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Baker Street Mystery #1
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder
In a brand-new culinary cozy series with a fresh edge and a delightful small-town setting, the acclaimed author introduces Maddy Montgomery, a social media expert who’s #StartingOver in small town Michigan after inheriting her great-aunt’s bakery…and a 200-pound English Mastiff named Baby.
When Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. But a surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand—as long as Maddy is willing to live in her late, great Aunt Octavia’s house in New Bison, Michigan, for a year, running her bakery and caring for a 200-pound English Mastiff named Baby.
Maddy doesn’t bake, and her Louboutins aren’t made for walking giant dogs around Lake Michigan, but the locals are friendly and the scenery is beautiful. With help from her aunt’s loyal friends, aka The Baker Street Irregulars, Maddy feels ready to tackle any challenge, including Octavia’s award-winning cake recipes. That is, until New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife . . .
Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions too. But Maddy’s going to need a whole lot more than a trending hashtag to save her reputation—and her life.
When Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. But a surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand—as long as Maddy is willing to live in her late, great Aunt Octavia’s house in New Bison, Michigan, for a year, running her bakery and caring for a 200-pound English Mastiff named Baby.
Maddy doesn’t bake, and her Louboutins aren’t made for walking giant dogs around Lake Michigan, but the locals are friendly and the scenery is beautiful. With help from her aunt’s loyal friends, aka The Baker Street Irregulars, Maddy feels ready to tackle any challenge, including Octavia’s award-winning cake recipes. That is, until New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife . . .
Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions too. But Maddy’s going to need a whole lot more than a trending hashtag to save her reputation—and her life.
266 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2022
866 people are currently reading
23377 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Burns
5 books515 followersValerie also writes as V.M. Burns
Valerie (V.M.) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
Valerie (V.M.) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,569 reviews
April 18, 2022
2.25 stars
I really wanted to like this book more, since the concept is so cute and fun, but the execution of the crime solving fell very short for me. To start off, I just finished reading the book, and I was so flabbergasted that it was over. I was half convinced that my kindle just glitched and skipped a few chapters or something because the mystery felt very incomplete to me? I get that this is setting up for a series so there will probably be a sequel, but the fact that the ending was soooo abrupt was so strange to me. But getting into what I liked and disliked in this book:
I really enjoyed the entourage of side characters. Most of them were really fun and likeable and I enjoyed seeing how hardworking and kind they were? The Baker Street Irregulars gang is such a girlboss gang and I really loved them together. April is my absolute fav and I want to see her slay everyday 😫😫 Miss. Octavia also seemed like such a Queen and even though the book starts off past her death, you can really get a sense of her character through the memories of others as well as the little Easter eggs of her personality hidden throughout the town. The English Mastiff, Baby, is also the HIGHLIGHT of the book. He is just SO PRECIOUSSSSS. Also the descriptions of food were quite tantalizing and I loved hearing about the baking escapades.
Now onto the plot line, I feel like there were several continuity errors in the book. Hopefully this will be fixed in the final published version, but several times I was flipping back to try to reconcile conversations or timelines and it made absolute no sense to me. For example, one of the Irregulars talks about a casino that opened, in which Maddy 'remembers' Brad bringing up earlier. But I was so confused--and even went back to search in the book--but there was 0 mention of a casino beforehand. Like maybe this was an offpage convo that happened, but then again, when would this have occurred/why would it not be on page if Maddy specifically brings it up later? Also a lot of the timing of the events felt really strange to me like there were random gaps of time that disappeared or mismatches. Like how did Leroy drive 30 miles and back, and shower, in the same time it took Maddy to drive home and crack 6 eggs? Not to mention this girl barely sleeps since she's constantly getting home like when the sun rises but then wakes up early to do bakery stuff?????
For character development, there were times when I really loved Maddy and other times I was just like 'girl nooooo.' I get that this series is trying to show her transformation from 'rich, city airhead' to 'down-to-earth small-towner' but the level of incompetence really got to me. I simply don't understand how someone cannot even crack an egg. I get a mishap or two, but the first two eggs she cracks onto the floor??? the next two all the shells get in the bowl, and when she finally cracks 2 eggs with minimal shell, she can't even figure out how to turn on the stove? Also she's constantly posting about what she's doing on social media, and I have the feeling this is going to come to play in the future when she solves the mystery by looking through all the photo documentation she has, but like girl, sometimes it is not the time and place to be posting. It seems a tad insensitive to post a picture of your bakery that was set on fire right after someone was murdered in it and #smokinghotbakedgoods
Now onto the actual mystery part of the novel. The entire crime-solving portion of the novel felt very much like it was missing something. First of all, I was constantly bothered when Maddy would come to some Big Realization and connect two dots, but then like forgets about it (?) and 20 pages later, re-establishes this Big Realization??? Idk if the author just forgot she had already established the realization or she's just trying to emphasize this point but it was so disconcerting when Maddy's like 'omg I hear Person X discussing his Evil Plans in this room' and then two chapters later being like 'OMG Person X was in this room???!!' Additionally, within the first few chapters of character introductions, it becomes very obvious who is a "Bad Guy" and who is not. There are very unsubtle indications of sus behavior so the end reveals were not surprising at all. While I'm sure there is a turncoat within the Good Guy Group (and I have my suspicions of who they may be 👀👀) the mystery doesn't feel half as satisfying when within the first 10 minutes your screaming at Maddy that this mans is so sus and obviously is nefarious.
Also the whole middle portion dragged a little bit but then the ending was resolved so quickly I couldn't even process it. Within the last ~5% of the book we get the quickest cleanup ever of a mystery, with several loose threads remaining and a clear indication that this tie-up was wayyyyy too clean and that there was still too many holes remaining. I feel sooooo unsatisfied that there was no overall resolution to the mystery!! Like it is so clear that the real mastermind is still out there, and while I can understand the Big Honcho still being out there and a resolution of the current book's murder mystery in order to further the series, most of the mysteries in this book were not resolved.
Also very very minor point but there are some factual inaccuracies that kinda bothered me, but I feel like for the sake of the story was fine. But like when a person is shot in the arm, said person demands a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. I know I'm not a medical professional, but even I know while yes, a tourniquet can staunch bleeding, it's also a super dangerous solution because it can very easily lead to the loss of a limb? So when it's quite obvious this person is not going to bleed to death I don't get why they (particularly given their background) would ask for a freaking tourniquet when it might mean they lose their arm?? Like you could just apply pressure....
