Baker Street #3
Valerie Burns’ Baker Street Mystery series stars Maddy Montgomery, socialite, famous influencer, and now baker and English Mastiff Mom. Calling her a baker is a bit generous, however, as her skills in that department still need a bit of polishing. She is undaunted in her quest of making New Bison, Michigan her home, and she uses her social media skills to promote her business. However, her old life comes to find her in the third book A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death, in the form of the woman who stole her fiancé and tore her previous life apart, Brandy Denton. Although in a way she did Maddy a favor. It was because of that devastation that Maddy decided to stay in New Bison. At this point, it seems that Brandy is only there to stir things up and cause Maddy as much grief as possible. Given her own social media fame, Maddy’s responses to Brandy’s provocations have to be very carefully considered to avoid backlash. Although getting murdered in Maddy’s bakery Baby Cakes, making Maddy the chief suspect, probably was not the kind of trouble Brandy had in mind. While Trooper Bob is more than happy to lay the crime at her feet, Maddy has plenty of friends who are ready to rally and help her figure out who else could have done it, and English Mastiff Baby to keep her safe.
As overwhelmed as Maddy is with all of that, a stranger comes to town claiming to have been friends with her late great-aunt Olivia. This seems innocent enough, except that the stranger comes with warnings, both for Maddy’s personal safety, and confirming her own suspicions that Olivia’s death must not have been so accidental. As if to cement her fear that this is all much bigger than it first appears, another body washes ashore. Maddy couldn’t be more grateful to have such a large community of friends ready to have her back, especially her boyfriend, the veterinarian and ex-military man, Michael. There’s also her father, the Admiral. But most importantly her loyal and beloved Baby, ready with whatever is needed, be it a slobbery lick of love or a fang of fury. All of them are very personally invested in keeping her alive and well, and out of jail. All being well armed doesn’t hurt.
While this is the third book in Valerie Burns’ Baker Street Mystery series, first time readers will not have any problem enjoying the adventure. If anyone tries to start on this book, be warned that the compulsion to go grab the first two books will follow. Watching Maddy change her life, going through a journey of self-discovery, and seeing what hashtag she throws out next will have readers hooked from chapter one. Another aspect I appreciated was the portrayal of self-doubt and anxiety in Maddy, and given all she has gone through thus far it is very believable. Despite that struggle, Maddy pushes on and works hard every day to improve her life and to make her new home with Baby a good one. I very much look forward to seeing the next stage in Maddy’s life — also to see if she can finally beat those eggs. – Carla Schantz