Four Charming Spells by Lynn Cahoon

 


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. 

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