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Magical Bakery Mystery #8
Cookies and Clairvoyance
Baker Katie Lightfoot serves up enchanted delicacies and tracks down a malicious murderer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series...Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot is juggling wedding preparations, a visit from her father, and home renovations on top of her long hours at the Honeybee Bakery, where she and her aunt Lucy imbue their yummy cookies and pastries with beneficial magic. But when firefighter Randy Post is accused of murdering a collector of rarities, and his prints are on the statue that was used to kill the man, Katie steps in. Randy is not only Katie's fiancé's coworker, but also the boyfriend of fellow spellbook club member and witch Bianca Devereaux. Bianca and Declan are both sure Randy is innocent, and so is Katie. However, to prove it she'll have to work with ornery detective Peter Quinn again—and this time around he knows she's more than your everyday baker.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2019
271 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
September 1, 2022
Another great installment of this series!
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: Honestly, I didn't care for Katie's attitude this time around. I know her circumstances with her trying to finish the carriage house and planning her wedding and running a business and helping clear a friend's name kind of justifies her being grumpy. However, she was unnecessarily snarky to Declan who was super understanding and kind to her when a spell backfired changing her magical life. With that said, in the past I was on the fence about Declan because I didn't think he fully supported Katie and her magic. In this book I was completely in his corner because he proved he accepted her with everything in her life.
The mystery was pretty good with multiple suspects, and I liked that Katie did her best to solve the mystery without the aid of her magic. The ending was satisfying but we'll have to wait another book for a wedding to happen. Also, poor Conal!
I listened to this book as I've listened to all of the previous books and once again Amy Rubinate did a great job narrating. I'm so used to her as Katie I don't know if I could get used to another voice by this point. Her voice work for the other characters are just as good especially Conal's.
In a Nutshell: I love this series and I can't wait for to get to the next book!
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: Honestly, I didn't care for Katie's attitude this time around. I know her circumstances with her trying to finish the carriage house and planning her wedding and running a business and helping clear a friend's name kind of justifies her being grumpy. However, she was unnecessarily snarky to Declan who was super understanding and kind to her when a spell backfired changing her magical life. With that said, in the past I was on the fence about Declan because I didn't think he fully supported Katie and her magic. In this book I was completely in his corner because he proved he accepted her with everything in her life.
The mystery was pretty good with multiple suspects, and I liked that Katie did her best to solve the mystery without the aid of her magic. The ending was satisfying but we'll have to wait another book for a wedding to happen. Also, poor Conal!
I listened to this book as I've listened to all of the previous books and once again Amy Rubinate did a great job narrating. I'm so used to her as Katie I don't know if I could get used to another voice by this point. Her voice work for the other characters are just as good especially Conal's.
In a Nutshell: I love this series and I can't wait for to get to the next book!
July 26, 2019
Katie Lightfoot, partners with her aunt and uncle in Honeybee Bakery, sees a dragonfly outside the bakery’s front window – a sighting she considers an omen. The next day, homicide detective Peter Quinn, asks her to meet him at the home of Kensington Bosworth, just found murdered. Quinn knows that Katie is a witch and during the course of their discussion she offers to ask her father, a Shaman, for help identifying the Native American artifact that is the murder weapon.
Unfortunately, a good friend of Katie’s just installed a security system for Bosworth and is the chief suspect, since his fingerprints are on the artifact and witnesses observed an argument between Bosworth and her friend Randy. Due to Bosworth’s wealth other suspects emerge: Bosworth’s sister Florida; his nephew Dante; and his assistant Malcolm.
Impatient to find the killer, Katie decides to cast a spell seeking the identity of the guilty party. She enlists the aid of her coven and in the middle of the spellcasting her grandmother Nonna appears, warning her to stop with this cryptic message: “Your magic is feeding the wrong spell.” As Katie breaks the circle, she faints. When she regains consciousness, she finds her magic is gone and no answer to the identity of the killer.
Bailey Cates continues to craft enchanting stories featuring the magical Honeybee Bakery and the characters that populate Savannah. In this adventure, rogue magic plays a key role and Ms. Cates writes convincingly of how it manifests to challenge Katie and her coven. Consider reading Cookies and Clairvoyance a charming interlude – the result of Ms. Cates’ inspired imagination.
Unfortunately, a good friend of Katie’s just installed a security system for Bosworth and is the chief suspect, since his fingerprints are on the artifact and witnesses observed an argument between Bosworth and her friend Randy. Due to Bosworth’s wealth other suspects emerge: Bosworth’s sister Florida; his nephew Dante; and his assistant Malcolm.