Anyways, I really really wished I enjoyed this book more, and hopefully with some editing, some of my issues with the book can be resolved, but as it stands now, it was very underwhelming for me. The mystery was very not satisfying and left so many holes, and the inconsistencies throughout the story made it really difficult to follow. However if you're just reading this for the food or the DOGGOOOO or the relationship development, there are some good promises for some spicy opportunities down the line 🤩
--
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like this book more, since the concept is so cute and fun, but the execution of the crime solving fell very short for me. To start off, I just finished reading the book, and I was so flabbergasted that it was over. I was half convinced that my kindle just glitched and skipped a few chapters or something because the mystery felt very incomplete to me? I get that this is setting up for a series so there will probably be a sequel, but the fact that the ending was soooo abrupt was so strange to me. But getting into what I liked and disliked in this book:
I really enjoyed the entourage of side characters. Most of them were really fun and likeable and I enjoyed seeing how hardworking and kind they were? The Baker Street Irregulars gang is such a girlboss gang and I really loved them together. April is my absolute fav and I want to see her slay everyday 😫😫 Miss. Octavia also seemed like such a Queen and even though the book starts off past her death, you can really get a sense of her character through the memories of others as well as the little Easter eggs of her personality hidden throughout the town. The English Mastiff, Baby, is also the HIGHLIGHT of the book. He is just SO PRECIOUSSSSS. Also the descriptions of food were quite tantalizing and I loved hearing about the baking escapades.
Now onto the plot line, I feel like there were several continuity errors in the book. Hopefully this will be fixed in the final published version, but several times I was flipping back to try to reconcile conversations or timelines and it made absolute no sense to me. For example, one of the Irregulars talks about a casino that opened, in which Maddy 'remembers' Brad bringing up earlier. But I was so confused--and even went back to search in the book--but there was 0 mention of a casino beforehand. Like maybe this was an offpage convo that happened, but then again, when would this have occurred/why would it not be on page if Maddy specifically brings it up later? Also a lot of the timing of the events felt really strange to me like there were random gaps of time that disappeared or mismatches. Like how did Leroy drive 30 miles and back, and shower, in the same time it took Maddy to drive home and crack 6 eggs? Not to mention this girl barely sleeps since she's constantly getting home like when the sun rises but then wakes up early to do bakery stuff?????
For character development, there were times when I really loved Maddy and other times I was just like 'girl nooooo.' I get that this series is trying to show her transformation from 'rich, city airhead' to 'down-to-earth small-towner' but the level of incompetence really got to me. I simply don't understand how someone cannot even crack an egg. I get a mishap or two, but the first two eggs she cracks onto the floor??? the next two all the shells get in the bowl, and when she finally cracks 2 eggs with minimal shell, she can't even figure out how to turn on the stove? Also she's constantly posting about what she's doing on social media, and I have the feeling this is going to come to play in the future when she solves the mystery by looking through all the photo documentation she has, but like girl, sometimes it is not the time and place to be posting. It seems a tad insensitive to post a picture of your bakery that was set on fire right after someone was murdered in it and #smokinghotbakedgoods
Now onto the actual mystery part of the novel. The entire crime-solving portion of the novel felt very much like it was missing something. First of all, I was constantly bothered when Maddy would come to some Big Realization and connect two dots, but then like forgets about it (?) and 20 pages later, re-establishes this Big Realization??? Idk if the author just forgot she had already established the realization or she's just trying to emphasize this point but it was so disconcerting when Maddy's like 'omg I hear Person X discussing his Evil Plans in this room' and then two chapters later being like 'OMG Person X was in this room???!!' Additionally, within the first few chapters of character introductions, it becomes very obvious who is a "Bad Guy" and who is not. There are very unsubtle indications of sus behavior so the end reveals were not surprising at all. While I'm sure there is a turncoat within the Good Guy Group (and I have my suspicions of who they may be 👀👀) the mystery doesn't feel half as satisfying when within the first 10 minutes your screaming at Maddy that this mans is so sus and obviously is nefarious.
Also the whole middle portion dragged a little bit but then the ending was resolved so quickly I couldn't even process it. Within the last ~5% of the book we get the quickest cleanup ever of a mystery, with several loose threads remaining and a clear indication that this tie-up was wayyyyy too clean and that there was still too many holes remaining. I feel sooooo unsatisfied that there was no overall resolution to the mystery!! Like it is so clear that the real mastermind is still out there, and while I can understand the Big Honcho still being out there and a resolution of the current book's murder mystery in order to further the series, most of the mysteries in this book were not resolved.
Also very very minor point but there are some factual inaccuracies that kinda bothered me, but I feel like for the sake of the story was fine. But like when a person is shot in the arm, said person demands a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. I know I'm not a medical professional, but even I know while yes, a tourniquet can staunch bleeding, it's also a super dangerous solution because it can very easily lead to the loss of a limb? So when it's quite obvious this person is not going to bleed to death I don't get why they (particularly given their background) would ask for a freaking tourniquet when it might mean they lose their arm?? Like you could just apply pressure....
Anyways, I really really wished I enjoyed this book more, and hopefully with some editing, some of my issues with the book can be resolved, but as it stands now, it was very underwhelming for me. The mystery was very not satisfying and left so many holes, and the inconsistencies throughout the story made it really difficult to follow. However if you're just reading this for the food or the DOGGOOOO or the relationship development, there are some good promises for some spicy opportunities down the line 🤩
--
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 29, 2024
A sweet start to a great series!
I wish I got to meet Aunt Octavia because her friends are fabulous! The real stars of this book are Maddy's new inherited English Mastiff Baby and the recipes. They really had me craving baked goods!
I really enjoyed her social media updates...which was quite a surprise to me.
I will say this may be the ONLY cozy where I have ever figured out the killer. It was really straight forward to me.
I can't see what happens in the next installment!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Valerie Burns, and the publisher for this opportunity.
I wish I got to meet Aunt Octavia because her friends are fabulous! The real stars of this book are Maddy's new inherited English Mastiff Baby and the recipes. They really had me craving baked goods!
I really enjoyed her social media updates...which was quite a surprise to me.
I will say this may be the ONLY cozy where I have ever figured out the killer. It was really straight forward to me.
I can't see what happens in the next installment!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Valerie Burns, and the publisher for this opportunity.
