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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Influencer-turned-bakery-owner Maddy Montgomery has sold plenty of wedding cakes before, but before she turns one out for her and her fiancé’s wedding, she’ll have to solve a little case of murder . . .
Icing on the Murder is the fourth book in the Baker Street Bakery. While I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series, I still found this book easy to read and follow.
Icing on the Murder is quite the departure from my normal reads, but I found this to be really enjoyable. I really liked the writing style and was thoroughly entertained by the characters. Icing on the Murder has a little bit of everything, from murder to mystery to a dash of romance. Icing on the Murder was my first cozy mystery read and definitely won’t be my last.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.*
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
ICING ON THE MURDER by Valerie Burns
The Fourth Baker Street Mystery
The Fourth Baker Street Mystery
Social media influencer and bakery shop owner Madison Montgomery is excited that a huge bridal expo is coming to New Bison, Michigan. Not only will she and her crew promote Baby Cakes Bakery, she'll also be able to check out all the nuptial possibilities for her own wedding. The biggest news is that Serafina, the hottest wedding planner in the world, is having a contest for one lucky bride to have a Serafina planned wedding. Afraid of too many bridal decisions Maddie is determined to win. Unfortunately, Serafina is a horrible woman who goes out of her way to make people miserable. Before a winner can be chosen Serafina is murdered, by Baby Cakes' skewers. Trooper Bob is ready to accuse Maddy, but with the expo and subsequent murder occurring at the casino, there's a question of jurisdiction.With little time for the Baker Street Irregulars to solve the crime, the friends divvy up the suspects. Will they solve the murder before it's too late?
I must admit I was behind in this series. I'm generally a stickler for reading series in order, but thought I'd jump in. Consequently, I was a bit confused at the start; Maddie getting married?! However, I soon got caught up and the mystery itself required no prior knowledge, so even if this is your first Baker Street Mystery you'll quickly get into the swing of things.
Perhaps because I'm older I have an issue with social media influencers. But what was really annoying me about Maddie was her inability to trust her own decisions and a need to have another influencer plan her own wedding, despite what her friends and fiancé said. Who cares about the types of chairs or how napkins are folded?! However, this series is one of growth and Maddie does have the ability to develop and grow. For all her insecurities she is smart and likable, although not as likable as Baby. Baby is a wonderful, slobbery, giant ball of love who is a valiant protector as well. The one thing I discovered that I did not like is that Maddie intends to use him as a stud. There are too many healthy animals who are killed as there are not enough homes and promoting breeding, even in a work of fiction, is wrong. Baby is one in a million, but Maddie should not see breeding him as a way to earn money!
I enjoyed the mystery. With a tyrant such as Serafina there were so many suspects. I enjoyed seeing the Baker Street Irregulars work their magic and find the killer. I also loved how the team worked together, not only in solving the crime, but also watching Maddie and Leroy working together to create new cake concepts!
Bridal options, delicious food, and a 250 pound love bug make ICING ON THE MURDER a delectably fun mystery.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Influencer-turned-bakery-owner Maddy Montgomery is getting married to her prince charming (veterinarian/former soldier) Michael Portman. Her first non-wedding cost a fortune but Michael just wants something very simple. But Maddy enters a contest hoping to win a consult with a famous wedding planner who turns out to be VERY unpleasant. Then very DEAD. Let the investigating begin, but NOT with Trooper Bob! Great fun!
Available Jul 29 2025
#IcingOnTheMurder @vmburnsbooks #BakerStreetMysteriesBk4 @kensingtonbooks #cozymystery #weddingmadness #amateursleuth #baker #Michigan #CrimeWritersOfColor #unpleasantvictim #fun
@goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones *****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #NetGalley #situationalhumor
Available Jul 29 2025
#IcingOnTheMurder @vmburnsbooks #BakerStreetMysteriesBk4 @kensingtonbooks #cozymystery #weddingmadness #amateursleuth #baker #Michigan #CrimeWritersOfColor #unpleasantvictim #fun
@goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones *****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #NetGalley #situationalhumor
lighthearted
mysterious