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Great Witches Baking Show #5
Blood, Sweat and Tiers
The Earl of Frome gets a shock when a gaggle of nosy bird watchers gang up on him. When one of them winds up dead, it doesn't look good for the Earl. Amateur baker Poppy Wilkinson gets embroiled in yet another murder mystery. It's a good thing she's got witchy powers as she has to solve a murder, try and learn more about her own mysterious beginnings and turn out a winning cake, because it's cake week in the competition tent.
From USA Today Bestselling author Nancy Warren comes the 5th book in the witches baking series. Each book can be read alone. They feature no sex, gore or bad language but lots of clues, some quirky humor, and recipes. "Just my cup of tea--with cake!"
From USA Today Bestselling author Nancy Warren comes the 5th book in the witches baking series. Each book can be read alone. They feature no sex, gore or bad language but lots of clues, some quirky humor, and recipes. "Just my cup of tea--with cake!"
Audiobook
First published January 20, 2021
302 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Warren
359 books1,884 followersNancy 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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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.
www.facebook.com/groups/NancyWarrenKn...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 16, 2021
Blood, Sweat and Tiers is Book 5 in the Great Witches Baking Show Series by Nancy Warren.
I LOVED this book. This is such a great series.
Poppy is coming into her witchy powers while trying to find out more about her birth parents.
Meanwhile, it is cake week on the competition and there is alot of activity.
There is a HAWK that plays a big part in the story here which was really interesting.
There is another murder and Poppy is off to investigate.
The characters are rich and well written. The story keeps you guessing until the very end.
This can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series as they are equally fantastic.
I LOVED this book. This is such a great series.
Poppy is coming into her witchy powers while trying to find out more about her birth parents.
Meanwhile, it is cake week on the competition and there is alot of activity.
There is a HAWK that plays a big part in the story here which was really interesting.
There is another murder and Poppy is off to investigate.
The characters are rich and well written. The story keeps you guessing until the very end.
This can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series as they are equally fantastic.
Read
April 1, 2021Another stressful week in the baking tent for Poppy as she gets wrapped up in another murder and comes closer to finding more information about her birth parents. Great characters that are easy to connect to and cheer for as they progress through the competition as well as help Poppy discover her true witchy self! The plots are well written and enjoyable that combined with a great narrator really come to life! If you haven't started listening to this series, you really should!
August 5, 2022
Another week in the tent and Poppy is trying her best to keep her mind on her baking so she’s not kicked off the show. Encounters with the odious Earl and some bird watchers quickly distract her from her baking when a murder occurs. Additionally, even though she continues to be warned not to search for any more clues surrounding her birth as she faces danger, Poppy forges on with her investigation.
April 7, 2021
BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS by Nancy Warren
The Fifth Great Witches Baking Show Mystery
More than baking is at stake when Poppy Wilkinson learns that the Earl of Frome may be shooting birds illegally, even taking aim at the hawk who seems to have a connection with her. Poppy is determined to protect the wildlife from the earl and his bully of a gamekeeper. She's not the only one as a group of birdwatchers descends upon the grounds, disrupting the competition as they march toward the hall. When Poppy finds their elderly leader shot dead by the gamekeeper's cottage she wonders if the earl was getting rid of, what to him, was just another nuisance. Despite the murder and all of the other distractions Broomewode Hall provides Poppy needs to focus on her baking or else her tiered cake will leave her in tears!
Once again Poppy is losing focus on the competition. In this fifth outing her distraction is caused by concern for a hawk, who seems to have not only a connection to her, but a direct link to her father. The Earl seems to have it in for, not only the hawk, but other protected birds as well. The Earl and his despicable gamekeeper truly pissed me off in this book. Smug attitudes and the belief that money and a title allow you to do whatever you want raises my dander as much, if not more, than Poppy's. And when it concerns abuse of wildlife I see red.
I love that Gerry is learning to do more as a ghost. Although he's more apt to use his power for mischief, he also is willing and able to use it for good. I also love how Sly and Gateau teamed up to help. I enjoy the time with the bakers. It's interesting to see how they are changing as the competition progresses. I just hope they remain positive and supportive and not start showing claws.
The path to the mystery's solution was quite a labyrinth. Red herrings abound in BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS and the ultimate confrontation and reveal was an exciting surprise.
