Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns MY Review

 

About the book 

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.”– The New York Times Book Review

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.

A CrimeReads Most Anticipated Book Of 2022

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 250-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.

“Everyone is a suspect in Valerie Burns’s entertaining new mystery, filled with surprising twists, suspicious characters and a mastiff named Baby who will win your heart. Top that off with humor and delicious recipes and you have a delight of a cozy.” —Valerie Wilson Wesley, author of A Fatal Glow

And I thought . . .

I recently began listening to Audio books on You Tube. 

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed Valerie Burns  Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder.

From the first line I was hooked. 

Madison the main character made you giggle and laugh.  

Madilene starts out as a priviledged and a bit entitled 'Rich Girl'.  I pictured The Legally Blond movie which in itself is a hoot because Madison is a woman of color. 

The story moved fast and I didn't have time 'Not to like' Madison. 

One thing I did like was the plot.  It was refreshing that the main character wasn't broke amd in desperate need of the inheritance she just received. 

What Madison did need was to 'find' herself. 

And she did as she learned to Bake and Manage her new business left to her by her Great Aunt Octavia. 

She used her hobby talent in Social Media to grow her new business after a murder and fire in her bakery almost caused the Bakery to close.  I was inspired not only with Madison' Savvy but also the Savvy of Aunt Octavia.  

She knew something was amiss and left clues for Monica. 

I enjoyed all the sub characters.  Giving a bit of a spoiler but I am glad the Author let Madison and Michael the vet get together and not string us along with an on again off again relationship through several books. 

I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.  

I am waiting to see what trouble Madison manages to get into and out of. 

And I am curious if the priest who was in the first scene plays into any future story lines.  

And if the Admiral Madisons father joins the cast. 

I have to give 5 stars.

My review will appear on Good Reads.

I am unable to post on Amazon. 

I will feature also on  FB and Instagram. 

Cozy New Releases

 All titles available on Amazon

Antiques Foe

 by Barbara Allan 

When popular podcaster Nicole Chatterton wants an interview for Killers Caught, true-crime author Vivian Borne is overjoyed. Finally, some recognition for the sleuthing skills the septuagenarian antiques dealer and her daughter Brandy have demonstrated, solving countless crimes in their small hometown of Serenity, Iowa! 

Under the Cocoon Moon 

by Kathleen Bailey 

Olivia Penn is looking forward to spending time with her friends and family over the holidays in her hometown of Apple Station, Virginia. The Christmas season’s spirit has sparked a new romance, and all is looking merry and bright, until she is mistaken for a dead woman.   

Veronica Ruiz Breaks The Bank 

by Elle Cosimano 

Veronica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life—though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramón’s apartment, planning to change her name and start over, away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland). Format: Digital, Audio

Cover Not Available 

Caught in the Traminette 

by J.C. Eaton 

When reluctant winery owner Norrie Ellington is gifted with cockroach DNA, she thinks things couldn’t get worse. But then the body of a noted developer is found at a neighboring winery, and all fingers point to her friend Madeline Martinez. It doesn’t help that Madeline was seen having verbal altercations with the man on two different occasions, when he outbid her for lakefront property she planned to use for planting traminette grapes. 

Cry Wolf 

by Lark O. Jensen 

With boat tours off the coast of Alaska shut down for the winter, tour guide Stacie Calder is joining the dedicated team at the Juneau Wildlife World, a wild animal sanctuary. Along with Sasha, her husky companion, she’s prepared to spend the long season in the scenic park. But not everyone is so chipper about the newcomers—least of all, Stacie’s new manager, Oliver Brownling. He constantly gives Stacie a hard time, specifically because she brought Sasha along with her. That is, until his mauled body is found in a remote part of the sanctuary containing wolves. 

A Killer App 

by Linda Lovely 

Kylee Kane, a security consultant for Welch HOA Management, finds the first victim, Andy Fyke, crumpled at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Kylee suspects his fall’s no accident and is tied to Andy’s campaign to prohibit rentals in his Hilton Head Island community. Yet, Andy’s obvious enemies have ironclad alibis. 