Impatient to find the killer, Katie decides to cast a spell seeking the identity of the guilty party. She enlists the aid of her coven and in the middle of the spellcasting her grandmother Nonna appears, warning her to stop with this cryptic message: “Your magic is feeding the wrong spell.” As Katie breaks the circle, she faints. When she regains consciousness, she finds her magic is gone and no answer to the identity of the killer.
Bailey Cates continues to craft enchanting stories featuring the magical Honeybee Bakery and the characters that populate Savannah. In this adventure, rogue magic plays a key role and Ms. Cates writes convincingly of how it manifests to challenge Katie and her coven. Consider reading Cookies and Clairvoyance a charming interlude – the result of Ms. Cates’ inspired imagination.
October 8, 2019
Finally a book that didn’t annoy me !! I love that there was just the right amount of witchiness to it just like me 🧙🏼♀️
July 27, 2019
Katie Lightfoot is a baker and a hedgewitch. A
hedgewitch works with herbal lot and crafts plus
Tend to have a green thumb.
Katie is a partner with her aunt and uncle in the
Honeybee Bakery. Her aunt and her use magic in
their bake goods.
She has a familiar named Mungo who is a Cairn
Terrier.
One of their customers is murdered. He has a collection
of native artifacts plus articles of rogue magic and
witchcraft.
Homicide Detective Peter Quinn requests Katie’s help.
When a mutual acquaintance of Katie’s who is her
fiancé's coworker plus the boyfriend of a member of
her spellbook club, Katie starts her own investigation.
She finds herself up against dark magic. Will she be
able to clear her friend? Will she be able to fight back
against the black magic being sent her way?
Artfully created characters, colorful, vivid, quirky add
flavor to the tale.
Besides Mungo, the Cairn Terrier, some other familiars
to the coven were:
Honeybee (the orange tabby who inspired the name of
the bakery), Anubis the Great Dane, Heckle the parrot,
Puck the ferret, Rafe the striped King Snake and
Jackson the Terrier.
A well plotted murder mystery
This is book # 8 in the Magical Bakery Mystery series.
I can be read as a stand alone. This is the first I read
and I will be reading more of this series.
I volunteered to read Cookies and Clairvoyance.
Thanks to Penguin’s First-to-Read Program for the
opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and is my own.
August 15, 2021
I remain #TeamWarlock
January 24, 2020
Although this is the eighth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series by Bailey Cates, this is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was very intrigued by the concept of this series and I have to admit, the cover played a huge part in why I wanted to try this series out. But also, this is the first time I’ve tried reading a Paranormal Cozy Mystery. I’ve read quite a lot of other cozies but they are usually Contemporaries so I was very eager to try this one.
To be honest, I was a little surprised with this book. I really liked the bakery concept but it was the paranormal side that kind of threw me off in the beginning. Now I’m no stranger to paranormal reads. In fact, I really became obsessed with reading because of Paranormal Romance. However, I’ve never read a book that tackles the paranormal quite like one. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a different genre and they handle things different here but I wasn’t sure I was into it at first. For example, Declan, one of the big characters in the series, has a leprechaun inside of him. I guess it was just a little difficult for me to wrap my head around. Maybe I’m just not used to this kind of paranormal.
Anyway, I did eventually get over it. I enjoyed the book but perhaps I had really high expectations. I do plan on going back to read the other books in the series. But I look forward to trying out other Paranormal Cozy Mysteries to see if I’ll enjoy those ones too.
COOKIES AND CLAIRVOYANCE is a nice introduction to the Paranormal Cozy Mystery genre and I look forward to reading more from Bailey Cates in the future.
Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction
January 1, 2020
4 stars
This is an interesting series and this was one of the better books. Cates’ characters are always good and the mystery here was better then most but the level of suspense was higher then normal. With any series it’s hard to threaten the main character you can’t kill off the main character without ending the series.
This is an interesting series and this was one of the better books. Cates’ characters are always good and the mystery here was better then most but the level of suspense was higher then normal. With any series it’s hard to threaten the main character you can’t kill off the main character without ending the series.
July 28, 2022
2019 bk 275. 2022 bk 215 Bailey Cates writes books that would work even without the magic, well maybe. Our main character is a hedgewitch. Her father is a Shawnee Shaman. All of this comes in handy when a collector of various types of magical utensils is murdered and Katie is called in by Detective Quinn as a consultant. She and her group of friends do not agree with the detectives conclusion as to who was the murderer and work together to solve the murder - all the while Katie is trying to remodel her home for two as she is also preparing for her wedding. A fun read including a sneak peak from her fiancee's ancestral leprechaun.