Great baking, a puzzling mystery, and a bit of magick make BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS a delectable read.
Recipe included.
The Fifth Great Witches Baking Show Mystery
More than baking is at stake when Poppy Wilkinson learns that the Earl of Frome may be shooting birds illegally, even taking aim at the hawk who seems to have a connection with her. Poppy is determined to protect the wildlife from the earl and his bully of a gamekeeper. She's not the only one as a group of birdwatchers descends upon the grounds, disrupting the competition as they march toward the hall. When Poppy finds their elderly leader shot dead by the gamekeeper's cottage she wonders if the earl was getting rid of, what to him, was just another nuisance. Despite the murder and all of the other distractions Broomewode Hall provides Poppy needs to focus on her baking or else her tiered cake will leave her in tears!
Once again Poppy is losing focus on the competition. In this fifth outing her distraction is caused by concern for a hawk, who seems to have not only a connection to her, but a direct link to her father. The Earl seems to have it in for, not only the hawk, but other protected birds as well. The Earl and his despicable gamekeeper truly pissed me off in this book. Smug attitudes and the belief that money and a title allow you to do whatever you want raises my dander as much, if not more, than Poppy's. And when it concerns abuse of wildlife I see red.
I love that Gerry is learning to do more as a ghost. Although he's more apt to use his power for mischief, he also is willing and able to use it for good. I also love how Sly and Gateau teamed up to help. I enjoy the time with the bakers. It's interesting to see how they are changing as the competition progresses. I just hope they remain positive and supportive and not start showing claws.
The path to the mystery's solution was quite a labyrinth. Red herrings abound in BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS and the ultimate confrontation and reveal was an exciting surprise.
Great baking, a puzzling mystery, and a bit of magick make BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS a delectable read.
Recipe included.
September 25, 2022
Not the best book in the series.
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐
📚 Genre: paranormal cozy mystery
💻 KU: Yes
💕 Positives:
* The ending with Benedict was sweet and heartwarming.
* The mystery was fairly easy to solve.
🚫 Negatives:
* Hamish says that there isn't anything to fear with a shotgunn since it's meant supposedly for game rather than people. That's not true since it makes a great home defense tool for intruders.
* Continuity error: Hamish explains how the safety works for shotguns (being cocked open) but then makes a comment on how the earl might trip and shoot his own foot off. The earl can't do that since it's still cocked open in the book.
* It's a little annoying how fearful the main character is of guns. They're a tool, nothing else. It's pretty obvious that not only is she uneducated in guns, but pretty anti-gun as well.
* The author contradicts herself yet again. She mentions how local produce doesn't have a need for fuel to transport elsewhere but in the next sentence describes how an old (internal combustion/gas engine) van transports the produce elsewhere.
⚡Trigger Warning: None
🌟 Overall, I didn't really care for the politics in this story. The gun politics were a bit annoying with the owner being fearful, and the eco/save the environment politics were contradictory. I read to escape politics, not to hear about it in detail.
It's a shame since the rest of the books have been great and politic free. I'm hoping that the next one isn't political at all. Also, Poppy had a holier than thou attitude in this book, which wasn't present at all in any of the previous books. I didn't really care for this change in attitude. I'll give the series another chance with the next book, but if the politics and holier than thou attitude continues, then I'm done.
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐
📚 Genre: paranormal cozy mystery
💻 KU: Yes
💕 Positives:
* The ending with Benedict was sweet and heartwarming.
* The mystery was fairly easy to solve.
🚫 Negatives:
* Hamish says that there isn't anything to fear with a shotgunn since it's meant supposedly for game rather than people. That's not true since it makes a great home defense tool for intruders.
* Continuity error: Hamish explains how the safety works for shotguns (being cocked open) but then makes a comment on how the earl might trip and shoot his own foot off. The earl can't do that since it's still cocked open in the book.
* It's a little annoying how fearful the main character is of guns. They're a tool, nothing else. It's pretty obvious that not only is she uneducated in guns, but pretty anti-gun as well.
* The author contradicts herself yet again. She mentions how local produce doesn't have a need for fuel to transport elsewhere but in the next sentence describes how an old (internal combustion/gas engine) van transports the produce elsewhere.