Murder under the Mistletoe

 by Sherry Lynn 

Landscape artist and owner of SeaScapes, Kinsley Clark has been re-hired to decorate the town of Harborside for the upcoming holiday season and boat parade. Using the local elements found in Maine, Kinsley creates kissing balls—the town’s official mistletoe—to hang downtown and along the wharf. Kinsley is also responsible for Harborside’s official “lobster-stacked” Christmas tree, located beside the local marina, where the annual Harborside Boat Parade & Fireworks Display takes place. 

The Women Sleuths Club Murder

 by Sharon Michaels 

When a supposedly idyllic lobstering cruise takes an unexpected turn, steamy romance author, baker and amateur sleuth, Tabitha Clive, finds herself accused of murdering her husband’s former sister-in-law, Ethel Brownville.   

Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal

 by Raquel V. Reyes 

A surprise trip to Miriam’s parents in Punta Cana, which should be filled with arroz con pollo and breezy days under the tamarind tree, quickly becomes a hunt for a possible property saboteur. But before Miriam can begin to uncover the person damaging the vacation rentals her parents manage, she’s called away to Puerto Rico to film a Three Kings Day special. She’s welcomed to the blue ballast-stone streets of Old San Juan by crime scene tape, and things only get worse from there. 

Murder Comes Home

 by Rosalie Spielman 

Army retiree Tessa Treslow is as excited as the other residents of New Oslo, Idaho, when the cast and crew of the TV show Picks with Ricks comes to town! Tessa and her Aunt Edna put their car restoration business on hold to let the celebrity antique hunters pick through their old garage, hoping the trash contains a treasure that will help fund their new business. But it turns out that the pickers come with TV cameras, likeable stars, a stressed-out producer—and a murderer! 

Pizza Pie Puzzler My Review

 

About the book 

When Antonio's mobile pizza kitchen starts poaching Felicia's customers, she's less than pleased. But then a rash of vandalism culminates in the rival food truck going up with a bang, and her cook, Arnie, has some explaining to do. It's up to Felicia to find the real perpetrator before Arnie is charged with the crime.

And I thought

A refreshing short Cozy Read. 

I thought it would be fun to read and feature yesterday since it was National Cheese Pizza Day. 

I was delighted and charmed.  

Not because of the Pizza ...

Actually the Pizza Guy- Wise Guy was the bad guy. No give a ways here.  It is all part of the plot. 

The P.G.  was a convicted felon back in town for another go at the unsuspecting Seniors.  P.G. parked his Pizza Truck right across from a Senior Home.  

Smart Guy.  Wish I had thought of it. 

The main characters are frustrated when they begin loosing business and find out Wise Guy/Pizza Guy is luring the old folks over with discount food and free fireworks for the upcoming 4th.  

I enjoyed this short story.  It was a refreshing read for several reasons.  The main reason there was no murder.  Only an intention to swindle. And an intention to 'get back' at folks 'Wise Guy/Pizza Guy' thought wronged him. 

The negative...

The were lots of characters. I had a hard time keeping them straight.  

W.G.'s exes. 

All the residents

The homeless 

But even though there where lots of characters it was easy to keep up with the plot.  I thought it was well written and plotted.  

Knowing nothing about the author I wondered if she writes full length books. 

Either way I look forward to read more. 

I Iistened to the free copy I found

on You Tube.

I will post my review on Good Reads and on FB. 

I now longer have access to my Amazon account. If A decides to give me access again I will post there. 

At this point I am not a friend of Amazon. 

Buy the book 

I am sharing the purchase link for customers and to benefit Authors. 

Amazon will not let me back in my account. 

