Meet The Author

Valerie Burns

Whether writing as Valerie Burns, V.M. Burns, or Kallie E Benjamin, Valerie is always most at home spending time with her beloved poodles, Kenzie and Chloe (who are often featured in her cozy mysteries).

Valerie Burns is a prolific writer of cozy mysteries, and an Agatha, Anthony, Edgar, and Next Generation Indie Award finalist.

As V.M. Burns, she is the author of the Mystery Bookshop Mystery, Dog Club Mystery, RJ Franklin Mystery, and Baker Street Mystery series.

As Kallie E. Benjamin, Valerie also writes the Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery series.

For rights inquiries, please reach out to Jessica Faust of BookEnds Literary Agency  ~  Click Here to Visit Now

Released May 2025...

Hounding a Killer

Finally finished with the renovations on her new house, bestselling children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, are finding more opportunities to join the community, including attending the annual town festival. But their efforts are paw-sed when David Townsend, volatile grandson of the late wealthy resident Edward Townsend, comes to fetch his inheritance.

After the new arrival riles up several other locals with petty arguments, the once sleepy town goes barking mad. Before long, the wealthy bachelor disappears without a trace, and the police suspect foul play. Bailey’s tracking instincts helped them collar the last criminal in Crosbyville, so the cops turn to Pris and her sweet hound to track down David.

But on their search-and-rescue mission, Pris and Bailey sniff out fraud, theft, and a body. Before they know it, both are hackles-deep inside another homicide investigation. Can the unlikely duo chase down the killer, or will they be left chasing their own tails?

The Latest and Upcoming Releases...

Icing on the Murder is #4 in the Baker Street Mystery series. 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 . . .

The Next Deadly Chapter is #10 in the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries series. Bookstore owner and Michigander Samantha Washington is excited to meet her soon-to-be mother-in-law, but a dead body could could end Sam’s hopes for a happily ever after. . .

Hounding a Killer, is #2 in the Bailey the Bloodhound series. It’s chaos in Crosbyville when someone tries to swindle a large inheritance, but as Pris and Bailey start digging for the missing money, they uncover the wrong kind of bones….

...And More From the Author