⚡Trigger Warning: None
🌟 Overall, I didn't really care for the politics in this story. The gun politics were a bit annoying with the owner being fearful, and the eco/save the environment politics were contradictory. I read to escape politics, not to hear about it in detail.
It's a shame since the rest of the books have been great and politic free. I'm hoping that the next one isn't political at all. Also, Poppy had a holier than thou attitude in this book, which wasn't present at all in any of the previous books. I didn't really care for this change in attitude. I'll give the series another chance with the next book, but if the politics and holier than thou attitude continues, then I'm done.
February 3, 2021
"One thing I learned over the last month was that the most surprising people were capable of murder, given the right triggers"
With individuals, alive and dead, running around the grounds of the Earl of Frome's manor, it's a wonder anything gets done on this, cake week. In this book, in this reader's opinion the best so far, Poppy Wilkerson is still in the running to win the competition, but the competitive bakers' group is thinning and the stakes are getting higher. Then, like a flock of birds, the local bird watchers group attempts to disrupt the proceedings as well as the Earl's culling of vermin. When a member of that group is shot, Poppy is compelled to try to solve the murder as well as still trying to solve her own history.
Will she be able to figure this all out? What are the clues? And why are Gateau and Sly working together....and why is a hawk following her around?
I simply love this series. Nancy Warren can draw a reader into each world she creates and this one gets better and better with tempting food and quirky humor as the icing on another murder. Highly Recommended. 5/5
[I received this book from the author and I chose to read and review it]
With individuals, alive and dead, running around the grounds of the Earl of Frome's manor, it's a wonder anything gets done on this, cake week. In this book, in this reader's opinion the best so far, Poppy Wilkerson is still in the running to win the competition, but the competitive bakers' group is thinning and the stakes are getting higher. Then, like a flock of birds, the local bird watchers group attempts to disrupt the proceedings as well as the Earl's culling of vermin. When a member of that group is shot, Poppy is compelled to try to solve the murder as well as still trying to solve her own history.
Will she be able to figure this all out? What are the clues? And why are Gateau and Sly working together....and why is a hawk following her around?
I simply love this series. Nancy Warren can draw a reader into each world she creates and this one gets better and better with tempting food and quirky humor as the icing on another murder. Highly Recommended. 5/5
[I received this book from the author and I chose to read and review it]
January 29, 2023
Sorry but the writing is losing me. I still like the mystery aspect but having things explained multiple times or just the basic repetition of 'facts' is driving me nutty, find another way to up the word count!
June 25, 2021
Misnamed the MC roommate ghost Margaret when her name is Mildred in previous books.
October 28, 2021
This one was my least favorite so far in this series - 3.5
January 5, 2023
Loved it !!
April 29, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.
I am totally hooked on this reality show type cozy magical mystery. This week is cake week and Poppy can’t get too comfortable with any wins she gets. Since she has split her focus, her cooking has suffered at times during the competition. Now she learns she may have a new Hawk spirit guide who might be manifesting as her father’s ghost. She continually gets the “leave this place, you are in danger,” threats but she is determined to discover why these loving people abandoned her at birth in an apple crate.
Animal activists are all over this book and breaking the Earl of From’s concentration. Poppy isn’t the only one who isn’t focused. These bird watchers don’t want to lose the rights to traverse the land that was meant for the public even though it is now owned by the Earl and his family. Then the lady leading the animal activist charge is found dead and Poppy is yet again in the middle of another murder investigation. She and Detective Lane do get closer in this one and I am hoping for a full on love connection at some point.
The mysteries are always compelling and the cast is just so fun to read about and follow, even the obnoxious former contestant, Gerry who won’t crossover kind of grows on your after awhile.
Can’t wait to dig into the next book in the series!
This is the fifth book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.
I am totally hooked on this reality show type cozy magical mystery. This week is cake week and Poppy can’t get too comfortable with any wins she gets. Since she has split her focus, her cooking has suffered at times during the competition. Now she learns she may have a new Hawk spirit guide who might be manifesting as her father’s ghost. She continually gets the “leave this place, you are in danger,” threats but she is determined to discover why these loving people abandoned her at birth in an apple crate.
Animal activists are all over this book and breaking the Earl of From’s concentration. Poppy isn’t the only one who isn’t focused. These bird watchers don’t want to lose the rights to traverse the land that was meant for the public even though it is now owned by the Earl and his family. Then the lady leading the animal activist charge is found dead and Poppy is yet again in the middle of another murder investigation. She and Detective Lane do get closer in this one and I am hoping for a full on love connection at some point.