October 19, 2019
In Bailey Cates's Cookies and Clairvoyance, the 8th installment in the Magical Bakery culinary cozy mystery series, this enticing caper would make you seek your teeth into this chilling novel. For Katie Lightfoot, she's not your ordinary baker. She's half-witch and half-Native American and have been endowed by two magical forces as her gift as a lightwitch. And when Kensington Bosworth stopped by her bakery, she paid a closer look on him. Later on, word had it that Randy Post, a local fireman had been arrested for his murder. And it's up to her and her coven of lightwitches to find out who's the real murder. While she's planning her wedding to Declan, a fireman who had a leprechaunic gift of his own, and building her dream home, she became the police's consultant on everything paranormal and magical in Bosworth's murder. She interviewed everyone who became close to him and everything that might be important to him to help her solve the case. But when she tried a spell to pinpoint the murder, someone threw a monkeywrench at her with an anti-magic spell of their own. She would do everything in her power to get her magic back and solve the mystery at the same time.
October 26, 2019
This is the 8th installment of the Magical Bakery Mystery series which is one of my favorite paranormal cozy mystery series. The author does a wonderful job of combining the paranormal theme with a culinary theme. I like the way the author writes the paranormal aspect of the series without it overpowering the plot, the mystery or being a distraction. The characters are well developed and if you are a fan of the series it is like visiting with old friends. Katie and Declan are settling in and getting ready for the wedding. We also get to meet Katie's dad Skylar in this book and find out a bit more about his magic. The mystery was well done and while the culprit was not a surprise, the author did a good job of laying down clues that tended to throw suspicion on to other suspects. The culprit was revealed in a climatic fashion that has unintended consequences for Declan.
I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series and the characters in the future. I will definitely be returning to Savanah to visit the Honeybee Bakery.
I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series and the characters in the future. I will definitely be returning to Savanah to visit the Honeybee Bakery.
September 24, 2019
Another great book by Ms. Cates.
February 14, 2021
I have been going through a depressing reading slump since late July 2020. However, I've broken that slump with this book and I'm glad that it's the first book I've read!
I have been critical of this series, finding some of the storylines to be boring or the writing not up to par, and while Cookies & Clairvoyance does include a lot of filler from the previous books, the storyline of this particular addition to the Magical Bakery Mystery world kept my interest as I have found myself staying up way too late listening to the soothing voice of Amy Rubinate, who has become one of my favorite narrators.
From the synopsis you have no idea what is in store and it's a bit frustrating, but here comes the spoilers anyway.
The murderer in this particular book is more malicious than the past murderers. The cast of characters were a great addition to the story and I can't wait to start the next installment.
I have been critical of this series, finding some of the storylines to be boring or the writing not up to par, and while Cookies & Clairvoyance does include a lot of filler from the previous books, the storyline of this particular addition to the Magical Bakery Mystery world kept my interest as I have found myself staying up way too late listening to the soothing voice of Amy Rubinate, who has become one of my favorite narrators.
From the synopsis you have no idea what is in store and it's a bit frustrating, but here comes the spoilers anyway.
The murderer in this particular book is more malicious than the past murderers. The cast of characters were a great addition to the story and I can't wait to start the next installment.
December 4, 2024
Katie loses her magic and tries to prove the innocence of one suspect. She is also having some bride-zilla moments over the wedding. This is the most forward the main character has ever been portrayed.
May 7, 2020
I really enjoy reading about Katie and her crew. They make the mysteries fun, even though I am not a fan of witchcraft. There was a little bit of adkfjnkjdf*slkdj moments that made me not want to put it down. Good ending! I hope the next one is as good!
March 8, 2022
4/5 ⭐️
All these deserts sound so good!
I also enjoyed low Katie is coming into her powers.
All these deserts sound so good!
I also enjoyed low Katie is coming into her powers.
October 22, 2024
As I wrote in my last review, this series is a battle between light and dark, something we face every day. If I read it with that in mind the dark, while still bothersome, feels more like something that needs corrected and brought to justice rather than being simply dark.
The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger which would really bother me if I didn’t already have the next book.
Over all I’m enjoying this series, but I wouldn’t recommend it if dark magic is unsettling.
The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger which would really bother me if I didn’t already have the next book.
