Gingerdead House

Great Witches Baking Show #5.5

by Nancy Warren

Christmas Charity Contest leads to Murder!

Amateur baker Poppy Wilkinson agrees to be a celebrity contestant in a charity gingerbread house competition in Bath, England. She can support a good cause while promoting the long running TV reality show in which she’s a contestant—The Great British Baking Contest.

However, beneath the gingerbread walls and behind the lollipop trees swirl bad feelings, jealousy and murder.

Good thing Poppy is also a witch and a talented amateur sleuth. This stand alone holiday whodunnit is part of the Great Witches Baking Show series. It features witches, a friendly ghost and a feline familiar. There's no sex, swearing or gore, just good, clean murderous fun!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy, Audiobook, Novella, Magic

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2020

About the author

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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Reviews

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives me hope that the series will continue once the baking competition is over as this shows how Poppy could carry on the baking contestant theme while expanding her life outside of competition in the tent. I love that we got to spend time at her cottage as well as follow her into Bath to expand her world a bit. Could there be a romance in her future? It certainly seems that there is an interested gentleman! Never fear my murderous friends, Poppy once again discovers a dead body and is caught up in the drama of figuring out who did it in this book as well! Great characters, wonderful setting and fantastic plot to entertain and delight! I can't wait to read what happens next!

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang, I wish I hadn't waited to read this one till the end LOL! Nancy Warren's adorable Great Witches Baking Show series can pretty much be read out of order, excepting for the progression of the relationship between Poppy and Benedict. (No spoilers allowed.)

The audio version of this lovely series is nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light but fun filled installment in this series.

[Kat Waterflame · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was published between books five and six, and is supposed to take place between books five and six, but there are so many glaring errors in the timeframe of that! First of all, the baking competition takes place during spring and summer and this is a Christmas book that takes place in November! And, there are things in this book that haven’t happened even by the end of the book 8, like Gina knowing that Poppy is a witch! When the heck was that supposed to have happened?! And I know that it can’t take place after the end of the series, because there is a character mentioned in this book that… isn’t there anymore. So, I’m just very confused as to what, why, and how the events in this book have gotten all mangled. It’s like the author wanted to tell a Christmas story but, for some reason, couldn’t tell it after the end of the series. While the writing style is still nice to read, the story timeline left me scratching my head.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read read. Poppy is participating in a Gingerbread House competition when a fellow competitor is murdered. A ghost leads her to the body of the victim and she has to figure out who killed him. Along with Benedict, she does a little sleuthing to uncover the murderer.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and quick read. This is from a series so I jumped in blind but it was mostly easy to keep up.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice cozy

It was fun following Poppy's exploits in a different setting. Beautiful description of the town make you feel like you’re there! Fun read!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a novella in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.

I am not sure how I missed reading this little gem on my marathon of the Great Witches Baking Show series. It comes right after book five: “Blood, Sweat and Tears.”

A lot of the extra characters are cut out of this story to make it a super fast read. It is all about a gingerbread house baking contest and it pits local favorites against Poppy. One of the contestants gets axed and it is a race to finish their houses and solve the murder before the buttercream melts.

Just a fun addition to the series that I think everyone will enjoy.

Definitely pick this up if you are a paranormal magical cozy mystery lover.

Read this book for free via my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short story in the series. This time Poppy isn't at the baking contest, but has been asked to be a celebrity contestant in a gingerbread house competition in Bath. While we didn't see most of the usual cast of characters, I enjoyed meeting a different group of competitors. I also liked the appearance toward the end of one of the regular characters, and hope the development that occurred continues. Finally, I'd love to see more of a couple of the charming new characters we met in Bath.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun seeing Poppy outside of the TV competition and in a different location, Bath this time. She's been asked to take part in a charity Gingerbread House competition. Unfortunately someone is murdered, but Poppy helps solve who did it. I enjoyed having more of Benedict and Gina in this novella and think was a fun little in-between story after reading book 5.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one out of order, but it's just as good. These holiday books in the series are short, quick reads, so the stories aren't as well developed as the others but are still enjoyable reads.

[K Whatsherface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda wish I read this before I finished the series. Takes place before book 6. but its cute.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy Warren books are perfect knitting companions, but unfortunately I seem to be all out and have had to turn to the novellas.

