What do you think?
Rate this book
Lattes and Levitation #2
Muffins After Magic
When a witch changes lanes without signaling, the result is magical mayhem…
It’s not a date. At least, that’s what Skye O’Malley tells herself when A-list actor Max Sullivan invites her to their hometown's annual harvest festival. He’s just grateful she helped him clear his name of murder charges, that’s all. It’s a friendly, platonic outing, as innocent as a batch of pumpkin chocolate-chunk muffins.
Until they make a grisly discovery in the corn maze. A dead body. And not just any dead body — it’s the town’s mayor.
The last thing Skye needs is to get tangled up in another murder case, especially considering her unreliable psychic skills. But Max has such unwavering faith in her potential, she reluctantly consults her tea leaves. Which show her nothing but…good luck symbols?
Maybe it's time to push her boundaries a little. However, consulting YouTube for spellcasting how-to videos probably wasn’t Skye's best choice. Because not only does she now have a highly annoyed talking cat to deal with, a murderer has taken notice of her activities. And will stop at nothing to remind her she should have stayed in her own lane….
It’s not a date. At least, that’s what Skye O’Malley tells herself when A-list actor Max Sullivan invites her to their hometown's annual harvest festival. He’s just grateful she helped him clear his name of murder charges, that’s all. It’s a friendly, platonic outing, as innocent as a batch of pumpkin chocolate-chunk muffins.
Until they make a grisly discovery in the corn maze. A dead body. And not just any dead body — it’s the town’s mayor.
The last thing Skye needs is to get tangled up in another murder case, especially considering her unreliable psychic skills. But Max has such unwavering faith in her potential, she reluctantly consults her tea leaves. Which show her nothing but…good luck symbols?
Maybe it's time to push her boundaries a little. However, consulting YouTube for spellcasting how-to videos probably wasn’t Skye's best choice. Because not only does she now have a highly annoyed talking cat to deal with, a murderer has taken notice of her activities. And will stop at nothing to remind her she should have stayed in her own lane….
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2022
26 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
217 books1,096 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 17, 2023
The second book in the Levitation and Lattes delivers another murder mystery. Skye is still in love with Max. Max is as always oblivious of Skye’s love for him. The mayor is murdered at the fall festival and Max encourages Skye to use her unusual talents to help solve the murder. She discovers a new power, talks to her grandmother, and learns that maybe the skills that she has always had will serve her best rather than developing new skills. With the help of an unexpected partner, Skye is able to solve the mystery but not without getting into a little bit of trouble herself. This is another fast-paced story that is a cute cozy mystery.
December 4, 2022
“Muffins Over Magic” is the second installment in the cozy mystery series.This read had a couple of new twists but quite honestly it was just okay.I still do not feel the supposed chemistry between Skye and Max. For the most part he reads like a self centered guy. Skye’s description of him is that he is good looking but never does she say anything about him that makes me think he is real relationship material.
This time the Las Vegas mayor is killed during the Harvest Festival. Of course Mac and Skye stumble upon his body. Max is on a real kick to get Skye to “improve her skills and be more by solving crime. Yet, she is satisfied with who she is. It is never good when a guy’s wants to change or manipulate you!
The town has to replace the mayor by holding a special election within 10 days of the vacancy. So, the mayor’s assistant Cory rushed to get the ballots out and now the Alex, the deputy assistant mayor is running as well as the former mayor’s brother, Dave.
After viewing a YouTube video on getting in touch with our inner magic Skye tries the technique and begins to experience unique powers such as getting Tilly, the local stray cat to talk. You think this add some serious levity and fun to the read but I found it to be rather dry and ho hum.
I’m at a point in my reading journey where I want to truly enjoy what I am reading and if it means reading less books, so be it! I don’t really enjoy these characters and won’t be going on to the other books in the series:
This time the Las Vegas mayor is killed during the Harvest Festival. Of course Mac and Skye stumble upon his body. Max is on a real kick to get Skye to “improve her skills and be more by solving crime. Yet, she is satisfied with who she is. It is never good when a guy’s wants to change or manipulate you!