February 8, 2023
In this “culinary cozy”, a term I just recently found out exists, we follow city girl and influencer Maddy Montgomery, dumped on her wedding day and being given a second chance to refocus her life after the death of her great aunt Octavia who left her a house in a small town, a bakery to run and her drooling English Mastiff, Baby. While trying to adjust, she finds out that Octavia had an awful lot of friends as well as enemies during her lifetime and something is fishy between the lines. That is, beside the mayor being stabbed with a knife with Maddy's fingerprints, dun dun dun...
Baby was the best thing in this book and although a nice pastime, this isn't exactly my favorite cozy mystery. Maddy is super superficial (I'm aware there's going to be a character arc) and the ending doesn't really satisfy. I may or may not read the next installment, don't know.
Baby was the best thing in this book and although a nice pastime, this isn't exactly my favorite cozy mystery. Maddy is super superficial (I'm aware there's going to be a character arc) and the ending doesn't really satisfy. I may or may not read the next installment, don't know.
June 16, 2022
A fun cozy mystery debut with a spoiled protagonist who inherits a gentle giant of a dog! Madison Montgomery’s been raised by her father, a Navy Admiral, and traveled the world at his side. When she inherits her Great Aunt Octavia’s home and bakery, Madison spontaneously heads to New Bison, Michigan without telling dear old dad. Her inheritance includes a house, a bakery, and a huge, slobbery English Mastiff named Baby! Maddie is a social influencer and constantly posts pictures with multiple hashtags that start trending. She helps spread the word about things she likes. The crew at Baby Cakes Bakery are great characters. There are also some unsavory characters Madison meets that she’d rather not make friends with. And, The Admiral is fit to be tied that she won’t come home!
Mirth, new friendships, a sweet, protective pet, and a possible romance are all perks in this cozy Murder mystery. I really, really liked the Sheriff, April Johnson, who was mentored by Octavia. There are several funny scenes as Maddie starts learning to bake. The murder victim isn’t that well liked and Maddie feels like she needs to investigate some wealthy developers who are trying to buy her land. The plot is filled with surprising twists—some left by Octavia herself—as to circumstances possibly leading to her death. Excellent story!
“Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” receives a 5 Star Rating. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery readers! Delicious recipes included.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Mirth, new friendships, a sweet, protective pet, and a possible romance are all perks in this cozy Murder mystery. I really, really liked the Sheriff, April Johnson, who was mentored by Octavia. There are several funny scenes as Maddie starts learning to bake. The murder victim isn’t that well liked and Maddie feels like she needs to investigate some wealthy developers who are trying to buy her land. The plot is filled with surprising twists—some left by Octavia herself—as to circumstances possibly leading to her death. Excellent story!
“Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” receives a 5 Star Rating. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery readers! Delicious recipes included.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2022
With a one-of-a-kind heroine and a plot that’s just as addictive as checking Instagram, Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is a fresh take on the cozy genre. I couldn’t help but root for influencer Maddy Montgomery whether she was trying to solve a murder or just not burn the cake. The Baker Street Mysteries has already become one of my favorite series! #MorePlease
February 14, 2023
I had high hopes for this as I want a new cozy mystery series to read and follow. Was not disappointed and was great with both mystery, characters and plot.
October 21, 2022
I read this to the end, against my better judgment, and the ending was totally disappointing. It came out of nowhere, abruptly, and then there were loose ends that weren’t explained. The main character is not believable: a Stanford graduate who speaks multiple languages but wants to be a doctor’s wife and can’t even crack an egg? I liked the other characters but at the end of the book we still don’t know what to think about a couple of them. The best part of the book is the descriptions of the dog, but that’s not a reason to read it. There are a couple recipes at the end of the book yet not recipes for some of the baked items that get a lot of attention in the book. If you talk about an amazing chocolate cake for pages and pages, then put recipes at the end, how do you not put the chocolate cake recipe there? Anyway there are much better mysteries to read; skip this one.
September 3, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Maddy Montgomery’s life has been all over social media. She was even going to live stream her wedding but that imploded when the groom failed to show up for the nuptials. Unsure what direction her life may take she receives notification that her great aunt Octavia has died and she has left everything to Maddy. Her home in New Bison, Michigan, her bakery, and her Baby, a 250-pound English mastiff. The only stipulation is that she must live in Octavia’s home for a year. Much to her father’s dismay, Maddy takes off for Michigan to start over. Of course, she doesn’t bake so hopefully that is not a problem. She also knows nothing about caring for a dog as big as a horse.
Thankfully all of Octavia’s friends aka Baker Street Irregulars take Maddie under their wings to help her get her life in New Bison off to a good start. But then the mayor of New Bison is found dead and Maddy’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon. Not the way she intended to be #StartingOver. She soon learns that Octavia thought something strange was going on in New Bison and Maddy believes it too. She needs #catchthekiller before they strike again and Maddy becomes the next victim.
Maddie was a spoiled military brat and her father provided for every need. Her job as a social media influencer kept her busy and flush enough to buy the fancy shoes she loves. Drop the socialite in a small midwestern town on her own where she will either sink or swim. I was so happy with the way Maddy developed over the course of this book. She still spent time on her phone letting her followers know what she was doing but she also used her knowledge to help others. I loved all the #hashtags Maddy used throughout the book and that she stayed upbeat for her fans.
I also enjoyed meeting Leroy Danielson. He works at the bakery and was a great friend to her great aunt. He didn’t let Maddy get away with the “I can’t bake/cook” line. We also meet several more of Octavia’s friends, including Miss Hannah who suffers from dementia but loves to bake and her grandson, Michael, the local vet, Mr. Russell, Octavia, and now Maddy’s lawyer, Tyler Lawrence who owns a shop with the most wonderful knit sweaters and scarves. and Sheriff April Johnson. All these characters felt genuine and diverse and they all loved Octavia and were ready to help Maddy in any way they could, especially after the mayor’s murder.
Baby, the English mastiff is a great character too. He goes almost everywhere with Maddy and tries to protect her just like he did Octavia. You could tell how much he missed the woman that took care of him since he was a pup. Ms. Burns always has dogs in her stories and like those other dogs, Baby grabbed a place in my heart.
The mystery was top-notch too. Octavia was on to something when she died and left clues for Maddy to find. As she delved into her investigation she learned that the people in town had plenty of secrets and that the current deaths may be connected to her great aunt’s death. The closer she got to the truth the pace really picked up. I really enjoyed the scene when that final clue dropped into place for Maddy.
The small-town atmosphere and the way everyone came together several times to help with the bakery or talk about the case really pulled me in. It was surprising that the sheriff was part of the Baker Street Irregulars. It was refreshing to see her wanting help and not just telling everyone to leave the investigation to her.