Over all I’m enjoying this series, but I wouldn’t recommend it if dark magic is unsettling.
February 5, 2025
I loved being back in this series and watching Katie prep for her wedding, meeting with her magical friends and helping to solve this murder. It took so many twists and turns that I was never sure what the truth was. The DRAMA was high - poor Katie goes through a lottt in this book and the ending was both resolution and cliff hanger. I also appreciate so much that the detective treats her well and asks for her help and accepts her powers, without being rude or dismissive. I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and recommend it!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and recommend it!
January 3, 2020
Kate Lightfoot is busy preparing for her upcoming wedding to Declan. She hopes choosing a wedding cake flavor and renovating her carriage house will be all the problems on her plate right now. Dealing with her mom is a full-time job but luckily her dad is coming to help with the home renovations. Unfortunately Detective Quinn calls for help from the home of bakery patron Kensington Bosworth who was found dead in his home. Quinn suspects murder and Kensington's collection of odd paranormal artifacts had something to do with it. Kensington's secretary is quick to blame firefighter Randy Post. Katie knows Randy would never kill anyone. While she had hoped to stay out of the murder mystery, she has to help her friend. Can she solve the crime before the wedding and without getting hurt?
This mystery got off to a quick start. The murder victim is introduced right away and killed shortly after. I had a hard time putting this book down and stayed up late two nights in a row to finish it. The twists and turns were shocking. I enjoyed the fast-paced plot but found the mystery is rather implausible. The villain is plainly obvious when introduced and their motive won't hold up in court. Magic isn't something that can be proven or disproved easily in public. Not without a lot of explanation and outing of something that is very personal for Katie and friends. No one would believe them anyway. The magical factor in the novel is upped a lot. I actually enjoyed the look at different types of magic and how shamanic magic is worked. I still don't really believe in any of it but it was interesting. There's a shocking plot twist at the end which makes me eager to read the next book. I'm wondering whether the fire that killed Steve's brother wasn't magical in some way. I hope we find out. The cozy plot was thin as Katie prepares for her wedding. Most of it centered around her home renovations.
The murder victim, Kensingston Bosworth, was an odd little man. He was always polite to Katie and the bakery staff and she enjoyed making his sourdough loaf for him. He wasn't without his faults but didn't deserve to die. There's no way Randy is a killer. He's a firefighter, sworn to protect lives not take them. He's dating Katie's friend Bianca and is a close friend of Declan. Quinn takes the easy approach until Katie pushes him. My chief suspect is the secretary, Malcolm Cardwell. Malcolm was quick to arrive at the crime scene and identify the murder weapon that NO ONE- not even Google or Katie's dad - knew about. Malcolm was eager to accuse Randy too. Plus, he's the only major new character and probably had the security system alarm code. But wait... more suspects come out of the woodwork. Kensington had a sister who has/had a gambling problem. He didn't leave her any money and there doesn't seem to be any love lost between them. Perhaps she fell off the gambling wagon and needed money? Her son, Dante, stands to inherit everything from Kensington that wasn't left to charity. He seems like a lazy bum who might have killed his uncle in an argument. (Plus Mrs. Standish worries about Dante's surname being Bundy, as in a relative of the serial killer). There's also the tourist/magic shop owner Ceaser Speckman. He's an odd, almost pathetic man. He has an interest in magic but caters to tourists selling tacky souvenirs. Ben says Caeser doesn't like sports so it seems unlikely he'd bestir himself or be strong enough to hit someone over the head. Could the murderer be someone from this Silver Moon society Kensington was leaving much of his money too? Then the motive was definitely magical.
I like Katie more and more as this series goes on but in spite of repeated warnings of danger, she presses on in her investigation. She tries to be safe because she doesn't want to get killed before her wedding but how safe is she when investigating a murder? She doesn't lie very well so it's obvious she's investigating. What happens to her in this book is shocking and devastating for her. It actually made a nice change from the usual plots. I love the support Katie gets from Lucy and Ben. They're such kind, warm, loving people who are quick to help out a friend or family in need. Declan is a super sweet guy and more understanding of Katie's magical abilities than he used to be, especially since he has his own paranormal thing going on. The spellbook coven doesn't have a lot to do here. (Mimsey has a sister named NessaRose!) It's all up to Katie. Cookie's casual use of her magical Voice bothers me more than it does Katie. Steve does it too. He's so sleazy sometimes and deliberately taunts Katie when he knows she doesn't like it. I'm half hoping he'll end up as a murderer but he is a good friend to Katie so I don't think he will. He understands her better than Declan because of their magical abilities but Declan is kinder and more supportive while Steve is selfish and egotistical.
