Spirits and Sourdough

Magical Bakery Mystery #10

by Bailey Cates

Baker Katie Lightfoot needs a sprinkle of magic to solve a haunting mystery in the newest book in this New York Times bestselling series.

Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot works at the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, and she's always up for investigating her adopted home's rich supernatural history. That's why she's taking a ghost tour for the very first time. But when the psychic tour guide tells Katie that she's being followed by the ghost of a recently murdered woman, Katie realizes she met the victim earlier that day, just before she died. She knows she must bring the killer to justice.

And this murder isn't the only mystery Katie needs to solve. Her new husband, Declan McCarthy, is missing the guardian spirit who always watched over him, and she's concerned that Deck's life could be at risk if they can't find him. Under pressure from the living and the dead, Katie will have to use all of her magical skills to start an investigation from scratch and avoid half-baked alibis, because this baker kneads to find a killer.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Magic, Fantasy, Witches

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2022

About the author

A.K.A. Cricket McRae, A.K.A Bailey Cattrell:

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: don't make this your first Magical Bakery Mystery -- this is a series that definitely needs to be read in order as the complexities of magic craft build in each story. Honestly, this totally isn't the kind of book I'd normally go for and there's a campy twist in the magical aspects of this one that should put me off and yet I adore these characters even if they are a coven of witches (white magic only, mind you.) The secondary characters bring me back just as much as Katie and Declan and adorable Mungo do. And just when I think things can't get any more....wooohoooo out there...they do. And I'm fine with that. As always, Amy Rubinate does a divine job of narrating. A fun escape read for those who don't mind a healthy dose of magic in their mysteries.

[mitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐

Ugh, this was so bad, I'm sorry.

It was my first cozy mystery and the MC was a witch! So imagine how excited I was. The book started so good, I loved the first 2-3 chapters and then things just went downwards from there. It was just bland and all over the place, and it seemed that the editor just didn't care. I was surprised that this book was part of a long, established series!

Everyone sounded a little too excited that somebody died, the MC inviting herself here and there and people were just like 'ok?', the side characters were either ignorant or annoying for no reason other than to make it excusable to accuse them as suspects, and some of them were insignificant. Also, the writing fell flat for me, it was like reading an instruction.

After reading halfway I couldn't care less about the murder, let alone her husband's guardian spirit. And the reveal?? What was that?? If you're mad at your flirtatious husband cheating on you then kill your husband?? The killer went from 'oh no, she was my best friend. I killed the wrong person!' to 'i was so embarrassed so i killed her' real quick. It was so bad it was hilarious.

Shouldn't have trusted Goodreads rating.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick listen while I did chores today. It kept me distracted with the two stories going on: the murder and Katie trying to get Connell back. I enjoy reading about Katie and her community of people and I hope they come back for more mysteries!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the tenth book in the magical bakery series. Katie Lightfoot is a bakery and a hedgewitch. Katie spends the book trying to get her husband, Declan, his guardian spirit back along with solving the murder of a woman she meets shortly before the woman died. I love this series. I love Katie's group of friends, the spellbook club. The mystery was well done. I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates is the tenth A Magical Bakery Mystery. It can be read as a standalone because the author provides the necessary background information. However, I recommend reading this enchanting series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters and their backstories. I always look forward to picking up the latest A Magical Bakery novel. This series contains delightful characters who live in the charming town of Savannah, Georgia. It is nice to catch up with Katie, Lucy, Ben, Declan, Mungo, and the members of the spellbook club. Spirits and Sourdough is well written with developed characters. The plot is well thought-out. The magic is believable and well done. The author explains the magic in easy-to-understand terms (magic of a hedge witch or kitchen witch). I like how this group of witches use their powers for good. They help other people especially at the Honeybee Bakery. The mystery was interesting. There are subtle clues (if you pay close attention) as well as key pieces of information that will help readers solve the crime. I like that there was only a handful of suspects (just the right amount). I had a good time following the clues and solving the whodunit. I liked the reveal that nicely wrapped up the crime. My favorite part of the story is Katie trying to retrieve Connell. Connell is amusing and I love his accent. Bailey Cates did a great job at mixing mystery, romance, and the paranormal into one magical tale. Spirits and Sourdough is a spirited story with a dragonfly bodement, a lost leprechaun, a bevy of baked goods, a departed patron, trick or treating, a Samhain spell, and Katie works to catch a killer.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirits and Sourdough is the 10th book in the Magical Bakeshop Mystery series and I always look forward to each new book. I love the paranormal aspect of this series and wait to see what Ms. Cates has in store for Katie and the rest of the characters.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the relationships and sense of community among the Honeybee Bakery and the coven. Each member of the coven is diverse and it just adds so much depth and interest to each storyline. They all have something to offer and come together to help one another. I also thought the author has done a great job of weaving Declan and Katie's romance and subsequent marriage into the storyline.