The town has to replace the mayor by holding a special election within 10 days of the vacancy. So, the mayor’s assistant Cory rushed to get the ballots out and now the Alex, the deputy assistant mayor is running as well as the former mayor’s brother, Dave.
After viewing a YouTube video on getting in touch with our inner magic Skye tries the technique and begins to experience unique powers such as getting Tilly, the local stray cat to talk. You think this add some serious levity and fun to the read but I found it to be rather dry and ho hum.
I’m at a point in my reading journey where I want to truly enjoy what I am reading and if it means reading less books, so be it! I don’t really enjoy these characters and won’t be going on to the other books in the series:
April 7, 2023
Skye O’Malley has already solved one murder mystery, exonerating childhood friend turned movie star Max Sullivan, after he was accused in the last book of killing the director of the movie that he was starring in, being filmed in their hometown of Las Vegas, NM. Skye was able to figure things out by reading tea leaves and having prophetic dreams. It’s a few months after that, and Skye is back to running her coffee shop. She has had a crush on Max since they were teenagers. Max on the other hand shows little indication he has any feelings about Skye beyond being friends. When the town’s mayor turns up dead from foul play at the fall festival, Max encourages Skye to use her witchy talents to solve the case, even though she’s reluctant. Her best friend Deanne said it best, “You know he just wants to play Hardy Boys with you because he’s bored.” I’m not sure if I like Max for that reason. I feel bad for Skye. He’s just not that into her, but she agonizes over every interaction like a high school girl. He seems sorry he won’t be around for the weekend of her birthday, but he didn’t even text her that day with birthday wishes. I wish that he showed her a little more interest. Skye does try to figure out who the murderer is. I thought it was pretty easy to figure out who the murderer was, and I was surprised that Skye’s prophetic dream left her stumped. It’s an enjoyable read though, and I’m interested to see if things progress with Skye and Max as the series goes on.
October 19, 2022
This book continues the story begun in “Caffeine Before Curses” (Lattes and Levitation Book 1). It builds on the universe and characters in the previous book, which is best read first, but there is some fill-in for the episodes in the previous book, so it could stand alone. However, the full impact of the previous book will give much greater appreciation and enjoyment of this book.
As before, the story is told from Skye’s Point of View in a very stream-of-consciousness tone, which gives the feeling of being inside Skye's head, listening to her thought processes, and experiencing the story unfold from her perspective. It’s very effective in giving a feeling of immediacy and involvement in Skye’s life.
Skye and Max continue seeing each other off and on. Max still seems uninterested in romance while Skye hopes romance is in the cards. The town mayor is murdered and Max wants to investigate with Skye’s help. She is reluctant to get involved. At Max’s encouragement, Skye taps into her magic, perhaps a bit too deeply when she gives Tilly the cat the power of speech. Then she tries a seance, which does not go as hoped but is still successful in an unexpected way. Unfortunately, the identity of the murderer seems out of reach until it suddenly isn't — fortunately, Tilly was still talking. There are some tense moments as the murderer is brought to justice.
As before, the story is told from Skye’s Point of View in a very stream-of-consciousness tone, which gives the feeling of being inside Skye's head, listening to her thought processes, and experiencing the story unfold from her perspective. It’s very effective in giving a feeling of immediacy and involvement in Skye’s life.
Skye and Max continue seeing each other off and on. Max still seems uninterested in romance while Skye hopes romance is in the cards. The town mayor is murdered and Max wants to investigate with Skye’s help. She is reluctant to get involved. At Max’s encouragement, Skye taps into her magic, perhaps a bit too deeply when she gives Tilly the cat the power of speech. Then she tries a seance, which does not go as hoped but is still successful in an unexpected way. Unfortunately, the identity of the murderer seems out of reach until it suddenly isn't — fortunately, Tilly was still talking. There are some tense moments as the murderer is brought to justice.
