Sugar Cookies and Sirens
Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2.5, by Danielle Garrett
In a Nutshell:
It’s Valentine’s Day in Winterspell, and Rosella’s Family bakery, the Sugar Shack, has partnered with local candle maker Cora Hearth (from the author’s Nine Lives Magic series) to create magical gift bags for the town’s romantic celebrations. When a thief breaks into Rosella’s van and pinches the entire batch, Rosella and Cora — along with Cora’s wonderfully rude, persnickety talking cat — must team up to track down the culprit and save the evening.
Story Vibes:
🪄 Valentine’s magic
💫 Cora Hearth crossover
🪄 A van full of stolen goodies
💫 A sarcastic talking cat
🪄 Cozy collaboration and friendship
💫 Light-hearted magical sleuthing
The Plot:
A simple Valentine’s partnership turns into chaos when Rosella’s carefully prepared magical gift bags vanish from her van. With Winterspell counting on her for their romantic evening treats, she joins forces with Cora Hearth — and Cora’s gloriously cantankerous familiar — to hunt down the thief. The mystery is small in scale, but the journey is lively.
The Protagonist:
Rosella continues to blossom. Her confidence in her abilities and her place in the magical community grows steadily, and her natural curiosity and sense of fairness make her a strong, likeable sleuth. Cora is a delightful addition — level-headed, capable, and the perfect foil to her cat’s sharp tongue. Their dynamic gives the story warmth and humour, especially for readers who already know Cora from A Nine Lives Magic Mystery.
Themes & Style:
Danielle Garrett’s signature fast-paced, witty style shines here. The prose is clean and engaging, making this a quick, enjoyable read. The novella format means the mystery is lighter, with fewer suspects and less complex layering than the full-length novels; the culprit feels less developed, but that suits the brisk, holiday-themed structure. The focus is on collaboration, confidence, and a sprinkle of magical fun.
My Thoughts:
A charming Valentine’s adventure — warm, funny, and satisfying. Rosella and Cora make an excellent team, and the cameo from Cora’s rude talking cat adds a wonderful bite of humour. While the mystery is naturally lighter than the main books, it’s an enjoyable interlude that enriches the wider Winterspell world. A perfect quick read between the larger instalments.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: mild
Violence: none
Would I read the next one or reread?: Absolutely
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A sweet, magical treat and a delightful crossover novella.