Reviews

Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns

seighboo's review

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jmbq_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

In this second Baker Street mystery, Maddy is almost ready to reopen her Baby Cakes Bakery after a fire, though she has kept the business running from her home with help from her friends. Unfortunately, she faces a challenge from an outsider who wants to open up a French bakery across the street from her -- wealthy businessman Clayton Jefferson Davenport, who also happens to be the estranged husband of her friend and tenant April Johnson (the sheriff). When Davenport turns up dead soon after his arrival in town, and both Maddy and April appear to be suspects, Maddy rallies her so-called Baker Street Irregulars to help her solve the murder.

This entertaining cozy mystery gives the reader more insight into some of the regular characters, especially April and head baker Leroy. Some of the plot threads from the first book carry through here (and appear to have enough momentum for a third book in future), so it feels like Maddy has more than one mystery to solve. (And given the abrupt ending, I don't think she has completely solved either of them.)

Fast paced and fun. 3.5 stars rounded up (especially for Baby the mastiff).

Thank you, Kensington and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

alireadsandknits's review against another edition

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4.0

When I read the first book in this series, I was on the fence if I'd continue, until about 50% in. I had a hard time liking Maddy However, the second half of the book she started to mature and I ended the book knowing I'd read the next in the series.
Murder is a Piece of Cake was a delight from beginning to end. I loved reading how Maddy has grown and formed true friendships with the folks of New Bison. All the characters are great and Baby is a sweet boy (I'm really loving dogs in my books lately)!
How I wish I could go to Baby Cakes Bakery and meet all these people.
I am looking forward to book three!

ireanirean's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

the_library's review

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emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.25

sshinesea's review

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

An easy reading cozy mystery 

_ashlee_'s review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No

4.0

hilarymaloy's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to Kensington for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This may be my new favorite cozy mystery series. The vibes are perfect, but NOT boring.

eaeaster's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted

3.0

shelfaddiction's review against another edition

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3.0

Unfortunately the second one wasn't as good as the first. The pacing seemed a little slower and I caught myself not really listening to the audiobook at times, which led to more re-listening of parts than I'd prefer. It's still a decent story although the relationships got a bit convoluted in my opinion.