October 11, 2022
Skye doesn't think her former neighbour-now acting megastar Max has asked her on a date. She'd know if he asked her on a date. Right? Harvest festival is just another thing he's missed being in California, right? She has a booth there anyway selling cookies and coffee so it was no big thing to ask for a little help from her bestie's hubby.
But a walk in the maze leads to her and Max finding another body - this time the mayor. Thankfully they're not in the frame this time but can her tea leaves reveal the real killer?
Skye's magic seems to have had a ramp-up in power and even help from beyond the veil from a friendly face doesn't make her understand why her power is suddenly boosted. Small town politics seem to be at the root of all her problems but will she and Max make it out unscathed?
I always knew you could learn anything on Youtube and Skye seems to come to the same conclusion! I love her little found family of friends and now she seems to have found her very own talking cat. I wonder if she knows Archie from Globe?
Quick read, wonderful characters, Skye's potential romance is still in the works.
But a walk in the maze leads to her and Max finding another body - this time the mayor. Thankfully they're not in the frame this time but can her tea leaves reveal the real killer?
Skye's magic seems to have had a ramp-up in power and even help from beyond the veil from a friendly face doesn't make her understand why her power is suddenly boosted. Small town politics seem to be at the root of all her problems but will she and Max make it out unscathed?
I always knew you could learn anything on Youtube and Skye seems to come to the same conclusion! I love her little found family of friends and now she seems to have found her very own talking cat. I wonder if she knows Archie from Globe?
Quick read, wonderful characters, Skye's potential romance is still in the works.
October 22, 2022
This review is of Muffins After Magic book 2 in Christine Pope’s Lattes and Levitation. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We are all surrounded by “what ifs.” What if I had more money? What if I had a better job? What if—fill in the blank. Skye O’Malley os not immune to the “What ifs.” What if she had different magic? What if Max would kiss her? What if she could solve the mystery? The problem with the what ifs is that the results don’t always pan out the way we thought they should, that there are always consequences. As Skye and Max try to solve another murder, Skye finds out what if’s can get out of hand! Set in the fall with corn mazes and costume parties, this story is another winner for the author. We already love the characters, for me especially the body guards, and the crazy happenings make this story a delight to read.
So which one of Skye’s what ifs gets fulfilled in this story? You are going to have to read it for yourself to find out! How much trouble can there be? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and go on to read more of Christine Pope’s work! Have a magical day!
We are all surrounded by “what ifs.” What if I had more money? What if I had a better job? What if—fill in the blank. Skye O’Malley os not immune to the “What ifs.” What if she had different magic? What if Max would kiss her? What if she could solve the mystery? The problem with the what ifs is that the results don’t always pan out the way we thought they should, that there are always consequences. As Skye and Max try to solve another murder, Skye finds out what if’s can get out of hand! Set in the fall with corn mazes and costume parties, this story is another winner for the author. We already love the characters, for me especially the body guards, and the crazy happenings make this story a delight to read.
So which one of Skye’s what ifs gets fulfilled in this story? You are going to have to read it for yourself to find out! How much trouble can there be? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and go on to read more of Christine Pope’s work! Have a magical day!
November 8, 2022
Muffins after Magic is the second book in the Lattes and Levitation series. The story is told by one of the main characters (Skye). In the first book, Skye helps to clear Max (a famous actor and Skye’s childhood friend) of a murder he did not commit through the use of her ability to read tea leaves. In the second book, Sky and Max are faced with another murder mystery. After the reading of the tea leaves, Skye is confused and begins to doubt her abilities leading to the mystery part of the book. On the romance side, Skye is still hoping that Max will see her as more than a “best friend”. To add even more we are introduced to a variety of antics from Tilly, the cat that roams the neighbourhood near Skye’s coffee shop.
November 18, 2022
Muffins after Magic
This book continues the story begun in “Caffeine Before Curses” (Lattes and Levitation Book 1). It builds on the previous story. Another dead body brings Skye and Max together trying to solve the mystery of who done it. Pope and her magic cats! Tilly, the talking cat, shows up in the second edition of Lattes and Levitation to add to the Pope's ongoing theme of magical felines. Personally, I love it. Max and Skye’s romance limps along, as Sky tries to figure out how the major was murdered. Relaying on tea leaves to solve the mystery, Skye discovers she has a bit more powerful magic. Looking forward to next book. Hope Skye and Max get it together finally.
