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Magical Mystery Book Club #4
Bakeries and Buffoonery
It’s a magical book club! When this group chooses a book, magic happens. The mystery comes to life, and they find themselves part of the story. To exit the book and get back home, they need to solve the mystery and reach The End.
This time, the club chooses a book called The Great Cake Rivalry, because, well … cake! They read the back cover and it’s unanimous. So off they go into another grand adventure into a town aptly named Frosting.
Frosting is a rural town in an idyllic setting. The people live quiet lives most of the year. But in the spring, things change. The Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of every man, woman, and child. They take this competition seriously. The cakes are spectacular. The festival is fabulous. For a week there are contests featuring all kinds of cakes. The people of the community become official tasters and vote for the winning cakes in each category.
The grand finale is a display of finely decorated cakes, made by the town’s bakeries. The winner of the best design receives a prize package that would make any baker dizzy.
Sadly, this event has been tainted. Once a year, each one different, but all somehow related to this event, a person is murdered. The main investigator is stumped, but that could be because he’s an inept buffoon.
Can the book club help the people of this community figure out who is causing this disturbing pattern of deaths, and stop another murder from happening? Can they figure out why some of the citizens dress so oddly, and why they always wear those unique backpacks? All while they fill themselves to the brim with cake, of course.
This time, the club chooses a book called The Great Cake Rivalry, because, well … cake! They read the back cover and it’s unanimous. So off they go into another grand adventure into a town aptly named Frosting.
Frosting is a rural town in an idyllic setting. The people live quiet lives most of the year. But in the spring, things change. The Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of every man, woman, and child. They take this competition seriously. The cakes are spectacular. The festival is fabulous. For a week there are contests featuring all kinds of cakes. The people of the community become official tasters and vote for the winning cakes in each category.
The grand finale is a display of finely decorated cakes, made by the town’s bakeries. The winner of the best design receives a prize package that would make any baker dizzy.
Sadly, this event has been tainted. Once a year, each one different, but all somehow related to this event, a person is murdered. The main investigator is stumped, but that could be because he’s an inept buffoon.
Can the book club help the people of this community figure out who is causing this disturbing pattern of deaths, and stop another murder from happening? Can they figure out why some of the citizens dress so oddly, and why they always wear those unique backpacks? All while they fill themselves to the brim with cake, of course.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2023
348 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Pantley
63 books449 followersElizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 17, 2023
I still love this concept, a book within a book, and this one does not disappoint. Paige, Glo, and the gang are picking their next book to dive into, literally. Their new pick is a modern-day setting with a paranormal aspect with the characters in the book since they can see Mollie (a ghost that is now part of the group from the previous book) and hear Frank, the cat.
The book they chose starts off differently because it is in the voice of the killer, but that doesn't make their job any easier to uncover that person. There is a smaller set of characters that could be the culprit, but the clues really don't start revealing themselves until near the end. I thought I had the mystery solved at the end, but I was wrong. I think my mouth dropped when they unmasked the killer because it wasn't anyone on my radar.
There is a new discovery in the Inn they own and where the magical library is housed, a room that holds the books of all previous book clubs and their adventures. This book club has apparently gone on for centuries, and there might be a little more to Frank than we know after a drunken incident and his ramblings. Only future books will reveal those truths.
As with other books, a character can choose to stay in the book they are in, with the book club writing the ending that includes leaving that person behind. There is one character that finds their match, and who could blame them for wanting to stay behind? You'll have to read the book to learn who it is.
I enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. We give this one 5 paws up.
The book they chose starts off differently because it is in the voice of the killer, but that doesn't make their job any easier to uncover that person. There is a smaller set of characters that could be the culprit, but the clues really don't start revealing themselves until near the end. I thought I had the mystery solved at the end, but I was wrong. I think my mouth dropped when they unmasked the killer because it wasn't anyone on my radar.
There is a new discovery in the Inn they own and where the magical library is housed, a room that holds the books of all previous book clubs and their adventures. This book club has apparently gone on for centuries, and there might be a little more to Frank than we know after a drunken incident and his ramblings. Only future books will reveal those truths.
As with other books, a character can choose to stay in the book they are in, with the book club writing the ending that includes leaving that person behind. There is one character that finds their match, and who could blame them for wanting to stay behind? You'll have to read the book to learn who it is.
I enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. We give this one 5 paws up.
January 11, 2023
The book club goes on another book journey, this time into a book called The Great Cake Rivalry. They find they are in a town called Frosting during a week-long Cake Competition. The town has three bakeries which compete annually with a new challenge every day. The citizens also can participate as well and win ribbons for bragging rites. This all seems like a fun and tasty adventure but it is a cozy mystery for a reason. Someone hates the competitions and there has been a murder/dead every year for the last five years and is planning something bigger this year. Can the book club solve the cold cases and prevent more deaths this year?
This is such a fun series to read. The characters are entertaining and lovable. One of my favorites is Frank, the cat. He sometimes gets kinda grumpy because he feels he’s not been seen as the best, or that they aren’t getting fish for him to eat, however he is smart and does help with the mysteries. The mystery is fun, fast paced, well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun, paranormal cozy mysteries.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
This is such a fun series to read. The characters are entertaining and lovable. One of my favorites is Frank, the cat. He sometimes gets kinda grumpy because he feels he’s not been seen as the best, or that they aren’t getting fish for him to eat, however he is smart and does help with the mysteries. The mystery is fun, fast paced, well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun, paranormal cozy mysteries.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
December 26, 2025
You're going to want to dive into this series - its clever and a quick read.
April 2, 2023
Bakeries and buffoonery is the fourth installment on the magical mystery club, and the series just keeps getting better and better. We go back to the amazing inn the book club meets, and this time around, things feel a little different for everyone.
Of course, the story starts with one of my favorite characters, the amazing charming sometimes sassy siamese cat named Frank. What I enjoy about the plot this time around is that we find out the true purpose for the magical books' existence. Our intrepid gang of book lovers goes into another adventure. They go into a book called The Great Cake Rivalry and arrive at a quaint little town called Frosting. While they get familiar with the town, they notice that theres a baking competition. Unfortunately, there's a killer on the loose, and our protagonists will have to solve the mystery before they can return home.
I absolutely love this series and will continue to read it and keep up with all the amazing mysteries they uncover.
Of course, the story starts with one of my favorite characters, the amazing charming sometimes sassy siamese cat named Frank. What I enjoy about the plot this time around is that we find out the true purpose for the magical books' existence. Our intrepid gang of book lovers goes into another adventure. They go into a book called The Great Cake Rivalry and arrive at a quaint little town called Frosting. While they get familiar with the town, they notice that theres a baking competition. Unfortunately, there's a killer on the loose, and our protagonists will have to solve the mystery before they can return home.
I absolutely love this series and will continue to read it and keep up with all the amazing mysteries they uncover.
