Member Reviews

"Four Charming Spells" the 4th instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon which releases March 28, 2023. Witchcraft trainee and culinary entrepreneur Mia Malone summons tasty dishes and unearthly murder suspects . . .

Before Mia Malone can sip tea at Time for a Cuppa, the charming new shop in Magic Springs, Idaho, her life changes course in downright supernatural ways.

I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans, Christina and now Trent’s mum Abigail! I love the sense of caring and encouragement that the main characters have for each other and the community. This is something I enjoy in all the authors series.

I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Mia and Mia’s Morsels in book 5.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Was this review helpful?

I find this author's books entertaining, so once again I enjoyed her latest book in this series. I like the characters and the mystery kept me guessing

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for on honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Four Charming Spells is the 4th book in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon. I would recommend reading the first books in this series to better understand the magical world of Magic Springs and it's interesting residents.

The series follows Mia, a caterer who owns Mia's Morsels that she runs out of a haunted schoolhouse.
Those ghosts are getting more active and threatening upcoming events at the school. There has also been 2 suspicious deaths surrounding women in the coven that Mia is investigating. These mysteries, along with Mia's work struggles and issues with her Grandmother make up the plot of this book.

This series has grown on me with every book and I love a witchy cozy. Lynn Cahoon is great at building a longer story throughout her series and always leaves you wanting more.

Was this review helpful?

I think I’m finally giving up on this series. I’ve tried, but something about it just doesn’t click for me. I really liked the first book, but it’s been very uneven since then.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great story! I've only read one other Kitchen Witch Mystery in this series, however I felt like this was fine as a standalone novel. This story is about Mia Malone, a witch who owns a catering business that is run out of an old, haunted schoolhouse. This story was so entertaining and really kept me guessing as to who the culprit was. I enjoyed this book very much and will have to find the other books in the series to fill in a few back story gaps. I am excited to see Mia's witchy skills improve with time and I hope she becomes more confident in her skills as time goes on in future books!

This was fun read, and I encourage anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with a hint of the paranormal to pick this up! My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Ok. I love a good cozy mystery. Add in witches? You already know in all in. This one had a lot of players that I had to keep track of, and the actual murder happened before the story even started. It took me almost a month to read just because I kept setting it down and walking away. The ending seemed super abrupt, and honestly didn’t explain much. It also seemed improbable that the coroner wouldn’t catch that cause of death, but maybe that’s just me thinking too hard on a cozy mystery series.

Mia is back for the 4th installment of the Kitchen Witch series. Her friend and coworker Christina moved in with her and is helping Mia’s Morsels run smoothly. Mia is approached when she caters a coven funeral and asked to investigate the death of another coven member. Everyone said she died of old age (and she looked it) the only problem is her daughter showing up and saying she wasn’t old. And now that the daughter is staying in her mom’s house, she is aging rapidly. Mia needs to find out what is happening before any more coven members get hurt.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 4th book in the Kitchen Witch Series, and it is best to read the stories in order. The mystery didn't pull me in as much as some of the others, but the characters are well crafted, making this an enjoyable read overall.

Was this review helpful?

Four Charming Spells by Lynn Cahoon is Book 4 in the Kitchen Witch Series.

This was an excellent story. I have been a fan of this series since the first book, and I was so excited for a new book in the series.

The characters are really well developed. I really enjoyed the book, and I liked the fact that the murder happened before the story even started. That was a really unique twist in storytelling.

There are two mysteries that the author cleverly brings together in an unexpected way.

I really enjoy the relationships in the story that have developed over the series.

Mia is such a fantastic protagonist and I enjoy the town of Magic Springs.

The only thing I didn't understand is why the book ended so abruptly.

Besides that, I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Four Charming Spells by Lynn Cahoon is book #4 in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries series. This book has a fascinating storyline. Amateur sleuth and kitchen witch Mia Malone needs to help her friend Mahogany Medford find who murdered Mahogany's mother, Hetty. Strange circumstances surround Hetty's death, including an aging spell to make the non-magical police believe Hetty passed away due to old age. Mia, along with the secondary characters in her group worked hard to solve this case. I really like the personalities of these main characters and how they care for each other. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Was this review helpful?

In this spellbinding continuation of the Kitchen Witch Mystery series by New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon, witchcraft trainee Mia Malone summons tasty dishes and unearthly murder suspects . . .

Before Mia Malone can sip tea at Time for a Cuppa, the charming new shop in Magic Springs, Idaho, her life changes course in downright supernatural ways. First her blossoming catering business and cooking school get a boost with the addition of an enchanting cake decorator. Then she catches the attention of the tea shop owner herself, local coven member Mahogany Medford, who’s set on immersing Mia in a twisted mystery that appears all but unsolvable without a special kind of help . . .

