I adore almost everything Lynn Cahoon writes; I rarely dislike any character or a plot. Certainly, never the writing. The first book in her new kitchen witch series, One Poison Pie, is not perfect, but close enough. Even though there are some minor personality flaws with the main character Mia, it is evident that she will become a strong, fun heroine that readers will come to love, if they don’t already.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Mia and her grandmother, who is a real spitfire, as well as Mia’s ex-future sister-in-law, Christina. All of the secondary characters are warm, lovable, and entertaining. They should make for positively charged interesting additions to future books. Trent and Levi add a touch of romance that isn’t over the top but will keep readers happy.
I could have done with more of the magical, paranormal, witchcraft side of things in this first book; hopefully, it will grow along with the characters and the series. Having Mia be a kitchen witch was fun and makes readers hungry for more than the next book. There were plenty of twists and turns. Suspects were carefully crafted to keep the reader guessing; just when you think you have it figured out, a new piece of evidence comes along, and you realize you are wrong from the start. The killer is unveiled in the end and may not be who the reader thought it was. It was a lovely way to keep the mystery alive without being too convoluted.
One Poison Pie is absorbing, easy to read, and filled with captivating characters, a touch of the paranormal, and a location that would inspire anyone, as well as a mystery that most readers will not figure out until the end. In other words, precisely what you would expect from a cozy and an author of Lynn’s caliber. I am elated to have a new witch series to read from a writer I feel is one of the industry’s finest authors. I heartily recommend this book and series to readers who love kitchen witches who give you riddles, thrills, and savory pleasure.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 3 for you in this series
See full series
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
A Complex Mystery With Engaging Characters
Dollycas’s ThoughtsAfter reading Chili Cauldron Curse I dove right into One Poison Pie. Mia has broken up with her cheating boyfriend and returned to Magic Springs to restart her life by opening Mia’s Morsels in an old school building. She plans to do some catering but to also build a client list of people that would enjoy a gourmet dinner delivered to their home one or more times a week. While the school is being revamped for her business her grandmother pushes her to cater a friend’s birthday party. It ends up being harder than she thought when her client, Adele Simpson, changes the entire menu at the last minute but Mia rolls with the changes committed to make her first event a hit, hopefully gaining her several new customers.Sadly the event takes a deadly turn when Adele’s body is found under the head table stabbed with a knife. When Mia is tapped as the prime suspect she can’t believe it. Adele was a difficult client but Mia wouldn’t kill her over a few changes. There has to be someone else the police should be questioning and Mia is going to do a little snooping to give them several options . . . that is unless the killer murders her next.Mia is a fantastic protagonist. She is smart, strong, and getting more independent every day. She has a great business plan along with the support she needs to get Mia’s Morsel’s up and running. We met her Gran and her ex-boyfriend’s sister Christina in Chili Cauldron Curse. They continue to immerge as important supporting characters. We are introduced to brothers Trent and Levi, and also Chef James. Trent has some romantic notions with Mia and Levi is just fun to be around. James allows Mia to use his kitchen to prepare the meal for Adele’s party. All the characters are very well crafted, some are more magical than others. Ms. Cahoon has fleshed them out pretty well but has left them plenty of room to grow over what I hope will be a long-running series. The relationships between the characters really drew my attention and the dialogues were true to life.The mystery plot was complex with a lot of things happening. Someone definitely wants Mia off the case and out of the way. Physical attacks, threatening messages, chilling calls, and more show the danger Mia is in. I love that witches and warlocks are common in Magic Springs and they have a variety of talents. Some are more active in the craft than others but coexist easily. I enjoyed the ghost stories and an actual ghost appearance. The paranormal elements are all well placed and did not overtake the main mystery at all. That mystery has plenty of twists and turns and surprises. A subplot with Mia’s ex adds another interesting element to the story.I find the author’s writing style very comfortable with clear descriptions without being too wordy. People and places are easily visualized and the characters really come to life. The pace was perfect and humor popped up in all the right places.I found One Poison Pie to be totally entertaining and easy to escape right into. The characters are engaging and I can’t wait to visit them again in Two Wicked Desserts this summer.
