Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic

WOW!
So, I went into this book with some low expectations; I've been reading a lot of cozy mysteries involving cupcakes and... not all have been great.
BUT! I've been blown away. I'm also really craving cupcakes.
On to the story!

This book is about Jade, a half-witch, who owns a cupcake store that is doing pretty well considering she has about 4 employees and an ever-present line of customers. Jade is startled from her peaceful, well formed life, when a vampire suddenly appears outside her shop. He brings to light that something is amiss in her town and also, with her. Before Jade can come to terms with the vampire (Kett) she's in the middle of a murder mystery with both Kett and a pack of shifters pushing her to the limits of her abilities, forcing her to find the culprit.

Out of her depth and unable to ask her grandmother (who is out of town) the new questions she has or for help, Jade stumbles around trying her best to solve the mystery and stay alive.


I was expecting a cozy mystery, and that isn't what this is. It is a fantasy semi-cozy mystery. There is such a world here, I just want to dive in an swim in the sweet frosting of a story it is. Sweet? Yes and No... mostly no but it definitely is rich.

The magic system was interesting but, since there is a lot unknown by Jade, the reader also doesn't get to know much. I think in the following books Jade will learn more therefore teaching and including the readers more into the world. This really seemed like an introduction to the series, as it should, and I'm really excited to read more about Jade's adventures and what she learns about herself.

Magic: Thought it was great but, want to know more
Characters: Some development, some left behind BUT I'm assuming we learn more in the following books.
Romance: ... let me cry over a lost lead man. I do see this perhaps becoming a, dare I say, Love triangle but, I could be wrong.
Plot: The story went along really fast. There was always something going on, barely any down time it seemed but, that might have been how the writing just makes you want to devour the book. I enjoyed the mystery while predictable it still provoked emotions when seeing Jade work it out for herself...even if she didn't want to.

Definitely recommend this book and I'll probably get around to the sequels when I can.