[Ashli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bit Confused

So I read all 9 books of the main series over the last few days & absolutely adored them. They all earned 5 stars from & I hope there will be more in the future because I’ve grown so fond of Poppy & the rest of her coven. I was very excited to read this book assuming it would be nice little update on the characters since this book takes place around Christmas & the rest of the series takes place in the spring & summer. And yet somehow instead of taking place after the events of the other books this one takes place somewhere in the middle despite being set months afterwards. It makes no sense! Upon further research I learned that this book did come out before the last of the main series BUT the timelines within the books still don’t match up. It’s such a bummer to go from enjoying such a wonderfully engrossing story to then get to this novella & being completely baffled as to what’s going on. Now if you’re reading this just as a stand alone cozy Christmas book it’s still very good for the most part, but when comparing it to the rest of a beloved series it just doesn’t fit in & will let you down.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly out of sync with the series..

It seems odd to have gone from summer to Christmas short without completing the rest of the series.. it makes little sense as there's no winner yet and I can't imagine that the next one in the series will resume with a January episode.. all a bit weirdly random.

I'm not as keen on the short stories in any of the series Warren has written.. they are either too obvious or there's a sudden jump to a conclusion without any real clues. The characters in this were lacking somewhat and a bit two dimensional.. also there was a bit of a conflict between the last novel and this as Poppy has accepted a job at the inn as baker and pastry chef.. would that not make her ineligible for the competition as a professional?? Plot hole!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another competition for Poppy

This time for charity.
Yet ghosts and murder still find our Poppy.
Add in a rascally dog and a budding romance with a couple of other contestants.
And a surprise appearance by another familiar face proves pivotal in solving the case.
Fun story.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's fine and all but the last book was in June. This one is in December and then the following book is back in the summer during the competition? Very confusing.

[Rocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, I gave this 5 stars, but as I progressed through the series, I realized this book has to be set after the competition ends, which means it doesn't fit in with the rest of the timeline. :/

[✨ ੈ✩‧April ♡ ʚ♡⃛ɞ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Warren's Gingerdead House is a delightful holiday cozy mystery, perfect for fans of culinary whodunnits and heartwarming holiday reads. The book introduces readers to the charming character of Maddie, who finds herself entangled in a Christmas mystery after a dead body is discovered in the local gingerbread house competition. Warren masterfully balances lighthearted moments with a well-paced mystery that keeps readers guessing, making this an engaging and entertaining read.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its festive atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of holiday decorations, gingerbread houses, and Christmas treats bring the holiday spirit to life, immersing readers in a cozy, small-town setting. The author’s use of food and baking adds a fun and creative twist to the murder mystery genre, making it feel unique while maintaining the traditional elements of a cozy mystery.

The characters are likable and relatable, especially Maddie, who is both witty and resourceful. The supporting cast, from the quirky town residents to the potential suspects, adds layers of intrigue and humor to the story. Warren does an excellent job developing their personalities, making them feel like people you might encounter in a real small town.

However, while the mystery itself is engaging, the pacing slows down at times, especially in the middle of the book. Some clues feel a bit too conveniently placed, which can take away from the suspense for more seasoned mystery readers. Nonetheless, the story picks up again toward the end, with a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends.

Overall, Gingerdead House is a delightful and charming cozy mystery, perfect for a winter afternoon by the fire. Warren’s blend of mystery, humor, and holiday cheer makes this book an enjoyable escape into a world of sugar, spice, and everything nice—minus the murder, of course.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gingerdead House by Nancy Warren

This is a cute, easy, and very entertaining cosy fantasy with a dash of magic. The main character is a witch who can see ghosts and do some magic, which gives the story a playful supernatural angle without ever making it feel heavy or complicated.

This book is apparently number 5.5 in the series, but I had no trouble at all reading it on its own. While there were a few characters where I could tell I was missing some backstory, it never felt confusing or frustrating. The story does a good job of grounding the reader and making the world feel welcoming, even if you are jumping in partway through.

What really worked for me was the narrative voice. The main character’s perspective is warm, friendly, and easy to slip into, and I found myself comfortably entertained from start to finish. The tone fits the cosy fantasy label perfectly, with just enough magic and ghostly elements to keep things interesting, but always keeping the focus on comfort and fun rather than tension.

Overall, this is the kind of book that is easy to pick up, easy to enjoy, and easy to recommend when you are in the mood for something light. It may not aim high, but it knows exactly what it wants to be, and delivers a charming, magical little escape that feels like a treat rather than a commitment.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

GINGERDEAD HOUSE by Nancy Warren
A Great Witches Baking Show Novella

Being part of the Great British Baking Contest has made Poppy Wilkinson a bit of a celebrity. As such she's encouraged to participate in a charity event over the holidays. Thus Poppy finds herself in Bath, participating in a Gingerbread House competition. Thoughts of a more relaxing baking experience are dashed when Poppy finds a militant organizer, bad feelings among the contestants, and a possible cheater! When a fellow contestant winds up dead, Poppy will use her skills to not only complete her gingerbread construction, but uncover a murderer as well! 

