The best thing I did this year was start this series. This third book was a delight and I adooooore all these recurring characters, but ESPECIALLY Maddy and Baby. Her drive to learn to bake/cook and keep her great aunt's bakery afloat, while also trying to solve the mystery of her death, AND other mysteries that keep fall around her is amazing. She is hilarious and sassy and smart and I just love following her every move. When people from her "old life" come and try to ruin her new one, she does not back down (though I can absolutely feel for her and the anxiety she has trying to trust her new relationships). I could not put this book down and was shocked by the ending! I do hope this series continues!

Thanks to Maddy’s social media savvy, Baby Cakes Bakery is becoming a huge success—so much so that she’s attracted the attention of her former nemesis, the fiancé-stealing Brandy Denton. When Brandy blows into New Bison like an ill wind and disrupts a vlog Maddy’s filming, their argument goes viral. After Brandy’s body is found at Baby Cakes, Maddy instantly goes from viral sensation to murder suspect.
I really like this series and enjoy all the characters. Baby Cakes Bakery is one that I would be a regular at.
#ACupofFlourAPinchofDeath #NetGalley

A deliciously twisty cozy mystery, and a great addition to the series. A perfect blend of small town charm, culinary creativity and a dash of suspense. I love Baby!
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

4 stars for this return to New Bison and the world of Baker Street!

Ahhh, I was so excited for this one! I have adored this series so far, it's so fun and light, and easy to fall in love with the characters. The writing is still as breezy to read as before, but still well written. Maddy's father was a nice addition to the group and only added, in my opinion. The twist was good, though I've been expecting it since book 1. It was still a great read, and I can't wait to get book 4.

My only issue I think is more so with the characterizations and less with the writing itself. I wish it hadn't fallen back on miscommunication between Maddy and Michael throughout the entire book, and I wish April seemed to realize what position and power she could exert as sheriff of New Bison, rather than shrugging her shoulders and stepping down without a fight.

Thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series and cannot wait for the next book!

#Fabulous! A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death, the third book in the Baker Street Mystery series by Valerie Burns, is another fun, madcap mystery filled with the characters we have grown to love.

Maddy Montgomery is enjoying the success of Baby Cakes Bakery, the business she inherited from her Aunt Octavia. Her constant social media presence has attracted the attention of people far outside the small town of New Bison, including Brandy Denton, the woman who stole her fiancé. When Brandy invades Maddy’s turf, things are going to get heated – and captured on video. So, it’s no surprise that, when Brandy is found dead in the bakery, suspicion falls on Maddy. It’s up to her and the Baker Street Irregulars to find the murderer and clear her name.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I love Maddy. She is bold, forthright, and a lot of fun. I liked how we got to see a different side of the Admiral (her father) in this. It gave understanding and depth to their relationship. The mystery (or really mysteries) kept me guessing the whole time, and the resolution was very climactic. I am also glad to have a resolution to the mystery thread that was started in the first book of the series. Pretty much everything you would want in a cozy mystery.

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is a terrific novel on its own, but the series is so fun, I suggest you start at the beginning. I am eagerly awaiting what I hear is a planned fourth book in the series.

Note: I received an ARC of A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies. The above is my honest review.

Valerie Burns’ A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death serves up a delightful mix of mystery, humor, and heart, blending the cozy charm of a small-town bakery with the chilling discovery of a murder. The story kicks off with an intriguing premise: a dead body in the freezer and a bakery owner, Maddy, who ironically can’t bake. As Maddy scrambles to clear her name, readers are pulled into a fast-paced whodunit that’s as entertaining as it is suspenseful.

Burns wastes no time drawing readers into the mystery, skillfully setting the stage for a high-stakes investigation. The plot is well-crafted, with enough twists and red herrings to keep even seasoned mystery fans guessing. Each clue adds a new layer of intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down until the final reveal. The pacing is spot-on, striking a balance between tense moments of danger and lighter, more comedic interludes.

One of the novel’s highlights is its cast of quirky, endearing characters. Maddy is a relatable protagonist, grappling with her own insecurities while displaying grit and determination in the face of adversity. However, it’s Baby, her lovable and fiercely loyal dog, who truly steals the show. Baby’s antics add both humor and heart, providing moments of levity amid the darker elements of the plot. The supporting characters, from Maddy’s close friends to the colorful townsfolk, each bring their own charm and depth, making the world of the story feel vibrant and alive.

Burns also excels in creating an atmosphere that immerses readers in the small-town setting. The bakery, despite Maddy’s lack of baking skills, serves as a warm and inviting backdrop, adding to the cozy feel of the story. The juxtaposition of this cozy environment with the chilling murder mystery enhances the tension, keeping readers on edge.