Each book in this series is always a joy to read and provides me with several hours of escape. The characters are interesting and quirky coupled with engaging mysteries and a paranormal aspect that I enjoy when mixed with a cozy mystery.

I will continue to read this series for as long as the author continues to write them. The books and stories never disappoint.

I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through Edelweiss. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were not impacted by the manner in which I received this book.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review on Fresh Fiction

SPIRITS AND SOURDOUGH is book ten in the Magical Bakery Mystery series by Bailey Cates. I always look forward to these books because it’s such an interesting concept. I don’t usually read many Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, but this one is an exception.

I think one of the best things about this book is the hedgewitch, Katie and the whole community that surrounds the Honeybee Bakery. There’s such an interesting group of characters that you can’t help but be curious about them.

Also, there’s a soft romance thread throughout the series that makes a romance reader like me swoon. I love Declan and enjoy seeing the small pockets of romantic scenes that they have in these books. Paired with the interesting mystery and you’ve got the perfect concoction for a great book! For something unique and original, you can count on Bailey Cates to deliver.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has evolved so much from the beginning. The changes stem from Katie learning more about her powers and really adapting her life to embrace her gift. The relationships between the members of the spellbook club are so heartwarming; I love how they support each other. The mystery in this one was interesting. I learned a lot about art galleries and how art exhibits work. There were plenty of suspects and I was left guessing until the very end (to be fair, I usually am). I’m not a huge fan of the Declan magical storyline but it seems to be resolved. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 10 in the Magical Bakery cozy series. It can be read as a stand alone but you'll get a better understanding of the characters if you've read some of the previous books. Katie is a baker and a hedgewitch living in Savannah. She is taking her first ghost tour when the guide tells her that a new ghost wants her to solve her murder. A fast moving, quick reading story with Katie solving several problems as she solves the murder. Fans of the paranormal get several avenues to explore . I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jillian Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending to the series. There is this extra level of magic that comes in as Katie is being contacted by the dead and solving another murder while also getting her husband his guardian, Connell, back.

[Cherise Deeley]

Love this series! So happy to be a part of Katie and Lucy’s life again! Love all these characters and definitely enjoyed my time with my friends! Can’t wait until the next!

[Daniele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another solid entry in the longrunning Magical Bakery series. Witch Katie Lightfoot finds herself trying to solve a local murder and find a way to bring her husband Declan's guardian spirit back to him. The story moves along at a good pace, and the resolution came as a bit of a surprise.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Not only was the mystery from this book solved, but one from the series reached it's conclusion as well. I am really hoping there is another coming!!

[Laura Resau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series and was so excited to read this latest book. I loved it, of course! It's such a cozy, delicious feeling to immerse myself in the magical bakery world. The familiar characters continue to be their wonderful selves, and I enjoyed the new ones in this book. The ghost tour plot was marvelously spooky and fun and suspenseful. What can I say? Bailey Cates is a master! Highly recommended...

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie Lightfoot is excited to take a ghost tour of Savannah. Being a newcomer, she hasn't heard all the stories yet. Then partway through the tour, the tour guide, Teddy, collapses and the tour is disbanded. Teddy pulls Katie aside to inform Katie that the ghost of a very angry woman is following Katie and wants Katie to solve her murder! Katie has a sinking suspicion she knows who the dead woman is but Detective Quinn doesn't have any reports of any homicides- yet. He isn't too happy Katie's "intutition" interrupted his date night with his wife but the very next morning, he finds the victim exactly where and who Katie suspected. He warns Katie to stay out of it but she feels compelled to help, especially as the victim was murdered by her scarf featuring a dragonfly print. Samhain is coming up and Katie has a special plan to bring Connell back to Declan even if she can't find a tether. She's prepared to risk her life to help her husband.

I was worried, from the description, that this story would be too dark and too paranormal for me. It's only the beginning that's a little creepy. As always I enjoyed the bakery parts the most. The Honeybee is busy baking up a storm of yummy treats for Halloween. I wished there were more recipes. Blood orange thyme cake does not appeal to me or any young trick-or-treaters and molasses cookies are boring. Every cookbook has a recipe. There was a lot going on in this story that I felt was just a little too much. There's Halloween, the murder, the plan to get Connell back and a subplot about the murder victim's daughter. The murder mystery fizzles out at the end and the focus switches to getting Connell back. I was wishing for a little more excitement. I guessed who the murderer was just before Katie did. I thought it was someone else for awhile but connected the clues when they were shared with Katie. The motive was easy to figure out too.