March 23, 2023
I ADORE this series and it just keeps getting better with each book. It is a cosy mystery series with a unique premise and a lighthearted, fun and laugh out loud approach.
The thing I like most about these books is it never gets stale or feels recycled like I have found can happen with other series. This one feels shiny and new every time.
I loved that there were new characters in this one and I just got to spend time with those that I knew and loved. I was especially happy to find more out about Frank - who we all know is my fav feline in the literary world, just taking over from the grumpy but fabulous Crookshanks.
I was so sorry when it ended because I could have happily kept reading but I cant wait for what is to come next. If you love cosy mysteries with a heavy dose of humour then you need to pick this series up
The thing I like most about these books is it never gets stale or feels recycled like I have found can happen with other series. This one feels shiny and new every time.
I loved that there were new characters in this one and I just got to spend time with those that I knew and loved. I was especially happy to find more out about Frank - who we all know is my fav feline in the literary world, just taking over from the grumpy but fabulous Crookshanks.
I was so sorry when it ended because I could have happily kept reading but I cant wait for what is to come next. If you love cosy mysteries with a heavy dose of humour then you need to pick this series up
February 9, 2023
Our favorite magical book club members are at it again! It’s time to choose a new book to discuss for their next book journey. They must make their selection wisely because the rules of the club include becoming an actual character of the book and not returning home until they solve the mystery.
This time they’ve chosen a book set in a town called Frosting with their annual cake competition in full swing. The entire town becomes involved in the contest, but there’s one major problem. Every year someone connected to the competition is murdered. Our group plans to solve this crime once and for all.
Elizabeth Pantley has an amazing imagination. She creates paranormal stories that come alive with each word. She brings the story to life with such vivid scenes and some of the quirkiest characters I’ve ever read about.
A town that’s all about the cake? Yes, that’s the place I want to be. Even Frank, the gorgeous Siamese cat, takes part in the investigation. There’s a beautiful explosive ending as well. These books are fast-paced and filled with mystery and humor.
As soon as I start reading this series, I become totally engrossed in the book. I feel as if I’m in the fantasy. It’s a little reality mixed with quite a bit of fantasy. The perfect escape for me.
I’m anxiously awaiting to see where the book club goes next. In the meantime I have a sudden craving for cake.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This time they’ve chosen a book set in a town called Frosting with their annual cake competition in full swing. The entire town becomes involved in the contest, but there’s one major problem. Every year someone connected to the competition is murdered. Our group plans to solve this crime once and for all.
Elizabeth Pantley has an amazing imagination. She creates paranormal stories that come alive with each word. She brings the story to life with such vivid scenes and some of the quirkiest characters I’ve ever read about.
A town that’s all about the cake? Yes, that’s the place I want to be. Even Frank, the gorgeous Siamese cat, takes part in the investigation. There’s a beautiful explosive ending as well. These books are fast-paced and filled with mystery and humor.
As soon as I start reading this series, I become totally engrossed in the book. I feel as if I’m in the fantasy. It’s a little reality mixed with quite a bit of fantasy. The perfect escape for me.
I’m anxiously awaiting to see where the book club goes next. In the meantime I have a sudden craving for cake.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2025
This book is the fourth book in this series, and they just keep on hitting the spot with no signs of losing my interest. The characters are engaging and witty, each one different and unique from the others and all bring something to the story and help each other as they try to unravel the mystery they find themselves in the midst of.
This time, our eclectic bunch find themselves in the small town of Frosting, where a huge cake festival is underway, the three top bakeries in town are all competing fiercely to be crowned champion. The problem is that every year this competition takes place, someone winds up not breathing. Our book club heroes are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before someone else meets their maker.
So far, all the books have contained a supernatural or paranormal element to them, which is fortunate as it means we get more of Frank the Siamese cat’s wisdom, wit and in this case, drunken ramblings (never let a talking cat lick the bowl of cherry brandy flavoured frosting). If the mystery were regular, then the locals wouldn’t hear Frank speak, which would be a huge shame. This time we get fairies, and not your sweet little Tinkerbell ones, but powerful, sometimes wicked and bad-tempered as well. Figuring out just how these fairies fit into the mystery, as well as trying to outwit the bumbling buffoon Inspector looking into the case.
It was sad to see one of the regulars leave us this time, but it was nice that they found their happy ever after and will live on in this book. Who will replace them next time? The book club must always have eight members, no more, no less.
This time, our eclectic bunch find themselves in the small town of Frosting, where a huge cake festival is underway, the three top bakeries in town are all competing fiercely to be crowned champion. The problem is that every year this competition takes place, someone winds up not breathing. Our book club heroes are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before someone else meets their maker.
So far, all the books have contained a supernatural or paranormal element to them, which is fortunate as it means we get more of Frank the Siamese cat’s wisdom, wit and in this case, drunken ramblings (never let a talking cat lick the bowl of cherry brandy flavoured frosting). If the mystery were regular, then the locals wouldn’t hear Frank speak, which would be a huge shame. This time we get fairies, and not your sweet little Tinkerbell ones, but powerful, sometimes wicked and bad-tempered as well. Figuring out just how these fairies fit into the mystery, as well as trying to outwit the bumbling buffoon Inspector looking into the case.
It was sad to see one of the regulars leave us this time, but it was nice that they found their happy ever after and will live on in this book. Who will replace them next time? The book club must always have eight members, no more, no less.
March 11, 2023
Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley is the fourth book in her Magical Mystery Book Club series. Paige, Glo, Frank, and the rest of the book club members are back for a new mystery into a new book! With Mollie the ghost tagging along, they are off on a new adventure to a small town where cake is king! Every year, a cake competition takes over the whole town. For the past few years, the competition has been tainted in a negative manner. Bad things have been happening, including murder. What happened? Who’s behind it all? What exactly is their issue with cake? Can the club figure out the answers and keep the competition from being tainted yet again? Dive in and find out!
This fourth installment to the series brings some fresh new elements to keep the series from getting stale and being the same old, same old. Vee takes the spotlight a couple times in this book as she has baking experience. It’s nice to see her showcase her talents, and even attract the attention of some of the residents as well.
The mystery aspect will absolutely keep you engaged and page-turning to the very end. Just when you think that you’ve figured out who is behind it all, you learn that you’ve been dealt a red herring! Don’t be fooled!! LOL! You’ll be working hard to piece together the puzzle, but a little nudge from an unexpected place will be needed.
There is much to be enjoyed in this book, and so that rates this book a nice 4.5 out of 5 stars. For readers who enjoy cozy mystery novels, this series is a good choice.
This fourth installment to the series brings some fresh new elements to keep the series from getting stale and being the same old, same old. Vee takes the spotlight a couple times in this book as she has baking experience. It’s nice to see her showcase her talents, and even attract the attention of some of the residents as well.