I have to take a moment to praise all the delicious baking that happens within these pages. Maddy may not have known how to bake but she has a great teacher in Leroy. She also found all her great aunt’s recipes. I am excited to see Baby Cakes Bakery back in action.
Ms. Burns has set this series off to a wonderful start with Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder. She has found the perfect recipe for what I hope is a long-running series. I found the story to be very entertaining and difficult to put down.
Maddy Montgomery’s life has been all over social media. She was even going to live stream her wedding but that imploded when the groom failed to show up for the nuptials. Unsure what direction her life may take she receives notification that her great aunt Octavia has died and she has left everything to Maddy. Her home in New Bison, Michigan, her bakery, and her Baby, a 250-pound English mastiff. The only stipulation is that she must live in Octavia’s home for a year. Much to her father’s dismay, Maddy takes off for Michigan to start over. Of course, she doesn’t bake so hopefully that is not a problem. She also knows nothing about caring for a dog as big as a horse.
Thankfully all of Octavia’s friends aka Baker Street Irregulars take Maddie under their wings to help her get her life in New Bison off to a good start. But then the mayor of New Bison is found dead and Maddy’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon. Not the way she intended to be #StartingOver. She soon learns that Octavia thought something strange was going on in New Bison and Maddy believes it too. She needs #catchthekiller before they strike again and Maddy becomes the next victim.
Maddie was a spoiled military brat and her father provided for every need. Her job as a social media influencer kept her busy and flush enough to buy the fancy shoes she loves. Drop the socialite in a small midwestern town on her own where she will either sink or swim. I was so happy with the way Maddy developed over the course of this book. She still spent time on her phone letting her followers know what she was doing but she also used her knowledge to help others. I loved all the #hashtags Maddy used throughout the book and that she stayed upbeat for her fans.
I also enjoyed meeting Leroy Danielson. He works at the bakery and was a great friend to her great aunt. He didn’t let Maddy get away with the “I can’t bake/cook” line. We also meet several more of Octavia’s friends, including Miss Hannah who suffers from dementia but loves to bake and her grandson, Michael, the local vet, Mr. Russell, Octavia, and now Maddy’s lawyer, Tyler Lawrence who owns a shop with the most wonderful knit sweaters and scarves. and Sheriff April Johnson. All these characters felt genuine and diverse and they all loved Octavia and were ready to help Maddy in any way they could, especially after the mayor’s murder.
Baby, the English mastiff is a great character too. He goes almost everywhere with Maddy and tries to protect her just like he did Octavia. You could tell how much he missed the woman that took care of him since he was a pup. Ms. Burns always has dogs in her stories and like those other dogs, Baby grabbed a place in my heart.
The mystery was top-notch too. Octavia was on to something when she died and left clues for Maddy to find. As she delved into her investigation she learned that the people in town had plenty of secrets and that the current deaths may be connected to her great aunt’s death. The closer she got to the truth the pace really picked up. I really enjoyed the scene when that final clue dropped into place for Maddy.
The small-town atmosphere and the way everyone came together several times to help with the bakery or talk about the case really pulled me in. It was surprising that the sheriff was part of the Baker Street Irregulars. It was refreshing to see her wanting help and not just telling everyone to leave the investigation to her.
I have to take a moment to praise all the delicious baking that happens within these pages. Maddy may not have known how to bake but she has a great teacher in Leroy. She also found all her great aunt’s recipes. I am excited to see Baby Cakes Bakery back in action.
Ms. Burns has set this series off to a wonderful start with Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder. She has found the perfect recipe for what I hope is a long-running series. I found the story to be very entertaining and difficult to put down.
January 29, 2023
THIS HAS GOTTA BE THE BEST COZY MYSTERY IVE READ YET. EVERY ASPECT WAS EXACTLY WHAT A COZY MYSTERY SHOULD BE.
the main character maddy has gotta be one of my favorite main characters. she’s smart brave and independent. she welcomes challenges and fights anyone who tries to disrespect her, her great-aunt, or her massive dog. she’s confident in herself but still not scared to ask for help. her personality was amazing.
at first i thought her little social media posts and hashtags would get annoying but i actually ended up liking them. she’s a little goofy and she just likes sharing her life with others.
this mystery had soooo much cozy it was amazing. the bakery is talked about all the time and baking is an important part of the book. it made for a great setting.
the mystery itself was great and a nice kind of predictable, and the reveal was suspenseful. it ended with a little bit of mystery left that i can’t wait to be uncovered in the next book!!!
i’m so excited for book 2 i literally wrote it down in my calendar. a great book to read if you’re interested in getting into cozy mysteries!
the main character maddy has gotta be one of my favorite main characters. she’s smart brave and independent. she welcomes challenges and fights anyone who tries to disrespect her, her great-aunt, or her massive dog. she’s confident in herself but still not scared to ask for help. her personality was amazing.
at first i thought her little social media posts and hashtags would get annoying but i actually ended up liking them. she’s a little goofy and she just likes sharing her life with others.
this mystery had soooo much cozy it was amazing. the bakery is talked about all the time and baking is an important part of the book. it made for a great setting.
the mystery itself was great and a nice kind of predictable, and the reveal was suspenseful. it ended with a little bit of mystery left that i can’t wait to be uncovered in the next book!!!
i’m so excited for book 2 i literally wrote it down in my calendar. a great book to read if you’re interested in getting into cozy mysteries!
February 16, 2023
Review coming soon.
September 2, 2022
Oof. This book had so much potential! A main character who is extremely sheltered with expensive taste, but is open, friendly and kind. A small midwestern town with interesting and diverse supporting characters. And an adorable canine companion! I even enjoyed Great Aunt Octavia - she may be dead, but her personality still shone on the page.
But this book felt like it was still in the middle of major revisions when shared as an ARC. And I'm not talking about typing errors. There was a lot of awkward repetition of dialogue and times when a character would seem to completely forget the information they were given in the previous chapter. It's as if no one edited the manuscript for continuity.
One of the appeals of a cozy mystery series is that each book presents a new mystery that is resolved by the end. There may be a teaser for the next book, but typically all major questions are answered. Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder ended with some serious loose ends. Who was the third person in the room? Who is the Judas in the group? Did Maddy accept Leroy's explanation about the mysterious phone call? And who pushed Miss Octavia to her death? I could have accepted some of the continuity issues if there were a satisfying ending. Instead, the story completely fell apart.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing this eARC.
