I enjoyed this book and the series. The author write so beautifully that you find yourself lost in the book. .There was the perfect amount of mystery and murder. I highly recommend this book and series

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.

Sometimes it’s fun to take a break from reality and read a fun, uplifting novel with a little bit of the supernatural. Spirits and Sourdough is the 10th novel in the Magical Bakery Mystery series by Bailey Cates, and like those earlier books, is delightful. Set in Savannah, Georgia, Hedge witch Katie Lightfoot is part owner of the Honeybee Bakery with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. Baked goods from the Honeybee bakery are not only delicious, but have magical powers due to spells put on them by Katie and her aunt Lucy (always positive and usually herbal). When Katie, a wants Teddy to find her murderer. Of course Katie steps in to help Teddy and the investigation begins even before the murdered woman’s body is found.

While this is a cozy series, actually a culinary mystery because it contains recipes, it is quite suspenseful and has supernatural scenarios. They are not scary (the witches are good witches), but are fun. Cates is a good storyteller and the story is organized and easy to follow. The characters are well-developed and Katy, Lucy, Uncle Ben, and Katie’s new husband Declan are believable and definitely likeable. Readers will want to start at the beginning of the series to see the evolution of the characters as they change and grow from novel to novel.

Although this cute cozy can be read as a standalone book, it is suggested that readers start at the beginning of the series. This one is especially fun and is a fast read. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a bit of magic in their novels.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

What good is a murder mystery with out baked goods and ghosts? This book offers it all set in a community of fun characters.


It is an easy and fun cozy book.

Despite being the tenth book in this series, this was my first Magical Mystery Bakery read and now I think I need to go read the backlisted titles. This was the perfect remedy for recovering from wisdom teeth removal. I loved the bakery and the eclectic cast of characters and despite having come into things late in the game, I had no trouble catching up on plot lines from previous books. Fun, mouthwatering, and magical!

This is the first time I read a cozy by Bailey Cates and I enjoyed the story and the characters immensely. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

Spirits and Sourdough: A Magical Bakery Mystery
By Bailey Cates
Berkley
January 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow

Halloween is the New Year for Wiccans, so hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot and her spellbook club are celebrating the Samhain with a freebie ghost tour through their own historical town of Savannah, Georgia. Katie’s tarot mentor Jaida French was given free tickets from her paramour’s goshdaughter (goddaughter without religion) Teddy LaRue, who is hoping to start off her new ghost tour business after a bumpy start. It seems that Teddy is a little too good at her job, not only fainting during the tour but awaking and blurting out she has just seen a ghost of a murdered woman. While that may seem like an over-the-top act of promotion, Katie recognizes Teddy’s description of the woman as Leigh Markes, a gallery owner last seen wearing a scarf with dragonflies. While Katie knows that her totem of dragonflies indicates that something dire and magical is afoot, Detective Peter Quinn is less accepting despite her success with previous mundane and mystical deaths.

When Leigh is indeed found strangled to death in her car with the dragonfly scarf, Quinn quickly returns with questions concerning Katie’s unprecedented clairvoyance. Evidence quickly clouds the timing issue though, and Katie begins her own investigation into the alibis of who would have wanted Leigh dead. Her daughter Zoe is in line of an impressive trust fund, which Leigh’s ex-husband would love to get his hands on. Even Leigh’s Calista could use an investment for her designer showercap start-up. The Markes gallery is another source of murder motives, with an artist hoping to buy his way into a pseudo-Outsider art showcase while another employee resents being pushed out by Leigh’s nepotism. Balancing her practical investigation is Katie’s efforts to bring back her husband’s guardian spirit from the ether, where the leprechaun has languished after a sacrifice to save Declan McCarthy’s life. Katie fears that her firefighter husband is at risk without Connell’s protection, which is why she is determined to bring the leprechaun back on the Samhain Halloween night.

This 10th in the Magical Bakery Mystery series continues to explore an expanding magical world that introduces hedgewitches, leprechauns, and druids. The adorable cairn terrier, Honeybee feline, and ferret familiars bring in an ample amount of cuteness, while Katie’s white witch spells within the bakery supply a surfeit of mouth-watering moments. Irish Barmbracks filled with protective cinnamon, travel-assisting nutmeg, and evil-banishing pumpkin all help Katie to create magical and tasty treats. The bond between the spellbook club women has only grown stronger, with the women supporting one another through witch and natural human life changes. Katie’s use of her forceful Voice that provides the final clue to solving the murder, while her coven of spellbook club members, a reporter druid, and her many friends provide the connections and support she needs to bring her magical family together and win.