The mystery aspect will absolutely keep you engaged and page-turning to the very end. Just when you think that you’ve figured out who is behind it all, you learn that you’ve been dealt a red herring! Don’t be fooled!! LOL! You’ll be working hard to piece together the puzzle, but a little nudge from an unexpected place will be needed.
There is much to be enjoyed in this book, and so that rates this book a nice 4.5 out of 5 stars. For readers who enjoy cozy mystery novels, this series is a good choice.
February 16, 2023
Bakeries and Buffoonery is the fourth book in the charming cozy mystery series, the Magical Mystery Book Club by Elizabeth Pantley. Though it’s not necessary to read the books in order, I would recommend you do. You’ll get to know the characters much better as well as find out when and why certain characters are book club members.
As you can probably gather from the series name, this book revolves around a group of book club characters, but it’s no ordinary book club. The members in this club actually become characters in the book they choose to read! The book they enter this time around is set in the small town of Frosting. No, that wasn’t always its name, but the town has become obsessed with cake! There are three bakeries who compete in the Great British Baking Show….wait, no, that’s my other obsession…. These bakeries compete in an annual cake bake-off…no pies allowed! And every year someone is murdered! What does the murderer have against cake?! Who doesn’t love cake? That’s what the book club needs to find out.
As you read the books in this series, you’ll quickly find that the members of the club love to eat! Any time they are in a club meeting, they eat. They frequent the bakeries and restaurants in Frosting. And, thanks to an amateur bake-off, they bake…a lot! You’re going to be hungry thanks to the way the author describes the tremendous amount of food this group eats! As if cake wasn’t enough, right?!
I really enjoyed trying to figure out why some of the characters in Frosting dressed so strangely and why they had long oval backpacks. I was certainly surprised when the reason was revealed! Speaking of surprises, this book sets us up for a reveal that may or may not be in the next book! I’m always delighted by the fantasy elements that the author adds to this magical book club’s adventures. She has a wonderful imagination, and we get to live in her imagination through these books!
When it came to figuring out who the killer was, it took me a long time to pick the right culprit. Your list of suspects will be long thanks to the red herrings throughout. With so many quirky characters, almost any of them could be guilty. You’ll get a significant clue somewhere near the end, so pay attention!
If you like your cozy mysteries with a variety of well-written characters, lots of food, fantastical elements, and plenty of suspects for you to sort through, you will love this entertaining book and series! I definitely recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
As you can probably gather from the series name, this book revolves around a group of book club characters, but it’s no ordinary book club. The members in this club actually become characters in the book they choose to read! The book they enter this time around is set in the small town of Frosting. No, that wasn’t always its name, but the town has become obsessed with cake! There are three bakeries who compete in the Great British Baking Show….wait, no, that’s my other obsession…. These bakeries compete in an annual cake bake-off…no pies allowed! And every year someone is murdered! What does the murderer have against cake?! Who doesn’t love cake? That’s what the book club needs to find out.
As you read the books in this series, you’ll quickly find that the members of the club love to eat! Any time they are in a club meeting, they eat. They frequent the bakeries and restaurants in Frosting. And, thanks to an amateur bake-off, they bake…a lot! You’re going to be hungry thanks to the way the author describes the tremendous amount of food this group eats! As if cake wasn’t enough, right?!
I really enjoyed trying to figure out why some of the characters in Frosting dressed so strangely and why they had long oval backpacks. I was certainly surprised when the reason was revealed! Speaking of surprises, this book sets us up for a reveal that may or may not be in the next book! I’m always delighted by the fantasy elements that the author adds to this magical book club’s adventures. She has a wonderful imagination, and we get to live in her imagination through these books!
When it came to figuring out who the killer was, it took me a long time to pick the right culprit. Your list of suspects will be long thanks to the red herrings throughout. With so many quirky characters, almost any of them could be guilty. You’ll get a significant clue somewhere near the end, so pay attention!
If you like your cozy mysteries with a variety of well-written characters, lots of food, fantastical elements, and plenty of suspects for you to sort through, you will love this entertaining book and series! I definitely recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 6, 2023
The latest adventure of the Magical Mystery Book Club finds the readers turned sleuths in Frosting for the annual cake contest. Someone hates the contest and what it has done to the town so much the annual contest also brings an annual murder.
The characters in this series are always quirky, fun and full of surprises. I feel as though the book club gang are becoming good friends I enjoy visiting with in each book. Frank is still my favorite. The mystery always keeps me guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep it interesting. I love the humor throughout the book and the way the book club members relate to each other. Each book brings out parts of their personalities the readers have not previously known. I generally do not care for books with paranormal elements but I love this series and do not find the paranormal aspects distracting of off putting at all so I would highly recommend this series to all cozy mystery readers.
The characters in this series are always quirky, fun and full of surprises. I feel as though the book club gang are becoming good friends I enjoy visiting with in each book. Frank is still my favorite. The mystery always keeps me guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep it interesting. I love the humor throughout the book and the way the book club members relate to each other. Each book brings out parts of their personalities the readers have not previously known. I generally do not care for books with paranormal elements but I love this series and do not find the paranormal aspects distracting of off putting at all so I would highly recommend this series to all cozy mystery readers.
March 20, 2023
My Review:
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is my favourite cosy mystery series ever. Books, mystery and fun all wrapped up in a cosy read that is just fabulous.
The book club gang are this time sent off to a cake mad town to solve the mystery of the murders that happen every year during the big cake competition, and prevent it from happening again. I love the characters in the book club, my favourite’s are Paige, Forest and of course Frank. Each character has their quirks and they all work so well together, and in their little groups.
I didn’t guess whodunnit this time, I was too overwhelmed by cake. The descriptions of the cakes throughout this book were amazing - do not read this when hungry!
As usual, a fun quick easy read. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is my favourite cosy mystery series ever. Books, mystery and fun all wrapped up in a cosy read that is just fabulous.
The book club gang are this time sent off to a cake mad town to solve the mystery of the murders that happen every year during the big cake competition, and prevent it from happening again. I love the characters in the book club, my favourite’s are Paige, Forest and of course Frank. Each character has their quirks and they all work so well together, and in their little groups.
I didn’t guess whodunnit this time, I was too overwhelmed by cake. The descriptions of the cakes throughout this book were amazing - do not read this when hungry!
As usual, a fun quick easy read. Can’t wait for the next one.
June 13, 2024
The characters are in for a treat in this book. In each book of this series, the book club group ends up in the world of the book they choose. And they get to solve the mystery. This time, there’s an unusual town involved. There’s some serious baking competitions and even more serious people involved. There have been some murders in the past that seem related to the cake competition. Paige and Glo, along with the others, bring some fun adventures and humor to the story. I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series! I listened to the audiobook and it was enjoyable and easy to listen to.