But this book felt like it was still in the middle of major revisions when shared as an ARC. And I'm not talking about typing errors. There was a lot of awkward repetition of dialogue and times when a character would seem to completely forget the information they were given in the previous chapter. It's as if no one edited the manuscript for continuity.
One of the appeals of a cozy mystery series is that each book presents a new mystery that is resolved by the end. There may be a teaser for the next book, but typically all major questions are answered. Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder ended with some serious loose ends. Who was the third person in the room? Who is the Judas in the group? Did Maddy accept Leroy's explanation about the mysterious phone call? And who pushed Miss Octavia to her death? I could have accepted some of the continuity issues if there were a satisfying ending. Instead, the story completely fell apart.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for sharing this eARC.
May 23, 2022
I love when an author I love begins a new cozy mystery series! I am a big fan of the authors other two series so it was with 85% excitement and 15% trepidation that I began this one. And I was hooked right from Chapter One!
Maddie inherits a house, bakery and an English Mastiff from her great Aunt Octavia, on a lake in Michigan. She leaves her life with her Dad, the Admiral..who is literally an Admiral in the United States Navy and skeptical of Maddie going out on her own.
Aunt Octavia has left clues that there is something going on in town and now two people are dead...murdered. Maddie and her new friends join in together to solve the mystery.
This book is action packed, edgy, modern and still with that cozy vibe.I loved the Instagram hashtags scattered throughout.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book which publishes on 8/30/22. Thanks alsi to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the Author.
Maddie inherits a house, bakery and an English Mastiff from her great Aunt Octavia, on a lake in Michigan. She leaves her life with her Dad, the Admiral..who is literally an Admiral in the United States Navy and skeptical of Maddie going out on her own.
Aunt Octavia has left clues that there is something going on in town and now two people are dead...murdered. Maddie and her new friends join in together to solve the mystery.
This book is action packed, edgy, modern and still with that cozy vibe.I loved the Instagram hashtags scattered throughout.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book which publishes on 8/30/22. Thanks alsi to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and the Author.
August 28, 2022
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is deliciously sweet in so many ways with eccentric characters you fall in love with and an adorably intelligent enormously delightful dog. This book will keep you entertained and smiling from beginning to end.
Maddy Montgomery’s life has hit rock bottom. Left at the altar, this popular influencer is now a complete embarrassment, so she thinks. But when she receives a surprise inheritance from her great-aunt Octavia who lived in a small town in New Bison, Michigan where she owned a bakery, she and her Jimmy Choo’s head there to pick up her check.
But wait, there is a small (or perhaps big) catch it seems. In order for Maddy to receive the bequest, she must stay in New Bison for a year and take care of the bakery and surprise, surprise, “Baby” who at 250-pounds of English Mastiff is no baby and who was the love of Octavia’s life!
So Maddy tries to settle into the town, and become friends with Baby, as much as you can make friends with a huge dog who thinks it’s ok to sit on you, try and figure out that the employees of the bakery expect from her, especially since she can’t even cook an egg, and meet the people in the town who all seem to want something, even though she hasn’t a clue as to why. She does have her aunt’s friends to guide her, and Baby seems to be able to point Maddy in the direction of people who are a threat!
Then the Mayor is murdered in the bakery and the list of suspects include Maddy of all people! That’s when Maddy and her aunt’s friends decide to find out for themselves who killed the very unlikeable politician and why! Unfortunately for them there a many suspects. And soon Maddy discovers poking into other people’s business could be dangerous when she and Baby become the target of perhaps the murderer.
While all this is going on, and she is missing her aunt desperately while trying to make good business choices all the while using her influencer status to keep the bakery, the town, herself and Baby interesting, she becomes very excited for what her future might bring…if only she can stay alive to see that future!
Valerie Burns’ cozy read is a terrific, warm, yummy cuddly story with wonderful characters and gargantuan dog with just as big a heart named Baby! There better be a book two!
Thank you #Goodreads #KensingtonBooks #ValerieBurns #TwoPartsSugar,OnePartMurder #ABakerStreetMystery for the advanced copy!
Maddy Montgomery’s life has hit rock bottom. Left at the altar, this popular influencer is now a complete embarrassment, so she thinks. But when she receives a surprise inheritance from her great-aunt Octavia who lived in a small town in New Bison, Michigan where she owned a bakery, she and her Jimmy Choo’s head there to pick up her check.
But wait, there is a small (or perhaps big) catch it seems. In order for Maddy to receive the bequest, she must stay in New Bison for a year and take care of the bakery and surprise, surprise, “Baby” who at 250-pounds of English Mastiff is no baby and who was the love of Octavia’s life!
So Maddy tries to settle into the town, and become friends with Baby, as much as you can make friends with a huge dog who thinks it’s ok to sit on you, try and figure out that the employees of the bakery expect from her, especially since she can’t even cook an egg, and meet the people in the town who all seem to want something, even though she hasn’t a clue as to why. She does have her aunt’s friends to guide her, and Baby seems to be able to point Maddy in the direction of people who are a threat!
Then the Mayor is murdered in the bakery and the list of suspects include Maddy of all people! That’s when Maddy and her aunt’s friends decide to find out for themselves who killed the very unlikeable politician and why! Unfortunately for them there a many suspects. And soon Maddy discovers poking into other people’s business could be dangerous when she and Baby become the target of perhaps the murderer.
While all this is going on, and she is missing her aunt desperately while trying to make good business choices all the while using her influencer status to keep the bakery, the town, herself and Baby interesting, she becomes very excited for what her future might bring…if only she can stay alive to see that future!
Valerie Burns’ cozy read is a terrific, warm, yummy cuddly story with wonderful characters and gargantuan dog with just as big a heart named Baby! There better be a book two!
Thank you #Goodreads #KensingtonBooks #ValerieBurns #TwoPartsSugar,OnePartMurder #ABakerStreetMystery for the advanced copy!
November 20, 2022
#NewLife #BigDog #BigProblem
“Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” is the first book in the “Baker Street Mystery” series. Madison Montgomery introduces herself to readers in a cold, very cold way -- hanging on to a steel pole, in subzero temperatures, in the middle of a blizzard, on a thirty-minute flight from Chicago. Montgomery is ready for a change after she had been left standing at the altar while the entire wedding, or non-wedding, was livestreamed all over social media. When her great-aunt Octavia died and named her heir to a house and bakery, she lost no time in packing up and moving to New Bison, Michigan, population about fifteen hundred, give or take a few. She also got the dog, Baby, #ChampionEnglishMastiff.
