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emilyrose_isreading's review against another edition
3.5
A good start to the series, though I wish it had been longer so I could get to know the characters better as they were introduced. Also wish this had been marked at #1 in the series as I'm reading this after book 1 after realising it's essential to the reading experience
cl1cm's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Chili Cauldron Curse by Lynn Cahoon has Mia Malone in Magic Springs, Idaho. She has taken a week off work at her grandmother’s request to help get the Magic Springs Food Bank into shape before school begins. The place smells from rotting produce and Mia is quick to use a spell to help locate the offending items. The next day, the smell is back. While searching for the source, Mia finds the body of Dorian Alexander, the local coven leader and her grandmother’s new beau. When Gran becomes the prime suspect, Mia begins her own investigation. The killer, though, does not take kindly to Mia interference. Has Mia cast her last spell? Chili Cauldron Curse is a prequel to the Kitchen Witch Mysteries (Book .5). I thought the book was well-written with steady pacing and interesting characters. There are three main characters that we are introduced to (Mia, Gran, and Christina). The author took the time to establish them and gave them depth. I look forward to learning more about Mia, Gran, and Christina Adams. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect. Mia is a kitchen witch. We only learn a little about the craft in this novella. I am intrigued and eager to know more especially about Mia’s kitchen witch doll, Gloria. The mystery was light, but that is to be expected with such a short story. I enjoyed following Mia as she investigated, gathering clues, and listing the suspects. Magic Springs, Idaho seems like a magical town that I look forward to exploring more in this series. I thought Chili Cauldron Curse was an engaging cozy mystery. I look forward to reading One Poison Pie. Chili Cauldron Curse is a magical tale with a wiped out warlock, a chili cook-off contest, a higgledy-piggledy food bank, a hesitant helper, and a romance at the end of its rope.
lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
CHILI CAULDRON CURSE by Lynn Cahoon is the prequel to the Kitchen Witch cozy mystery series. It is set mostly in Magic Springs, Idaho and this is the first book that I have read by this author. Since this is a novella, it is introducing the reader to the main character Mia, her grandmother (Grans) and a few of the people in the small community.
The book is well-written with characters that have some depth and there is an interesting plot. However, due to the short length of the book, the mystery was resolved rather quickly.
The characters are compelling, fascinating, and felt three-dimensional. There was enough at stake to keep me engaged throughout the story. The world-building was good and gave a clear sense of place. Themes include family, relationships, volunteerism, magic, and much more.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would recommend it to those that enjoy witch cozy mysteries and are looking for a new series to start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as checking out this author’s other series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and Lynn Cahoon for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The book is well-written with characters that have some depth and there is an interesting plot. However, due to the short length of the book, the mystery was resolved rather quickly.
The characters are compelling, fascinating, and felt three-dimensional. There was enough at stake to keep me engaged throughout the story. The world-building was good and gave a clear sense of place. Themes include family, relationships, volunteerism, magic, and much more.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would recommend it to those that enjoy witch cozy mysteries and are looking for a new series to start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as checking out this author’s other series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and Lynn Cahoon for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
lynguy1's review
4.0
CHILI CAULDRON CURSE by Lynn Cahoon is the prequel to the Kitchen Witch cozy mystery series. It is set mostly in Magic Springs, Idaho and this is the first book that I have read by this author. Since this is a novella, it is introducing the reader to the main character Mia, her grandmother (Grans) and a few of the people in the small community.
The book is well-written with characters that have some depth and there is an interesting plot. However, due to the short length of the book, the mystery was resolved rather quickly.
The characters are compelling, fascinating, and felt three-dimensional. There was enough at stake to keep me engaged throughout the story. The world-building was good and gave a clear sense of place. Themes include family, relationships, volunteerism, magic, and much more.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would recommend it to those that enjoy witch cozy mysteries and are looking for a new series to start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as checking out this author’s other series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and Lynn Cahoon for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The book is well-written with characters that have some depth and there is an interesting plot. However, due to the short length of the book, the mystery was resolved rather quickly.
The characters are compelling, fascinating, and felt three-dimensional. There was enough at stake to keep me engaged throughout the story. The world-building was good and gave a clear sense of place. Themes include family, relationships, volunteerism, magic, and much more.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining read. I would recommend it to those that enjoy witch cozy mysteries and are looking for a new series to start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as checking out this author’s other series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and Lynn Cahoon for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
yuuto's review
3.0
Ok cozy mystery, nothing super outstanding, unless you’re counting the grammar and spelling errors (and at least one missing word).
booklovingmom_'s review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
I received a copy of Chili Cauldron Curse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chili Cauldron Curse is a novella kicking off the new Kitchen Witch series. In this novella, we meet Mia, a witch, who is visiting her Grans and helping the town get the food pantry in order for its reopening. While there, she stumbles upon a body and discovers the murderer.
This novella sets up the upcoming series and leaves the reader wanting more. I like Mia a lot, as well as the other characters and the setting. I enjoyed this novella, but am ready to get into the first full book of the series and see where this new world is going to take Mia. I feel like there wasn’t much mystery in this story, Mia just happens to stumble upon the answers without searching for the clues. There may be a lack of mystery but it does do a good job of introducing characters and setting the scene for the full blown series.
Chili Cauldron Curse is a good novella that sets up the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a copy of Chili Cauldron Curse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chili Cauldron Curse is a novella kicking off the new Kitchen Witch series. In this novella, we meet Mia, a witch, who is visiting her Grans and helping the town get the food pantry in order for its reopening. While there, she stumbles upon a body and discovers the murderer.
This novella sets up the upcoming series and leaves the reader wanting more. I like Mia a lot, as well as the other characters and the setting. I enjoyed this novella, but am ready to get into the first full book of the series and see where this new world is going to take Mia. I feel like there wasn’t much mystery in this story, Mia just happens to stumble upon the answers without searching for the clues. There may be a lack of mystery but it does do a good job of introducing characters and setting the scene for the full blown series.
Chili Cauldron Curse is a good novella that sets up the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
melanietalksbooks's review
4.0
I thought it was okay, 3.5 stars for me. I am intrigued but the boyfriend who was clearly cheating part seemed a little pointless. It is a novella so it is quick paced. I liked the characters other than Isaac. I'm interested.
angustiacosmica's review
3.0
This was a nice beginning for an unassuming series, ngl.
I expected a bit more of a kick with the premise, but it did pick up a bit in the end. Maybe it's my desire to find good witchy books, which has yet to be fulfilled, but I can't say I disliked what I read.
The characters were... There.
Not unlikeable, but also not memorable either. The cat being called Mr Darcy got a smile out of me though, but that's about it.
I also could have done with more food, but I have hopes the other books will sort that out.
Definitely looking forward to reading the next one, see if it delivers a bigger punch. I just really want to like this series
I expected a bit more of a kick with the premise, but it did pick up a bit in the end. Maybe it's my desire to find good witchy books, which has yet to be fulfilled, but I can't say I disliked what I read.
The characters were... There.
Not unlikeable, but also not memorable either. The cat being called Mr Darcy got a smile out of me though, but that's about it.
I also could have done with more food, but I have hopes the other books will sort that out.
Definitely looking forward to reading the next one, see if it delivers a bigger punch. I just really want to like this series
kristen2193's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5