Leigh Markes, the murder victim, was not a pleasant person. Her book club met at the Honeybee earlier in the day before she was murdered. Lee took charge and steamrolled over her sister's interest in continuing the discussion to a related topic. Lee insisted it was not in the book and therefore they were not discussing it. That was rude and uncalled for. I was in a book club once that talked about everything but the book! LOL! None of us liked the first book so we ended up discussing a movie based on a book and went to see the movie instead. Book clubs are about being social and connecting with people who share your love of reading and learning. Yeesh. She doesn't sound like a nice sister even though she claims she's tried. Leigh's relationship with her daughter Zoe was also strained. I guess Leigh had a domineering personality and everyone let her walk all over them. Leigh was also rumored to be having an affair with a married man but no one knows who!

Her sister, Calista, is a dreamer. There's nothing wrong with that and her sister could have been nicer about supporting her sister's dreams or gently explaining what Calista needs to do to make her dream a reality. I like Calista even though she isn't very practical. I would be mad at her too but she's an adult and can make her own decisions. If I were Calista I would be furious with my sister for railroading me and being rude in front of the two book club newcomers. Was Calista angry enough to murder?

Leigh's ex-husband, Walker Stokes, is no prize either. He has anger management issues and his new wife sounds like a gold digger. He neglects his only child's emotional well-being and doesn't offer any support or comfort in spite of the fact her mother was just murdered. Walker's only alibi is his wife, Juliette and she would lie for him in a heartbeat. I think she would also murder Leigh in a heartbeat for the money. She's horrid to poor Zoe, Leigh's daughter, who is upset over the death of her mother. Zoe is a nice young woman, a university student at Savannah College of Art and Design. She's smart enough to know her parents aren't perfect but still... she feels bad because Leigh was her mom. Poor Zoe! She's friendly with Iris from the Honeybee. It was great to see Iris gain confidence and help with the investigation. She's a good friend. If I was in trouble, I'd want her at my back.

Another suspect is Paisley, Leigh's assistant from the art gallery Leigh owned. Leigh took a step back to care for her dying father and let Paisley run the gallery alone in her absence for a whole year. Paisley was used to having her own way and allowing pieces she thought would sell to be shown in the gallery. Now Leigh is back and nixed Paisley's plan for an exhibition of "outsider art." Could Paisley soon be out of a job? Could she have been so angry she murdered Leigh? The same motive can be ascribed to Aldo Bracket, a so-callled outsider artist. Katie's inexpert opinion is that Aldo is a blowhard who wants to showcase garbage and call it art. Skipper Dean, who is knowledable about art, agrees. Aldo is a blowhard and a whiny, selfish wannabe artist. He wants to be an artist but not put in any of the work. His "art" sounds horrendous but is not NOT art because he's not trained? What makes art? He must be furious Leigh cancelled his show. Furious enough to murder?

Other new characters include Leigh's best friend Jo. Jo, a former competitive golfer, now owns a gym. She and Leigh seem like opposites but similar personalities. It's hard to believe they're friends. Jo is supportive of Leigh but isn't afraid to tell it like it is. She's kind of harsh and blunt like Leigh. There's also Teddy, the Savannah ghost walk tour guide who happens to see dead people. Of course Katie and the spellbook coven don't bat an eyelash at this but Teddy is tortured by her gift. She sees it as a curse and it makes her appear off to many outsiders not in the know. She's kind of on edge for most of the book and really uneasy about seeing a recently deceased ghost. I think her gift would be cool to have if she only saw the Civil War ghosts and the long dead. She unfortunately can't have a conversation with them or there wouldn't be a mystery! Teddy shows she has a kind heart and compassionate nature though once she sees she's surrounded by new friends who want to help her.

The recurring characters are all here. Katie worries too much about Declan. He's a grown man and sometimes accidents happen even to grown men. He's a firefighter and paramedic and yes that's a dangerous job but he, of all people, is very well aware of what can happen. Ben survived to retirement without a leprechaun inside him. It does show how much Katie loves Declan but I still don't feel any chemistry between them. Steve is back causing trouble as usual. Katie is wise to him and has help from Aunt Lucy to deflect his attention but he still can't help being a bit naughty and showing his love for Katie. She should slap him. She asked him respectfully not to do something more than once and he continues. That is not love. He's a donkey's behind. Declan is sweet and supportive but still a little freaked out by some of Katie's powers. He isn't afraid OF witchcraft because it's witchcraft, he's afraid of it because it could be dangerous for Katie. He's just afraid FOR Katie because he loves her so much. He accepts his weird ancestor lurking inside of him and would like to get Connell back but not at the expense of Katie's life.

Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben are as supportive and loving as always. Cookie is preoccupied with her new baby but not too much not to use her magic for good. Bianca, as always, is ready to investigate using her resources and Jaida and her husband Gregory welcome Teddy into their home when she needs a little TLC. Teddy is Gregory's "goshdaughter" which is sweet. One character we haven't really come to know yet is Colette, Bianca's daughter. Colette is precocious for 8 but I totally buy her interest in creepy ghost stories. I've met MANY 9-18 year olds who didn't care about the history of the museum, just the ghosts! (Also stories about gruesome injuries appeal to tweens and teens for some reason). Colette is so innocent and carefree. She doesn't know enough to guard what she says about witchcraft. I find her a little obnoxious and kind of incidential to the plot. If Jaida wanted Teddy to know they were witches, she would have said something sooner. Mungo is barely in the story. He acts like a dog and not like a terrier at all, except for eating LOL! Cairn Terriers are NOT quiet, docile furry people. They're mighty ferocious warriors. He could at least pretend to act normal.

I liked this book but it wasn't my favorite of this series. I recommended this series to my niece for when she's older. It's a little too scary for a young teen but she would love the kitchen witch baking stuff. She agreed she might like to read these books when she's older. I hope she does and they're not too dated by then. The author is careful just to have them use Smart Phones and computers but nothing specific like brand names and models.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series. I genuinely love this series but this book felt like filler to get from one book to another allowing certain things to happen to continue the story in the next book.

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't anything special and, at this point, is the last in the series. There is another one scheduled to come out in a few months, but it is more than three years since this one was pubished. I'm not sure I'll get it though since Spirits and Sourdough didn't leave any loose ends - except one, Steve. However, truthfully, Steve's hang-up over Katie shouldn't exist anymore, but even though she's now married to someone else, he still can't let go. I really dislike that!

The swearing (mostly the Lord's name) didn't go away once it was introduced, and is bothersome as well.

I've thought a lot about the darker aspects of these books. While dark magic is a real thing, and Katie fights it, I think the thing that bothers me the most is that even some of the darker aspects of magic are presented as good. The entire series pushed the boundaries.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love for this series grows with each installment because I think Katie herself grows and matures and really excels at both a bakery, hedgewitch, and sleuth. I love how different elements of magic are suffused through the story; both in small instances in her baking and larger spells to help bring back someone important in her life. She has such a great group of friends and a loving partnership with her husband and it is so wonderful to read about. Combine that with a ghost tour and a mystery and I was hooked. The mystery part truly stumped me and I enjoyed watching Katie piece it together while also planning a major spellcasting (which was so much fun to read about). The ending was shocking, with a hopeful tone and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 bk 216. Kudos to Bailey Cates. In too many cases, an author will stop a series once a wedding has occurred - as if marriage makes a character less interesting. Cates continues the story of Katie and Declan with dragonflies drawing their attention to the leader of a book club that meets at the bakery. In addition to the overall mystery, I also enjoyed getting to know Iris better and just think that it is time that Iris be invited to join the coven. Looking forward to another story.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie has really come full circle. I enjoy these that surround her both biological family and found/chosen family. The mystery was good. Connell is back and another person is welcomed into the group (Teddy).
Currently this is the last published book and I don't know if this series is ending. It could be the end, no cliff hanger and Katie/Declan are in a good place.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been lucky lately to have found some new cozy paranormals lately, and I’m happy to say this is one of them. I had actually read the first book in this series years ago, but I had for reason lost track of it. Well, it felt like I had never left, and it didn’t take me long at all to feel like I’d been reading this series for years. Katie and Declan are great characters, as well as all of the other side characters. This is a well-rounded cast, and they are all fleshed out so much so that they feel like real people I want to get to know. Add in an intriguing mystery, great writing, and the great cast, this is a fun way to spend an afternoon. I’m really looking forward to the next one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Courtney Larkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series that I’ve ever read!! ❤️❤️ I just loved this so much. So heartwarming, and I’m so attached to these characters at this point! Really hope that this isn’t the end of the series and that Bailey plans to continue these!! 🙏🏼

[Jurgita · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a lovely, untaxing book. Plot is simple, some characters more interesting than others (to be honest I liked side characters more than the main). It's, as I call, pallet cleansing book. Being the 10th book in the series completely didn't matter (I haven't read any others).

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the series.

[sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an entertaining and digestible book to read! The cozy mystery genre exudes comfort and I loveeeee it!

[Debjo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really I'd give it 3 1/2 stars, not quite 4.

[Narules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a great cozy mystery read with your favorite baked good but it has less danger, action, and working directly with the police.

[Kathy Kennerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Great friends, a variety of pets, and an inviting locale. I enjoy the entire mix every time I read a book in this series.

[Jen Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy the books in this series. Fun seeing after married life and different supernatural aspects of the neighborhood!

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this series yet do yourself a favor and just buy all of them. Trust me. They're SO GOOD. This might actually be one of my favorites. So much magical application to chew on, a good plot, lots of interconnected drama. When is the next one coming out??