Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Book Description

If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Review

You ever pick up a book thinking you’re in for a cozy little escape—maybe some baked goods with a dash of magic—and then suddenly, BAM, you’re knee-deep in murder, accusations, and supernatural politics? That’s exactly what happens to Jade in Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge.

Jade is a low-key witch just trying to run her Vancouver bakery, whipping up delicious treats and crafting magical trinkets on the side. Life’s pretty chill… until a vampire waltzes in and, right on his heels, a shifter pack shows up pointing fingers at her for murder. Yikes. Suddenly, Jade’s peaceful existence is toast, and she’s forced to unravel some long-buried family secrets. Secrets, including some unsettling truths about her own abilities.

I don’t read a ton of urban fantasies because they tend to be dark. Right now, the world is grim enough that I don’t feel the need to add it to my reading life. But Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic is not that kind of story. If you’re looking for an urban fantasy featuring edge-of-your-seat fight scenes, this might not be the book for you. But if you enjoy reading voicey novels chock full of chocolate and pastries, with a side of vampire, read on!

Now, let’s talk world-building because Doidge does a fantastic job of dropping you right into a fun version of Vancouver, where magic lurks behind every cupcake display. Like Spells for Forgetting or Salthouse Place, Doidge perfectly captures the feel of the Pacific Northwest in Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic. I’m currently reading the next book and found myself tickled to see several towns near me mentioned.

I found Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic immersive and easy to sink into. The central mystery—why everyone is so sure Jade is a killer—kept the tension high. But to be honest, I flipped the pages as much for the next cupcake description as I did for the story! Because let’s face it, magic, murder, and baked goods are a solid recipe for a fun time. And if you love it? There are nine more books in Doidge’s Dowser series!

If an urban fantasy with a cozy vibe is your jam, nibble on Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic!

Content Warning

Blood, Death, Family Secrets, Food, Gore, Mild Sexual Content, Murder, Violence, Vomit

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Elena Leya on Unsplash