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TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER, by Valerie Burns
 
“Snappy dialogue, a well-drawn supporting cast, and an irresistible canine companion all add delicious flavor. Gulp this book down or savor it, but consuming it will guarantee a sustained sugar high.”
The New York Times Book Review
 
A lively series launch, with an edgier heroine than the baking-framed novels by Jenn McKinlay and Joanne Fluke.”
Booklist Review – September 2022
 
 

 

A TOURIST’S GUIDE TO MURDER  by V. M. Burns
 
“Cozy fans get two mysteries for the price of one: The intuitive heroine finishes her novel and solves a murder.”
Kirkus Reviews – November 2020
 
“Colorful characters and just enough mystery trivia boost the fast-moving plot. Cozy fans are sure to have fun.”- Publishers Weekly – December 2020
 
 
READ HERRING HUNT by V.M. Burns
 
“Burns’ second novel in her Mystery Bookshop series is a real cozy treat that gives readers two who-done-its in one. The dialogue is fast-paced and entertaining, and the fictitious Michigan college town is the perfect backdrop – the senior sleuthing co-stars will have readers roaring with laughter as they follow clues to find the culprit. The family dynamics are totally believable and endearing. Although part of a series, READ HERRING HUNT can stand on its own.”– RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
 

THE PLOT IS MURDER

“This debut cleverly integrates a historical cozy within a contemporary mystery. In both storylines, the elder characters shine; they are refreshingly witty and robust, with formidable connections and investigative skills. Readers of Carolyn Hart and Vicki Delany will appreciate the lively seniors, the humor, and the bookstore environment.” – Library Journal starred Review – July 1, 2018 for THE PLOT IS MURDER

“Burn’s latest tale is an entertaining cozy with a bite. The debut of her new Mystery Bookshop series stars a bookshop owner who also writes British cozies, giving readers a story inside a story and two brainteasers for the price of one. Fans will enjoy the witty dialogue, realistic depictions of settings, a plot that is a fantastic mix of humor and suspense, and a great lead-in to book two. The characters are an eclectic bunch, the heroine is the real deal and the madcap senior sleuth team is a blast.”– RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“Set in North Harbor, Mich., Burns’s promising debut and series launch introduces mystery book lover and aspiring writer Samantha Washington.” Publishers Weekly

“What a wonderful story that grabbed my attention immediately quickly becoming a page-turner as I had to know how this was going to end. I love the pacing and the comfortable tone that made it easy to follow as each chapter gave me enough to narrow down the list of suspects. Also liked the story within a story that mirrored “real-life” in North Harbor. The author did a great job in staging this engaging mystery abound with lovable characters like Nana Jo, Dorothy, Irma, Ruby Mae, Dawson, Sam and of course Oreo and Snickers. The mystery was expertly written keeping me glued to the pages and I enjoyed how everyone played a pivotal role in the apprehension of the killer. The narrative was visually descriptive, making me feel a part of the action as the ladies searched for clues and Sam’s property became victimized. This was a great debut and I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightfully entertaining series.” – Dru’s Book Musing

“Overall, a good start to a new cozy mystery series! I’ll definitely pick up the next book in the series!” Night Owl Reviews, 4 Stars

TRAVELLIN’ SHOES by V.M. Burns

In this series launch, the author of the Agatha Award-nominated “Mystery Bookshop” series (The Plot Is Murder) combines the best qualities of a cozy with a police procedural and imbues spirited protagonists with old-fashioned values, adding appeal, wisdom, and humor to this engaging mystery with a strong sense of place. Soul food recipes included..—Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN – Library Journal starred review 

RJ Franklin has arrived and is featured in this invigorating first book where the author kept me engaged from beginning to end, in a book that quickly became a page-turner as I had to know what the outcome would be. The author knows how to tell a story with the highs and lows, as RJ Franklin went about doing his business interacting with his family, friends, and suspects hat taunts his sensibilities with this and that. I like how this mystery was set up giving me enough to work with and keeping me wondering what the author’s next path would be as the story progressed and the clues began to make sense, especially the twists and turns that enhanced the telling of this tale, gradually pointing to the killer’s identity.  With an eclectic cast of characters starting with RJ and of course Mama B, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more adventures with RJ and his friends.” – Dru’s Book Musing

“Burns nicely portrays the close-knit ties among the members of the vibrant church community.” Publishers Weekly — May 7, 2018

PODCASTS

Under the Radar with Callie Crossley July 31, 2020

I Found This Great Book with Curtis Anderson July 22, 2020

All Things Cozy with Matt  and Gillian April 26, 2020

Cozy Mystery Corner with Alexia Gordon June 12, 2019

Destination Mystery with Laura Brennan November 29, 2017