March 23, 2023
‘Bakeries and Buffoonery’ is so much fun to read and I absolutely love the whole concept of the magical books. I think the whole idea is unique and the writing is so fresh and exciting. I haven’t read any of the other Mystery Book Club series but that didn’t matter when it came to reading this story as I quickly jumped in and this book was so enjoyable. Frank is my favourite character because who doesn’t love a sassy feline?
I received a gifted copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
March 28, 2023
Another fun cozy mystery by author Elizabeth Pantley! Paige, Glo, and the rest of the Snapdragon Book Club are off on another adventure, this time with bakeries 🎂 and fairies! 🧚♀️ I love how the crew include Mollie in all of their adventures, and the fairies are so much fun, even when they’re a little cranky! So many quirky new personalities, added to the crazy crew, and you’ve got lots of shenanigans, cakes, and yet another mystery to solve. I really thought I knew who it was this time, and for half a second I was actually right, but then I changed my mind, so my final guess was wayyyyyy off! This is part of a series, but you don’t need to have read the previous books, although it will definitely help a bit. I cannot wait to see where the gang ends up next! Highly recommend this cozy mystery! 🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️
October 17, 2025
I am enjoying this series, my magic tree house for grown up, a book within a book!
Book 4 of the series, fun setting of a small town enamored with their annual baking contest. But this is no ordinary town, it has fae as the paranormal characters. It was fun to learn a little about the folklore behind fae as well.
I always like to see who is in the book club and who will free up their space for new members in the next to around.
This one was a tricky puzzle, I was not able sleuth it out on my own, all the fae seemed to be a red herring, so that was great!
Great for anyone that loves a light hearted cozy with ghosty paranormal side characters and talking cats, I love Frank the talking cat!
Book 4 of the series, fun setting of a small town enamored with their annual baking contest. But this is no ordinary town, it has fae as the paranormal characters. It was fun to learn a little about the folklore behind fae as well.
I always like to see who is in the book club and who will free up their space for new members in the next to around.
This one was a tricky puzzle, I was not able sleuth it out on my own, all the fae seemed to be a red herring, so that was great!
Great for anyone that loves a light hearted cozy with ghosty paranormal side characters and talking cats, I love Frank the talking cat!
December 17, 2022
Bakeries and Buffoonery is the 4th book in the Magical Mystery Book Club.
The book club travels to places far and wide, and probably even to other worlds as time goes by, by becoming (literally) immersed and transformed into living characters in the story chosen for that session.
This series took a bit to get used to at first, but now it's one of my favorites.
The gang travels to the town that has been renamed Frosting (what a name for a town, huh) where they have a major competition every year to name the winner of the best bakery in town. The winner is named after a week long party/carnival in the square by a combination of judge's votes and popularity votes from the town's citizens. This year the criminal mastermind is planning to end the competitions permanently with a bang. So far he/she has killed one person each year for the past several years to try and end the competition.
This is once again a book that will be hard to put down and probably keep you up later than you should be to 'Get to that one last chapter before bedtime'
The book club travels to places far and wide, and probably even to other worlds as time goes by, by becoming (literally) immersed and transformed into living characters in the story chosen for that session.
This series took a bit to get used to at first, but now it's one of my favorites.
The gang travels to the town that has been renamed Frosting (what a name for a town, huh) where they have a major competition every year to name the winner of the best bakery in town. The winner is named after a week long party/carnival in the square by a combination of judge's votes and popularity votes from the town's citizens. This year the criminal mastermind is planning to end the competitions permanently with a bang. So far he/she has killed one person each year for the past several years to try and end the competition.
This is once again a book that will be hard to put down and probably keep you up later than you should be to 'Get to that one last chapter before bedtime'
June 4, 2024
Bizarrely quite a good, odd little read
February 15, 2023
This series features a book club that's simply magic. The members meet in a special library where they all agree on a book to "read". They're then sent into the book to solve a mystery. After they do so, they're returned home.
In this book, the group finds themselves in the small town of Frosting where once a year the town goes wild for cake. The Annual Cake Competition is an event where three bakeries ccompete for grand prizes. But not everyone is happy about things and has committed murder at each event for the past few years. Since that hasn't stopped the competition, that person has even bigger plans this year. Can the book club find the culprit before things turn deadly?
This is the fourth book in an incredible series that is so much fun to read. This well-written book has a wonderful and well-rounded group of characters who are a joy to get to know. I was immediately drawn into this captivating tale and didn't want to put it down. Unfortunately, sleep beckoned and didn't give me a choice. LOL This story had some especially exciting characters along with a thrilling mystery that'll keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. This is a definite must-read book and series. I'm really looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one. I do suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of it, but each mystery is contained within one book so it could be read as a stand-alone.
In this book, the group finds themselves in the small town of Frosting where once a year the town goes wild for cake. The Annual Cake Competition is an event where three bakeries ccompete for grand prizes. But not everyone is happy about things and has committed murder at each event for the past few years. Since that hasn't stopped the competition, that person has even bigger plans this year. Can the book club find the culprit before things turn deadly?
This is the fourth book in an incredible series that is so much fun to read. This well-written book has a wonderful and well-rounded group of characters who are a joy to get to know. I was immediately drawn into this captivating tale and didn't want to put it down. Unfortunately, sleep beckoned and didn't give me a choice. LOL This story had some especially exciting characters along with a thrilling mystery that'll keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. This is a definite must-read book and series. I'm really looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one. I do suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of it, but each mystery is contained within one book so it could be read as a stand-alone.
July 9, 2024
Listening to the audiobook just made this wonderful, fantasy book shine more. Read via AI, there is a bit of an adjustment period. Once you become use to the rhythm and tone, you find yourself noticing nothing but the wonderful words that draw you into the book.
The Magical Mystery Book Club series is one of the best cozy mystery series I have read. The newest addition to the series, Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley doesn’t disappoint. This time the gang head to a town named Frosting for a cake contest that is taken very seriously by the townspeople. So seriously, someone is killing off someone every year.
Paige and Aunt Glo, plus the usual gang, are all excited about joining a book that is about cake. It’s a paranormal so Frank can speak and be heard. Mollie, the latest addition to the series discovers a few tricks of her own in this story. And one of their own, is actually quite good at baking and seems to fit right in with this town. I was quite surprised about the killer. Ms. Pantley camouflaged the clues well.
The author has kept the series fresh and intriguing. New main characters come and go so you never know what’s waiting for the reader. Plus, you never know where the next adventure is going to take you. I eagerly await the next installment as I wish I could find myself in one of Ms. Pantley’ s books.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
The Magical Mystery Book Club series is one of the best cozy mystery series I have read. The newest addition to the series, Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley doesn’t disappoint. This time the gang head to a town named Frosting for a cake contest that is taken very seriously by the townspeople. So seriously, someone is killing off someone every year.