Katie's mom worries a lot and annoys Katie with her constant perfect life demands but she loves her daughter and wants what's best for Katie. Katie's mom worries because she cares. It was great to really get to know Katie's dad, Sky. His magic is really interesting and weird. He's also practical and handy to have around in a household renovation crisis. Sky is devoted to his daughter but understands she's an adult and has to forge her own path in life. He'll help guide her in any way he can but he won't tell her how to live her own life. He's very sweet.
A special shot out goes to Iris. She is unfailingly cheerful and sweet throughout everything, even when she's told she can't join the spellbook club. Iris works hard at the bakery and in improving her magic. Mrs. Standish finally managed not to annoy me. She loves to gossip but her gossip is usually useful and she has a good heart. I like her companion, Skipper Dean. He's quiet and kind and surprisingly full of useful gossip without being nosy and chattering like Mrs. Standish.
I'm not a fan of savory baking so nothing they make in the book appeals to me but the recipes at the end sound amazing! In fact, we made two similar recipes for Christmas. Read this book before Christmas so you can make magical chocolate peppermint cookies.
This mystery got off to a quick start. The murder victim is introduced right away and killed shortly after. I had a hard time putting this book down and stayed up late two nights in a row to finish it. The twists and turns were shocking. I enjoyed the fast-paced plot but found the mystery is rather implausible. The villain is plainly obvious when introduced and their motive won't hold up in court. Magic isn't something that can be proven or disproved easily in public. Not without a lot of explanation and outing of something that is very personal for Katie and friends. No one would believe them anyway. The magical factor in the novel is upped a lot. I actually enjoyed the look at different types of magic and how shamanic magic is worked. I still don't really believe in any of it but it was interesting. There's a shocking plot twist at the end which makes me eager to read the next book. I'm wondering whether the fire that killed Steve's brother wasn't magical in some way. I hope we find out. The cozy plot was thin as Katie prepares for her wedding. Most of it centered around her home renovations.
The murder victim, Kensingston Bosworth, was an odd little man. He was always polite to Katie and the bakery staff and she enjoyed making his sourdough loaf for him. He wasn't without his faults but didn't deserve to die. There's no way Randy is a killer. He's a firefighter, sworn to protect lives not take them. He's dating Katie's friend Bianca and is a close friend of Declan. Quinn takes the easy approach until Katie pushes him. My chief suspect is the secretary, Malcolm Cardwell. Malcolm was quick to arrive at the crime scene and identify the murder weapon that NO ONE- not even Google or Katie's dad - knew about. Malcolm was eager to accuse Randy too. Plus, he's the only major new character and probably had the security system alarm code. But wait... more suspects come out of the woodwork. Kensington had a sister who has/had a gambling problem. He didn't leave her any money and there doesn't seem to be any love lost between them. Perhaps she fell off the gambling wagon and needed money? Her son, Dante, stands to inherit everything from Kensington that wasn't left to charity. He seems like a lazy bum who might have killed his uncle in an argument. (Plus Mrs. Standish worries about Dante's surname being Bundy, as in a relative of the serial killer). There's also the tourist/magic shop owner Ceaser Speckman. He's an odd, almost pathetic man. He has an interest in magic but caters to tourists selling tacky souvenirs. Ben says Caeser doesn't like sports so it seems unlikely he'd bestir himself or be strong enough to hit someone over the head. Could the murderer be someone from this Silver Moon society Kensington was leaving much of his money too? Then the motive was definitely magical.
I like Katie more and more as this series goes on but in spite of repeated warnings of danger, she presses on in her investigation. She tries to be safe because she doesn't want to get killed before her wedding but how safe is she when investigating a murder? She doesn't lie very well so it's obvious she's investigating. What happens to her in this book is shocking and devastating for her. It actually made a nice change from the usual plots. I love the support Katie gets from Lucy and Ben. They're such kind, warm, loving people who are quick to help out a friend or family in need. Declan is a super sweet guy and more understanding of Katie's magical abilities than he used to be, especially since he has his own paranormal thing going on. The spellbook coven doesn't have a lot to do here. (Mimsey has a sister named NessaRose!) It's all up to Katie. Cookie's casual use of her magical Voice bothers me more than it does Katie. Steve does it too. He's so sleazy sometimes and deliberately taunts Katie when he knows she doesn't like it. I'm half hoping he'll end up as a murderer but he is a good friend to Katie so I don't think he will. He understands her better than Declan because of their magical abilities but Declan is kinder and more supportive while Steve is selfish and egotistical.
