Cupcakes, Cauldrons, and Cadavers: Witchy Bakery, #1

By Naomi Muse

Tired of living her life in the broom closet, Nova Bell left her old life behind. She's hoping that life in the charming town of Temperance, RI will let her live out her witchy ways in peace. Life was great until a man turned up dead at her favorite bakery.

Now, she has nowhere to satisfy her sweet tooth and a cupcake might be the culprit! The local police are getting nowhere. Nova has no choice but to dust off her cauldron and solve the case. With her brave dog by her side, Nova is willing to risk it all to reopen the Bewitching Bakery.

Enjoy the first book in the Witchy Bakery series! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naomi Muse
• Release date: Feb 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201713775

Naomi Muse

Hello Musers, I’m Naomi Muse. I see the world through magically tinted glasses. You may know them as shades, I just like to look fancy. I seek magic in everyday situations, which is why I write urban fantasy and science fiction. I believe people can overcome anything, including monsters and aliens. When I need guidance, I turn to spirituality and tarot. Sometimes, tarot even prompts a story. Join me on this wild ride through my imagination. If you want to get in contact with me (I’m friendly I promise) you can find me in the following places: My Website: http://www.catchamuse.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/catchamuse Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/catchamuse Facebook: http://facebook.com/catchamuse Instagram: http://instagram.com/catchnaomi I hope to hear from you soon! Naomi

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

It was time to leave Nevada behind. I had a good run in Vegas, but I was more than ready to leave the dry, arid desert behind. I lived there for the better part of a decade, and I was ready for a change of scenery.

I had been living in Vegas peacefully for two years, but the peace didn’t last. Once the locals found out I was a witch, they slowly ostracized me.

The shunning wasn’t anything overt. There were no crowds waving pitchforks and torches, no one following me or bothering me at home. But the social invitations quietly disappeared. I started to get dirty looks in casinos and at the grocery stores. More than once, someone I considered a friend crossed the street to keep from speaking to me. It stung, but I couldn’t dwell on it. I just took the hint finally to move on down the road.

With all the gambling and debauchery, you would think that being a witch wouldn’t be a big deal. At least that’s what I thought when I first came to Vegas. In the end, moving was easier than trying to reason with them.

I wasn't organized enough to have a set plan for my relocation. I just wanted somewhere new and preferably somewhere with a climate that was better for my skin. The desert air does me no good, and there are not enough spells in the world to fix it. I swear I spent all of my money on hydrating sheet masks and fancy face creams.

Never one to be decisive, I let my pendulum make the choice for me. I always wore my pendulum around my neck on a silver chain. Most people never noticed it because it looked like a pendant. I liked to keep it close, and its energy was keyed to me only.

I packed all of my belongings in record time because there just wasn't much to pack. I never was one to stay in any place for very long, so I had learned to travel light.

I stopped at a local gas station to grab some road snacks and pick up a map. To be honest, I was surprised that they still sold paper maps anymore.

Nova Bell, if I didn't know any better, I would think that you were leaving town, the man behind the gas station counter said.

Well, Artie, it looks like your prayers have been answered, I replied.

I would be more than happy for you to stay if you would just marry me, Artie said, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I might be willing to do that if you weren’t at least forty years older than me and already married.

We can run away together right now.

You better not be flirting with that woman again, Artie, his wife shouted from the back room.

I think she’s on to us, I said with a laugh. I should get going, anyway.

Artie reached across the counter and gently grabbed my hands.

I don’t know if you’re a witch like my wife says, but I do know that you’re a sweet girl. You be careful, Artie said with a genuine look of concern.

That warmed my witchy heart. Since the first time I stepped into his store, Artie was always worrying about me. He was one of the few good people I’ve met in my life.

I will. You watch out for the wife, I replied, with a smile.

Artie laughed as I headed out the door.

I laid the map on the hood of my small red hatchback and took off my pendulum. I held the crystal over the center of the map and took a deep breath. As I focused my intention, the pendulum began to sway slowly. I wanted to go someplace where I could see snow, but I didn’t want to force the issue. Alaska seemed like a lovely place, but that would be way too much snow for me. Not to mention the scary wildlife. Instead, I focused on going somewhere that I would be needed.

After crisscrossing the map a few times, the pendulum settled on New England. I had never been there. Leaning closer, I saw that it was pointing to Temperance, RI. That was oddly specific, and I felt the point pull down on the town’s name. When I moved to Nevada, the crystal just circled the state. I had to drive around for days until I felt a firm pull.

I didn’t know much about Rhode Island at all. I knew it was one of the first states settled, but that was about it. I had never heard of Temperance, not that it mattered. If that was where the pendulum pointed, that’s where I was going.

I looked around to make sure that no one was watching me. Once I was sure that the coast was clear, I took out my small travel altar. I knew I shouldn’t care about being seen, since everyone already knew that I was a witch. But I could still feel the