Verdict:

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is a deliciously addictive cozy mystery that hits all the right notes. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and perfect blend of suspense and humor, Valerie Burns has crafted a story that will delight fans of the genre. Whether you’re in it for the clever twists or the heartwarming moments with Baby, this book is a treat from start to finish. Perfect for readers looking for a mystery that’s both thrilling and fun.

Finishing this series was tough. The first book missed the mark for me, but I gave the second a chance and found it slightly better. However, the third book was incredibly hard to get through. The main character was frustrating, and her choices made it difficult to enjoy the story. While the small-town vibe and baking theme had promise, the series just didn’t work for me. If there’s a fourth book, I won’t be reading it.

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is another cozy murder mystery by Valerie Burns featuring Maddy, who owns a bakery inherited from her aunt. Maddy and her English Mastiff, Baby, try to solve murders while dealing with social media drama. When a social media influencer is found dead in her bakery, Maddy becomes the prime suspect. Her roommate, the sheriff, is replaced with someone who pressures her to confess. With help from friends, clues are gathered, but things take a turn when her ex-fiancé and a mysterious stranger appear. Despite the odds, Maddy navigates through the mystery to uncover the truth. A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death keeps readers engaged with its charming characters, intriguing plot, and mouth-watering descriptions of baked goods.

A fun murder mystery series with a great setting and even better cast of characters. It was fun learning more about the past and getting answers we've all been looking for. While still open for more, I felt there was a little closure in this book. I hope I am wrong and there will be more in the series.

Valerie's writing style is so character driven, you can't help but become friends with her cast.

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is just another charming, romantic comfort cozy murder mystery by the incredible Valerie Burns. It's funny, there are murders to solve, interesting characters and an adorable English Mastiff named Baby. And if that isn't enough, the main character owns a bakery, and one can almost taste and smell what they are baking!

Maddy's new life as owner of Baby Cakes Bakery, the store her Aunt Octavia owned and which she inherited (along with her aunt's dog...very big dog, named Baby) when she died under very mysterious circumstances.

Maddy's life has finally settled down and she and Baby understand each other, sort of. Maddy has even been attempting to do some baking, as in her prior life she was a social influencer on social media. But when of all people, Brandy Denton, another social media influencer AND the woman who took her fiancé a doctor away from her visits this small town, Maddy goes ballistic on her. Unfortunately, the fight was caught on tape and put on social medial with many views. Of course this happens in Maddy's bakery!

So, when Brandy shows us dead in the bakery, well unfortunately for Maddy, she becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Why does this keep happening to her? Her roommate, Sherriff April Johnson is taken off the case and the head honcho of the next town who Maddy has butt heads with in the past takes over and pressures her to confess. So does her own lawyer who keeps telling her he can work out a deal.

But, with a little help from her friends, her boyfriend Michael, the local veterinarian as well as the hardworking Baker Street Irregulars, friends of her beloved aunt and murder mystery buffs begin to collect clues.

But it doesn't seem to be going well. Her ex-fiancé shows up as well as a mysterious stranger who informs Maddy that he has kept something her aunt gave him to give to her. But just as he is to meet her, something goes wrong.

With all this against Maddy, how will this end?

A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death will not disappoint. With so many moving parts, and a wonderful, surprising ending, which will excite Maddy and Baby fans, I suggest you sit and read this delightful story with a cup of coffee (or tea) with one of the recipes at the end of the book!

Thank you #NetGalley #Kensington #ValerieBurns #ACupofFlour,aPinchofDeath for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, & Valerie Burns for the eARC.

Not another dead body in the bakery!! Lawd lol. I have thoroughly enjoyed this cute cozy page turning murder mystery read/series. If you are reading this review for Book 3 you more than likely have read the other 2. If you haven’t read the other books. Stop. Go read the other 2 books. Lol anyways This gave me answers and confirmed my suspicions!
I just needed Maddy to work on communication but I get being insecure after relationship trauma. Highly recommend reading it.

I'm writing for a lifestyle site launching in Dec 2024. I'm recommending this title! The tone, and the characters, are engaging. And the mystery is solid.

I really hope this isn't the conclusion to the series simply because I love these books! I love her dog, I love the antics. I love the dynamics of townspeople relationships. There's so much to love!