Paige and Aunt Glo, plus the usual gang, are all excited about joining a book that is about cake. It’s a paranormal so Frank can speak and be heard. Mollie, the latest addition to the series discovers a few tricks of her own in this story. And one of their own, is actually quite good at baking and seems to fit right in with this town. I was quite surprised about the killer. Ms. Pantley camouflaged the clues well.
The author has kept the series fresh and intriguing. New main characters come and go so you never know what’s waiting for the reader. Plus, you never know where the next adventure is going to take you. I eagerly await the next installment as I wish I could find myself in one of Ms. Pantley’ s books.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
March 20, 2023
I still love the concept of the series, but this one was a little off for me. Too much repetition, too much explaining everything, and mistakes with characters in scenes they’re not supposed to be in.
That said, there were some interesting twists and continued room to grow, and I still look forward to the next. Just better editing would be nice.
That said, there were some interesting twists and continued room to grow, and I still look forward to the next. Just better editing would be nice.
June 24, 2023
Many books should come with warnings, like scary, do not read after dark, or funny, may cause outburts of laughter.....but for this book Bakeries and Buffoonery the warning should indicate to the reader to have sugary snacks handy when you open the book up. Once you start reading this story you are not going to want to set the book down to venture all the way into your kitchen to go through the cupboards and refrigerator looking for a worthy snack. Quite honestly the warning should come with every book in the Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery series because the characters in this series do like to eat !!
Bakeries and Buffoonery is the fourth book in the Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery series by Elizabeth Pantley and no matter what book you read, if you've read the previous ones or started with this one, you will be an fan and want to be a member of this magical book club.
In this series main characters Paige and her Aunt Glo inherited the Snapdragon Inn from Paige's Grandmother, GeeGee. Little did they know that the inn included a two story magical library in the basement and their cat, Frank, talks, and they organize a book club where the members meet and make lots of snacks on book club day and venture downstairs to the basement and the magical library. When in the library they have a meeting, they separate and walk through the rows and shelves of books, where the books are binded together in groups of eight by twine. Each member reads the back cover of the book and finds one that they would like to read and then they return to the table and everyone has their turn to read the back cover. Once they have agreed on the book that they would like to read, the person who picked the book opens one of the books and begins reading out loud. After a while the magical globe in the room will light up and start spinning and the room with fill with a fog. Once the fog settles the Inn and the members of the club will have been trasported inside the book and will be in the setting and will have to solve the case in order to return back to their normal time.
The members of the book club are always excited to enter a new book and start the adventure and in Bakeries and Buffoonery, they will be going in a book called The Great Cake Rivalry tp a town called Frosting and they will be competing in the Annual Cake Competition that lasts a week. This all sounds tasty and fun but the reason they are there is to try to prevent a murder from happening. Every year someone who doesn't like cakes sends threatening letters and someone dies at the end of the week's events. There is an Inspector in the book and town so the group may try to work with him to solve the case.
Frosting is not just a normal little town that likes cakes.....Frosting is home to numerous fairies. Unfortunately the fairies have to hide their identities but they are still very recognizable and you can easily spot them.....but are they the ones involved in the murders or are they just trying to live their lives quietly.
Luckily for the Snapdragon Inn Book Club turned cake makers they have their very own baker in the house. Little did the group know that motorcycle rider Vee is a baker and works in a bakery when not involved in the book club. So under the watchful eye of Vee the team makes amazing cakes according to the categorizes assigned each day and even win one of the amatuer days....but her cakes do not come close to what the three bakeries in town make !!
Readers will fall in love with everything in the series, you have a magical inn that has a two-story library in the basement, the inn travels with the book club when they decide on what book to jump into, they have a talking cat, and recently when they were in a book set in the Wild West, they solved the case and the deceased returned with them in the form of a ghost. And now you are about to enter a book with ghosts, a talking cat, fairies and lots of cake ...... grab a sugary snack and get ready to have an amazing sugar high ........
Bakeries and Buffoonery is the fourth book in the Magical Mystery Book Club Mystery series by Elizabeth Pantley and no matter what book you read, if you've read the previous ones or started with this one, you will be an fan and want to be a member of this magical book club.
In this series main characters Paige and her Aunt Glo inherited the Snapdragon Inn from Paige's Grandmother, GeeGee. Little did they know that the inn included a two story magical library in the basement and their cat, Frank, talks, and they organize a book club where the members meet and make lots of snacks on book club day and venture downstairs to the basement and the magical library. When in the library they have a meeting, they separate and walk through the rows and shelves of books, where the books are binded together in groups of eight by twine. Each member reads the back cover of the book and finds one that they would like to read and then they return to the table and everyone has their turn to read the back cover. Once they have agreed on the book that they would like to read, the person who picked the book opens one of the books and begins reading out loud. After a while the magical globe in the room will light up and start spinning and the room with fill with a fog. Once the fog settles the Inn and the members of the club will have been trasported inside the book and will be in the setting and will have to solve the case in order to return back to their normal time.
The members of the book club are always excited to enter a new book and start the adventure and in Bakeries and Buffoonery, they will be going in a book called The Great Cake Rivalry tp a town called Frosting and they will be competing in the Annual Cake Competition that lasts a week. This all sounds tasty and fun but the reason they are there is to try to prevent a murder from happening. Every year someone who doesn't like cakes sends threatening letters and someone dies at the end of the week's events. There is an Inspector in the book and town so the group may try to work with him to solve the case.
Frosting is not just a normal little town that likes cakes.....Frosting is home to numerous fairies. Unfortunately the fairies have to hide their identities but they are still very recognizable and you can easily spot them.....but are they the ones involved in the murders or are they just trying to live their lives quietly.
Luckily for the Snapdragon Inn Book Club turned cake makers they have their very own baker in the house. Little did the group know that motorcycle rider Vee is a baker and works in a bakery when not involved in the book club. So under the watchful eye of Vee the team makes amazing cakes according to the categorizes assigned each day and even win one of the amatuer days....but her cakes do not come close to what the three bakeries in town make !!
Readers will fall in love with everything in the series, you have a magical inn that has a two-story library in the basement, the inn travels with the book club when they decide on what book to jump into, they have a talking cat, and recently when they were in a book set in the Wild West, they solved the case and the deceased returned with them in the form of a ghost. And now you are about to enter a book with ghosts, a talking cat, fairies and lots of cake ...... grab a sugary snack and get ready to have an amazing sugar high ........
March 5, 2023
With its fun storyline and engaging group of recurring characters, it’s time for book club!
Bakeries and Buffoonery is the fourth book in author Elizabeth Pantley’s delightful Magical Mystery Book Club series. The book club characters from the previous story return in this one, and it was like visiting with old friends. Each outing further develops the growing relationships among the group while continuing with its ensemble-style story delivery. It is another fun adventure for the book club members and greatly adds to our understanding of the club itself.
