A Dash of Sorcery: A Cozy Fantasy Mystery Novel

Pobyd Perfections Bakery #3

by S. Usher Evans, Jess Moran (Narrator)

The summer solstice has arrived, and, of course, the town of Silverkeep is divided on how to celebrate it. The magical folk, eager to reclaim their traditions after six years in hiding, have requested the town square to hold their event, but it's already been reserved by the transplants, who've grown accustomed to their own ways of celebrating.

Assistant Mayor Abora has the bright idea to combine the events, putting both magical and transplant as co-chairs of all the events, which sits well with no one, except Lillie, who has no problem working together with Julian Globe to make desserts. But when magical apothecary Wineke's fireworks go off - and it looks like someone tampered with them - Lillie's on the case to figure out who wants to ruin the celebration before the town rips itself apart.

A Dash of Sorcery is the third book in the Pobyd Perfections Bakery Series.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Mystery

Audible Audio

Published June 6, 2025

About the author

S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a "real job" as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit.

Reviews

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series!!! Pobyd Perfections is the best cozy fantasy mystery with a baker I have read in a very long time! Sadly I’m starting to complete other cozy mysteries to S Usher Evans series. If you’re new to Evans you do not have to read her other cozy series to read this one. That being said if you want to know Lillie’s origin story you will find it in WDI Series. Sometimes not knowing is half the fun. I’m also excited to see what will happen with Lillie & Julian!!!!

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the three books in this series that I've read so far, this cozy mystery grabbed me the most and had me most invested. I love Lillie's attitude, always insisting on openness and tolerance while exploring the mysteries with tenacity. She never lets prejudice get in her way and I really adore how she keeps nudging those around her to get to know each other better and overcome their own blinkered mindsets. It's lovely and added a wonderful dynamic to this particular story, making it more profound and really intriguing.

The cast of supporting characters is also great. I've really come to love Ray and I like where things are going with the friendship with Julian. The ending also makes me very curious to find out what will happen in the next book. Can't wait to find out!

[Selina⚔️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Currently the lowest rating I'll give because Julian is a boring character for me. A bit sad that Lillie is so distracted by his muscles and good looks that she excuses his... meh-ness all throughout the story.

Not really convinced about him yet. He's still a mediocre baker with daddy issues who doesn't feel alarmed about his father's actions.

(I'm so harsh I know !!! It's just that Lillie is such a great heroine and her love interest ... is not interesting at all HUHUHU)

[aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Pobyd Perfections Bakery series and continues the absolute fun and coziness of the series. Lillie teams up with Julian and looks to find out what is happening with the solstice festival as things are being sabotaged at every turn. More highjinks ensue as the two "factions" of the town continue fighting with each other. Really enjoyed this one and look forward to more!

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostile Holidays

A very enjoyable mystery set during preparations for the Solstice Festivities, which have members of the two factions in town working together with variable success. Unfortunately, person(s) unknown are causing trouble and spreading discord, leaving our heroes to try and find out who and why. It is an entertaining read with a solid plot and some insight into the history of the town.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun cozy mystery with the Lillie. The townsfolk were all a bit annoying in this one. I much prefer when they team up to track down the doer of no good, rather than point fingers at each other, but I realize that the towns people are really just getting to know each other and learning who is who. Can't wait till the next book is out.

[Lacey Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this spinoff series! Lillie holds her own and the cast of characters is so well done and so darn lovable. I am excited this series will continue. What a great break from the world to visit Evans’ cozy worlds.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely delightful and cozy adventure! I absolutely adore this series. It's wonderful and cozy and just absolutely such a fun read!

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great, cozy story from Evans! I also love that the town is truly growing and changing by the end of this story. Lillie herself has seen a lot of growth from when we first met her, and it's perfect for her character. I definitely loved this third segment in her story!

[Karen Wrobel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not a huge fan of Lillie, but this is a cute and easy read, and the side characters and plot make up for that character. 3.5 stars

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another cute one in the series - I need the romance to pick up speed though!

[Bryan Fulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not my favorite of the series. I will keep reading if she writes more though.

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery for Lily as she continues to try to bring her community and open her heart to a special cafe owner.

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this entry in the series. The friction between the nonmagical and magical townsfolk really comes to a head in this book. I really appreciate the way Evans writes some fairly low stakes and mundane stories (someone is trying to ruin the Solstice festival decorations!) against the back drop of a real world with much heavier problems. It strikes a great balance of world building, realism, and wholesomeness.

[Chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The slow burn romance is going to kill me I can feel it!
I'm so annoyed with the townsfolk in this series! I want to bash all their heads together as I'm sure Lillie does also. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out in the end though! And we're learning to love even the most annoying characters as their stories progress.