Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder Book Review

This Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder book review dives into a cozy mystery that blends baked goods, small-town life, and heartfelt character growth into a genuinely comforting read. Set in a welcoming lakeside community, the story pairs a gentle whodunit with humor, warmth, and a strong sense of found family. It’s an especially inviting choice for readers who enjoy watching a reluctant sleuth grow into herself while surrounded by supportive people, good food, and just enough mystery to keep things interesting.

Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder - Valerie Burns

Series: Baker Street Mysteries
Vibes: Foodie cozy, found-family warmth, small-town charm, lighthearted comfort, heartfelt humor

Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder Book Review

This Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder book review is for cozy mystery readers who love food-forward stories, heartfelt character growth, and the comforting pull of found-family dynamics. As the first book in the Baker Street Mysteries series, this cozy was a genuine surprise — the kind that pulls you in quickly, keeps you fully engaged, and leaves you eager to continue the series as soon as possible.

From the opening chapters, Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder establishes itself as a warm, welcoming cozy that balances humor, emotion, and mystery with ease. It’s light and playful on the surface, but it also delivers meaningful character moments that make the story feel deeply satisfying.

The Sleuth:
Reluctant, Funny, and Genuinely Growing

Maddy Montgomery is a quirky, determined, and funny sleuth who fits perfectly into the role of a reluctant amateur investigator. She doesn’t set out to solve a murder — instead, she’s pulled into the mystery by circumstance, suspicion, and the simple fact that she cares too much to walk away.

One of the most rewarding parts of this book is watching Maddy’s personal transformation. She begins the story perceived as a snobby, image-focused influencer, still reeling from a very public personal disaster. But as the story unfolds, Maddy slowly sheds that surface-level persona. She builds real friendships, learns skills she never expected to need, and gains confidence in herself in ways that feel organic and earned.

Being inside Maddy’s head is a joy. Her internal commentary is humorous without being overdone, and her emotional reactions feel grounded and relatable. The transition from outsider to someone who truly belongs in New Bison is one of the strongest elements of the book and adds real heart to the mystery.

The Setting:
Found Family at the Center

New Bison, Michigan, comes across as warm, welcoming, and rich with found-family vibes. While the bakery is an important anchor for the story, it’s ultimately the people who give the town its cozy feel. Even when the bakery itself becomes unusable and the characters must adapt, the sense of community never falters.

The setting isn’t just a backdrop — it actively supports Maddy’s growth. The town feels like a place where people show up for one another, where friendships form naturally, and where belonging isn’t about fitting a mold but about being accepted as you are.

The Lake Michigan atmosphere adds an extra layer of charm, grounding the story in a scenic, comforting environment that enhances the overall cozy experience.

Side Characters:
Heart, Humor, and Chaos

The supporting cast is a standout strength of this book. Leroy and Hannah quickly establish themselves as memorable and likable figures, but the true scene-stealer is Baby, the English mastiff.

Baby is lovable chaos incarnate — a comforting presence, a source of humor, and an emotional anchor all at once. Rather than feeling like a gimmick, Baby’s role adds warmth and personality to the story, making the cozy atmosphere even richer.

The Baker Street Irregulars function beautifully as a group. They aren’t just quirky side characters — they form a genuine family unit, offering Maddy support, encouragement, and connection at exactly the moments she needs it most. Their interactions add emotional warmth, humor, cozy chaos, and just enough small-town drama to keep things lively without overwhelming the story.

The Mystery:
Gentle, Engaging, and Comfortably Twisty

The mystery itself lands squarely in the moderate cozy tension range. The crime is mild and non-graphic, keeping the story firmly within cozy mystery boundaries. There’s no grimness or unnecessary darkness — just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

The plot is comfortably twisty, offering a satisfying puzzle without becoming convoluted. While the story never becomes stressful, there are moments of slight tension, particularly when Maddy puts herself in danger. These moments add stakes without disrupting the cozy tone.

The resolution feels well-earned and appropriate for a first book in a series, tying together both the mystery and Maddy’s personal journey in a way that feels complete yet leaves room for future stories.

Vibes Check:
Foodie Comfort with Emotional Depth

This book delivers on multiple cozy fronts:

• Foodie cozy
• Small-town charm
• Found-family warmth
• Comfort read with humor

While the tone is mostly light and playful, there are moments of genuine emotional resonance that hit unexpectedly hard. The balance between humor, food, relationships, and mystery is exceptionally well done, making the story feel both easy to read and emotionally satisfying.

The baking elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the cozy atmosphere without overshadowing the mystery or character development.

Who Will Enjoy This Book Most?

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is perfect for readers who love:

• Food-based cozy mysteries
• Black-centered cozies
• Found-family stories
• Dog-friendly cozies
• Modern touches like social media and influencer culture

It’s best read as a series starter, as the foundation laid here makes the emotional connections and character growth especially rewarding.

My Final Thoughts:
Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder Book Review

This book leaves you feeling hungry, cozy, and wrapped in warmth — the hallmark of a truly successful cozy mystery. The relationships, character growth, and sense of belonging elevate Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder beyond a standard bakery cozy.

It’s an easy, engaging read that’s hard to put down, and it sets up a series that feels full of promise. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that blends food, heart, humor, and genuine character development, this one is absolutely worth your time — and it may just become a new favorite, too.

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Enjoyed My Two Parts Sugar One Part Murder Book Review? If so,
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