As I settled into my favorite armchair with a steaming cup of tea, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement as I cracked open “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” by Valerie Burns. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good cozy mystery, and the promise of a baking-themed whodunit set in a charming small town was just too tempting to resist.
I stumbled upon this book during one of my late-night scrolling sessions on social media. Ironically, it was a targeted ad that caught my eye – much like our protagonist Madison Montgomery might have created in her previous life as a social media expert. The cover, with its whimsical illustration of a cupcake and a magnifying glass, practically screamed “read me!” And who was I to argue?
From the very first page, I was hooked. Madison’s journey from jilted bride to reluctant baker and amateur sleuth was both hilarious and heartwarming. I found myself chuckling out loud at her attempts to navigate small-town life in New Bison, Michigan, armed with nothing but her smartphone and a penchant for hashtags. As someone who’s equally hopeless in the kitchen, I could relate all too well to Maddy’s baking disasters.
One of the strongest aspects of the book, in my opinion, is the cast of supporting characters. The Baker Street Irregulars, a group of Maddy’s aunt’s friends, are an absolute delight. They remind me of the gossipy but well-meaning elderly neighbors I grew up around, always ready with a cup of sugar and a juicy bit of town gossip. And let’s not forget Baby, the 200-pound English Mastiff. As a dog lover myself, I found the scenes with Baby to be some of the most endearing in the book.
However, I did find myself occasionally rolling my eyes at Maddy’s overuse of hashtags in her dialogue. While I understand it’s meant to emphasize her background in social media, at times it felt a bit forced and pulled me out of the story. That being said, it’s a minor gripe in an otherwise enjoyable read.
One passage that particularly stuck with me was when Maddy finally managed to bake a decent batch of cupcakes. The author’s description of Maddy’s triumph was so vivid I could almost smell the vanilla and feel the pride of a job well done. It reminded me of my own small victories in the kitchen and made me want to dust off my mixing bowls and give baking another shot.
Burns’ writing style is light and breezy, perfect for a cozy mystery. She has a knack for balancing humor with suspense, keeping me guessing until the very end. I particularly enjoyed the nods to classic detective fiction – it felt like a fun, modern twist on the genre.
As I turned the last page, I found myself reflecting on the themes of new beginnings and finding oneself in unexpected places. Maddy’s journey from social media maven to small-town baker and sleuth resonated with me more than I expected. It made me ponder my own career path and wonder if I’ve been too afraid to step out of my comfort zone.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It’s the perfect read for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a cozy night in. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries, baking, or just enjoy a good laugh, “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” has something for everyone. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the Baker Street Mystery series.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to start a little book club with some friends, and this will be our first pick. I can already imagine the lively discussions we’ll have over cupcakes (store-bought in my case – I’m not quite ready to channel my inner Maddy just yet).
So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet escape with a side of murder, I highly recommend giving “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” a try. Just be warned – you might find yourself craving cupcakes and contemplating a career change by the time you’re done!