The mysteries are always compelling and the cast is just so fun to read about and follow, even the obnoxious former contestant, Gerry who won’t crossover kind of grows on your after awhile.
Can’t wait to dig into the next book in the series!
May 31, 2022
Even more clues into Poppy’s background. I love how they are slowly doled out but I need to know! The mystery, as usual, was good, and it’s nice that Poppy’s witchy skills are getting better. The baking show is my favorite part and I like how Poppy is always in the middle so she’s not eliminated yet (how else would the series continue?!!) Can’t wait for more clues to where her mother is in the next one.
October 31, 2022
I love Nancy Warren, but what in the peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers is this shit? Its a no for me, boo...
March 6, 2023
3.25 stars
This was a solid and fun installment in this quirky fun cozy mystery series.
This was a solid and fun installment in this quirky fun cozy mystery series.
July 26, 2022
Oops, listened to #5 before #4. Still works! 😆
December 30, 2024
Another fun installment of the Great Witches Baking Show series. In this one, a group of bird watchers start causing havoc by being noisy while the show is filming. It was pretty predictable who was going to die, but I wasn't sure who the murderer would be...and was a little surprised. Excited to read the next book.
March 12, 2023
This was my least liked in the series so far - Poppy gets sweet FA about her parents. I enjoyed the time spent in the Baking Contest tent - GBBO is just such a feel good show & I like that this familiarity has been incorporated into this series. However, it’s everything else that I didn’t like. While I appreciated that Poppy didn’t have an investigation to insert herself into for over half the book, she still managed to dither about over nothing for that time. With what little information about Poppy’s past that has been revealed, what information we do have is repeated & is making me lose interest. Hopefully the next is more engaging.
December 8, 2024
This is my second time listening to the audiobooks of this series and it is such a cosy yet engaging mystery series. Combining the best parts of Bake Off tv, with magic and characters meeting unfortunate circumstances, this is a perfect comfort read.
Read
January 14, 2021BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TIERS is a cozy mystery set in the UK. Poppy who as a 2 day old infant was left in a crate, wrapped in a shawl, in front of a bakery. Now in her 20's Poppy wants to find her biological parents. She believes that they are some how connected to the manor house Broomwode. While watching TV she saw a shot from the house where they were filming The Great British Cooking Show. She figures if she can get on that show she can get to the manor house and hopefully find something about her parents. There was a painting in the dining room and the woman had a shawl exactly like the one she was wrapped in as a babe.
This episode has a hawk that is playing a big part. He seems to be everywhere Poppy is. It is as tho he is watching over her. The Earl of the Manor is determined to rid his property of all manner of "vermin". The Earl is a bit crazy and he wants to shoot all bird of prey to keep them from killing his game birds - so that he can kill them later on in the season. He is a menace with a gun, as is his game keeper. That man is trouble. They both are to be sure.
Things are moving right along until Poppy hears gunshots at night and she goes to investigate. That is when she discovers a body covered in blood and the victim is quite dead. Now Poppy is in the middle of another murder mystery. This is a good episode and Poppy is getting closer to finding her parents. Her dad has already appeared to her during a ceremony in the woods. He warns her to leave. All the books in this series are good and can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend all of them. Great series and a lot of fun. This is not a book of nightmares so any age can read and enjoy.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 1/13/2021
This episode has a hawk that is playing a big part. He seems to be everywhere Poppy is. It is as tho he is watching over her. The Earl of the Manor is determined to rid his property of all manner of "vermin". The Earl is a bit crazy and he wants to shoot all bird of prey to keep them from killing his game birds - so that he can kill them later on in the season. He is a menace with a gun, as is his game keeper. That man is trouble. They both are to be sure.