Things unfold in Montgomery’s first person narrative. Despite her “live stream wedding fiasco” she constantly posts on social media #StartingOver. The town is filled with interesting characters, business owners, law enforcement, developers, and workers #LovingtheSingleLife. Montgomery immediately makes both friends #NewFriends and enemies; sometimes it is hard to tell which is which. Her late aunt also had a vast assortment of both friends and enemies. Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions too. There is also something unusual, strange and even dangerous happening. There is a death, attempts on lives, a fire, and Montgomery’s hashtags on social media are not going to protect her or give her answers #ShirlockHolmes.
Madison Montgomery makes is a grand entrance into the cozy mystery world in “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder.” Some things are left to be “resolved” in the next book, so stay tuned. There is a nice “mention” of the fantastic writer Kelley Garrett. Recipes are included but spoiler alert NOT for chocolate cake.
I received a review copy of “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” from Valerie Burns and
Kensington Publishing. It is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
“Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” is the first book in the “Baker Street Mystery” series. Madison Montgomery introduces herself to readers in a cold, very cold way -- hanging on to a steel pole, in subzero temperatures, in the middle of a blizzard, on a thirty-minute flight from Chicago. Montgomery is ready for a change after she had been left standing at the altar while the entire wedding, or non-wedding, was livestreamed all over social media. When her great-aunt Octavia died and named her heir to a house and bakery, she lost no time in packing up and moving to New Bison, Michigan, population about fifteen hundred, give or take a few. She also got the dog, Baby, #ChampionEnglishMastiff.
Things unfold in Montgomery’s first person narrative. Despite her “live stream wedding fiasco” she constantly posts on social media #StartingOver. The town is filled with interesting characters, business owners, law enforcement, developers, and workers #LovingtheSingleLife. Montgomery immediately makes both friends #NewFriends and enemies; sometimes it is hard to tell which is which. Her late aunt also had a vast assortment of both friends and enemies. Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions too. There is also something unusual, strange and even dangerous happening. There is a death, attempts on lives, a fire, and Montgomery’s hashtags on social media are not going to protect her or give her answers #ShirlockHolmes.
Madison Montgomery makes is a grand entrance into the cozy mystery world in “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder.” Some things are left to be “resolved” in the next book, so stay tuned. There is a nice “mention” of the fantastic writer Kelley Garrett. Recipes are included but spoiler alert NOT for chocolate cake.
I received a review copy of “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” from Valerie Burns and
Kensington Publishing. It is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
August 30, 2022
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is the first book by Valerie Burns in the Baker Street Mystery series. I love the author’s other series, and I love this new one as well.
Madison(Maddy) Montgomery has led a pampered life following her Navy Admiral father on his naval assignments. She loves high fashion and has a beautiful personality. Events have her feeling sad as her husband-to-be left her standing at the altar. And to make matters worse for her, the wedding was being streamed live on her social media.
But life is to change for the better, she hopes, as she learns that her Great-Aunt Octavia has passed and has left Maddy her lake-front home and bakery business. After arriving in New Bison and speaking to Octavia’s lawyer, she must live in the house, keep the bakery running, and take care of her dog, Baby, an English Mastiff. Maddy has never baked in her life, but she is determined to her dad that she can make something of herself and live up to her aunt's belief in her.
The first night in her new home, the members of the Baker Street Irregulars, a book club headed by Octavia, came over to meet Maddy and give her their support. Fortunately for Maddy, the bakery staff consisting of Leroy, the baker, and Hannah, who works the front, are anxious to open the bakery again. It doesn’t take long after arriving in New Bison that she is getting offers to sell her home and bakery. She also receives a very generous offer to sell Baby. All of which she will turn down. One of the offers extended to Maddy was from Mayor Rivers, who suggested that the bakery’s wiring may not be up to code and the bakery was a disaster waiting to happen. The following day Mayor Rivers is found dead in the bakery, having been stabbed with a knife. When the knife is found to have come from the bakery, and Maddy’s fingerprints are on it, Maddy will become a person of interest. Also, Maddy has found some notes her aunt had written that suggested that her death might have been murder. So, Maddy and her newfound friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, will begin investigating the death of Mayor Rivers.
This book is a fantastic start for a new series. The story is well-written, plotted, and descriptively told. The cast of characters are well-written and developed, and believable. I particularly enjoyed how Maddy could put the past behind her, embrace her future of running a successful business, and possibly find romance again. It was also endearing to see how well the Irregulars adopted Maddy from the beginning and how they always have each other's backs. The book also has a good mixture of humor throughout the book. That adorable pup, Baby, was a highlight. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the killer.
Madison(Maddy) Montgomery has led a pampered life following her Navy Admiral father on his naval assignments. She loves high fashion and has a beautiful personality. Events have her feeling sad as her husband-to-be left her standing at the altar. And to make matters worse for her, the wedding was being streamed live on her social media.
But life is to change for the better, she hopes, as she learns that her Great-Aunt Octavia has passed and has left Maddy her lake-front home and bakery business. After arriving in New Bison and speaking to Octavia’s lawyer, she must live in the house, keep the bakery running, and take care of her dog, Baby, an English Mastiff. Maddy has never baked in her life, but she is determined to her dad that she can make something of herself and live up to her aunt's belief in her.
The first night in her new home, the members of the Baker Street Irregulars, a book club headed by Octavia, came over to meet Maddy and give her their support. Fortunately for Maddy, the bakery staff consisting of Leroy, the baker, and Hannah, who works the front, are anxious to open the bakery again. It doesn’t take long after arriving in New Bison that she is getting offers to sell her home and bakery. She also receives a very generous offer to sell Baby. All of which she will turn down. One of the offers extended to Maddy was from Mayor Rivers, who suggested that the bakery’s wiring may not be up to code and the bakery was a disaster waiting to happen. The following day Mayor Rivers is found dead in the bakery, having been stabbed with a knife. When the knife is found to have come from the bakery, and Maddy’s fingerprints are on it, Maddy will become a person of interest. Also, Maddy has found some notes her aunt had written that suggested that her death might have been murder. So, Maddy and her newfound friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, will begin investigating the death of Mayor Rivers.
This book is a fantastic start for a new series. The story is well-written, plotted, and descriptively told. The cast of characters are well-written and developed, and believable. I particularly enjoyed how Maddy could put the past behind her, embrace her future of running a successful business, and possibly find romance again. It was also endearing to see how well the Irregulars adopted Maddy from the beginning and how they always have each other's backs. The book also has a good mixture of humor throughout the book. That adorable pup, Baby, was a highlight. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end as to the identity of the killer.
