I'm generally a fan of Bailey Cates writing but this one left me feeling ambivalent. The characters remain charming, and I love the Savannah setting, but... meh.

It didn't help that the murderer was achingly transparent from the first (although part of it was a surprise, at the very end). Really there wasn't much mystery at all.

Cates did have me smiling though when she takes a moment in the book to explain the difference between a macaroon and a macaron; both luscious desserts but utterly different from one another despite the confusing similarity of their spellings. It was a source of confusion when I first moved Down Under, (macaroons, which are the ones made of coconut, are not generally known here at all, though macarons - think oreos made with meringue - are hugely popular), so the aside felt very relevant.

I have the next one in the series, but unless it's a markedly more exciting plot, I might let this series go with no hard feelings. ( )

Another of the darker entries in the series, voodoo and snakes and love potions. It looks like the druids aren't as powerful as the voodoo worshipers, because Steve is totally saved by Katie.

One last book before having to wait for more to be published. ( )

Another great book in the series. ( )

The books are getting more complex and the world system more evolved. This is a good series. ( )

I love the Magical Bakery Mystery series. And the latest story is no exception. I love the hedgewitchery aspect. Infusing their baked goods with "kitchen magic", switching ingredients based upon what properties each herb has. Its all very interesting. I was afraid that after awhile, it would be just too much, but it isn't. Even the inclusion of voodoo in this story was more like a history lesson than anything else. And the characters! I prefer a series over single stories because it feels like you are growing right along with the characters. In this installment, we find out a little more about the regulars and Katie finds the mentor that Taite says he will send her way. And poor Steve! I really like Steve. (And Declan too.) The reasons why Katie chose Declan over Steve made sense but I still like Steve just as much. And I really felt for him in this story. ( )