With Atticus joining the group and delving into the book club’s past, readers are treated to some of his findings during the day’s first club meeting. His presentation on his discoveries serves as an excellent explanation of how the library and club work. Paige also reminisces about her great-grandmother, GeeGee, finding her “forever book” and leaving the club to live out her life in another place and time. Her thoughts were bittersweet, and I knew we were preparing for another club member to do the same.In this book, the group is looking to prevent a murder rather than finding a body and investigating. To stop the killer, they must dive into the town of Frosting’s past and its wildly successful obsession, a highly competitive annual cake-baking competition. If you’re a fan of cake-baking television shows, this book is for you! The group researches, develops potential suspects, and even enlists the cooperation of the local investigator (who isn’t what he seems) to eventually get their answers.
It was fun to learn that in her life outside of book club, my favorite character, motorcycle-riding Vee, works in a bakery. If you’ve read any of the previous books in the series, you’re aware of how big a part food plays in the club’s activities, making this quite a revelation. So, when our literary travelers touch down in the small town of Frosting on the eve of their big cake competition kickoff, she steps up to lead the group’s culinary efforts. Under these circumstances, Vee really shines. Zell and Frank, although still their wise-cracking selves, mellow out in this latest adventure, allowing for a more balanced focus on all the characters.The Great Cake Rivalry proves to be another paranormal cozy mystery adventure for the book club but with a fun twist. While this allows the book’s characters to see and accept Frank as a talking cat, the club members are surprised that not all of Frosting’s residents can see or hear Mollie, the young ghost. I won’t reveal the reason behind this twist but suffice it to say, the book they’ve chosen introduces a cool change to the range of paranormal beings they’ve encountered thus far.
With its fun storyline and engaging group of recurring characters, I recommend BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of the paranormal in their stories and to fans of the previous books in the series.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
February 22, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley sees the book club going into a small town to save their cake competition from ending in carnage.
Will the book club stop the evil mastermind from causing harm to Frosting?
The Book Club
Paige, Glo, and the rest of the club members decide to pop into a book with an annual cake competition because it involves cake, and who doesn't love cake? Well, the person who keeps ruining the competition almost every year except last year. They all hop into the book and get to snooping in their ways. We find out some new and interesting things about some of our members. Mollie is a hoot when it comes to learning new things and her limitations as well. I love all the club members, as they each bring something to the club that makes it a great read. Another fabulous thing about this book is how they all tried to make their cakes the best for the competition.
The Mystery
Someone, or something, in Frosting, doesn't like the whole cake competition spectacle and wants things to go back to the way it was before. The Book Club has been tasked to stop this person from ruining another year. I have to say, this time, Ms. Pantley got me. I didn't think the person who was unmasked was the actual person until everything clicked into place. Frosting was a pretty neat town, and all the inhabitants were excellent.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley and recommending it to anyone that loves a superb cozy paranormal mystery. Ms. Pantley keeps me wanting more of both this series and her other series as well. I can't wait to dive into her next mystery.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley sees the book club going into a small town to save their cake competition from ending in carnage.
Will the book club stop the evil mastermind from causing harm to Frosting?
The Book Club
Paige, Glo, and the rest of the club members decide to pop into a book with an annual cake competition because it involves cake, and who doesn't love cake? Well, the person who keeps ruining the competition almost every year except last year. They all hop into the book and get to snooping in their ways. We find out some new and interesting things about some of our members. Mollie is a hoot when it comes to learning new things and her limitations as well. I love all the club members, as they each bring something to the club that makes it a great read. Another fabulous thing about this book is how they all tried to make their cakes the best for the competition.
The Mystery
Someone, or something, in Frosting, doesn't like the whole cake competition spectacle and wants things to go back to the way it was before. The Book Club has been tasked to stop this person from ruining another year. I have to say, this time, Ms. Pantley got me. I didn't think the person who was unmasked was the actual person until everything clicked into place. Frosting was a pretty neat town, and all the inhabitants were excellent.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley and recommending it to anyone that loves a superb cozy paranormal mystery. Ms. Pantley keeps me wanting more of both this series and her other series as well. I can't wait to dive into her next mystery.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book TroveJanuary 5, 2023
…and here we go again! A fantastic journey from the incredible mind of Elizabeth Pantley! The book club is on its way once again, with a slightly transparent guest member! They arrive in a town that is so obsessed with cakes that they have an annual cake bake off, lasting several days, and they renamed the town Frosting. Upon arriving in their new town, trying to discover clues to solve the latest mystery, they also discover an unexpected surprise… They have been entered in the town’s amateur baking contest.
Mysterious and magical, suspenseful tale as always, and more so, you will have a very difficult time putting this book down! Plan to spend the next several days of every waking moment, and also giving up sleep, to get to the next page, event and chapter!! As usual with Elizabeth, Pantley’s masterpieces, there was a let-down melancholy feeling when the story ended, with only the promise of the next book in the series to cheer me up!
Be prepared for even more intense revelations as the story progresses, discoveries about identities and abilities of both new and familiar characters, magical occurrences, and a somewhat shocking and surprising, but maybe looking back slightly predictable, final ending! I always find myself thinking “I should’ve figured this out. I should’ve known this was going to be part of the solution and ending.”
A friend finds their soulmate, a parent finds a child, happy winners get wonderful prizes at the baking contest, and our friends solve the mysteries at hand, and then some! Don’t miss it! You need to experience the magical tale weaving of Elizabeth Pantley. As my dad would say “ immediately if not sooner!!”
I am constantly blown away how every single new story is crazily more imaginative, mysterious, magical, and superior to the previous ones! Elizabeth’s mind is limitless in creating her beautiful stories-fantasy, and yet so incredibly believable! Go read!
Mysterious and magical, suspenseful tale as always, and more so, you will have a very difficult time putting this book down! Plan to spend the next several days of every waking moment, and also giving up sleep, to get to the next page, event and chapter!! As usual with Elizabeth, Pantley’s masterpieces, there was a let-down melancholy feeling when the story ended, with only the promise of the next book in the series to cheer me up!
Be prepared for even more intense revelations as the story progresses, discoveries about identities and abilities of both new and familiar characters, magical occurrences, and a somewhat shocking and surprising, but maybe looking back slightly predictable, final ending! I always find myself thinking “I should’ve figured this out. I should’ve known this was going to be part of the solution and ending.”
A friend finds their soulmate, a parent finds a child, happy winners get wonderful prizes at the baking contest, and our friends solve the mysteries at hand, and then some! Don’t miss it! You need to experience the magical tale weaving of Elizabeth Pantley. As my dad would say “ immediately if not sooner!!”
I am constantly blown away how every single new story is crazily more imaginative, mysterious, magical, and superior to the previous ones! Elizabeth’s mind is limitless in creating her beautiful stories-fantasy, and yet so incredibly believable! Go read!
February 25, 2023
Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley is the 4th book in her fun Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: Paige and her Aunt Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library. The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a lighthearted and fun series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.
