The second book in the Baker Street Mysteries from Valerie Burns is delightful!
Maddy is becoming more confident as a baker and businesswoman running Baby Cakes while continuing her Great Aunt Octavia's legacy in New Bison, Michigan. But a shrewd investor has shown up in town to open a rival bakery intended to put Maddy out of business. When he dies with one of Baby Cakes' knives sticking out of his back, Maddy and friends are on the case!
I love that Maddy's character continues to grow and mature and hone her baking and sleuthing skills in this second book. She's a smart and likable character (with an enviable shoe collection) but is also evolving, becoming more grounded, and building a great life in her new hometown. Her supporting cast is just as likable, and their interactions/relationships are the heart of the book. I loved spending more time with them.
The book opens with a funny scene, and more humor is woven throughout. The mystery is fast-paced and well-plotted, with plenty of red herrings to keep your suspicions shifting. We also get great dialogue, delicious food references, several recipes, and sweet romance. And the romance isn't just for the human characters--Maddy's 250lb. Mastiff, Baby, adorably falls hard for a sweet pup named Daisy. The bigger mystery in the community, the one Maddy's Great Aunt left clues about, is still swirling, and I look forward to seeing how that plays out across future books in the series. I loved this charming, entertaining, cozy mystery; it was a fun read!
I look forward to book three!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this ARC.
My steep was iced Strawberry Kiwi Fruit tea from Harney and Sons with strawberries, dried fruit pieces, and strawberry and kiwi flavors to create a delicious and vibrant ruby red drink! Delicious, garnished with fresh berries.
www.harney.com
PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:
Perfect for readers craving the cozies of Joanne Fluke and Ellery Adams, the acclaimed Agatha award-nominated author returns to her charming small-town culinary cozy series featuring a social media expert turned bakery owner and sleuth.
"Snappy dialogue, a well-drawn supporting cast and an irresistible canine companion all add delicious flavor. Gulp this book down or savor it, but consuming it will guarantee a sustained sugar high." —New York Times Book Review on Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder
With small town New Bison's Spring Festival just around the corner, the pressure is on Maddy to continue her late great-aunt Octavia's legacy. That means scoring the top prize and transforming Baby Cakes into Southwest Michigan's must-visit bakery, even though her inexperience in the kitchen brings nightmares of humiliating tagged photos and scathing reviews.
There's another reason for lost beauty sleep. A second bakery is opening in town under the ownership of CJ Davenport, a shrewd investor with a reputation for sabotaging anyone who gets in his way. And savvy, flashy Maddy tops his list. It's a sticky spot to be in—more so when Davenport turns up dead with a Baby Cakes's knife stuck in his back.
Maddy's whole life just went from #thriving to barely surviving. Now, supported by the crafty Baker Street Irregulars and her new boyfriend, she must find the courage to face off against a killer who could very well get her name trending for the first and last time . . .
#cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #bakerstreetmysteries #murderisapieceofcake #valerieburns #kensingtonbooks #bookreviewswithteapairings #readthisandsteep
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