I am generally quite enjoying this series. In this one, former influencer/socialite-turned-baker/bakeshop-owner, Madison, is forced to confront her own past when her former friend shows up in towner. Brandy Denton became "former" when she slept with Maddy's ex-fiancée, Elliot. Now that Maddy seems to be gaining a social media following and a new life, Brandy has shown up in New Bison, seemingly wanting to ruin Maddy's life again.
I say I am "generally" enjoying this series because Maddy is (at least to my memory) suddenly very emotional. She's breaking down, running out of rooms, and generally being more helpless than I remember. I'm hoping that got edited in the print copy but really annoyed me in this book. Hopefully, that changes in the series going forward as I have enjoyed these books so far.

Three stars
This book comes out
Baker Street #3
Follows Murder is a Piece of Cake
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I loved this it was fun , light-hearted and page turning.
I loved all the supporting characters they brought real comic relief.
I would read another from this author.

Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is book #3 in the Baker Street Mystery series by Valerie Burns.

I knew I was going to enjoy this from the first chapter. I enjoy humor and this book delivered on it right away. I like the characters, lovable dog, nice setting and interesting mystery. I enjoyed how everything was wrapped up the end.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death: A Baker Street Mystery
By Valerie Burns
Kensington
September 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

After her humiliation of being left at the altar was live-streamed and went viral, social media influencer Maddy Montgomery took advantage of an unexpected inheritance to flee L.A. and move to New Bison, Michigan to take over her late Great-aunt Octavia’s bakery. Along with Baby Cakes Bakery came the unexpected gift of Aunt Octavia’s 250-pound Champion English Mastiff Baby, a Georgian-style home, and the four close friends who make up the Baker Street Irregulars. After deciding that the mandatory residence was a gift she’d like to continue past the one-year requirement, Maddy is shocked when her old life arrives in the form of mean girl Brandy Denton. She was the woman Maddy’s ex-fiancé Elliot Lawson ran away with on the day of his supposed wedding, and Brandy seems intent on continuing her reign of torment with insults posted on social media. Their latest confrontation has Maddy wishing Brandy dead, which also has the unfortunate result of making the baker owner the prime suspect when Brandy is found dead in Baby Cakes Bakery.

Maddy had previously been focused on learning how to boil 5 dozen eggs for the police
Easter egg hunt without them exploding in her kitchen, but now she must do everything she can to keep herself out of prison. Brandy had been the first (with malicious delight) to show Maddy pictures of her boyfriend Michael with another woman, and unfortunately it was not photoshopped. Dr. Michael Portman has just brought in his gorgeous ex-girlfriend to be a partner in his veterinary practice, and while he is emphatic that they are now just friends, Maddy was too recently burned by her own ex to accept it. Perhaps it’s not the best time for her navy veteran father, aka the Admiral, to arrive for a visit to support his stressed-out daughter, but Maddy will need all the help she can get when she seems to be stalked by a mysterious blue-eyed man. Maddy does what she can to combat the negative postings by Brandy’s assistant by hashtagging Baby Cakes Bakery treats, but she will also be forced to face her ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend, both who have arrived in town and are staying in the same inn now being run by a famous milliner fashionista. Complicating matters further is the discovery that Aunt Octavia has left yet another message for her grand-niece, one that warns of danger and fears that not everyone in New Bison can be trusted. A possible traitor in their midst, an art forgery scheme, and dealing with a bout of jealousy have Maddy stressed out and relying more than ever on Baby, Michael, and her strict but loving father.

This third in the series ingeniously incorporates a mystery that began in the first while also compellingly introducing the newest murder of Brandy Denton. Many loose ends will be tied up by the conclusion, and Maddy discovers a new connection with her father as she learns more about her parents’ relationship. While the influencer saw the dark side of social media as comments caused her to flee her former life, the support from her neighbors and customers in New Bison reveals just how caring real people can be. Fans will be delighted and satisfied by Maddy’s growth and the very rewarding conclusion of this funny, social-media-savvy mystery.

Ooooo wee I absolutely love this crime fighting community. The third book in The Baker Street Mystery and I love it. Once again Maddy finds herself a suspect for someone she had beef with and we know Trooper would stop at nothing to lock her up. Thank goodness for the New Bison crew and top of that list is a hundred pound mastiff named Baby who will and has taken a bullet for its owner.

Burns has such a great pen, the story development outstanding and we’ve been waiting for more information on the Admiral and we got that in this book. We also got to see a beautiful budding friendship, well a couple of those. This story touched my heart because Maddy was struggling and the thing she was struggling with came to light at the end when she finds family and so much more.

In exchange for my thoughtful and honest review I received a digital copy from NetGalley.

This was so enjoyable! A great food-themed cozy mystery. This is the third in the series and the overarching mystery from the earlier books is solved is in this one. I’m hoping there is more books to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series so much! So cute! Was so excited to read this one when I saw it on here! Cozies are so great! Maddie solved the crime of course! Baby as always a big help