Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns (Baker Street Mystery #1) * * * *
This is a straightforward cosy mystery. Maddie is an influencer in Los Angeles whose life collapses after she is left at the altar. She then inherits a bakery, a house, and a dog from her great aunt in a small town called New Buffalo. The will requires her to stay there for a year. Soon after she arrives, the town’s mayor is murdered, and she gets involved in the investigation, while using her influencer career to the advantage of her new bakery, and the whole town.
The strongest part of the book is the cast. Maddie works as a main character because her situation forces a clear transition. She is used to a curated online life and has to adjust to a slower, more personal environment. That contrast drives a lot of the early interactions. The side characters are distinct and easy to keep track of. They have specific roles in the story and don’t blur together, which is important in a mystery.
The dog, Baby, is also handled well. He is not just there for charm. He reacts to situations, notices things, and contributes to how certain scenes unfold. He has a function in the plot.
The setting is clearly described without slowing the story down. The bakery, the house, and the town are all easy to picture. The baking element is used consistently. There are repeated references to recipes, preparation, and food, which ties into the main setting and gives the book a steady theme.
The pacing is good. It is a relatively short audiobook, and it keeps moving. There are enough developments outside the main investigation to prevent it from feeling repetitive. You are not just following clues. You are also following Maddie settling into the town and forming relationships, getting to know the people in her new hometown.
One detail that stood out is the use of old Hollywood film references. These are used in dialogue and character thoughts. If you know the films, it adds an extra layer, but it is not necessary to understand the story. I enjoyed them, because I got the references, so it made the author feel like she was a very similar person to me.
The weaker part is the resolution. Without spoiling it, it didn’t feel as fulfilling as it should have, nor was it such a surprising reveal.
The ending itself is still satisfying, and it leaves an open thread for the next book, which works well for a series.
Overall, I would recommend this if you want a light, character-focused cosy mystery with a clear setting and steady pacing. It is easy to follow and enjoyable, even if the mystery itself is not the strongest part.
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