Book Reviews: Cutthroat Cupcakes

 

Life was normal until he came along. This is what Lina thought when she met Bastien. Lina was an average, ordinary woman running her Halloween-themed sweet shop when a handsome stranger enters her store and proceeds to arrest her for witchcraft. The man is clearly insane. At least, she thought he was until she uncovers a family secret that changes everything. Lina is literally thrown into this world with no prior knowledge and having to fight against her own beliefs to trust in the magic unfolding around her. Now, she's teaming up with Bastien to track down the killer that used her cupcakes to kill someone with the curse or she could be the one to go away for the murder. 

The light touch of magic in Cutthroat Cupcakes is icing on the cake with Lawley creating a world that makes you want to be part of. The main character is compelling and charming with a charisma about her that immediately draws you into her world, almost without realizing it. The very real way her emotions and baking interact was fun to experience and make her became real as well as relatable. The first chapter ended on a delightful cliffhanger which only sets the tone for the entertaining and fun read that is Cutthroat Cupcakes. 

The mood changed as suddenly as the scene did, proof of the author's skill and the character's leap-from-the-page personality. As the light touch of magic becomes one that infuses the entire novel, all that's felt was delight. There's nothing quite like a good magic world to run away to, especially ones with fun touches that make you want to join in such as wanting a lie-detecting crystal and not just because it sounds pretty. This mystery is aimed at those that enjoy a good friends-to-more arc and stories that have a buddy cop vibe. The banter between Lina and Bastien sets the tone for the whole story and drives the humor. The writing is superb with fun references such as Sabrina the not-so-teenage-witch and great internal dialogue. Easily distinct characters bring the world to life and make it easy to get to know each of them. Cutthroat Cupcakes is highly recommended!