Sugar Cookies and Sirens by Danielle Garrett
I don’t know how I didn’t realize until very recently that the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries and the Nine Lives Magic series are both set in magical Winterspell! Well, author Danielle Garrett brings the heroines of both series together in Sugar Cookies and Sirens. Sugar Shack Ella meets Nine Lives Cora, and together they work on Valentine gift bags for some community events. However, the bags are stolen out of the back of Ella’s delivery van!
Although the book brings together two heroines, the story is shared solely from Rosella’s POV, therefore this is classified as a Sugar Shack Witch Mystery. The story is pretty straightforward, with the pair trying to figure out what happened to the gift bags. The story moves quickly, as they have a 24 hour deadline to retrieve the gifts in order to fulfill the orders. The mystery isn’t too complex and those unfamiliar with the series could easily enjoy it. I really enjoyed seeing Cora and Ella together. They hit it off right away and are already becoming fast friends.
Narration: The story is shared in the first person POV of heroine Ella. Those familiar with Ms. Ronconi’s work will recognize her upbeat cadence. She’s got a friendly, girl-next-door quality that suits Ella. She keeps the story moving with a steady flow. She alters her voice for dialogue, making it obvious different characters are speaking, but not always enough to be distinct. Her male characters are generally deeper, but not overly different from each other. She has fun with the voice of Cora’s cat, Selene, making it just a bit condescending.
In the end, Sugar Cookies and Sirens is a quick and fun novella. The story stays outside of both series’ ongoing storylines, making it easy to follow. I look forward to future Winterspell pairings.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
The witch who can talk to animals meets the witch with a talking cat. What could go wrong?
It’s Valentine’s Day in Winterspell, but not everyone appears to be feeling the love. And no, I’m not talking about my dateless self.
Instead of being wooed by candlelight, I’m working in a candle shop. Cora Hearth, Winterspell’s magical chandler, has teamed up with Sugar Shack to create party favors for the lucky couples, and they’re counting on us to spark some magic for their special night.
So, when a thief breaks into my delivery van and swipes the goodies, Cora and I-and her persnickety talking cat-have to join forces to track down the culprit in time to save Valentine’s Day.
Author: Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries Novellas #2, Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2.5
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery, novella
Audiobook Release Date: March 22, 2022
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 1 hr; 39 mins
Source: Tantor Audio
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1) – Audiobook Review
Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1.5) – Audiobook Review
Mermaids and Meringue by Danielle Garrett (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2) – Audiobook Review