Published By: Usborne
Pages: 352
Released On: 10/09/2026
Reading Age: 8-11
Meet Cinnamon Crumb. In the town of Marzipan, home to bakers of near-magical talent, Cinnamon burns toast. She’s no baker – but she is about to become a baking detective.
Because all is not sweet between Marzipan’s two rival superstar bakers, Victoria Sponge and Madeleine Macaron. They will stop at nothing to win the coveted Twelve Tier Crown at the Great Cake Carnival – even sabotage. So when Victoria sets Cinnamon a mission to spy on Maddie, Cinnamon reluctantly agrees. But when Maddie asks Cinnamon to spy on Victoria too…well, Cinnamon is in a situation stickier than sticky toffee pudding.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Usborne for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love a good thriller or crime novel, an historical war book or literary tome. But sometimes I want the magic that only comes from a kids book.
And I mean, a book with characters called Cinnamon Crumb, Victoria Sponge, and Madeleine Macaron, in a town called Marzipan, on Choux Street near Croissant Corner. That’s a sure-fire winner there.
Guys…we have a map!
There are illustrations. They did look wonderful and I think they will really add something to the story. I do believe Harry was the illustrator as well as the author and they’ve done such a fabulous job because they really are great.
There are a few footnotes which, whilst not 100% necessary to read to understand the story, I think they do add more personality to the narration and are quite funny in places.
It’s not a Christmas book as such but it does take place in the winter and it’s full of snow and ice and everyone’s wrapped up in their winter clothes, and let me tell you, after reading this during the July heatwave, this winter gremlin was very jealous of the characters.
Harry has done a marvellous job at creating a sense of atmosphere. Everything from the houses to the weather and the land are so beautiful they practically glow off the page and add to the cosy, wintery feeling. And the descriptions of the food, the Christmas cakes and Yule logs, meringues, sponges, biscuits and bread – I want to try it all.
It’s inclusive without looking like it’s just there to tick a box. They’ve found the right balance.
The mystery element isn’t too complex or the older readers but I have read many a mystery in my time so I can probably cheat a little bit. I think Harry has pitched it just right for the recommended reading age. It’s simple enough to follow but full of hints and red herrings to keep them on their toes.
It’s not a short book – nor is it overly long – but it’s so fast paced and so much fun that it just whizzes by and I read it in a few hours. I know I’m an adult and can read at an adult’s pace so it’ll probably take younger readers a little longer but I don’t think by much. It’s so addictive.
It’s full of atmosphere and character, fun hijinks and subtle terror, and of course the delicious baked goods. I think this is the start of a series and whilst I might be more than three times the reading age, I’m already looking forward to joining these characters again.
Books By Your Bedside 