This is such a cute series with lots of yummy food mentions and likable characters. I like the mix of mystery and supernatural and that the supernatural part isn't involved in helping Katie investigate.

The mystery did keep me guessing until just before the reveal with lots of possible suspects and motives. I liked the hook of the ghost tour and the tour guide who can see the dead. It did surprise me a little that Katie was pretty much on her own with the investigation other then the occasional phone call with the police detective. Most of the spell book club is busy with the side plot of Declan's guardian spirit.

I would like to go back and read more about the side plot and the spend more time with the characters in general but I do feel like you could jump in with this book without too much issue. There's enough information about who is who and even the guardian spirit subplot that I think even new to the series readers would have no issue. This isn't a book that will really stay with me long after I'm done but it is one I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end which is sometimes just what I want.

An enchanting series for readers who enjoy a dash of magic with their pastries. Spirits and Sourdough further develops Katie Lightfoot's relationships and understanding of her own power. This title is a great read for those who are already familiar with the series, but I would not suggest a new reader begins with this 10th installment in the Magical Bakery series.

I recommend this series to fans of Amanda Flower's "Magical Bookshop Mystery" series, Melissa Bourbon's "Magical Dressmaking" series and fans of Heather Blake.

3.5 Stars

Katie Lightfoot owns the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, Georgia, along with her aunt and uncle. In addition to being a professional baker and a wife of two years, Katie is also a witch. Katie goes on a ghost tour being led by a friend of a friend. The guide almost faints during the tour and later tells Katie that the spirit of a woman who was just killed appeared to her. Teddy tells her that the ghost is demanding that Katie solve her murder. Katie is able to figure out the identity of the victim and agrees to investigate the crime, even though the local police aren’t enthusiastic about her help.

I like the main character, Katie, and her husband Declan. In addition to investigating the murder, Katie is also trying to figure out how to find Declan’s lost guardian spirit because she worries about his dangerous job as as first responder without him having that extra protection. She is willing to risk her own safety to help her husband. Katie has a large circle of friends, but I didn’t feel I got to know them very well. What I did see is Katie’s friends are supportive of her learning more about her abilities as a witch, as well as other aspects of her personal life. Katie is very kind in reaching out to the troubled ghost tour guide, Teddy, and they end up working well together on an important event in the story. Katie is good at getting answers as she investigates the murder, and I was surprised when the identity of the killer is eventually revealed.

Although this is the tenth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series, it’s the first I’ve read. Some cozy series are easy to jump into and many series I’ve joined late have turned out to be some of my favorites. The murder mystery aspect of the book stands on its own, but there are a lot of characters to keep track of if you’re unfamiliar with the series. In addition, most of the characters have backstories about their relationships and friendships and their special abilities. It’s pretty overwhelming for a new reader, and I eventually just had to focus on the mystery and the main characters of Katie and Declan. Doing so allowed me to enjoy the story, but I think this is a book that is better suited for those who have read at least some of the prior books in the series.

~ Christine

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.

3 Stars 





Being an avid reader sometimes you come across the title that catches your attention not realizing it’s the latest title in a well-established, 10 book series. Also being an avid reader, I take this with a grain of salt and hope that the author is very good at leaving breadcrumbs from the previous stories to get a new reader caught up to date. That was exactly my case with Spirits and Sourdough. 

Spirits and Sourdough is a fun and magical cozy!  Yes I did enjoy the read. Yes, I was somewhat able to get the jist of what I needed to. Bailey Cates definitely has something magical going on here.  The Honeybee Bakery is cute and very unique. It is the type of place that I would definitely want to sit and have my baked goods with a cup of coffee on a very bad day. Katie is an amazing character.  She cares genuinely, is a bit nosy and totally likable. The secondary characters keep you turning the pages just as much as the main characters do. It is truly a magical story. Even a new reader can see that this has definitely gone through some complex world building and character development, and it shows. Even though I’m jumping in at book ten. I was able to figure out what was going on and enjoy the story.