September 11, 2022
This book is the start to a new cozy mystery series. It was a quick read and definitely a good start to a new series. Maddy inherits a home and business from the great aunt she barely knew and it comes at a good time as she has just been left by her fiancé. The only catch is she has to live there and run the business for a year. Unfortunately it’s a bakery and she can’t cook (like at all). At first I wasn’t sure about her character, she’s way more into social media and stuff but as you get to know Maddy I liked her. The mystery was interesting and there was some good twists (although I did figure it out before the end). The cast of supporting characters was fun and I liked the small town setting quite a bit.
August 29, 2022
I loved this book - the small town setting, the characters, the bakery, and especially Baby, the humongous dog! The story was easy to follow and set the stage nicely for a new series, introducing characters well but not over describing everything. The hash tags took a little getting used to but waned as the story went on so they weren't too distracting after awhile. Maddy started out pretty annoying also but softened as the mystery progressed. Really looking forward to more in this series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 28, 2023
ANNOYING. I listened to the audiobook and let me tell u. IT. WAS. ANNOYING. The main character was kinda nice until she started posting #this #that. There tried to be a plot but there was almost no plot tbh. The timelines were confusing.. just no.
May 18, 2023
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this. This was a very cute and cozy bakeshop murder mystery story. I loved the characters, the small town and bakeshop setting and of course Baby the dog. The plot was highly entertaining. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this. This was a very cute and cozy bakeshop murder mystery story. I loved the characters, the small town and bakeshop setting and of course Baby the dog. The plot was highly entertaining. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 3, 2022
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns is the first in a new series, called the Baker Street Mystery series. I picked this book up at a cute new local bookstore and am SO glad I did! Ya’ll this is the cutest cozy bakeshop mystery! I had so much fun with this and am looking forward to the next book in the series that comes out in June 2023. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 on Goodreads! 😊
This may be my favorite cozy mystery I have read so far. The story centers around Maddy Montgomery. When her groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, she is devastated and not sure what to do next with her life. After 8 years of dating her no longer fiancé, she is at a loss with such a terrible situation. Things change for Maddy when he great-aunt Octavia passes away and leaves Maddy her bakery, her home and her 250-pound English mastiff named Baby in New Bison, Michigan. Maddy is used to the rich and fancy life – so her aunt’s rule is Maddy has to live in her home and run her bakery shop for 1 year before she can try to sell it. Maddy can’t bake, so she doesn’t know what her next steps are but she goes all in with the new bakery and life in New Bison. Things start to get strange really fast, when all of a sudden New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife. Maddy and her friends work together to piece together this very strange puzzle and solve the case!
So, like I said ya’ll, this was just a fun ride. The story is clean, hilarious, full of whimsy with all of the bakery shop details and social media references -- just an overall good time. The characters in this story are just great to hang out with while reading and you really come to love our main character of Maddy as she realizes what matters most to her and comes to love her new life in New Bison. She truly gets a new start there.
ALSO IF YOU LOVE DOGS YOU WILL LOVE THIS TOO! The sweet adorable English Mastiff Baby was such a star of the show in the book! I ADORED him! MY HEART.
One note – if you are sensitive to characters going through dementia or Alzheimer’s, one of the side characters is struggling with going through dementia and that is shown on page many times throughout the story.
I also loved seeing some mentions of praying and “turning things over to the Lord and letting him handle it.” Plus, we had some fun mentions of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie as Maddy and her great-aunt were lovers of mystery novels and Aunt Octavia was part of a group who met together to try and solve different crimes and such. The only reason I am giving this 4.5 stars is I liked some of the social media references, but didn't always love the number of them we had. Still fun to see though. :)
Highly recommend to lovers of cozy mysteries, especially if you love cozy mysteries with food and dogs! I’m pretty sure I need Aunt Octavia’s chocolate cake recipe now. 😊
This may be my favorite cozy mystery I have read so far. The story centers around Maddy Montgomery. When her groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, she is devastated and not sure what to do next with her life. After 8 years of dating her no longer fiancé, she is at a loss with such a terrible situation. Things change for Maddy when he great-aunt Octavia passes away and leaves Maddy her bakery, her home and her 250-pound English mastiff named Baby in New Bison, Michigan. Maddy is used to the rich and fancy life – so her aunt’s rule is Maddy has to live in her home and run her bakery shop for 1 year before she can try to sell it. Maddy can’t bake, so she doesn’t know what her next steps are but she goes all in with the new bakery and life in New Bison. Things start to get strange really fast, when all of a sudden New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife. Maddy and her friends work together to piece together this very strange puzzle and solve the case!
So, like I said ya’ll, this was just a fun ride. The story is clean, hilarious, full of whimsy with all of the bakery shop details and social media references -- just an overall good time. The characters in this story are just great to hang out with while reading and you really come to love our main character of Maddy as she realizes what matters most to her and comes to love her new life in New Bison. She truly gets a new start there.
ALSO IF YOU LOVE DOGS YOU WILL LOVE THIS TOO! The sweet adorable English Mastiff Baby was such a star of the show in the book! I ADORED him! MY HEART.
One note – if you are sensitive to characters going through dementia or Alzheimer’s, one of the side characters is struggling with going through dementia and that is shown on page many times throughout the story.
I also loved seeing some mentions of praying and “turning things over to the Lord and letting him handle it.” Plus, we had some fun mentions of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie as Maddy and her great-aunt were lovers of mystery novels and Aunt Octavia was part of a group who met together to try and solve different crimes and such. The only reason I am giving this 4.5 stars is I liked some of the social media references, but didn't always love the number of them we had. Still fun to see though. :)
Highly recommend to lovers of cozy mysteries, especially if you love cozy mysteries with food and dogs! I’m pretty sure I need Aunt Octavia’s chocolate cake recipe now. 😊
March 31, 2023
This book gets the award for the Most Annoying Main Character of the Year. Privileged spoiled daughter of an Admiral. Well-educated, well-traveled, multilingual and darn lucky to have inherited a beautiful home, a booming business, a batch of new instant BFFs, and a cute if slobbery dog. A “genius” social influencer who does little more than shoot random photos and hashtag the hell out of them and somehow every one of them starts trending? Does she even know how hashtags are supposed to work?
An apparently bright woman whose main goal in life is to marry a doctor? Oh come ON!
Wears a black cashmere turtleneck to bake in a commercial kitchen and flips the flour-filled mixer to high—what did she think was going to happen?
