Gold Valley Mysteries (Book 1 and 2) – April Browne

I received an E-Book copy of ‘Cupcakes and Crime’ & Weddings and Wickedness’ by April Browne from the author in return for my honest review.

This series follows Sophia Bell who is a baker and a witch. She says she is not very good at being a witch, so the only time she uses her magic is when she is baking.

With her parents both dead, she is left to work out her magic on her own. She takes on Mama Ginger’s bakery and through her work seems to get her involved in some mysteries to solve.

Here are reviews of the first two books in the series:

Cupcakes and Crime:

Sophia has been hired to provide cupcakes for the opening of Magnolia Winery’s. All is going well apart from some snide comments from some of the staff.

Suddenly there is an announcement of a theft and then Sophia discovers a dead body in the basement.

Detective Schmidt is brought in to investigate the murder. Does he suspect Sophia, or is there another reason for him being keen to speak to her?

Sophia finds herself involved in the case and unravelling the secrets to uncover the murderer.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is the first cozy mystery I have read, and I loved it.

Sophia is a character that you warm to instantly and her baking sounds delicious.

The mix of magic with the mystery works well and makes it different to what I have read before. It keeps you wondering who the killer could be throughout.

Overall, a brilliant cozy mystery with a touch of magic and baking.

My Rating:

💜💜💜💜.5 /5

Weddings and Wickedness:

Once again Sophia has been hired for an event, this time a wedding at the Blue Heron Casino.

There is drama between the guests before the wedding can even start and then the brother of the groom is found dead.

Will Sophia get involved in this case too?

Sophia discovers more secrets and learns a bit more about her magic.

Will she work out who the murderer without getting into too much danger herself?

Another great book in this series, where Sophia’s character is further developed as you learn more about her family and magic. I must admit some of the magic side did confuse me a little, but hopefully if I read more in the series it will start to make more sense.

I am loving reading about Sophia and her baking, and with this book there was also one of the recipes at the end.

Looking forward to hopefully reading more in this series.

Overall, another magical cozy mystery with baking and plenty of secrets revealed.

My Rating:

💜💜💜💜 /5