Katie's mom worries a lot and annoys Katie with her constant perfect life demands but she loves her daughter and wants what's best for Katie. Katie's mom worries because she cares. It was great to really get to know Katie's dad, Sky. His magic is really interesting and weird. He's also practical and handy to have around in a household renovation crisis. Sky is devoted to his daughter but understands she's an adult and has to forge her own path in life. He'll help guide her in any way he can but he won't tell her how to live her own life. He's very sweet.
A special shot out goes to Iris. She is unfailingly cheerful and sweet throughout everything, even when she's told she can't join the spellbook club. Iris works hard at the bakery and in improving her magic. Mrs. Standish finally managed not to annoy me. She loves to gossip but her gossip is usually useful and she has a good heart. I like her companion, Skipper Dean. He's quiet and kind and surprisingly full of useful gossip without being nosy and chattering like Mrs. Standish.
I'm not a fan of savory baking so nothing they make in the book appeals to me but the recipes at the end sound amazing! In fact, we made two similar recipes for Christmas. Read this book before Christmas so you can make magical chocolate peppermint cookies.
September 23, 2019
Bailey Cates has done it again! I feel like I put that on every review I write of hers, but uhh... it's still true. Cookies and Clairvoyance is a light-hearted, well-researched, and surprisingly diverse cozy mystery that I couldn't put down. From dark magic and secret druid societies to Chippewa family totems, leprechauns to home renovations, this book literally has it all AND pulls it all off seamlessly AND it's clear there's still more in this story, for which I am insanely excited. I love these books and I can't wait for more.
October 7, 2019
Baking, witches and Savannah form the basis of this cozy series, one of my favorites. Katie Lightfoot and her aunt and uncle own the Honeybee Bakery where the goodies have extra magical ingredients to make them helpful as well as delicious. Katie is called to the scene of a crime by a police detective when she learns a good friend is at the top of the suspect list for this murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Cookies and Clairvoyance
Magical Bakery Mystery #8
By Bailey Cates
ISBN#9780399587016
https://www.baileycates.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Baker Katie Lightfoot serves up enchanted delicacies and tracks down a malicious murderer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series…
Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot is juggling wedding preparations, a visit from her father, and home renovations on top of her long hours at the Honeybee Bakery, where she and her aunt Lucy imbue their yummy cookies and pastries with beneficial magic. But when firefighter Randy Post is accused of murdering a collector of rarities, and his prints are on the statue that was used to kill the man, Katie steps in.
Randy is not only Katie’s fiancé’s coworker, but also the boyfriend of fellow spellbook club member and witch Bianca Devereaux. Bianca and Declan are both sure Randy is innocent, and so is Katie. However, to prove it, she’ll have to work with ornery detective Peter Quinn again–and this time around he knows she’s more than your everyday baker. (Goodreads)
Review:
Cookies and Clairvoyance, the eighth installment in the Magical Bakery Mystery Series, is sure to please both fans of both culinary and paranormal cozy mysteries. It is a nice blend of family, food, Southern charm, and murder.
Katie finds herself pulled in many directions in Cookies and Clairvoyance as she plans her wedding, remodels her home, and runs her bakery. When old money Savannah resident Kensington Bosworth is murdered, Detective Peter Quinn asks for Katie’s help since the deceased has a substantial collection of occult paraphernalia. She is glad to help, but she finds herself completely invested when fireman Randy Post, who is Katie’s fiancé Declan’s co-worker and coven member Bianca’s boyfriend, is accused of the crime. Katie takes a risk like never before to clear Randy’s name and unmask the real killer.
I really like the “witchy” aspect of this series. Bailey Cates does a wonderful job of melding the paranormal, without it becoming silly or too dark, with everyday life in Savannah, Georgia. Cookies and Clairvoyance is even more enjoyable because readers learn a bit about Native American Shamanism through Katie’s father Sky. Katie’s abilities and magic believable, and I find her relationship with her familiar Mungo particularly engaging.
Katie is a likable protagonist. She processes both common sense and nerve. Though she does inadvertently put herself in grave danger, I admire her willingness to help her friends no matter the cost. I enjoy Aunt Lucy and especially Uncle Ben, as well as the various ladies that make up Katie’s coven. I am always glad when leprechaun Connell makes an appearance, and he plays a crucial role in this story.