To start a new one I have to make 50 purchases. 

https://www.amazon.com/Pizza-Pie-Puzzler-Felicias-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08129RKHD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lnvngKzmxT8udVGIb_GPwyIimYGDrHlAxuLDQ6fhC5LgIssOCSWZo9xIEGt5XG5rYyIbHLpxIJENztK9yFnoxywbyvwkGUMjc1nSFFibqjtFJoAykEYuEabZqUqLQGudnNrEcq-4jw-IcC4wdJlI9S5SOoZvKdI8Sb_PBANMoxX7JMfMV3df-SD_cvxlV1DXP-PSgjwN-f1H8NYNhaDm3g.Jw4XUnImZt5yvujsQaFyTQfnbI0v_io26yrT8Fk_K2Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=pizza+pie+puzzlers&qid=1725636517&sr=8-1

Happy Cheese Pizza Day

 

Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink

 

This was a fantastic read by Dana Mentink, you'll fall in love with Pinky the bloodhound as much as I did.  

This page turner draws you in from page 1 and does not let you go till all the questions are answered and 

Happy Ending. 

Fugitive Search is a thrilling ride that will keep you turning the pages. 

Here is the back cover summary:

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. QqNow they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

Pre-order your copy today, coming later this month: 

https://www.amazon.com/Fugitive-Search.../dp/1335980083

Excerpt Wednesday feat. Puppies and Puzzles by Sharon Michaels

 

Reaď the Excerpt . . . 

Maya’s heart skipped a beat as she realized someone left what sounded like puppies on her doorstep. With a mix of confusion and concern, Maya quickly pulled back the blanket to reveal the adorable sight of three puppies cuddled closely together, their dark eyes gazing up at her.

Why would anyone leave three puppies on her doorstep?  

As she looked closer, she noticed a small brown paper bag at the bottom of the basket. Curious, Maya reached inside the bag and pulled out puzzle pieces. As she examined the pieces, she recognized the intricate designs as pictures from two cold cases she’d worked on years before. Her pulse quickened. Someone was sending her a message. 

About the book  

If you like a cozy mystery that has…

A fun, clean whodunit with twists and turns.

Three generations of one family sleuthing together.

Dog detectives sniffing out clues and bad guys.

A small town with hidden secrets.

A close-knit community coming together to solve crime.

… then this is the short read book for you.

Retired police detective Maya Thompson is enjoying her quiet retirement when her peaceful life is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of a basket of adorable puppies on her doorstep. Along with the puppies, Maya finds a set of puzzle pieces that seem to hold clues to two cold cases that have haunted her for years.

As Maya digs deeper into the mysterious puzzle pieces, she is drawn back into the world of investigation and soon finds herself on the trail of long-buried secrets and hidden truths. With the help of her furry companions, and an unexpected ally, Maya must unravel the clues before time runs out. 

Buy the book 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

The series . . . 

All available at link above

Meet The Character feat. Maya Thompson Canine Cozy Mysteries by Sharon Michaels

 

Maya Thompson, a dedicated 40-year police detective, was born and raised in a small town where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from her parents. Her passion for justice and serving her community led her to join the police force at a young age.

Throughout her career, Maya earned a reputation for being fearless and resourceful, always going the extra mile to solve even the most challenging cases. Her sharp investigative skills and unwavering commitment to upholding the law made her a respected figure in the department.

Ten years ago, tragedy struck when Maya’s beloved husband passed away unexpectedly. After four decades on the force, Maya decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and excellence in law enforcement.

She may be retired but she hasn’t left crime solving behind. Maya, her son Ethan, and granddaughter Lily along with their three canine detective helpers, jump in when needed to make sure their small town of Sunridge Junction stays safe. 

Your Kindle and Kindle Unlimited copies 

are waiting for you here:From Bestselling author Sharon Michaels on Amazon

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with suspense, fun characters, smart animals, and maybe a bit of paranormal. Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:

https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

The series ...

Turning The Pages feat. Graven Images by Lori Roberts Herbst

 

The first line or two . . . 

A soft breeze wafted
through the aspen trees, sending dangling golden leaves into a frenzied dance

beneath the glinting sunlight. 

The scent of pine drifted on the wind. I turned my face upward and smiled at the warmth of the autumn

sun as it broke throught the low hanging fog. 

And on page 56 . . . 

A bit from chapter 10

. . . My father sank into the chair, looking forlorn. 

. . . He ran a hand through his hair.  "It's a long story Sundance...

The last page . . . 

Just teasing.  You'll have to read the book. 

About the book . . .