This book continues the story begun in “Caffeine Before Curses” (Lattes and Levitation Book 1). It builds on the previous story. Another dead body brings Skye and Max together trying to solve the mystery of who done it. Pope and her magic cats! Tilly, the talking cat, shows up in the second edition of Lattes and Levitation to add to the Pope's ongoing theme of magical felines. Personally, I love it. Max and Skye’s romance limps along, as Sky tries to figure out how the major was murdered. Relaying on tea leaves to solve the mystery, Skye discovers she has a bit more powerful magic. Looking forward to next book. Hope Skye and Max get it together finally.
October 13, 2022
Muffins After Magic, the second book in Lattes and Levitation, finds our heroine, Skye O’Malley, still hoping that famous movie star and long-time childhood friend Max Sullivan, becomes her potential romantic partner. So far, it’s not to be but a continued very friendly platonic relationship. In the meantime, a mysterious murder takes place and Skye finds herself involved in solving it. It all becomes crazy including a mistaken spell that leaves the neighborhood roaming cat speaking. This is a great book and series and I recommend it highly.
February 6, 2023
Max has bought a ranch outside Las Vegas, NM as a homebase for his acting career after realizing real people and friendships have been missing from his life. Skye was his best friend when they were kids and he likes being around her. And she proved he wasn't the murderer in the last book. Skye's friend Deanne is trying to push a romance and Max is trying to force Skye to expand her magical powers. Neither goes all that well. The Harvest Festival is huge in small Las Vegas and everyone is there when the mayor turns up dead.
October 19, 2022
This awesome series continues…….. With another dead body! Max and Skye are on the case though Skye is more then a little reluctant! With her limited magic she is more then wary but gives it a go and ends up with a talking cat!! It’s exciting, it’s addictive and the characters are just fantastic in this small town murder mystery that’s got twists and turns and some surprises and a friendship that may slllooowwwwly become a romance? We shall just have to wait and see what happens next.
November 18, 2022
This is book 2 of the Lattes and Levitation series, it’s been a delight to read more about Skye and Max as Skye tries to figure out the exact nature of their relationship. When they come across another dead body while at the Harvest Festival, it’s a bit of a mystery as to who did it and why. I liked just how relate-able Skye has felt and am excited to learn more about her adventures with Max and Tilly. I did receive an ARC but this does not affect my thoughts or opinions in anyway.
May 15, 2023
mystery
Okay she is learning that magic is real and she has some. This is turning out to be a cool coming of age story even though she is in her late 20’s. I’m a little upset with the romantic relationship because she is harping on it. There isn’t any real decision or her stepping out of her comfort zone. Overall this is mysterious and I couldn’t tell you who killed the character it was well done.
Okay she is learning that magic is real and she has some. This is turning out to be a cool coming of age story even though she is in her late 20’s. I’m a little upset with the romantic relationship because she is harping on it. There isn’t any real decision or her stepping out of her comfort zone. Overall this is mysterious and I couldn’t tell you who killed the character it was well done.
July 22, 2023
Levitation cafe ( meow )
Very entertaining. Skye ☺ has a little cafe in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico. She reads tea bags and has dreams that gives her clues on solving mysteries. When she tries to expand her gifts, it backfires. She makes it possible for a cat to talk. She can't seem to reverse it though. She has a friend named Max that she has dreamed about since childhood. Many adventures follow.
Very entertaining. Skye ☺ has a little cafe in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico. She reads tea bags and has dreams that gives her clues on solving mysteries. When she tries to expand her gifts, it backfires. She makes it possible for a cat to talk. She can't seem to reverse it though. She has a friend named Max that she has dreamed about since childhood. Many adventures follow.