Still reeling from the recent loss of her mother and believing there was more to the abrupt death, Mahogany urges Mia to cast light on the truth. But old secrets might come back to haunt her in an investigation that demands conjuring up phantoms from the past on the property of Mia’s Morsels. Now, wearing Gran’s protective stone and empowered by a circle of trusted confidants, Mia must reveal who—or what—killed Ms. Medford as another deadly surprise brews! (Goodreads synopsis)

I have read Lynn Cahoon’s novels prior to this one as she is one of my favorite authors

I’m just not sure about this one. It is the 4th in this series and picks up where #3 left off. It cannot be read as a standalone as there isn’t any background info, except that Mia used to date Christina’s brother Isaac.

Normally I am a fan of the characters but the only ones I liked in this one were Trent, Abigail, and Christina. Mr. Darcy/Dorian didn’t really get a lot of time, and when they did, it was more Mia’s frustration that Dorian was still in the cat’s body. Plus he was ‘checking’ on the wards but Mia never asked about that. I especially dislike Grans in this one.

The mystery was okay, but the revelation of the murderer just left a lot to be desired. Their reasoning seemed out of place, especially in light of a couple of other character’s shady behaviors. It just felt like there was better potential in other places that would have fit better.

I also wish there was more information about the school, the graveyard, and the ghosts. It felt brushed over. Who were the ghosts in the library? Why didn’t Mia, Trent, and others use that time to talk to them about the school’s past? Again, potential that was missed.

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Setting the Scene: While trying to manage her business, find more help, and confront other unanticipated challenges (of the magical variety), Kitchen Witch and entrepreneur Mia Malone is taxed with solving a mysterious death. The more she and her friends delve into it, the more mysterious it becomes. In fact, between the witches' council, encroaching ghosts, and unknown spells, they find that all too many things may not be what they seem. The big question is can they get the answers they need before someone else loses their life.

What I Thought: Once again, Lynn Cahoon has woven an enchanting tale of murder, magic, and mayhem.

Was this review helpful?

This series that stole my heart from the beginning and each new book reinforces that love. Four Charming Spells, the 4th entry in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries, has everything I love in a cozy mystery plus a little magic. The regular characters are warm and supportive, the mystery is taunt and complex, while the everyday action balances the tension of the mystery and helps me connect with the characters. A new acquaintance asks for help in figuring out who killed her mother when the police believe she died of old age. The age issue adds a cute element when Mia's rather brusque grandmother plays with a spell to help figure out what happen since the mother is not old enough to die of old age. Unfortunately, Alice is pulled into the spell and her regression in age pleases her but no one else as her brusqueness turns to plan old rudeness! I enjoy the fact that Agness, mother of Mia and Christine's boyfriends, comes to work for the event planning creating cake masterpieces and bringing another level of warmth to the staff. Mia and her live-in assistant Christine are both glad to add Hailey, one more part time employee, to the catering and delivery side of the business but it looks like catering at the best restaurant in town is going to be pulled so extra staff may not be needed for long.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read an ARC of Four Charming Spells! I loved it and have already been telling friends about it.
#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon #KitchenWitchMysteries #FourCharmingSpells

Was this review helpful?

A magical cozy tail with a bit of series favoritism.

Lynn Cahoon spins a magical tale in her fourth adventure in the series. Having not read the first three, I did, at times feel time the outsider in some of the references to earlier exposition.

The story line was easy to follow and the characters endearing, but I felt the whole thing to be a bit to “G rated” especially the relationship between Trent and Mia. Separate bedrooms? Really?

I enjoyed the banter and conversation but often felt lost in some of the side moment where characters (or “ghosts”) were brought in or mentioned, but without any exposition for those joining late in the game.

I almost gave it two stars for that very reason, but the characters Mia and Christina were so thorough and organized about the event planning and business, that it touched the OCD in me, hence the three stars.

Was this review helpful?