I love the Great British Bake Off, the Great Witches Bake Off, and Christmas so this standalone holiday whodunnit is perfect. It doesn't matter where in the series you are when you read this as there are no spoilers. Although it may help to have read the first one, even that isn't necessary to enjoy this novella. It's short, so you can easily read it in between your own bakes, or holiday busyness.

Despite it's brevity there's a full fledged mystery with great characters and fascinating descriptions of Bath and its historic buildings which become the theme of the competition. I loved meeting Catherine Palmer and the clever and adorable stray dog, both of whom make the story more meaningful and fun.

Heartwarming with plenty of laughs GINGERDEAD HOUSE makes a delightful holiday treat.

[Tania Rook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I guess Nancy asked herself what Scooby and the gang got up to heading into middle age.

Competitive gingerbread house building.

But when the gang's all here, you have to have a mystery, so the most repellent competitor in the competition is murdered. But on top of her excellent Bath famous-architecture-to-gingerbread skills, 30-something Sabrina (they call her Poppy, but you just know it's Sabrina the teenage witch going through her Nancy Drew phase), has an ear for mystery. The murderer would have gotten away with it, if not for that meddling witch.

By the way, Sabrina Poppy seems to have no concept that all magic comes with a price. She uses magic for the most mundane of tasks that could have been accomplished by extremely ordinary means. This is that sort of book. Aside from the gingerbread house making, everything is as low effort as humanly possible.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the month it took me to read the Complete Oz book, I needed something light and short. This one was available to listen to on Libby just when I needed it.

Do you need a fun little who-done-it with a fun character who happens to be a witch? It took three hours. The bad side is that it created a crazy desire for gingerbread cookies. Luckily, we don't have any, and I don't like cooking.

Hollis McCarthy is a fun narrator who can act out the various characters that show up. And she was able to make me laugh at the main character, Poppy Wilkinson, with her foibles and sense of humor.

For this reason, and that I know I can't be let down by any Nancy Warren book, I picked up a few other Great Witches Baking Show novels to brighten my sudden depression. This is not the time to get caught up in that. Right? On to the fun stories!

[Rhonda Lother · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the series, but I hated this book.

1. The baking series ran in the spring, and this is Christmas. There is zero story continuity.
2. Gina never found out Poppy was a witch.
3. Poppy and Benedict should be a couple.
4. Poppy should be lady of the manor.
5. If this Christmas story predates her being on the show, then Benedict shouldn't even know her yet.
6. Why would he ever ask her to help him shop for his mother? His mother HATED Poppy.
7. This should have just been set after the series ended and given us a peek into Poppy's new life.

I was about to start the vampire series, but right now, I'm just really put out at how this made NO SENSE.

[Dina Orban · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I'll start by saying the book was a great read, as all the books from the author. But...the timeline is so messed up! This would have been better written after the end of the series, as a Christmas treat. Not during. The series ends in the summer, with the death of a character mentioned in this book so I don't understand how that character can be mentioned as a living person, months after their death? Plus, we all know the boy gets the girl, but in this book, even if that already happened, Poppy still isn't aware of the "boy's" feelings. Maybe if I hadn't ended the series at the time I'm writing this review, I would have given it 5 stars. But in all honesty, I can't. STILL GREAT!

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

I am SO enjoying this series! It's unclear where this story fits in the reading order, but it's great to catch up with Poppy again. Moving the action away from the baking show is a good ploy to keep the series fresh. Poppy manages to find a pooch his fur-ever home, spark a potential love connection, and solve a murder while raising money for charity! This is a well-written, clean cozy with light paranormal elements.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Christmas has long passed and the winter celebration is behind us, this short story from the Witches baking show captures the market light and smell of gingerbread with a dash of murder. Poppy is at a charity contest building a gingerbread house when death comes knocking. This quick read expands the world in the series and gives us a bit more of Benedict and Poppy. Although I never really pictured them together, after this I am.

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I do love Nancy Warren's cosy mysteries. They're the perfect witchy cosy mysteries that have a solid theme that aren't overly quirky. This was a fun short story within this baking themed series with a murder during a gingerbread baking competition, a fun listen (I did the audiobook) while I did some Christmas baking. I just wish it was as 'long' as the other books in this series (which already tend to be short)

[Susan Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity event

What a nice idea, for the bakers to do charity events around Christmas time. It not only gets them out into the public's eye, but they get to bake without the judging and possible ousting from the Great Baking Competition. Well written with some interesting plot twists.