Read Bailey Cates Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 14, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

Bailey Cates, an acclaimed author within the cozy mystery genre, has carved out a niche that blends the soothing charm of small-town life with the enchanting allure of magic and mystery. Her books often transport readers into a world where witches, magical herbs, and compelling crime investigations are central elements. Through her Magical Bakery Mystery series, she weaves an engaging narrative that doesn’t just captivate with suspense, but also adds layers of wit, charm, and an undeniable sense of belonging. In this detailed exploration of Bailey Cates’ literary world, we will delve into the structure of her books, the reading order, and the key reasons why this series has garnered such a dedicated following.

List Of Bailey Cates Books In Order

More On Bailey Cates Books In Chronological Order

1. Brownies and Broomsticks (2012)

So, the first book in Bailey Cates’ *Magical Bakery* series introduces us to Katie Lightfoot, a young woman who’s recently moved to Savannah, Georgia, to start fresh after the heartbreak of a past romance. She opens a bakery with her aunt, only to find out that there’s more to her new life than she ever expected! Turns out, Katie has a magical gift for baking, but when she stumbles upon a murder at her bakery, things get really interesting. As Katie delves deeper into the mystery, she starts to uncover long-held secrets about herself, her family, and the town she’s trying to fit into.

2. A Batter of Life and Death (2013)

In *A Batter of Life and Death*, Katie is back at it, this time trying to balance her magical bakery business while also being involved in solving yet another murder mystery. When a local diner owner is found dead, Katie feels compelled to get involved-partly because of the connection between her aunt’s bakery and the victim, and partly because it just feels like the right thing to do. As she gets more entangled in the investigation, Katie’s magical powers continue to grow, and with them, her understanding of just how deep the magic runs in Savannah. It’s an exciting mix of magic, mystery, and a touch of romance!

3. On the Chopping Block (2014)

Katie’s back in the third installment of the *Magical Bakery* series, and this time, she’s got her hands full with a high-profile catering event. But things go sideways when someone is found dead at the event, and it turns out to be linked to an old family secret. Katie’s magical powers are evolving, and while she’s getting better at using them, she’s also discovering how dangerous they can be. She’s juggling baking, family drama, and her own growing feelings for a certain someone, all while trying to uncover the truth behind this latest death. It’s a cozy, delicious read full of twists, turns, and just the right amount of suspense!

4. The Cream of the Crop (2015)

In *The Cream of the Crop*, Katie is again in the thick of things, and this time, a local food competition is the backdrop for yet another murder mystery. When one of the competitors is killed, Katie must again put on her detective hat to figure out what’s really going on behind the scenes. As she works to clear her name and solve the case, Katie’s magical powers are becoming harder to control, and there’s a sense of urgency to understand more about the magical world she’s now a part of. This book is a great mix of baking, small-town charm, and a growing sense of mystery that keeps you flipping pages.

5. Ghost of a Chance (2016)

*Ghost of a Chance* is where things really start to get supernatural! Katie is visited by a ghostly apparition who seems to have some unfinished business, and as usual, she finds herself embroiled in yet another murder investigation. What makes this one even more intriguing is that the ghost might have clues to solving the case, but Katie’s magic seems to be on the fritz. As she navigates the case, she learns more about the spirit world and her own magical abilities, leading to some fascinating revelations about her future. This book blends supernatural elements with cozy mystery in a way that makes you want to read faster to see what happens next.

6. A Witch’s Kitchen (2017)

In *A Witch’s Kitchen*, Katie is facing her biggest challenge yet. Not only does she have a new mystery to solve, but she’s also confronted with growing tensions within her magical family. Things take a turn when an old acquaintance shows up, bringing with them some troubling news and a murder to investigate. As Katie’s magic intensifies, she learns that her own abilities might be more powerful than she originally thought-and more dangerous. This book deepens the magic side of the story while still keeping the cozy bakery vibes that fans of the series love.

7. The Witch’s Choice (2018)

In *The Witch’s Choice*, Katie finds herself in a tough spot. Not only is she dealing with new family drama, but she’s also caught in the middle of a major magical decision that could change everything she knows about herself. When she’s asked to choose between two powerful paths, Katie must figure out which direction is right for her-while also trying to stay true to her bakery roots. Of course, there’s a murder mystery to solve along the way, but this one’s especially intriguing because it involves magical politics and some very unexpected twists. Fans of the series will love how Katie is really coming into her own here.

8. Witch Please (2019)

In *Witch Please*, Katie is once again dealing with the challenges of being a witch in a world that’s full of magic, mystery, and more than a little danger. This time, she’s faced with a case that’s personal-when a loved one is at risk, Katie doesn’t hesitate to use all her magical powers to uncover the truth. The book continues to explore Katie’s relationship with her magic, her family, and the small town that she’s slowly coming to love. As always, it’s a delightful mix of cozy mystery, magical intrigue, and a bit of romance. You can tell Katie’s really coming into her own as a witch and as a person in this one.

Background On Bailey Cates Books

Bailey Cates is best known for her Magical Bakery Mystery series, which follows the life of a baker named Katie Lightfoot, who runs a bakery in the quaint, magical town of Savannah, Georgia. This series, which began in 2012 with the debut novel Brownies and Broomsticks, is the epitome of what many readers adore about cozy mysteries: a strong, relatable protagonist, intriguing plotlines, and an atmosphere of mystery that doesn’t overwhelm the sense of comfort typically found in the genre.