Things are moving right along until Poppy hears gunshots at night and she goes to investigate. That is when she discovers a body covered in blood and the victim is quite dead. Now Poppy is in the middle of another murder mystery. This is a good episode and Poppy is getting closer to finding her parents. Her dad has already appeared to her during a ceremony in the woods. He warns her to leave. All the books in this series are good and can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend all of them. Great series and a lot of fun. This is not a book of nightmares so any age can read and enjoy.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 1/13/2021
January 19, 2021
Competition on The Great British Baking Show is heating up. Poppy really needs to ramp up her entries after winning the last week. But she is still determined to follow up on her birth parents stories. When encountering the Earl of Frome and his sycophantic gamekeeper, Arthur, shooting ‘vermin birds’, she again sees the mysterious hawk from her last week in Bromewode. This time the Earl is aiming at the hawk but Poppy intervenes, throwing off his aim. Benedict, the Earl’s son show up, but believes his father that he wasn’t aiming at a protected bird. A group of avian environmental activists are also disrupting the show filming with protests about protecting ancient right-of-ways. This is throwing Poppy off her baking game & she joins her coven in a full moon magical ceremony to protect the hawk. When the ghost of someone she believes is her father and warns her away, Poppy is determined to find more answers. But will she stop the Earl from killing the hawk and still manage to stay in the ranks of the rapidly shrinking show competitors? The murder of the activist leader puts Poppy literally under the gun to handle it all & come back to compete the next week.
Yet another sparkling entry here in an increasingly tense series of The Great Witches Baking Show. I don’t know how the British show that inspired the series lasts but as there are fewer competitors now, I can’t wait to read how it finally plays out. This is a quick but thoroughly captivating read as is the whole series. The recipes at the end of each novel are a wonderful lagniappe.
Yet another sparkling entry here in an increasingly tense series of The Great Witches Baking Show. I don’t know how the British show that inspired the series lasts but as there are fewer competitors now, I can’t wait to read how it finally plays out. This is a quick but thoroughly captivating read as is the whole series. The recipes at the end of each novel are a wonderful lagniappe.
March 18, 2023
I've been reading this series because I loved the Vampire Knitting Club books, by the same author. I also loved the first few seasons of the British Baking Show... but I am troubled by some inconsistencies in the narrative.
First of all, there should be enough clues that we have a chance to figure out the murderer. This is a weak point in many of Nancy's other series, so I was prepared for some of that to happen here.
However, no one has known through out the first 4 books why Poppy wanted to come to the filming except her best friend, who is a makeup artist on the show. Time and again as she has asked nosy questions related to her birth parents, I have exclaimed, "Tell them why you are asking!!!!!!" in great irritation. So imagine my further irritation in this book when she casually refers to the situation in front of several of the people I felt she should have confided in at the beginning, and there is no reaction, no surprise, nothing. As though the reveal of her adoption happened off camera.
There have been a few other inconsistencies in the series that I have spotted. There are a lot of moving parts in this story and I cut some slack for that, but I really feel that a database sometimes is needed to keep character details in order, or some dedicated fan proofreaders.
If you are a Nancy Warren fan, this is still a good series to read. But aargh!
First of all, there should be enough clues that we have a chance to figure out the murderer. This is a weak point in many of Nancy's other series, so I was prepared for some of that to happen here.
However, no one has known through out the first 4 books why Poppy wanted to come to the filming except her best friend, who is a makeup artist on the show. Time and again as she has asked nosy questions related to her birth parents, I have exclaimed, "Tell them why you are asking!!!!!!" in great irritation. So imagine my further irritation in this book when she casually refers to the situation in front of several of the people I felt she should have confided in at the beginning, and there is no reaction, no surprise, nothing. As though the reveal of her adoption happened off camera.
There have been a few other inconsistencies in the series that I have spotted. There are a lot of moving parts in this story and I cut some slack for that, but I really feel that a database sometimes is needed to keep character details in order, or some dedicated fan proofreaders.
If you are a Nancy Warren fan, this is still a good series to read. But aargh!
January 20, 2021
And so Poppy’s sweet adventure continues in this 5th book of The Great Witches Baking Show. For those who already know this wonderful series, you’re in for a great treat because Poppy unravels yet some key information about the secrets surrounding her true origin!
For those who don’t know the series yet, what makes The Great Witches Baking Show so great is the relatable and realistic in depth developed characters and Nancy Warren’s talent to be able to take you fully in in her well detailed and colorful stories, but what makes it even greater to me is the mystery surrounding Poppy’s origin that has been carefully and well baked in throughout every book. This series will take you on Poppy’s journey to find answers about her past, her newly found powers and the mayhem and danger that seems to find her every time she seems to set foot on the grounds of Broomewode Hall in Somerset in the UK.
