Voodoo Makes Me Hungry

Magic and Macaroons

Bailey Cates

Set against a backdrop of voodoo and murder, this mystery takes place in Savannah, Georgia, where Katie Lightfoot combines her talents as professional baker, amateur detective and hedge witch.

Alternately baking and sleuthing, the members of her coven use their special skills to uncover a murderer in their midst.

Cates writes with a light, humorous tone, inspiring curiosity about the voodoo religion, rather than fear. She leaves you wondering about the power of its practitioners and those who believe in them. Katie and her cohorts are modern witches, solving crimes with only a little bit of assistance from the strong, handsome men who form the backup team in this easy-to-read narrative.

The overall effect is one of pleasant relaxation with few challenging ideas and lots of colourful characters. This is a great choice for a quiet moment by the fire on a rainy evening. I recommend preparing a snack however, since the frequent descriptions of yummy food will have you racing to the kitchen.

The audiobook is read in a southern accent, which enhances the experience. You can feel the heat, smell the flowers and sense the ambience of the South in this evenly paced tale, which is reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Lizzy & Diesel series.

Verdict: the reader is left hungry and engaged, anticipating both the next treat and the next chill with every turn of the page.