Ghost tours, missing spirits and murder, all the makings a of good cozy!!!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Spirits and Sourdough, the entertaining tenth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery Series, is full of friendship, murder, and just the right amount of magic.

Katie Lightfoot and her coven are looking forward to a night out taking a ghost tour in their beloved city of Savannah. Teddy the guide is knowledgeable and engaging, and things go well until she suddenly takes ill. Katie learns that Teddy really does see ghosts and one has attached itself to her. The ghost insists that Teddy implore Katie to find her killer, and they soon discover that the victim is local gallery owner Leigh Markes. In addition to tracking down a murderer, Katie is determined to help her husband Declan find his missing guardian spirit.

I always enjoy my time spent with bakery owner Katie and her friends and family. The character development and relationships shine in this series, and, ten books in, the characters are like old friends. Katie is intelligent and empathetic, and it makes sense for her to use her witchy intuition in potentially dangerous situations. Of course, this does not keep her out of trouble, but she is good about letting people know where she is and what is going on. Declan continues to be indulgent of Katie, and even though he is part of an important plot point, I wish he was featured more. The supporting characters round out the story, and I particularly like Ben and Lucy. I hope we see more of Teddy in the future.

Murder victim Leigh was an assertive woman, and there are several suspects for Katie to consider, including Leigh’s ex-husband, a local artist, her assistant, her sister, and her best friend. There are plenty of clues and twists and turns to keep the plot interesting. I picked the murderer rather early in the story, but the twist at the end surprised me. Surprises make for good reading in my opinion.

This long running series still feels fresh, and Spirits and Sourdough is a fun addition to the series. Recommended to fans of the series, paranormal enthusiasts, and lovers of the charming Savannah, Georgia, setting,

I have thoroughly enjoyed my read of Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates which is the tenth book in Ms. Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery series. This series is just so magical. Not just because of the magic elements throughout the storyline, but Ms. Cates has a true magic touch to telling her tales. I really like the characters in this story with Katie, Declan, Aunt Lucy, Uncle Ben and the members of the spellbook club. The murder mystery investigation was fascinating. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Honestly, once again - the only thing I didn't like about this book is the fact that I, NOW, have to wait another year for the next one.

Brownies & Broomsticks, book one in A Magical Bakeshop Mystery series, was my very first cozy mystery. After that, the rest was history. I have followed along with Bailey Cates & Cattrell ever since. I can't believe book ten has come and gone.

Bailey Cates does it again! I loved how this one played itself out. The Spellbook Club is my favorite part of this series. The Halloween séance speaks for itself - iykyk! Plus the new addition to Cookie's family just fills my heart.

Seeing the ladies grow in life and the craft just gives this series that special little zest. Speaking of zest, how much do we love the Honeybee Bakery? Seriously makes me want to get out my grimoire and start baking with magical component ingredients.

Thank you, Berkeley and Netgally for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy! I devoured it and loved every single second of my reading adventure.

This was another exciting installment in this series. For such a long-running series, I'm impressed that this one hasn't started to lose steam at all. The characters are great and consistent. While all of them have had a lot of magic/paranormal stuff in them, this one really ramped up that aspect which was a lot of fun! The murder itself was also well plotted. Katie is a great protagonist and I enjoyed seeing Quinn and Declan and her aunt and uncle and her fellow coven of witches once more. I look forward to the next one! I highly recommend this series!

Spirits and Sourdough continues the Magical Bakery Mysteries with a ghost tour where the guide realizes there's been a recent murder in the vicinity - and the ghost wants Katie to solve it. Katie's juggling trying to find out who killed an art gallery owner with trying to sort out finding her husband's relative and bring him back to keep Declan safe. This installment had a better balance of life and mystery than some other cozies, it felt like Katie was fitting the mystery in as she could instead of making it her sole focus, and it worked well.
The story does have infodump at the beginning to catch the reader up on everything that's happening so it could standalone, but readers would be better served having read earlier books.

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.

Ghosts and witches, a murder to solve and halloween right around the corner make for a recipe for success! A thrilling read!

Love this author, love this series, love these characters. This is one of the few series I’ve read that has been able to keep me entertained and engaged while keeping true to the series and never straying from the theme. This series has such a great balance of mystery, romance, and supernatural. Another great addition to a great series.