The central hook of Cates’ series is the intersection of baking and magic. Katie, the main character, discovers that she comes from a long line of witches and inherits magical powers tied to her ability to bake. As Katie grows into her powers, she begins to use her magical abilities to solve various mysteries around Savannah. Along the way, she also grapples with her newfound abilities, as well as the complex relationships with the people in her life, from family to friends, and even her budding romantic interests.

But while the magical aspect is what draws in the supernatural lovers, the heart of the books lies in the charming and tight-knit community that the author has carefully crafted. Cates balances the whimsical and the serious, creating a world where murder, mystery, and magic coexist without ever feeling too dark or heavy. The series is widely loved for its warm tone, delightful characters, and a hint of romance and intrigue that keeps readers turning the pages.

Reading Order Explained

One of the essential aspects of enjoying Bailey Cates’ books is understanding the correct reading order of the Magical Bakery Mystery series. Although the books can be enjoyed on their own, reading them in order ensures that readers can follow Katie’s development, the evolving mysteries, and the gradual unveiling of the magical world she inhabits. Here’s a breakdown of the books in order of publication:

1. Brownies And Broomsticks (2012)

   The first book in the series introduces Katie Lightfoot, a baker who discovers her magical heritage. When a local businessman is found dead, Katie uses her newly discovered witchy abilities to solve the crime.

2. Sugar And Iced (2013)

   In the second installment, Katie faces a new mystery when a local ice cream maker is found dead. This book builds upon Katie’s knowledge of her magical powers and her deepening connection to the magical community.

3. Frosted And Flurried (2014)

   This holiday-themed mystery brings more magical intrigue into the plot, as Katie is faced with a crime that threatens her family and friends. This installment blends winter magic with the cozy, small-town atmosphere, making it a delightful read for the season.

4. Lemon Curd Killer (2015)

   In this book, Katie is once again thrust into a mystery that forces her to confront dangerous secrets in her community. With a strong emphasis on family, friends, and relationships, this book continues to build the series’ characters.

5. Pecan Pies And Homicides (2016)

   This mystery surrounds the disappearance of a beloved local figure. As the investigation unfolds, Katie is forced to confront her fears and utilize her magical abilities more fully.

6. Blackberry Crumble Murder (2017)

   A particularly tense installment in which Katie’s personal and professional lives collide as she tries to unravel a mystery while maintaining her bakery business.

7. Dying For Danish (2018)

   In this book, the mystery is set against the backdrop of a Danish-themed event in Savannah. Katie must solve a crime tied to a local Danish festival, all while dealing with her growing magical powers and her romantic relationships.

8. Murder Most Crumbly (2019)

   This title continues the story with another murder that Katie must investigate, all while the stakes in both her magical life and her bakery business rise.

9. A Glimmer Of Death (2021)

   A turning point in the series, Katie faces a murder that threatens to destroy the town’s sense of safety. Her powers are tested like never before in this more intense and emotionally charged book.

Each book builds upon the previous one, gradually deepening Katie’s character, expanding on the magical community, and keeping the reader engaged with fresh mysteries that never feel repetitive. Readers are able to watch Katie grow as a witch and as a person, making each subsequent book feel like a continuation of her journey.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the standout features of Bailey Cates’ Magical Bakery Mystery series is its ability to balance lighthearted fun with deeper, more complex themes. As a cozy mystery, it provides just enough tension to keep readers hooked without veering into overly dark or gruesome territory. Here are some elements that particularly resonate with readers:

1. The Magical Element

   Magic is a natural fit for the cozy mystery genre, but Cates’ unique spin makes it feel fresh. The magical baking twist is clever and offers a delightful, whimsical way of solving mysteries. Readers get a sense of how Katie learns to control her magic, and the spells she uses are often tied to the foods she bakes, which adds an extra layer of charm to the plot.

2. Character Development

   Katie’s evolution from a confused newcomer to a confident, skilled witch is compelling and relatable. She’s flawed, warm, and deeply connected to the people around her. The secondary characters-friends, family, and even her love interests-are well-drawn and integral to the stories. There’s a true sense of community in the books, which gives readers a comforting feeling as they read.

3. The Setting

   The setting of Savannah is more than just a backdrop-it’s an integral part of the charm of the series. With its rich history, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, the town feels alive. The small-town dynamics, with quirky characters and local businesses, help set the tone of the series, making it feel like a place where readers could almost imagine themselves stepping into.

4. The Mix Of Humor And Suspense

   Cates knows how to keep things light with her humor, but she also has a knack for building suspense and creating plot twists that feel organic. The books are easy to read yet don’t shy away from complex moral questions or tough situations.

5. The Romance

   While romance is not the central focus, Katie’s romantic relationships add depth to the narrative. Her love interests are not perfect, which makes them more relatable and the relationships feel more real. The romance is gentle and evolves in a way that complements the primary plot rather than overshadowing it.

Should You Read Bailey Cates Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Magical Bakery Mystery books in order is highly recommended. While each mystery can be understood on its own, the ongoing character arcs, particularly Katie’s growth as a witch and her developing relationships, are best experienced chronologically. The series progressively builds upon itself in terms of plot complexity, character depth, and magical world-building. Reading out of order might cause some confusion, especially with the ongoing romantic subplot and the evolution of secondary characters.

Additionally, the books are designed to be read in sequence, as Katie’s increasing knowledge of her magical abilities and her interactions with other witches and characters evolve. Each book’s mystery ties back into the larger narrative, and the resolution of one often leads directly into the next, making the series much more rewarding when read in order.