The murder mystery is solidly plotted and moves along at a good pace. There are plenty of suspects for Katie to weed through, and the killer’s identity remained a mystery to me until near the end of the book.
Cookies and Clairvoyance is a solid entry in this long running series. I recommend it to fans of foodie and witchy cozies. Tasty looking recipes are included in the back of the book.
Cookies and Clairvoyance
Magical Bakery Mystery #8
By Bailey Cates
ISBN#9780399587016
https://www.baileycates.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Baker Katie Lightfoot serves up enchanted delicacies and tracks down a malicious murderer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series…
Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot is juggling wedding preparations, a visit from her father, and home renovations on top of her long hours at the Honeybee Bakery, where she and her aunt Lucy imbue their yummy cookies and pastries with beneficial magic. But when firefighter Randy Post is accused of murdering a collector of rarities, and his prints are on the statue that was used to kill the man, Katie steps in.
Randy is not only Katie’s fiancé’s coworker, but also the boyfriend of fellow spellbook club member and witch Bianca Devereaux. Bianca and Declan are both sure Randy is innocent, and so is Katie. However, to prove it, she’ll have to work with ornery detective Peter Quinn again–and this time around he knows she’s more than your everyday baker. (Goodreads)
Review:
Cookies and Clairvoyance, the eighth installment in the Magical Bakery Mystery Series, is sure to please both fans of both culinary and paranormal cozy mysteries. It is a nice blend of family, food, Southern charm, and murder.
Katie finds herself pulled in many directions in Cookies and Clairvoyance as she plans her wedding, remodels her home, and runs her bakery. When old money Savannah resident Kensington Bosworth is murdered, Detective Peter Quinn asks for Katie’s help since the deceased has a substantial collection of occult paraphernalia. She is glad to help, but she finds herself completely invested when fireman Randy Post, who is Katie’s fiancé Declan’s co-worker and coven member Bianca’s boyfriend, is accused of the crime. Katie takes a risk like never before to clear Randy’s name and unmask the real killer.
I really like the “witchy” aspect of this series. Bailey Cates does a wonderful job of melding the paranormal, without it becoming silly or too dark, with everyday life in Savannah, Georgia. Cookies and Clairvoyance is even more enjoyable because readers learn a bit about Native American Shamanism through Katie’s father Sky. Katie’s abilities and magic believable, and I find her relationship with her familiar Mungo particularly engaging.
Katie is a likable protagonist. She processes both common sense and nerve. Though she does inadvertently put herself in grave danger, I admire her willingness to help her friends no matter the cost. I enjoy Aunt Lucy and especially Uncle Ben, as well as the various ladies that make up Katie’s coven. I am always glad when leprechaun Connell makes an appearance, and he plays a crucial role in this story.
The murder mystery is solidly plotted and moves along at a good pace. There are plenty of suspects for Katie to weed through, and the killer’s identity remained a mystery to me until near the end of the book.
Cookies and Clairvoyance is a solid entry in this long running series. I recommend it to fans of foodie and witchy cozies. Tasty looking recipes are included in the back of the book.
February 4, 2025
“Cookies and Clairvoyance” by Bailey Cates is the eighth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series, following Katie Lightfoot, a witch and co-owner of the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah. As always, Katie finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation when a well-known real estate developer is found dead, and someone close to her becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear their name, Katie relies on her magical abilities, coven’s wisdom, and investigative instincts. However, her curiosity again leads her into risky situations, pushing her to balance her everyday life with the dangers of the supernatural and criminal worlds.
While I generally enjoy this series, I find it increasingly repetitive. Each book follows a very similar structure. Katie stumbles into a murder case, ignores warnings from those around her, and ultimately solves the mystery in a way that feels all too familiar. In this particular book, Katie’s actions frustrated me more than usual. She was warned multiple times about certain dangers, yet she went ahead anyway, making decisions that felt reckless rather than brave. I also felt like the mystery itself was predictable; I had a firm idea of how it would all play out from early on. The cozy atmosphere and magical elements remain charming, and I still enjoy spending time with these characters. I wish the series would introduce something fresh to shake things up and keep the stories engaging rather than formulaic. 3-Stars!