The group gathers for their next meeting in the library, choosing a book called The Great Cake Rivalry and off they go on another adventure, ending up in a town called, Frosting. It is a quiet town, but when spring comes around, the Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of the town, where bakeries compete for prizes. The competition is very serious, and in the last few years, there has been a murder each year, which no one has solve. The town are all obsessed with the wonderful cakes, which include an amateur baking contest, which the group participates in, as well as attending the festival. It was fun to watch all the members of the club try to find clues to the murderer, as well as enjoy all the cakes, and food along the way.
Bakeries and Buffoonery was a terrific and fun addition to this series, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery. There were many suspects, with different clues, as they continued to get more information, including doing their own baking in the amateur contest. I really enjoy the camaraderie between the club, and love the concept of becoming part of the chosen book. I really like Paige, Glo and other members, but of course I loved Frank, the talking cat. There were a number of surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read. Bakeries and Buffoonery was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley. I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
The group gathers for their next meeting in the library, choosing a book called The Great Cake Rivalry and off they go on another adventure, ending up in a town called, Frosting. It is a quiet town, but when spring comes around, the Annual Cake Competition becomes the focus of the town, where bakeries compete for prizes. The competition is very serious, and in the last few years, there has been a murder each year, which no one has solve. The town are all obsessed with the wonderful cakes, which include an amateur baking contest, which the group participates in, as well as attending the festival. It was fun to watch all the members of the club try to find clues to the murderer, as well as enjoy all the cakes, and food along the way.
Bakeries and Buffoonery was a terrific and fun addition to this series, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery. There were many suspects, with different clues, as they continued to get more information, including doing their own baking in the amateur contest. I really enjoy the camaraderie between the club, and love the concept of becoming part of the chosen book. I really like Paige, Glo and other members, but of course I loved Frank, the talking cat. There were a number of surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read. Bakeries and Buffoonery was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley. I look forward to the next book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
February 26, 2023
BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY by Elizabeth Pantley
The Fourth Magical Mystery Book Club
It's no secret that the book club members love to eat, so when they find a mystery with a baking competition they're all in - literally. Traveling to a town called Frosting they see that the citizens take their cake competition seriously, taking sides and promoting their favorite bakeries. But something's odd. Some of the people wear wispy clothing and odd backpacks and have mesmerizing eyes and unique hair. Oh and someone dies every year. The crew will have to find out who hates cake and try to prevent this year's murder all while nibbling on baked goods and baking themselves.
This is no Great British Baking Show-the competition in Frosting is fierce and the competitors not always pleasant and helpful. In fact, they can be downright mean. Indeed, the town and some of its residents can be quite contradictory, nice one minute, angry the next. I couldn't stand those triplets! And how they treated that poor pie man, er, guy...
The fourth Magical Mystery Book Club book continues to be a festive celebration of food and friendship with murder! I love how the gang goes about enjoying whatever environment they're in, doing fun things and living their best life. I also love how they're growing. Forrest is really coming into his own and Vee shines in this outing as we learn more about her. I also appreciate how we, and they, are learning more about how the club works, the mysterious attic in the library, for instance, as well as getting hints about Frank's origins.
BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY is full of surprises, which is one thing that makes this series so hard to review. I refuse to have spoilers so there's so much I can't say as I don't want to ruin things for you. Just know that there are lots of surprises and an uh oh turned awww one. I shan't say more.
Friendship, teamwork, and love make BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY an enchanting mystery where cake and competition reign.
The Fourth Magical Mystery Book Club
It's no secret that the book club members love to eat, so when they find a mystery with a baking competition they're all in - literally. Traveling to a town called Frosting they see that the citizens take their cake competition seriously, taking sides and promoting their favorite bakeries. But something's odd. Some of the people wear wispy clothing and odd backpacks and have mesmerizing eyes and unique hair. Oh and someone dies every year. The crew will have to find out who hates cake and try to prevent this year's murder all while nibbling on baked goods and baking themselves.
This is no Great British Baking Show-the competition in Frosting is fierce and the competitors not always pleasant and helpful. In fact, they can be downright mean. Indeed, the town and some of its residents can be quite contradictory, nice one minute, angry the next. I couldn't stand those triplets! And how they treated that poor pie man, er, guy...
The fourth Magical Mystery Book Club book continues to be a festive celebration of food and friendship with murder! I love how the gang goes about enjoying whatever environment they're in, doing fun things and living their best life. I also love how they're growing. Forrest is really coming into his own and Vee shines in this outing as we learn more about her. I also appreciate how we, and they, are learning more about how the club works, the mysterious attic in the library, for instance, as well as getting hints about Frank's origins.
BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY is full of surprises, which is one thing that makes this series so hard to review. I refuse to have spoilers so there's so much I can't say as I don't want to ruin things for you. Just know that there are lots of surprises and an uh oh turned awww one. I shan't say more.
Friendship, teamwork, and love make BAKERIES AND BUFFOONERY an enchanting mystery where cake and competition reign.
February 27, 2023
Welcome back to the Magical Mystery Book Club series! By now I'm sure you all know what's happening in this fun-filled joyride of a cozy mystery series. The 8 members of the Book Club literally escapes into books to solve the mystery at hand.
In this instalment, they can have their cake and eat it too! Quite literally. Yes, yes - I have used that adjective already, but I am literally over the moon (okay that's not true, I'm still sitting here on my Mommy's lap) about the latest instalment, Bakeries and Buffoonery. Gosh, I love the title! I had to look up the meaning of buffoonery, I'm not as fortunate as Frank to literally be a library cat. So some words are still new to us. Buffoonery is the best word to describe this book and actually this whole series. Some people might call it rather ridiculous, but it's so amusing that even the grumpiest curmudgeon will crack a smile for the antics of the Book Club Members and their extraordinary bookish adventures.
Food has always been a very important aspect for our Book Club Members. So when they landed in a cozy little town called Frosting and just about in the middle of the Annual Cake Competition, the members couldn't believe their luck. Nope, 'cake' is not some or other weird acronym, it's a literal cake competition. And it might be slightly on the obsessive side in this town....
As always with any book by the talented Elizabeth Pantley, you get more than you bargained for. Sometimes it's in the form of a history or geography lesson and there's always a lesson in human and feline kindness hidden in her stories. Pure Magic.
In this instalment, they can have their cake and eat it too! Quite literally. Yes, yes - I have used that adjective already, but I am literally over the moon (okay that's not true, I'm still sitting here on my Mommy's lap) about the latest instalment, Bakeries and Buffoonery. Gosh, I love the title! I had to look up the meaning of buffoonery, I'm not as fortunate as Frank to literally be a library cat. So some words are still new to us. Buffoonery is the best word to describe this book and actually this whole series. Some people might call it rather ridiculous, but it's so amusing that even the grumpiest curmudgeon will crack a smile for the antics of the Book Club Members and their extraordinary bookish adventures.
