Reviews

Chili Cauldron Curse by Lynn Cahoon

lynguy1's review against another edition

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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.

lynguy1's review

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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.

yuuto's review

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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

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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.

melanietalksbooks's review

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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

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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

kristen2193's review against another edition

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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

thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition

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5.0

Chili Cauldron Curse an introduction to the Kitchen Witch Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Once again I think Lynn Cahoon has a hit series in the making! I absolutely love her Tourist Trap and Cat Latimer Mystery series, this will surely be a new favourite by this author.

Welcome to Magic Springs, Idaho. Having been to Idaho I could picture the area where the story is taking place and I found myself engrossed in the story and really enjoying the characters. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end.

What a great way of introducing us to the main characters Mia, Grans, and Mr. Darcy the cat familiar. I can’t wait for ONE POISON PIE to be released. I highly recommend this new series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

thegreatpike27's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lakecake's review against another edition

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4.0

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

This was an excellent entry into a new series and now I can’t wait to get the next one. Technically a novella, this does a great job of introducing Mia, her grandmother, and Magic Springs, Idaho without being overwhelming. Mia and Grans are wonderful characters, there’s just enough witchiness to make it interesting but not overwhelming and the town and it’s inhabitants take shape in the background. The mystery is a little light, but that’s ok in such a short book. Really looking forward to the next one!