A review by nikkideeley
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns

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”