A photo assignment at the cemetery leads Callie Cassidy to a corpse—this one above ground. Now, her search for the killer unearths some long-buried secrets…

Callie’s mother Maggie, a notorious hobby jumper, has embarked on a new pursuit—grave rubbing. When she recruits her daughter to photograph her first endeavor at the local cemetery, Callie brings golden retriever Woody and tabby cat Carl along for the outing. It’s a breathtaking autumn morning in Rock Creek Village, Colorado. Golden aspen leaves rustle in the cool breeze, and the air is filled with the scent of pine. What could go wrong on a day like this?

Then, a ghostly woman emerges from the trees, bleeding from a head wound and claiming to have no memory of how she arrived, or even who she is. Maggie quickly identifies her as a woman who disappeared from the village forty years ago—without a trace.

If that’s not enough intrigue, Woody disobeys her and sprints deeper into the cemetery. When Callie catches up to him, he is sitting sentinel at the tombstone of a recently deceased villager. And behind the stone, a man lies on the ground—with a pickaxe jutting from his neck.

Callie recognizes him as the low-level mobster who has been dating her best friend Tonya’s mother—and they’d been having problems. Did Tonya’s mother kill the man? Could it have been the mysterious woman? Or maybe someone with ties to his crime family?

Callie can’t resist investigating—and this time, Detective Raul Sanchez welcomes her assistance. Because if they can’t solve the crime soon, the town may be facing grave consequences…

The series . . .  

Curl up with a cozy mystery series that leaves you feeling good!

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Rock Creek Village is an idyllic hamlet with hardly any crime to speak of—unless you count murder...

You'll love following photographer Callie Cassidy, her golden retriever and tabby cat, and her quirky friends and family members as they solve mysteries in their mountainside town. Grab all five and start reading today!

Graven Images is available on 

Amazon.  Click Here

Linking at blog parties and FB 

Cozy New Releases

  

Updated . . . .I missed this one that releases on Thursday 

*Small Town 

*Cozy Mystery 

*Dog Detectives

*Amateur Sleuths

*Twists and Turns

Releases tomorrow - May 23rd!!! - Available for pre-order

Kindle - read free with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon U.S. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVVGBX3B

Amazon Universal Link: https://mybook.to/CanineCozySeries

Double Blast 

by Gretchen Archer 

(Humorous Mystery)

Davis Way Cole returns to her hometown of Pine Apple, Alabama, to fill in for her police chief father during the bustling Memorial Day Celebration. It’ll be fun. Relaxing. And a no-brainer. After years of leading an elite security team at a billion-dollar casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, Davis has no doubt whatsoever she can run little ole Pine Apple in her sleep. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Murder in the Air 

edited by Karen Cantwell and Cathy Wiley (Cozy, Short Story Anthology)

Soar to thrilling new heights of mystery with Murder in the Air, the fourth installment of the Destination Murders anthologies. This exhilarating collection features eight cozy mystery short stories where danger soars and suspense floats on every breeze. 

Available on Amazon 

Click 

Shanghai Murder

 by Jessie Chandler 

Shay O’Hanlon and her team of friendly misfits travel from Minnesota to Portland to attend the annual Big on Beans Convention—in search of a new joe for Shay’s café. The crew is poised to spend the weekend flying high on Voodoo Doughnuts and a surplus of caffeine. But bad java, stolen ammunition, and an overheard conversation throw all the fun right out of the Oregon Convention Center’s window. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here 

Swiped Here

 by L. M. Chilton 

(Mystery Romance)

Gwen Turner has made a bloody mess of her life. She recently broke up with the best man she’s ever known for reasons even she can’t admit to herself and quit a lucrative job to open her own coffee shop. To top it all off, her best friend is getting married and leaving her behind in singlehood. 

Available on Amazon 

Click 

A Cyclist’s Guide To Crime & Croissants 

by Ann Claire 

Nine months ago, Sadie Greene shocked friends and family by ditching her sensible office job in the Chicago suburbs and buying a sight-unseen French bicycling tour company, Oui Cycle. Now she’s living the unconventional life of her dreams in the gorgeous village of Sans-Souci-sur-Mer. Sans souci means carefree, but Sadie feels enough pressure to burst a tire when hometown friends arrive for a tour, including her former boss, Dom Appleton. Sadie is determined to show them the wonders of France and cycling—and to prove she made the right move.  

