things but unless Mia and the police find another main suspect the faulty spell might be the least of the unwelcome guest's worries.

This is the second book in this great series and I loved it. Mia is fast becoming one of my favourite Lynn Cahoon main protagonists and the stories are easy to read and just quirky enough to add a little something extra without going overboard. My only problem with this was how quickly the case was resolved. It felt a little rushed. It is still easy to recommend though as a fun and entertaining read.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

This series is a good bet for cozy readers who enjoy a sprinkling of the paranormal with their reads. It doesn't rely too heavily on magic to solve the mysteries, which I appreciate in this type of story. The mystery in this one feels like it got rushed at the end, and I think that having not read the novellas that accompany this series makes me feel like I've missed some of the backstory and detail that I need for character development.

[Dani(elle) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This entry fell a little short for me. The tension was low and steady the whole time making the whole thing just wash over me.

I do not like that the one character coded black is prophetically perceived to be a threat but because the main is contesting that idea I will remain cautiously optimistic.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty quick listen, just like the last one. I do feel like this one was better too. The murder was solved pretty easily and anticlimactic at the end though. I kind of wanted a little more.

[Sheila Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kitchen Witch Mysteries are becoming my favorite Lynn Cahoon series. Her cozy mysteries are big on heart and intrigue. The chemistry between Mia and Trent is perfect and the cast of characters are endearing. The only problem, I wish she could write them faster!

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Wicked Desserts is the 2nd in Lynn Cahoon's newest series. Mia Malone has managed to get it together in her work life, and in her personal life. The school she purchased is now where she instructs cooking students and has her catering. She and her grandmother still do spells in addition to the business--- they are immersed in one involving their cat and a warlock spirit. While working on Mia's kitchen garden---a dead man is discovered and the mystery is off at a quick pace. The new characters offer more variety to the series ---and humor. This was an enjoyable and quick read.

Thank you Lynn Cahoon, NetGalley, and Kensington for giving me an ARC as I requested. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TwoWickedDesserts #NetGalley