I truly enjoyed Blood, Sweat and Tiers! I feel it is my favorite so far, but that is how I feel after every book in this series! How awesome is that?! Seriously, who doesn’t love baking, a perfect English setting, magic, ghosts, familiars, sleuthing and a life mystery to unravel? I know I do!
All what is left for me to say is, OMG Nancy Warren, when can we read Poppy’s next adventure?
For those who don’t know the series yet, what makes The Great Witches Baking Show so great is the relatable and realistic in depth developed characters and Nancy Warren’s talent to be able to take you fully in in her well detailed and colorful stories, but what makes it even greater to me is the mystery surrounding Poppy’s origin that has been carefully and well baked in throughout every book. This series will take you on Poppy’s journey to find answers about her past, her newly found powers and the mayhem and danger that seems to find her every time she seems to set foot on the grounds of Broomewode Hall in Somerset in the UK.
I truly enjoyed Blood, Sweat and Tiers! I feel it is my favorite so far, but that is how I feel after every book in this series! How awesome is that?! Seriously, who doesn’t love baking, a perfect English setting, magic, ghosts, familiars, sleuthing and a life mystery to unravel? I know I do!
All what is left for me to say is, OMG Nancy Warren, when can we read Poppy’s next adventure?
May 24, 2021
Twitchers, tiers and tears
As Poppy goes to collect her eggs and strawberries she catches Earl Frome trying to take potshots at a hawk, Sly and Gateau finally have a cause in common and rush over to disrupt his aim. But when Poppy confronts him about the hawk being a protected species he denies it was a hawk and his gamekeeper backs him up.
Twitchers have been out walking the footpaths and ancient rights of way to ensure that they can't be taken off the map which further angers the Earl.
Poppy is still trying to find out more about her birth mother, and realises that Katie has information about the keepers father who also could well remember her mother but Katie is still being evasive with the information.
When shots are heard on the first evening, Marlene's body is found dead and nearby the purdey cartridge.. the same brand used by the Earl.. he denies he was out and about that evening but Poppy discovers that it's not the truth from Katie who promises to come forward only if more evidence of his guilt is found.. Poppy needs to work out why Katie is so protective of the family and so determined not to tell her anything about her birth family.. all while baking a showstopper and solving Marlene's murder.
As Poppy goes to collect her eggs and strawberries she catches Earl Frome trying to take potshots at a hawk, Sly and Gateau finally have a cause in common and rush over to disrupt his aim. But when Poppy confronts him about the hawk being a protected species he denies it was a hawk and his gamekeeper backs him up.
Twitchers have been out walking the footpaths and ancient rights of way to ensure that they can't be taken off the map which further angers the Earl.
Poppy is still trying to find out more about her birth mother, and realises that Katie has information about the keepers father who also could well remember her mother but Katie is still being evasive with the information.
When shots are heard on the first evening, Marlene's body is found dead and nearby the purdey cartridge.. the same brand used by the Earl.. he denies he was out and about that evening but Poppy discovers that it's not the truth from Katie who promises to come forward only if more evidence of his guilt is found.. Poppy needs to work out why Katie is so protective of the family and so determined not to tell her anything about her birth family.. all while baking a showstopper and solving Marlene's murder.
January 20, 2021
Blood, Sweat and Tiers by Nancy Warren
This is book 5 in a series of 6 by Ms. Warren of The Great Witches Baking Show series. This is another adventure of a murder mystery of a who done it where the main character ‘Poppy’ saves the day and solves the mystery and is getting that much closer to possibly finding out about her birth parents.
The baking championship competition is getting more intense and Poppy feels she needs to focus on her baking game but it keeps getting thrown off by a mystery each week to solve not by her choosing but she seems to be in the thick of it. This book involves a group of nature lovers vs the Earl of Frome and his game birds and ‘vermin’ control as he likes to call it. Another poor soul is killed and Poppy uses her witchy intuition to help save the day and save someone.
Ms. Warren again keeps a reader guessing and at the end of the book is a recipe for one of the fabulous creations that is baked in the story. I’m sad that this is book 5 of 6 as it means this series may be coming to an end. I highly recommend reading this and other books by Ms. Warren. She has a talent for weaving mystery and whimsy all together.
