Potions and Pastries (A Magical Bakery Mystery)

This series is simply delightful - from the scrumptious-sounding pastries to the wonderful animal familiars who accompany the witches in their various adventures. I love the constant presence of Mungo the dog, who is faithful, sweet and cheerful, except when the situation calls for his fierce inner wolf to emerge. I really found myself caring about Katie Lightfoot, and have enjoyed her evolution into fully embracing her witch-y heritage. Of course each book contains a murder mystery that Katie must solve, but it's never too gory and there are lots of other plot developments to engage us along the way. We also get a colorful tour of Savannah Georgia where all the stories take place. These books are a nice cozy escape, even with the murders! There is lots of positivity and goodwill to be found here, delicious-sounding food, engaging characters, and a fun imagining of a real-life witch.

When I first started reading the series, I thought the stories were entertaining, but none of them seemed like anything to really "write home about". But I kept reading the series because I liked the characters. These latest two books though have really been great and I've really enjoyed them.In this particular book, Katie and her friends are trying to solve the mystery of Orla, Aunt Lucy's friend's death. It seems like a tragic accident, but Katie knows that something just isn't right about it. But delving into this mystery almost makes Katie a victim!The plot was well-written and well thought out. I wasn't positive about the villain until it was revealed. I knew it was one of about 3-4 people but I just couldn't settle on a particular person before it was revealed. This book definitely kept me on my toes with guessing!The characters in this series are wonderful. They're well-rounded, complex, developed characters who have their own sense of weirdness and fun. I find it very entertaining to read about them! I recommend this series to any paranormal cozy mystery fan! Make sure you start at the beginning of the series with Brownies and Broomsticks in order to understand all the dynamics between the characters!

Having long had an academic interest in the history of magic and esotericism, and having lived in the American South for most of my six decades on this planet, I have enjoyed a few series incorporating magic and the region as subplots.The characters (both human and animal) peopling Bailey Cates’ Honeybee (Magical Bakery) series are well fleshed out and and consistently appealing. Without giving too much away, two if the regular characters embroiled in an antagonistic (but largely respectful) relationship in previous editions of the series finally come to an entirely satisfying reckoning of their relationship at the end of this book, and the revelation opens the door for still further plot development down the line.The characters are likable, the plots easy to follow, and the magical aspects incorporated are just enough to spice the storylines, much as the herbs employed in the fictional Savanah, Georgia, bakery (featured in its pages) make the baked goods on offer sound so very appealing. Speaking of the latter, Cates always includes detailed recipes of items in her stories as an addendum in the back of the book, too. How can you lose?If you’ve not read the previous Honeybee “Magical Bakery” novels, I recommend you do so, in order. I look forward to future installments in the series with genuine anticipation.

Oh my gosh. Where do I start? Who would have thought a magical baking mystery series who have cast the spell this one did on me? I love the characters. Whoever got hung up on one character (Steve) calling the heroine “Katie-Girl” lost out. There was a reason that Katie detached from Steve. She is much more than “Katie Girl”. She is a kind, powerful, smart woman who comes to see her “weirdness” as her gift. So bummed that at the moment this is the last novel in the series. Now I have to find another series to love for a while.

It took me a bit to adjust to this author’s style after finishing another author’s series. But once I did I settled right in for the whole series and loved them all. I miss all the characters!! I feel in love with Mungo and the other familiars and all the coven members. I wish there were more books so it didn’t have to end and I loved the reader as I listened to almost the whole series on audiobook! Thanks Bailey Cates for writing such a satisfying group of folks into being!

5 gold stars because this series holds my interest. What I liked about it was you had a baker who helps the police solve crimes and also make great baked food. I would tell everyone this series is great for anyone to read.

Wonderful read.Bailey Cates is one talented storyteller. She makes you see everything in the story clearly and has wonderful recipes to boot. It is hard to put down one of her books.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery series. The blending of light witchcraft with the bakery forms a comfortable format. The transition from the first book to this one has been smooth and methodical. I look forward to reading more about Katie, Declan and the rest of the good witches of Savannah. Write on Ms. Cates!

Lovely wee story

An easy read.

I love this series!