While I generally enjoy this series, I find it increasingly repetitive. Each book follows a very similar structure. Katie stumbles into a murder case, ignores warnings from those around her, and ultimately solves the mystery in a way that feels all too familiar. In this particular book, Katie’s actions frustrated me more than usual. She was warned multiple times about certain dangers, yet she went ahead anyway, making decisions that felt reckless rather than brave. I also felt like the mystery itself was predictable; I had a firm idea of how it would all play out from early on. The cozy atmosphere and magical elements remain charming, and I still enjoy spending time with these characters. I wish the series would introduce something fresh to shake things up and keep the stories engaging rather than formulaic. 3-Stars!
October 10, 2022
Someone killed Kensington Booth, a sometime customer of the Honeybee and collector of the magical. Randy is soon the primary suspect, Declan's fellow firefighter and Bianca's (a fellow witch and part of the Spellbook Club) boyfriend. Katie, Delan, Bianca (well everyone of the Spellbook Club) know Randy is innocent. Katie, with the Coven's help embarks on finding out what really happened.
Throughout this series Katie has really grown into herself and her magic. In the last book, she did share with Detective Quinn she was a witch and with that confession, he does actively seek her help in this one. Katie needs to help Randy, deal with her house renovations, plan her wedding, and thwart her mother's wedding plan wishes.
The mystery was a good one. Katie has magical things happen to her. Declan experiences a magical trauma/loss. The Dragoh's may have competition (maybe).
Throughout this series Katie has really grown into herself and her magic. In the last book, she did share with Detective Quinn she was a witch and with that confession, he does actively seek her help in this one. Katie needs to help Randy, deal with her house renovations, plan her wedding, and thwart her mother's wedding plan wishes.
The mystery was a good one. Katie has magical things happen to her. Declan experiences a magical trauma/loss. The Dragoh's may have competition (maybe).
March 31, 2020
It's amazing how much you can miss old friends from favorite series, and just how quickly you can devour a book from a series you love. There's absolutely nothing about this book that I did not enjoy, hence the 5 star rating. The characters continue to welcome me back after each absence, and while there wasn't as much growth in them in this book, they still engage me. The story was definitely different from those that came before and I found myself quickly drawn into the action. Everything moved quickly and I had a hard time breaking away for real life. Can't wait for book 9 and some wedding cupcakes...
April 5, 2021
Katie and Declan's wedding is coming up soon, and between that and the renovations at the Carriage House, you'd think they would not have time to get involved in another murder. This time, Detective Quinn is the one who calls Katie for help. A collector of magical memorabilia is found dead, and a bag of Katie's bakery is found in the kitchen. Katie finds herself acting as consultant to the police. This mystery turns very dark in some points, and there is a bit of a cliff hanger ending.
July 2, 2019
Both entertaining and mouthwatering, i would have probably given it five stars if it wasn't for the fact that I had to go back and make sure I wasn't re-reading this because it was similar in aspects to a book I had just finished. I loved the characters and despite never having read another book in the series I didn't feel like I was lost.
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review from the First to Read Program.
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review from the First to Read Program.
November 6, 2019
Another fabulous addition to the Magical Bakery series. I loved how the ongoing story line moved along and hope that there is a wedding soon! The turmoil surrounding the murder and other events was high this time and had me turning pages faster and faster! I'm so glad things turned out the way they did and the lead in to the next book is amazing! I hope it comes sooner than later.
April 8, 2020
Good vs evil
It wedding planning time for Katie and Declan. Of course things won't go smoothly for them. Murder of an influential person has Katie on the case. Her carriage house is in the middle of a renovation and her dad has come to help with that. As it turns out he is able to help out with more than that..I love this series, and am looking forward to the next book.
It wedding planning time for Katie and Declan. Of course things won't go smoothly for them. Murder of an influential person has Katie on the case. Her carriage house is in the middle of a renovation and her dad has come to help with that. As it turns out he is able to help out with more than that..I love this series, and am looking forward to the next book.
July 20, 2020
All caught up and ready to read book 9 (which thankfully I have an eArc of)!
Katie is busy with house renovations and wedding plans, but all of that gets pushed to the side when a customer is murdered and Quinn calls her in. In the midst of investigating, Katie's magic is stolen! A magicless Katie is obviously one grumpy witch. ;)
Katie is busy with house renovations and wedding plans, but all of that gets pushed to the side when a customer is murdered and Quinn calls her in. In the midst of investigating, Katie's magic is stolen! A magicless Katie is obviously one grumpy witch. ;)
September 17, 2019
I liked this eighth entry in the Magical Bakery Series. Katie is an delightful protagonist, and I enjoyed getting to know her father Sky a bit. The mystery is entertaining, well thought out, and moves along at a steady pace. Recommended to fans of paranormal cozies.
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