This is book 5 in a series of 6 by Ms. Warren of The Great Witches Baking Show series. This is another adventure of a murder mystery of a who done it where the main character ‘Poppy’ saves the day and solves the mystery and is getting that much closer to possibly finding out about her birth parents.
The baking championship competition is getting more intense and Poppy feels she needs to focus on her baking game but it keeps getting thrown off by a mystery each week to solve not by her choosing but she seems to be in the thick of it. This book involves a group of nature lovers vs the Earl of Frome and his game birds and ‘vermin’ control as he likes to call it. Another poor soul is killed and Poppy uses her witchy intuition to help save the day and save someone.
Ms. Warren again keeps a reader guessing and at the end of the book is a recipe for one of the fabulous creations that is baked in the story. I’m sad that this is book 5 of 6 as it means this series may be coming to an end. I highly recommend reading this and other books by Ms. Warren. She has a talent for weaving mystery and whimsy all together.
January 21, 2021
Blood, Sweat and Tiers is the fifth in the cozy paranormal Great Witches Baking Show by Nancy Warren. While learning to become a master baker Poppy Wilkinson is also learning to master her witchy powers. One of the masteries may win her the Baking Show Contest while the other is helping her discover her ancestry as well as helping to discover and stop murderers. This week is cake week using local fruits. Poppy is well with her cake. Then there is the murder.
The baking continues right on until the murder. This time it is a bird-watcher who has been killed. Marlene Applebaum was part of a group and now she had been killed with a shotgun. The killer is one who is not the obvious and not for the obvious reason which makes this an interesting read. So well-written it is as if a friend is telling you what has happened instead of a story of fiction. The best part Poppy finds another animal on her side and a friend.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The baking continues right on until the murder. This time it is a bird-watcher who has been killed. Marlene Applebaum was part of a group and now she had been killed with a shotgun. The killer is one who is not the obvious and not for the obvious reason which makes this an interesting read. So well-written it is as if a friend is telling you what has happened instead of a story of fiction. The best part Poppy finds another animal on her side and a friend.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2023
It's cake week in the tent and Poppy is still learning more about her witchy abilities while trying to find out more about her birth parents. Once again she has to juggle the stress of being in a baking contest with unlocking the mysteries of her past combined with a murder. If I were her, I'd be way to stressed out about everything to even sleep a wink.
I am honestly hooked on this reality show themed story. I can picture it perfectly in my head, to the point where I find myself googling to check if such a show exists: one that combines sweets with murder mystery. The story is a complete delight and I find myself rooting for Poppy during the contest, I am just as surprised and disappointed like her during the judging.
The characters are well rounded, they become a bit more clear to me now that the number of contestants has shrunk. The story keeps you guessing and honestly I don't think I would have seen that plot twist. It surprised me and came out of nowhere.
Recommending this series has never been hard for me. It is truly wonderful, up there with The Vampire Knitting Club.
I am honestly hooked on this reality show themed story. I can picture it perfectly in my head, to the point where I find myself googling to check if such a show exists: one that combines sweets with murder mystery. The story is a complete delight and I find myself rooting for Poppy during the contest, I am just as surprised and disappointed like her during the judging.
The characters are well rounded, they become a bit more clear to me now that the number of contestants has shrunk. The story keeps you guessing and honestly I don't think I would have seen that plot twist. It surprised me and came out of nowhere.
Recommending this series has never been hard for me. It is truly wonderful, up there with The Vampire Knitting Club.
January 20, 2021
The excitement begins from the first sentence in this book and keeps going.
Another weekend at the Great British Baking contest that’s gearing up with all the contestants ready to keep us on our toes.
Poppy gets into situations over her head and watch what happens .
She encounters a group of bird enthusiasts and the feathers start flying as conflicts occur in this quiet town.
One thing leads to another but is she any closer to find out what really brought her to this quaint English town?
You can read this as a stand alone but it is best to read the whole series to get a feel for the characters and the countryside.
In no time it will seem that you are right there in the thick of things and can actually smell the grass and awesome smells coming from the ovens!
It was easy to pull an all nighter reading because I couldn't put it down.
I wanted to know what was next!
And as an added bonus there is a recipe
at the back of the book from the baking competition!
January 28, 2021
Blood, Sweat and Tiers is the latest book in the delightful Great Witches Baking Show series but it can be read as a stand alone.