Available on Amazon 

Click Here  

The Diva Goes Overboard 

by Krista Davis 

In Old Town Alexandria’s unlikeliest match, Natasha Smith’s free-spirited mother, Wanda, is engaged to notoriously pompous antiques dealer, Orson Chatsworth—leaving Natasha to plan the entire wedding, beginning with an elaborate engagement party. For the extravagant affair, Natasha splurges on trendy food boards created by rising social media star, Stella St. James. The sumptuous boards go way beyond basic cheese and crackers, as Stella dazzles guests with picture-worthy butter boards, dessert boards, and even doughnut boards. Just as Natasha planned, the food is to die for—until someone actually does. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Limited Edition Murder 

by Lauren Elliott 

Although enjoying her extended stay working at Second Chance Books and Bindery in West Yorkshire, Addie still feels adrift—far from home, her friends, and her own beloved bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios. The engagement party of her dear friend, Tony, at Milton Manor promises to be a joyful distraction. But there’s an ill wind blowing at the estate: When Tony presents his fiancé with a special copy of Wuthering Heights as an engagement gift, the lord of the manor insists the book was stolen from his library . . . 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here 

A Pose Before Dying 

by Alex Erickson 

Ashley Branson has a lot to prove with her new cat yoga studio, A Purrfect Pose. It’s a place for humans to find inner wellness—and adopt adorable cats from the local shelter. It’s also a chance for Ash to run her own life, out from under her overbearing mother and a stifling relationship. So far, so successful. Until she discovers one of her new clients, a much-disliked college professor, dead in her studio, locked in child’s pose. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Death Behind Every Door 

by Heather Graham (Traditional Mystery) 

When FBI special agent Luke Kendrick discovers chilling evidence of dozens of victims at a crime scene in London, he recognizes the calling card of the notorious H. H. Holmes Society. Named for the eighteenth-century monster regarded as America’s first serial killer, the society is comprised of a twisted web of killers, working to carry out heinous murders in Holmes’s memory. And now the group’s been linked to a Scottish castle turned B and B—where guests check in but never check out. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Lights, Camera, Bones

 by Carolyn Haines 

Delaney Detective Agency gets a taste of the spotlight when they are called to a case on a movie set in Greenville, MS, right on the Mississippi River. Marlon Brandon, heir to a wealthy and influential political family, has brought a film crew to town to film a drama about the 1927 flood that submerged a great deal of Greenville. Marlon wants the world to know the story of the flood—and the heroic role the Brandon ancestors played in rescuing dozens of local residents from drowning. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here 

Murder at the Spelling Bee 

by Lee Hollis

Twelve-year-old Rocco Fanelli is a spelling bee champ in the making. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the local middle-school bee and go on to the regionals, the state, and ultimately the nationals. Which is why someone is trying to intimidate him to drop out with a threatening note in his locker. Rocco’s concerned parents hire Maya and Sandra to uncover the culprit and ensure their son’s safety  

Available on Amazon 

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The Last to Pie 

by Misha Popp 

Daisy Ellery is back to doing what she does best: making pies and killing guys. And it’s about to get more dangerous than ever. Daisy knows the statistic–domestic violence perpetrated by cops is rampant. It was only a matter of time before she was called in to help. But when this request arrives in her inbox, it isn’t accompanied by the required referral and that makes Daisy nervous. Is this really a woman trapped in a violent relationship, or is it a shady cop trying to uncover Daisy’s murdery side hustle? 

Available on Amazon 

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Sentenced To Murder 

by Sue Minix 

Just as Jen sits down to start writing her next murder mystery novel, she stumbles across a chilling real-life case: a man who claims he’s been wrongly convicted for murder. Time is running out for Jaylon as he needs a kidney transplant to save his life, something he’ll never receive while he’s in prison for murder.  

Available on Amazon 

Click Here