Book Extract: Dying To Bake by Helen Golden

I’m pleased to be welcoming Helen Golden to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, Dying To Bake.

Bake Off Wars is back! Get your aprons on and let the sleuthing begin!

Vera Bolt, Queen of Bakes, dies unexpectedly aged 66

In a shocking announcement this afternoon, Vera Bolt’s agent confirmed that the Bake Off Wars judge and national treasure died yesterday. Ms Bolt was in the process of filming the next series of the hugely popular television show at Francis Court, the home of the King’s sister and her family. It’s believed that the renowned pastry chef was stabbed in the heart, and the main suspect is rumoured new royal girlfriend, Summer York.

What am I supposed to do? Lady Beatrice has promised DCI Richard Fitzwilliam that she won’t get involved in the investigation into Vera Bolt’s death. But when her brother’s new love interest, Summer York, becomes the top suspect for Vera’s murder, Fred begs Bea to find out who the real killer is. In a race against time, can Bea navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies, evade danger, and safeguard her friendship with Fitzwilliam? The answer may determine not only Summer’s innocence but also the fate of Bea’s and Fitzwilliam’s burgeoning feelings for each other.

Helen has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it. 

*****beginning of extract*****

The hugely popular television show Bake Off Wars is being filmed on site at Francis Court and everyone is buzzing. Everyone, that is, except for amateur royal sleuth Lady Beatrice who is more interested in overseeing the refurbishment of her home, The Dower House. In contrast her best friend and business partner, Perry Juke, is gossip central when it comes to the show. But all is not well on set. Following the exit at the end of last season of the well-liked judge, Mark Jacobs, the remaining judge and national treasure, Vera Bolt, has been making herself unpopular with her critical snipes at both the crew and the new presenters. Insiders report that tensions are running high, and the atmosphere is toxic.

After Vera Bolt was found on set stabbed to death, Bea is confident that Detective Chief Inspector Richard Fitzwilliam, who is recuperating in a cottage on the estate after being shot during their previous case together, will be assigned to the case. She gets a call to come and ‘meet’ the DCI assigned to the case and assumes it’s Rich playing a little joke on her, but when she gets there it’s not Rich…

*****

Daisy, seeing a new person, rushed over to greet him, but he carried on walking, not even acknowledging the little dog. Bea frowned. What sort of person ignores a dog who wants to say hello? She lifted her chin and stiffened. Studying the stocky man in front of her, she realised he looked familiar. Hold on, isn’t he the surly sergeant who investigated the failure of the security system at The Dower House a couple of months before James died? She remembered him because, after he’d left, she and James had joked that he looked more like a criminal than a PaIRS officer, with his very short hair, bulging muscles, and a menacing scowl on his face.

“Lady Beatrice, let me introduce you to Detective Chief Inspector Hayden Saunders from PaIRS,” Mike said, gesturing towards the man who had now stopped in front of them. His Popeye-like arms straining against his shirt, indicating hours spent working out, along with his shaved head gave him an intimidating presence. He looks more like a bouncer now.

“DCI Saunders is here to head up the investigation into Vera Bolt’s death,” the inspector added.

Bea’s stomach churned. But what about Rich? Bea glanced at Spicer. The detective sergeant simply shrugged, her eyes conveying sympathy but giving no clue as to what was happening. Bea’s heart sank. They must have refused Rich’s request to be assigned to the case. He’ll be so disappointed.

Bea returned her attention to Saunders. His small blue eyes, on a level with hers, seemed to scrutinise her face. Does he remember me?

Mike coughed beside her. She hurriedly extended her hand towards Saunders. “We’ve met before, I believe, DCI Saunders.” He raised an eyebrow. Did he think I wouldn’t remember? “The security system at The Dower House was playing up, and you came to talk to my husband about it.”

“Yes, we met briefly, Lady Rossex,” he replied, shaking her hand with a firm grip.

Beside her, Daisy grumbled.

“And since then, of course, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he continued, his thin lips spreading into a tight smile.

What exactly does that mean? An immediate dislike for the man bubbled inside her. Before Bea could respond, the door opened, and Rich strode in. Relief washed over her. Daisy darted towards him, swishing her tail enthusiastically. Rich bent down and gave the dog a good fuss, his face lighting up with genuine warmth.

“Fitz!” DS Tina Spicer beamed at Rich as she walked over to greet him.

“Fitzwilliam,” Saunders said, his tone guarded as he turned to address him. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on sick leave.”

Bea frowned. They clearly knew each other, but there was no handshake, no smiles. What’s going on?

“True,” Rich replied, his voice steady. “But I thought I might lend a hand by introducing you to the people here at Francis Court. It might help smooth your way, given my connections.”

Bea smiled. That’s very gracious of him. She looked at Saunders. His round face was pinched.

“Thanks,” Saunders replied curtly, “but I don’t need your help. I have the matter well in hand.”

Bea’s heart clenched at the brutal dismissal. So disrespectful. She glanced at Rich. His jaw tightened. He stared at Saunders for a second, then he nodded and stepped back. Bea’s cheeks burned, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “Excuse me, chief inspector, but there’s no need to be so rude.”

Saunders fixed her with a steely gaze, silencing her with his icy blue eyes. “I don’t know how things worked in the past with other members of PaIRS” —he glanced pointedly at Rich, suggesting that he knew exactly how things had worked between them—“but I’m here to do a job, and I will not tolerate any interference from anyone. Are we clear?”

The room went deathly quiet as tension crackled in the air. Bea’s throat burned as she glanced at Rich. His face was now turning a deep shade of red, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

Who does this man think he is? Bea breathed in through her nose. Don’t let him see he’s got to you. “Crystal,” she replied through gritted teeth, her heart racing.

Next to her, Rich mumbled, “Mike, Spicer,” as he bobbed his head at them. Abruptly turning on his heels, he headed towards the door.

I need to talk to him. “I trust you’ll keep me informed as a courtesy,” she said, glaring at Saunders. If it wasn’t for me and my family, you wouldn’t have a job, she wanted to add.

“Of course, Lady Rossex,” Saunders replied, although his eyes held a steely edge that suggested he was not one for courtesies.

She turned to a stunned-looking Mike and a shocked Spicer. “Mike, Spicer. Thank you.” She gave them a brief smile, then calling, “Come on, Daisy,” she hurried out of the office, her little terrier trailing close behind.

*****end of extract*****

About Helen Golden –

Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.

I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.

It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes.

Say hello via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X (Twitter.) 

Dying to Bake is book nine in A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series and was released on 25th March 2024. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.