Food has always been a very important aspect for our Book Club Members. So when they landed in a cozy little town called Frosting and just about in the middle of the Annual Cake Competition, the members couldn't believe their luck. Nope, 'cake' is not some or other weird acronym, it's a literal cake competition. And it might be slightly on the obsessive side in this town....
As always with any book by the talented Elizabeth Pantley, you get more than you bargained for. Sometimes it's in the form of a history or geography lesson and there's always a lesson in human and feline kindness hidden in her stories. Pure Magic.
January 8, 2023
This series is so much fun and leaves me with a smile on my face. The antics of the zany cast of characters will have you chuckling.
This is a magical book club. As they read the first page of their selected cozy mystery book, they are transported into the book and become part of the story. They can only return home once they solve the mystery and declare it THE END.
In this latest book in the series, the members of the book club choose a book titles “The Great Cake Rivalry” and find themselves in the small town of Frosting, a town where the love of cakes is an obsession. At the town’s Annual Cake Competition, the local bakeries compete for an amazing prize package in a week-long festival . The competition is fierce. So fierce that someone has committed murder at each event for the past few years. The book club members are determined to find the killer and prevent a murder at this year’s event.
I love this quote from the book: “We all got up together and marched up the stairs. A line of seven people, a cat, and a ghost. A motley group who’d traveled to a magical place of adventures where we’d grown closer together, strengthened our team, solved the mystery, saved a town, and left a friend to find all her hopes and dreams.”
The story kept me guessing…and chuckling. Some of the residents of Frosting were completely wacky. Descriptions of the spectacular cakes had me craving cake. Now I am eager to learn where the book club goes next.
I received a digital galley of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a magical book club. As they read the first page of their selected cozy mystery book, they are transported into the book and become part of the story. They can only return home once they solve the mystery and declare it THE END.
In this latest book in the series, the members of the book club choose a book titles “The Great Cake Rivalry” and find themselves in the small town of Frosting, a town where the love of cakes is an obsession. At the town’s Annual Cake Competition, the local bakeries compete for an amazing prize package in a week-long festival . The competition is fierce. So fierce that someone has committed murder at each event for the past few years. The book club members are determined to find the killer and prevent a murder at this year’s event.
I love this quote from the book: “We all got up together and marched up the stairs. A line of seven people, a cat, and a ghost. A motley group who’d traveled to a magical place of adventures where we’d grown closer together, strengthened our team, solved the mystery, saved a town, and left a friend to find all her hopes and dreams.”
The story kept me guessing…and chuckling. Some of the residents of Frosting were completely wacky. Descriptions of the spectacular cakes had me craving cake. Now I am eager to learn where the book club goes next.
I received a digital galley of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
February 28, 2023
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The Magical Mystery Book Club is not just a book club whose members must choose a new book to discuss, but one that presents a challenge. Eight members journey to the actual setting of the book and become part of the characters. They cannot return home until they solve the mystery.
This book lands them in a little town called Frosting where they are gearing up for their annual cake-baking competition. The author reaches deep into folklore for this installment, borrowing ancient myths, then adds her own boundless imagination to create a fantasy so well described you can almost believe it’s real.
The characters are brought to life and vary wildly, including Frank, the Siamese, and Mollie, the ghost who is still discovering new and wonderful modern-day accruements.
Yes, there are twists and turns that have you considering multiple suspects and it’s hard to reach out and grab that one piece of evidence that would lead the reader to a viable perp.
It’s a well-paced and plotted narrative filled with wonderfully imaginative scenes, some paranormal as well as fantasy, but all works so well it almost becomes normal. The banter and dialogue often include believable humorous back and forth.
Fast, unusual, engaging and entertaining. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ll surely find this one unique with a paranormal element. 4.5 stars
The Magical Mystery Book Club is not just a book club whose members must choose a new book to discuss, but one that presents a challenge. Eight members journey to the actual setting of the book and become part of the characters. They cannot return home until they solve the mystery.
This book lands them in a little town called Frosting where they are gearing up for their annual cake-baking competition. The author reaches deep into folklore for this installment, borrowing ancient myths, then adds her own boundless imagination to create a fantasy so well described you can almost believe it’s real.
The characters are brought to life and vary wildly, including Frank, the Siamese, and Mollie, the ghost who is still discovering new and wonderful modern-day accruements.
Yes, there are twists and turns that have you considering multiple suspects and it’s hard to reach out and grab that one piece of evidence that would lead the reader to a viable perp.
It’s a well-paced and plotted narrative filled with wonderfully imaginative scenes, some paranormal as well as fantasy, but all works so well it almost becomes normal. The banter and dialogue often include believable humorous back and forth.
Fast, unusual, engaging and entertaining. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ll surely find this one unique with a paranormal element. 4.5 stars
September 15, 2024
Don’t read this book if you’re hungry, because all the fabulous descriptions of beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes will definitely make you hungry for a sweet treat!
Once again, the members of the Magical Mystery Book Club get together to select a book for their next adventure. Once they pick a book, they get swept into the book story as participants and have to help solve a crime. This series is a great deal of fun - you just have to suspend your disbelief and go with the flow, which is something I enjoy doing.
This time the book club members (who are now great friends, with this as their fourth adventure together for most of them) find themselves in a small town, probably some place in the US midwest. The town is cake crazy; they have a huge festival and competition every year but someone has been murdered during the festival for the past five years. The group has to figure out who the serial killer is so that they can avert a sixth death.
In addition to the regular crew of eight human book club members, there’s a talking Siamese cat named Frank, who provides a lot of comic relief, and this time there’s also a friendly ghost named Molly, who readers of book 3 (Cowboys and Chaos) will recognize.
It turns out that a number of the inhabitants of the town (renamed from Lake Pleasant to Frosting a few years ago) are actually fairies. But are they good fairies or evil ones?
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Once again, the members of the Magical Mystery Book Club get together to select a book for their next adventure. Once they pick a book, they get swept into the book story as participants and have to help solve a crime. This series is a great deal of fun - you just have to suspend your disbelief and go with the flow, which is something I enjoy doing.
This time the book club members (who are now great friends, with this as their fourth adventure together for most of them) find themselves in a small town, probably some place in the US midwest. The town is cake crazy; they have a huge festival and competition every year but someone has been murdered during the festival for the past five years. The group has to figure out who the serial killer is so that they can avert a sixth death.
In addition to the regular crew of eight human book club members, there’s a talking Siamese cat named Frank, who provides a lot of comic relief, and this time there’s also a friendly ghost named Molly, who readers of book 3 (Cowboys and Chaos) will recognize.
It turns out that a number of the inhabitants of the town (renamed from Lake Pleasant to Frosting a few years ago) are actually fairies. But are they good fairies or evil ones?
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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