This is the “sleuth” who is supposed to unravel this cozy mystery. Miss Marple is spinning in her grave so fast that she’s making meringue.
Then there’s the ending: a huge and unsatisfying word dump as if the author said, “Here, take this. I’ve got to go.”
But wait! There’s more! There’s the hope that the recipes at the end of the book turn out to be good ones. But alas, another disappointment follows. Where’s the one for the famous much-talked about chocolate cake? The one with apparently limitless servings, since everyone who comes into its vicinity gets a slice? It must have fallen through one of the many plot holes.
An apparently bright woman whose main goal in life is to marry a doctor? Oh come ON!
Wears a black cashmere turtleneck to bake in a commercial kitchen and flips the flour-filled mixer to high—what did she think was going to happen?
This is the “sleuth” who is supposed to unravel this cozy mystery. Miss Marple is spinning in her grave so fast that she’s making meringue.
Then there’s the ending: a huge and unsatisfying word dump as if the author said, “Here, take this. I’ve got to go.”
But wait! There’s more! There’s the hope that the recipes at the end of the book turn out to be good ones. But alas, another disappointment follows. Where’s the one for the famous much-talked about chocolate cake? The one with apparently limitless servings, since everyone who comes into its vicinity gets a slice? It must have fallen through one of the many plot holes.
January 1, 2025
Reread before starting the 3rd installment in this series.
Very glad I did.
Still adore this series.
4.5 stars rounded up
Reread in 2023:
I loved this just as much on reread, which is rare for me with cozy mysteries.
I adored the Baker Street Irregulars and I look forward to their adventures in the 2nd installment in this series.
🥰
Original review 2022:
This was delightful, fun and interesting.
The mystery was okay but the small town cast of characters was quite fun.
I can easily imagine spending multiple enjoyable sequels in this town and with this cast of characters.
Very glad I did.
Still adore this series.
4.5 stars rounded up
Reread in 2023:
I loved this just as much on reread, which is rare for me with cozy mysteries.
I adored the Baker Street Irregulars and I look forward to their adventures in the 2nd installment in this series.
🥰
Original review 2022:
This was delightful, fun and interesting.
The mystery was okay but the small town cast of characters was quite fun.
I can easily imagine spending multiple enjoyable sequels in this town and with this cast of characters.
December 20, 2022
Don't bother reading if you want a solution to the mystery. Also, the main character is totally unrealistic. Nobody who grows up in a military family is that incompetent at everyday living. And nobody who grows up in a military family can afford the numerous designer cloths and shoes described -- unless her father is embezzling money. Maybe that's the next mystery. I won't know because I won't read it.
June 14, 2022
I just could not with this book. I found the prognosticator both shallow and extremely annoying. Along with the constant #THIS #THAT. I just #dnf.
May 19, 2023
A cute little cozy mystery starring a Black woman whose doctor fiance left her at the alter and that has inherited her dead aunt's bakery, home, and dog. Once someone is murdered everyone is trying to figure out who dun it! The main character was likeable though the social media hastag stuff was a bit much for me, I know that it is consistent with the times.
September 1, 2022
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is the début instalment in Valerie Burns's mystery series featuring Maddy Montgomery who graduated with a degree in art history. She has split up with her fiancé, Elliott, who didn't put in an appearance at their planned wedding, and then she learns that her great aunt has left her bakery business and a Georgian-style house to her in her will but the conditions therein are that she will have to live in New Bison in southwest Michigan for a year. So Maddy, who is a social media fanatic takes over at Baby Cakes Bakery. She also inherits great Aunt Octavia's huge English Mastiff called Baby, a stud dog. Maddy has been brought up by her dad, a Navy Admiral; he is sceptical of Maddy and her intention to run Baby Cakes Bakery even for just a short amount of time. Paul Rivers who owns the hardware shop next door and also happens to be the local mayor goes into the bakery and meets Maddy. There is a heated exchange and later, Rivers winds up dead after being stabbed.
A fun and immensely compelling read that ensures I'll be looking out for book two. The characters are interesting, colourful, and well constructed. The members of the Baker Street Irregulars, a book club headed by Octavia, offer Maddy their support. Fortunately, the bakery employees consisting of Leroy Danielson the baker, and Hannah, who works out front are keen to open the bakery again. Garrett Kelley, who owns the local bookshop is also around to help out. It has twists and turns to hold my interest, a good dollop of humour and the storyline moves along swiftly. The star of the show is definitely Baby. I look forward to getting to know Maddy et al. better in the upcoming books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
A fun and immensely compelling read that ensures I'll be looking out for book two. The characters are interesting, colourful, and well constructed. The members of the Baker Street Irregulars, a book club headed by Octavia, offer Maddy their support. Fortunately, the bakery employees consisting of Leroy Danielson the baker, and Hannah, who works out front are keen to open the bakery again. Garrett Kelley, who owns the local bookshop is also around to help out. It has twists and turns to hold my interest, a good dollop of humour and the storyline moves along swiftly. The star of the show is definitely Baby. I look forward to getting to know Maddy et al. better in the upcoming books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 15, 2022
Valerie Burns knows how to entertain. Since I read for fun and pleasure that puts her books at the top of my list. Madison Montgomery wasn't my favorite person at the beginning of the book (I'm sure that was intentional) but she quickly grew on me, as did the cast of characters that surrounds her. I'm looking forward to more adventures with the Baker Street Irregulars in New Bison.
February 25, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
This was a fun, quick read, and I liked it better than most mysteries with baking/cooking (and not just because they left recipes until after the novel, but that helped--who wants to be ripped out of the action between chapters to read recipes? Not me.) The blurb tells you the basics, and there isn't much more you need to know. For me who killed the victim(s) (not telling you if there was only one or if there were more) was obvious from almost the get-go, but who cares if the rest of it is strong? Not me--I enjoyed the characters, but not the dog drool, and the pacing was excellent.
This was a fun, quick read, and I liked it better than most mysteries with baking/cooking (and not just because they left recipes until after the novel, but that helped--who wants to be ripped out of the action between chapters to read recipes? Not me.) The blurb tells you the basics, and there isn't much more you need to know. For me who killed the victim(s) (not telling you if there was only one or if there were more) was obvious from almost the get-go, but who cares if the rest of it is strong? Not me--I enjoyed the characters, but not the dog drool, and the pacing was excellent.
May 25, 2023
Charming. Fun. The Michigan Lakefront version of Cabot Cove!
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