Four Charming Spells is the wonderful 4th book in the Kitchen Witch Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. I really enjoy this paranormal series. The characters are really likable and the mystery is good. Mia owns a catering business that is housed in an old school and she and her friend Christina live on the 3rd floor. The ghosts seem to be more active and Mia is concerned because they are planning on holding a wedding there. Mia learns about a friend's mother dying of old age and she isn't that old. Lots of things going on! The best part of this book are the characters especially Mia of course, Christina, Trent, Gran, Abigail and Levi. They take care of each orher. The ending was good. I guessed the culprit but wasn't sure until the end. It is nice that there isn't a big fiasco when Mia solves the crime. Very enjoyable! #NetGalley #FourCharmingSpells

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC. I will say that this is the fourth book in a series. I was very lost with the worldbuilding because I haven't read the other books in the series. Lynn Cahoon's writing style is very readable and engaging. The setting was very charming, and the characters were interesting to read about. The biggest problem for me was the pacing. This ended so abruptly that it felt like half a book. I know it's a cozy, but in my opinion, more thought could have been put into the actual mystery itself. The paranormal elements were fun, especially the spells. However, it does involve goddess worship which some readers might not want to read. Overall, this book was extremely quick to read and very fun. However, if I could go back, I would read the rest of the series first.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to #NetGalley for a chance to read this book. This is the fourth book in this series and I have read the previous three, that said, I kind of felt like I was dropped in the middle of a story at the start of the book and felt that the book ended abruptly with several unanswered questions. The good news is that once you get into it the story, it pulls you in and keeps you engrossed for the duration. As usual there is a lot going on with the business, Mia's learning as to her powers, and relationships with witches and regular people. Everything is totally interwoven in this mystery with single, older witches mysteriously aging and then dying under questionable circumstances. While trying to run and expand her business, Mia is trying to point the non witch Chief of Police in the right direction while also trying to remove the ghosts from her schoolhouse. This will definitely keep a girl busy and also worried about her future. Will keep you involved to the end!!!

Was this review helpful?

Mia Malone owns a catering business in Magic Springs, Idaho. She is a kitchen witch who owns an old school that shes turning into her business. She's having problems with ghosts at the school. A daughter of the local coven asks Mia to look into the death of her mother. Then a magical couple requests to have their wedding at the school and their great uncle will help with the wards to keep the ghosts at bay.

I really like this series. This one felt a little rushed in finding out the killer and not alot of mystery. Mostly just magic problems and scheduling problems for Mia.

Was this review helpful?

Mia and the gang are back and have me completely entranced by the continuation of The Kitchen Witch series, This is my favorite of Lynn Cahoon's cozy mysteries. Each story is more and more intriguing and I can't wait to find out what happens next between Mia and Trent and Christina and Levi. Will her business, Mia's Morsels continue to florish and will her Grandmother ever be completely honest with Mia. The author dangles just enough to keep me hooked but not frustrated. A perfect series for lovers of Hallmark movies and mysteries.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely love this series. Great twist having the old school haunted. Each story is separate but still has the underlying paranormal plot twisted through it,

Was this review helpful?

Kitchen witch Mia Malorie caters a magical but solemn wake for a recently deceased coven member. She's then invited, well, more like drafted to look into the suspicious death. How could a woman in her 50-60's have died of old age? And, why the heck is her elderly aunt suddenly looking not just much younger but exhibiting an odd, abrasive personality? Now, true, one of her spells did zap ol' boyfriend Dorian into Mr. Darcy the cat, an amusing, continuing thread of the story, but Mia needs her back to normal....now. 

Toss in trying to juggle her finances, keep her business thriving, which seems to find itself more and more into catering, both magical and normal, not to mention dealing with a new employee and a seemingly sudden weakening of the wards keeping the ghostly visitors to the old school, now her food business, and her own relationships solid, and, well, Mia is a busy woman. She faces some potentially life-changing decisions,too. And, now she's expected to hold a wedding at Mia's Morsels? It didn't go well the last time she tried to mix business and the frequently uneasy magic surrounding the old school.

Does all that confuse you? You say you're not into hocus-pocus, magical type books? Well, neither was I when I started this series. Heck, I'm still fuzzy on why things happen as they do, but it somehow all makes sense. That shows the strength of author Lynn Cahoon, to convert my skeptical self to always looking forward to the next installment of Mia's magical life. 

What has kept me coming back is the sense of family, friends, and community that surrounds all the magical happenings. You'll like these characters, even the originally unlikable Baldwin, who spends much of the time fretting over his wife's illness while still trying to do his police job. Trent, whose magical abilities are perhaps still not fully shown, and his mother, who does some rather magical work simply baking, have Mia's back, as does non-magical friend and co-worker Christina, whose story line takes some interesting twists this go-round. Heck, even the bewitched Mr. Darcy/Dorian keeps an eye on her.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to drop into Mia's oft' bewildering but always intriguing life. I've learned quite a bit about catering and arranging events like weddings, too, both magical and normal. Looking forward to stopping by again soon to hang out with this warm, strong network of friends who are there for each other.

Was this review helpful?