Poppy and her fellow contestants are back in the baking tent for Cake week and as usual things do not go smoothly. A group of birdwatching activists are noisily protesting which disrupts filming and ruffles more than a few feathers but unfortunately their ringleader ends up murdered. As well as trying to cook the perfect cakes to stay in the show, solve the mystery of her birth, stop the Earl shooting wild birds and learn about her newly discovered magical powers Poppy cannot help herself, she has to try to discover who the killer is.
The recurring characters are a great mix of non-magic people, witches and ghosts and the continuing storyline is beginning to gain pace nicely. I am really enjoying this series and definitely recommend it. This is the perfect book to read with a cuppa and cake. The recipe is a nice touch.
Poppy and her fellow contestants are back in the baking tent for Cake week and as usual things do not go smoothly. A group of birdwatching activists are noisily protesting which disrupts filming and ruffles more than a few feathers but unfortunately their ringleader ends up murdered. As well as trying to cook the perfect cakes to stay in the show, solve the mystery of her birth, stop the Earl shooting wild birds and learn about her newly discovered magical powers Poppy cannot help herself, she has to try to discover who the killer is.
The recurring characters are a great mix of non-magic people, witches and ghosts and the continuing storyline is beginning to gain pace nicely. I am really enjoying this series and definitely recommend it. This is the perfect book to read with a cuppa and cake. The recipe is a nice touch.
February 4, 2021
Blood, Sweat and Tiers by Nancy Warren
Great Witches Baking Show Series Book Five
Poppy Wilkinson is back in Broomewode Village for another weekend of baking. Another weekend of hoping to find clues to who her birth parents could be. Another weekend of putting up with her pesky ghost, Gerry, who was murdered in the first week of taping and hasn’t crossed over yet.
This week, Poppy came across a group of people who were part of a bird-watching/wildlife group of sorts. They weren’t happy about the earl shooting birds of prey.
And of course... there’s a murder. And of course, Poppy just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and finds the body. But at least she has another clue to her past—and another warning that she needs to leave, that her life is in danger. A little threat isn’t enough to stop her. Fun, easy to read stories. I always look forward to the next book in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Great Witches Baking Show Series Book Five
Poppy Wilkinson is back in Broomewode Village for another weekend of baking. Another weekend of hoping to find clues to who her birth parents could be. Another weekend of putting up with her pesky ghost, Gerry, who was murdered in the first week of taping and hasn’t crossed over yet.
This week, Poppy came across a group of people who were part of a bird-watching/wildlife group of sorts. They weren’t happy about the earl shooting birds of prey.
And of course... there’s a murder. And of course, Poppy just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and finds the body. But at least she has another clue to her past—and another warning that she needs to leave, that her life is in danger. A little threat isn’t enough to stop her. Fun, easy to read stories. I always look forward to the next book in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
May 26, 2021
I love this series! The Great Witches Baking Show is a delightfully quirky series that combines wit, mystery, and baking to perfection!"
The Earl of Frome is at the center of this mystery. He is shocked when a group of nosy bird watchers gang up on him and ultimately one of them winds up dead. Things are not looking good for the Earl. It is another murder mystery to solve for The Great Brittish Baking Show Amateur baker Poppy Wilkinson. While she is sharpening her baking skills, she is also learning to use her power as a witch to solve yet another murder. Along the way she is learning about her own mysterious beginnings and doing her best to achieve the winning cake during the competition.
Nancy Warren has done a great job telling Poppy's story. Even though this is a series, it can be a stand alone read too. This series has the perfect mix of mystery, fun, and whimsey - just like the ingredients in a perfect cake!
The Earl of Frome is at the center of this mystery. He is shocked when a group of nosy bird watchers gang up on him and ultimately one of them winds up dead. Things are not looking good for the Earl. It is another murder mystery to solve for The Great Brittish Baking Show Amateur baker Poppy Wilkinson. While she is sharpening her baking skills, she is also learning to use her power as a witch to solve yet another murder. Along the way she is learning about her own mysterious beginnings and doing her best to achieve the winning cake during the competition.
Nancy Warren has done a great job telling Poppy's story. Even though this is a series, it can be a stand alone read too. This series has the perfect mix of mystery, fun, and whimsey - just like the ingredients in a perfect cake!
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