# A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking

By T. Kingfisher

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/a-wizard-s-guide-to-defensive-baking-d7752903/

Mona is fourteen, works in her aunt's bakery and can do magic with bread. Finding a body at work is well outside her usual responsibilities. When someone begins hunting the city's magic users, the young baker has to find ways to protect herself.

## What makes it funny?

Mona explains supernatural nuisances with a baker's practicality. Undead things in the canals are part of city life; excessive spice can make gingerbread men dance inappropriately. Her world has hazards that require remarkably specific kitchen advice.

### The comedy at work

Kingfisher gives the narration to someone who understands dough better than danger. Mona uses familiar baking knowledge to describe the frightening things around her, keeping a dry, practical voice even when events overwhelm her experience.

### Try this if…

A resourceful young heroine and carefully limited magic give readers of different ages something to enjoy. Consider this if you like seeing a character solve problems with an unusual, concrete skill.

### Good to know

The bakery setup leads into murder and persecution of people who use magic. This young adult fantasy includes serious danger.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy
- Kind of humor: Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Whimsical
- Audience: Young adult
- Format: Novel
- Length: 318 pages
- Published: 2020

## A few distinguishing details

- A young wizard whose magic works on bread
- Bakery know-how meets a murder investigation

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Argyll Productions identifies A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, lists ISBN 978-1-61450-524-2 and 318 pages, and provides paperback and ebook formats along with print dimensions and weight.](https://argyllproductions.com/product/a-wizards-guide-to-defensive-baking)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://argyllproductions.com/product/a-wizards-guide-to-defensive-baking)
- Review: [BiblioSanctum review](https://bibliosanctum.com/2021/12/19/ya-weekend-audio-a-wizards-guide-to-defensive-baking-by-t-kingfisher)
- Reading sample: [Licensed opening preview](https://www.everand.com/book/467994387/A-Wizard-s-Guide-To-Defensive-Baking)
- Review: [Nikky Lee review](https://www.nikkythewriter.com/post/book-review-a-wizard-s-guide-to-defensive-baking-by-t-kingfisher)
- Book information: [Open Library edition](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL28348763M/A_Wizard's_Guide_to_Defensive_Baking)