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lou_mac's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
2.0
I really wanted to love this - culinary, cozy murder is such a fun genre - but this fell short for me.
To start with the good; the characters are fun and dynamic. Each person has something to set them apart and it's easy to track who is who. And then there is Baby the dog, who is wonderful and the best of everyone.
Sadly though, even a chaotic pup isn't enough to lift the mystery. It was so blatant who the baddie was the whole time, that I expected a huge twist... but then there wasn't one? and the ending was super rushed- it felt like some end chapters were missing. My only wonder is that as this is the first of the series if it will continue through into the next book, but to be quite honest - I don't know if I have the patience to find out.
The writing was also frustrating, it felt repetitive and there were points where the characters seemed to completely ignore everything they learnt a few pages before.
5 stars to Baby, but only 2 for the over all mystery.
To start with the good; the characters are fun and dynamic. Each person has something to set them apart and it's easy to track who is who. And then there is Baby the dog, who is wonderful and the best of everyone.
Sadly though, even a chaotic pup isn't enough to lift the mystery. It was so blatant who the baddie was the whole time, that I expected a huge twist... but then there wasn't one? and the ending was super rushed- it felt like some end chapters were missing. My only wonder is that as this is the first of the series if it will continue through into the next book, but to be quite honest - I don't know if I have the patience to find out.
The writing was also frustrating, it felt repetitive and there were points where the characters seemed to completely ignore everything they learnt a few pages before.
5 stars to Baby, but only 2 for the over all mystery.
danamcwi's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
siandee's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
thisbookisbananas's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such an enjoyable beginning to a cozy mystery. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like Madison, the main character. However there is more to her than meets the eye. And I was pleasantly surprised by the dynamics between her and the local law enforcement. The author chose something off the typical cozy beaten path. I am absolutely here for it. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
nikkideeley's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Book 101 of 2024: Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder - Valerie Burns
Maddy has an opportunity to start over again after her fiancé left her and her great-aunt has passed away, leaving her bakery and home to Maddy. Maddy must now stay in New Bison for one year before she can sell up and leave, but when a murder takes place in her bakery one day after moving in, she fears she’s bitten off more than she can chew.
Review:
⭐️ 2/5
I enjoyed the premise of the book and that’s what initially drew me in. It has the makings of a small-town hallmark cosy mystery book, however it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found Maddy’s character rather annoying right from the start (what do you mean your life’s plan was to be a doctor’s wife? Why do you keep talking about being a military brat as if that’s all of who you are?), and there were a few plot holes - for instance when Brad comes to welcome her she’s about to say yes to dinner before answering her phone and then he’s gone - did he leave whilst she was on the phone? Also why is the sheriff expecting Maddy to solve the crimes? I enjoyed the concept although the bad guys were easy to work out from the start, it wasn’t really a true mystery, more of a cosy story. I may read the next one as this story ended so abruptly with unfinished business, but I won’t be rushing to it.
Challenges:
📚Books in 2024: 101/60
📚52 Book Club September Mini Challenge, Prompt #2: In The Kitchen
Book Information:
📖 Pages: 272
📖 Format: e-Book (Library)
📖 Type: Fiction
📖 Genre: Mystery
📖 Series: Baker Street
Favourite Quotes:
“She believed in me. It’s time I believed in me, too”
“cooking was just chemistry you could eat.”
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts”
kimblah's review against another edition
5.0
Maddy, a spoiled socialite & influencer, just inherited a bakery, big house & bigger dog from her Great Aunt Octavia in New Bison, Michigan. On the heels of getting dumped on her wedding day, on livestream, she is ready for change. It’s the perfect chance!
But then someone is murdered in the bakery she inherited, & whoever did it ALSO tried to burn down the bakery. So there is that. With the help of her Aunt Octavia’s friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, & her new mastiff, Baby, she sets out to crack the case.
This book is a cute, cozy mystery that I really enjoyed! I recommend it to those who are into quick, cute reads!
But then someone is murdered in the bakery she inherited, & whoever did it ALSO tried to burn down the bakery. So there is that. With the help of her Aunt Octavia’s friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, & her new mastiff, Baby, she sets out to crack the case.
This book is a cute, cozy mystery that I really enjoyed! I recommend it to those who are into quick, cute reads!
allierose2's review against another edition
2.0
This book is about a social media influence who becomes a baker, and truly I cannot explain how unconvincingly she is at being EITHER of these things. Like hilariously cringey.
Also the ending was so so rushed and abrupt like I was expecting there to be more like…. Plot. Actual clues. Even a red herring. It’s none of the above. The murderer literally justcomes out of the woodwork and threatens the MC for no reason and outs himself with like 10 pages left, and that’s how it resolved.
The dog was cute but also an absolute terrorist, like holy shit.
Also the ending was so so rushed and abrupt like I was expecting there to be more like…. Plot. Actual clues. Even a red herring. It’s none of the above. The murderer literally just
The dog was cute but also an absolute terrorist, like holy shit.
leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
I’m really glad I stuck with this. The sleuth is gen z or baby millennial and very into social media and the finer things, not usually my preferred character type. But the bakery and the dog pulled me in and I ended up loving it.
The cast of characters range in age, health and gender. The chemistry is great. The murders are small town politics and real estate with a side of family history. I really enjoyed it and I hope this series continues.
The cast of characters range in age, health and gender. The chemistry is great. The murders are small town politics and real estate with a side of family history. I really enjoyed it and I hope this series continues.