January 19, 2024
Cozy read for sure! Much like the first book, this was a light, no conflict, easy read, which I enjoyed and needed!
Go into it knowing that it's not a super intricate plot and you will enjoy it.
Very predictable murder mystery, but I still enjoyed reading it as it unfolded.
Romantic tension does pick up, but still leaves you hanging, which honestly is why I picked up the next book haha
Go into it knowing that it's not a super intricate plot and you will enjoy it.
Very predictable murder mystery, but I still enjoyed reading it as it unfolded.
Romantic tension does pick up, but still leaves you hanging, which honestly is why I picked up the next book haha
May 13, 2024
Another murder to solve!
So liking Skye's way of solving crimes that happen in her hometown.
Max and she nearly trip over another body, at least this time Max won't be accused of murder.
But who would want to murder the mayor???
Max is all for solving this murder, but Skye isn't to sure.
Love Cozy Mysteries.
BTW, several years ago I had Deanne's bag. Everything but the kitchen sink. 😂😂😂😂
So liking Skye's way of solving crimes that happen in her hometown.
Max and she nearly trip over another body, at least this time Max won't be accused of murder.
But who would want to murder the mayor???
Max is all for solving this murder, but Skye isn't to sure.
Love Cozy Mysteries.
BTW, several years ago I had Deanne's bag. Everything but the kitchen sink. 😂😂😂😂
October 28, 2022
Coffee shop murders
Corn mazes can be fun but apparently they can also be murder as Max and Skye find out. And then at Max's subtle urging, Skye reaches out and discovers her tea leaf reading abilities are just the tip of the magical cauldron for her. I'm so hoping for a bigger spark of romance between the two of them in the next book!
Corn mazes can be fun but apparently they can also be murder as Max and Skye find out. And then at Max's subtle urging, Skye reaches out and discovers her tea leaf reading abilities are just the tip of the magical cauldron for her. I'm so hoping for a bigger spark of romance between the two of them in the next book!
October 17, 2024
Interesting story
Muffins After Magic is an interesting second book in the Lattes and Levitation series. The murder of the town mayor has Skye reading tea leaves and listening to her talking cat, Tilly, in trying to solve the crime. The magic and the my image this book interesting, the very slow to get going romance between Skye and Max is bordering on annoying.
Muffins After Magic is an interesting second book in the Lattes and Levitation series. The murder of the town mayor has Skye reading tea leaves and listening to her talking cat, Tilly, in trying to solve the crime. The magic and the my image this book interesting, the very slow to get going romance between Skye and Max is bordering on annoying.
January 5, 2023
Brilliant Series
Muffins After Magic (Lattes and Levitation Book 2) by Christine Pope. Another murder and Skye and Max are the ones to discover the body. Skye’s tea leaves show her a clover and a spade but what do they mean?
Muffins After Magic (Lattes and Levitation Book 2) by Christine Pope. Another murder and Skye and Max are the ones to discover the body. Skye’s tea leaves show her a clover and a spade but what do they mean?
November 14, 2023
Muffins after magic
I just finished reading muffins after magic.
I like how it was fun to read and I didn't have to worry about any intimate scenes coming up.
And the addition of the talking cat help the storyline.
I just finished reading muffins after magic.
I like how it was fun to read and I didn't have to worry about any intimate scenes coming up.
And the addition of the talking cat help the storyline.
June 17, 2024
Fun, interesting characters
This book was a fun read with interesting characters, a murder to solve and a talking cat. Tilly, the cat who can talk is quite amusing. She is crabby and snarky but has a good heart. The small town setting is very inviting and comfortable.
This book was a fun read with interesting characters, a murder to solve and a talking cat. Tilly, the cat who can talk is quite amusing. She is crabby and snarky but has a good heart. The small town setting is very inviting and comfortable.
Read
October 21, 2022Wonderfull
I just love Christine's stories. I think she out did herself this time. She fasting gets better and better and better and better.
I just love Christine's stories. I think she out did herself this time. She fasting gets better and better and better and better.
February 16, 2024
Another fun, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews