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Hannah Swensen #16
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
This summer has been warmer than usual in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen is trying to beat the heat both in and out of her bakery kitchen. But she's about to find out the hard way that nothing cools off a hot summer day like cold-blooded murder. . .
It's a hot, muggy evening, and the last thing Hannah wants to do is squeeze into a pair of pantyhose for the Grand Opening of the refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah's famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel's new Red Velvet lounge, she can't bring herself to back out.
The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev's splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel's rooftop garden.
The victim is the sheriff's secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall--or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn't preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She's too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who's reunited with Hannah.
Just as Hannah's patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller's Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died--and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone's shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation--and she's feeling the heat in a way she never has before. . .
It's a hot, muggy evening, and the last thing Hannah wants to do is squeeze into a pair of pantyhose for the Grand Opening of the refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah's famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel's new Red Velvet lounge, she can't bring herself to back out.
The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev's splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel's rooftop garden.
The victim is the sheriff's secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall--or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn't preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She's too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who's reunited with Hannah.
Just as Hannah's patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller's Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died--and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone's shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation--and she's feeling the heat in a way she never has before. . .
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First published February 26, 2013
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About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,591 followersLike Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota where her neighbors were friendly, the winters were fierce, and the biggest scandal was the spotting of unidentified male undergarments on a young widow's clothesline. She insists that there really are 10,000 lakes and the mosquito is NOT the state bird.
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,127 reviews
August 4, 2022
In the 16th book in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series,Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, written in 2012 by Joanne Fluke, Hannah's under suspicion for killing the competition for her love-interest. Could she have done it? Did she finally go bonkers and make a decision between Norman and Mike? Nah... she just looks guilty. But you'll have to read more to find out who actually committed murder.
The book starts off with an old-favorite, Barbara, the secretary at the police force we've come to know over the years, taking a topple off the roof of a new hotel. Was she pushed, did she fall, or was it suicide? Given another mystery from the last book involved suicide (and spills over into this book), we know that didn't happen twice, but the truth takes a while to come out. Fluke weaves together these storylines until we get a clearer picture of the sinister and shady on-goings around Lake Eden.
I'd give the book 3.5 stars, and I'll round up on Goodreads, but down on Amazon. As a mystery plot, it lacked multiple suspects. There was only 1 new character introduced and suspicion was never cast on anyone other than Hannah. It needed more red herrings. As a fun story about the townspeople, it was overly sweet-and-simple when it came to Barbara's head injury. To be honest, it felt like we were dealing with Rose Nylund from the Golden Girls... whom I love... but is always funnier in smaller doses. Pages of dialogue trying to associate names and playing word games was a distraction.
But I adore Hannah and her family. I like getting lost in this world, so the series will always be something I want to read. I just may not like some of the books as much as others.
The book starts off with an old-favorite, Barbara, the secretary at the police force we've come to know over the years, taking a topple off the roof of a new hotel. Was she pushed, did she fall, or was it suicide? Given another mystery from the last book involved suicide (and spills over into this book), we know that didn't happen twice, but the truth takes a while to come out. Fluke weaves together these storylines until we get a clearer picture of the sinister and shady on-goings around Lake Eden.
I'd give the book 3.5 stars, and I'll round up on Goodreads, but down on Amazon. As a mystery plot, it lacked multiple suspects. There was only 1 new character introduced and suspicion was never cast on anyone other than Hannah. It needed more red herrings. As a fun story about the townspeople, it was overly sweet-and-simple when it came to Barbara's head injury. To be honest, it felt like we were dealing with Rose Nylund from the Golden Girls... whom I love... but is always funnier in smaller doses. Pages of dialogue trying to associate names and playing word games was a distraction.
But I adore Hannah and her family. I like getting lost in this world, so the series will always be something I want to read. I just may not like some of the books as much as others.
October 2, 2013
I have had it, had it, HAD IT with this series!! Don't know why I am being so generous by giving it 2 stars! Guess I just can't bring myself to give an old friend 1! 16 books and this beyond stupid "love triangle" is still going on!! And NO ONE is having sex?? C'mon.....I get the general idea that Mike's a "horn dog", if he wasn't getting it from Hannah after all this time, he'd be SO out the door instead of asking her to marry him! And I have no idea in what universe 2 grown men who are supposedly "in love" with the same woman would be "besties". I discovered this series in 2002 during a voluntary period of unemployment. I fell in love with the characters and the stories. Now the books just piss me off. I had decided not to read this one, but got a great deal that let me get the book for less than $5.00. I should have stuck to my original intentions and saved the $4.80 and the headache! Figuring out "whodunit" was way too easy, and even the recipes didn't sound that good this time. Oh, and Delores must be about my age, and I don't know ANYONE who talks or dresses like her. I wouldn't be caught dead in a pantsuit!! It was truly a joy to read these books for quite some time. Now Hannah has become an annoying, condescending, grammar Nazi who's obviously frigid and I've come to the the conclusion that I must have missed the fact that Norm & Mike are eunuchs! I will not read another of these jokes until something is done about the triangle and Hannah turns back into the person she used to be.....even if it's FREE!! NOT RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE!!
September 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this mystery in the Hannah Swenson series. There’s a new condo building going up in Lake Eden with an over-the-top penthouse suite, complete with a greenhouse, pool, hot tub and garden. A glass dome has to be lifted by crane to protect from the brutal Minnesota winters—and of course the whole town turns out to watch.
Hannah has a few cases to solve in this one—the first a holdover from the previous novel where a tour bus with a musical group crashed on its way into town. There are a few loose ends to tie up. And then at the new condo building, someone is nearly killed. Also, a character we all love to hate shows back up in town, which makes for some interesting scenes! I especially loved this book because in addition to the mysteries to be solved, we got to spend lots of time with my favorite Lake Eden characters.
Hannah has a few cases to solve in this one—the first a holdover from the previous novel where a tour bus with a musical group crashed on its way into town. There are a few loose ends to tie up. And then at the new condo building, someone is nearly killed. Also, a character we all love to hate shows back up in town, which makes for some interesting scenes! I especially loved this book because in addition to the mysteries to be solved, we got to spend lots of time with my favorite Lake Eden characters.
April 8, 2013
Hunh. A quick review of other reviews leaves me a bit confused. Normally I'm right there, leading the pack of fans clamoring for Hannah to pick Mike or Norman (or dump them both) but this time around I don't think it really mattered to the plot.
I enjoy the Hannah mysteries because I like most of the characters, I'd love to work at The Cookie Jar, and there's usually a recipe or two I want to try. They're fluffy reads and there's no shame in that.
The plus with mysteries is that if the series goes on long enough, characters you dislike are bound to wind up dead. :P Doctor Bev is our victim and what could have been a "finally!" moment is upended by the fact that Hannah is the one to find the body. Hannah seems in shock for a good chunk of the book afterwards and I kind of like that. I'd imagine trying to save someone you didn't particularly like would take something out of you and it was refreshing to not just have it played off as "oh, Hannah found another body."
I'd imagine that if you pay any attention at all you'll figure out the bad guy (who, why, and where they'll attack Hannah) so the real fun here is watching Doc and Hannah's mother dance around one another. Also: Moishe.
Really, any book where Moishe takes down a monster automatically earns an extra star. I'm pretty sure it's the law.
That said, Hannah? Pick someone. And don't let it be Mike. You can choose not to pick Norman OR Mike, but don't let it be Mike.
I enjoy the Hannah mysteries because I like most of the characters, I'd love to work at The Cookie Jar, and there's usually a recipe or two I want to try. They're fluffy reads and there's no shame in that.
The plus with mysteries is that if the series goes on long enough, characters you dislike are bound to wind up dead. :P Doctor Bev is our victim and what could have been a "finally!" moment is upended by the fact that Hannah is the one to find the body. Hannah seems in shock for a good chunk of the book afterwards and I kind of like that. I'd imagine trying to save someone you didn't particularly like would take something out of you and it was refreshing to not just have it played off as "oh, Hannah found another body."
I'd imagine that if you pay any attention at all you'll figure out the bad guy (who, why, and where they'll attack Hannah) so the real fun here is watching Doc and Hannah's mother dance around one another. Also: Moishe.
Really, any book where Moishe takes down a monster automatically earns an extra star. I'm pretty sure it's the law.
That said, Hannah? Pick someone. And don't let it be Mike. You can choose not to pick Norman OR Mike, but don't let it be Mike.
March 7, 2013
Well...another murder in Lake Eden...another struggle between Mike and Norman. It's getting old. I was a huge fan of this series, but after reading 16 of them, I can pretty much predict who is the victim and who is the killer after about the first two chapters. I'll still read them, because they're quick reads and cute, but so dated it almost makes me want to throw the book (or my Kindle) through the window. Why does Hannah always feel the need to cook dinner for Mike? He's got a good job, can't he pick up something on his way over, always at some inconvenient time when Hannah is dead tired? And Hannah should really just make up her mind already - maybe "bad boy" (term used loosely!) Mike might be good for her. And she also needs to stop letting her mother pick out her clothes - I don't care that she doesn't like shopping, but really - pantsuits?? What about a well-worn pair of Levi's and a t-shirt? I don't know anyone in their 30's that wears pantsuits in 2013. She's a successful business owner, get her up with the times!! I also agree with other reviews about her relationships with Mike and Norman - it's getting increasingly difficult to believe that these relationships have gone on for 2 years with basically no physical contact other than a nice side hug! I get that these are mysteries and not hot romance novels, but that area is in serious need of updating as well! Here's hoping that Ms. Fluke reads these reviews and brings The Cookie Jar and Hannah into the 21st century in her next novel! PLEASE!
May 7, 2017
This REALLY is literally one of the worst books I have ever read. I had been waiting to read one of the books from this series for a long time now since they had a good rating. But there isn’t one single good thing about this book!
First of all, my main problem is the misogyny in this book. The detective keeps berating herself for being a few kilos overweight. Everyone is having liposuction and filling their faces with Botox. WTF! The villainous women are made to talk like some sexy vamp of the 30s. “I’ve got Roger right where I want him. I’m very good with men like Roger, too. And Roger can give me so much more than Norman ever could.” Sure, you are, dear. Because all men are dumb and women have to marry them to achieve a status in life – and that woman a dentist, no less! Has anyone informed the author we are in 2013? Anyone who isn’t absolutely sickening sweet is eeevilll and their evilness shows in their enticing men and marrying them. It might be news to the author but women these days are too busy building careers to play the vamp in the hope of netting the richest catch.
The detective keeps criticising other women for their looks and lack of cooking skills. Her mother FORCES her out to go shopping and CHOOSES her clothes for her? And I thought Hannah was an adult in her 30s! Even Nancy Drew books of the 1980s had Nancy choosing her own clothes and NOT commenting on how other women look. Of course, you need to give women champagne and chocolates to make them more compliant. Complaint to what exactly? Buying favours from women now, are we? Cos, of course, women are for sale.
Second, the dialogues are horrible. There is simply no way anyone actually SPEAKS like this. Many of the scenes are actually not realistic. “Sorry, Mom. I’ll go to the kitchen and get some more lemonade so the adults can talk.” Show me a kid who actually talks like this?! And who allows a six year old to wander around the town all by herself and take lifts in people’s cars?! Hannah’s sister, that’s who!
Third, there is no friction AT ALL. People are clearly good or bad. Hannah tries to get along with everyone. Except those she doesn’t get along with – and they are the eeeevilll people! It’s also puzzling what exactly Hannah’s mother goes and sits in her not-yet-lover’s office ALL the time for! I’d scream and call security if someone I was dating sat in my office all day long. And what kind of hospital would allow a layperson to ‘take over’ a qualified nurse’s shift? Utter, complete crap!
Fourth, Hannah is irritating in the extreme. She is judgemental and swans around with her stupid inner mind conversation which invariably is all about insulting people in a way that would get her jaw smashed if she dared to say it out loud. I can understand if this happens to people she dislikes, but honestly, doing it to FRIENDS? Moreover, in order to bring in the recipes, the dialogue often veers right away from something interesting and they start talking about cookies out of the blue.
Fifth, so much time is taken up by mindless judgements and stupid gossip that even halfway through the book, there is no actual investigation done. The characters are half baked and most of them seem half witted, dropped on the head as babies. It took Hannah herself half the book to realize that ‘brother’ could also mean half-brother. Seriously, I thought of that as soon as it became clear that there was no ‘brother’.
So much time is taken up with discussing cookies that the plot suffers because of it. The transition between one to the other is not seamless enough to make it work. 70% of the book seems to be people talking about food and recipes, 20% spent in inane gossip and judgements and 10% devoted to the actual story. The last couple of chapters had some good suspense, but that’s too little, too late.
First of all, my main problem is the misogyny in this book. The detective keeps berating herself for being a few kilos overweight. Everyone is having liposuction and filling their faces with Botox. WTF! The villainous women are made to talk like some sexy vamp of the 30s. “I’ve got Roger right where I want him. I’m very good with men like Roger, too. And Roger can give me so much more than Norman ever could.” Sure, you are, dear. Because all men are dumb and women have to marry them to achieve a status in life – and that woman a dentist, no less! Has anyone informed the author we are in 2013? Anyone who isn’t absolutely sickening sweet is eeevilll and their evilness shows in their enticing men and marrying them. It might be news to the author but women these days are too busy building careers to play the vamp in the hope of netting the richest catch.
The detective keeps criticising other women for their looks and lack of cooking skills. Her mother FORCES her out to go shopping and CHOOSES her clothes for her? And I thought Hannah was an adult in her 30s! Even Nancy Drew books of the 1980s had Nancy choosing her own clothes and NOT commenting on how other women look. Of course, you need to give women champagne and chocolates to make them more compliant. Complaint to what exactly? Buying favours from women now, are we? Cos, of course, women are for sale.
Second, the dialogues are horrible. There is simply no way anyone actually SPEAKS like this. Many of the scenes are actually not realistic. “Sorry, Mom. I’ll go to the kitchen and get some more lemonade so the adults can talk.” Show me a kid who actually talks like this?! And who allows a six year old to wander around the town all by herself and take lifts in people’s cars?! Hannah’s sister, that’s who!
Third, there is no friction AT ALL. People are clearly good or bad. Hannah tries to get along with everyone. Except those she doesn’t get along with – and they are the eeeevilll people! It’s also puzzling what exactly Hannah’s mother goes and sits in her not-yet-lover’s office ALL the time for! I’d scream and call security if someone I was dating sat in my office all day long. And what kind of hospital would allow a layperson to ‘take over’ a qualified nurse’s shift? Utter, complete crap!
Fourth, Hannah is irritating in the extreme. She is judgemental and swans around with her stupid inner mind conversation which invariably is all about insulting people in a way that would get her jaw smashed if she dared to say it out loud. I can understand if this happens to people she dislikes, but honestly, doing it to FRIENDS? Moreover, in order to bring in the recipes, the dialogue often veers right away from something interesting and they start talking about cookies out of the blue.
Fifth, so much time is taken up by mindless judgements and stupid gossip that even halfway through the book, there is no actual investigation done. The characters are half baked and most of them seem half witted, dropped on the head as babies. It took Hannah herself half the book to realize that ‘brother’ could also mean half-brother. Seriously, I thought of that as soon as it became clear that there was no ‘brother’.
So much time is taken up with discussing cookies that the plot suffers because of it. The transition between one to the other is not seamless enough to make it work. 70% of the book seems to be people talking about food and recipes, 20% spent in inane gossip and judgements and 10% devoted to the actual story. The last couple of chapters had some good suspense, but that’s too little, too late.
April 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this! Love this author's writing style and this book had me hooked from the first page. I highly recommend this one!
March 4, 2013
Joanne Fluke was the first cozy author I liked. I thought all her books were exciting, fun and familar. I am going to list my pros and cons about the book. I will not continue this series. I am done! I also have to note that my review is not unique. I have read similar reviews, so I hope Mrs. Fluke is listening.
Cons
I am tired of the love triangle! I have had enough. Why doesn't Hannah pick someone? It's been too long. The men are stupid to stick around with no hint of her marrying either one. And Fluke has never made mention of either men spending the night. IN. TWO. YEARS. Come on!
Hannah dresses odd. Who wears pant suits? Her sister is supposed to be a fashion expert but still wears a French twist. No one wears their hair that way. Fluke really needs to get fashion advice for Hannah and other characters. She does not have to be a fashion guru but gosh, dress Hannah like she lives in 2013!
Her sisters daughter talks like she is an adult and she is seven! I know Fluke wants to portray her as smart but seven year olds do not talk like that even if they are smart.
Pros
Fluke still writes a great mystery. I always have fun trying to solve her mysteries.
I love how fluke always writes about food in each chapter that later tie to the recipe at the end of the book.
Conclusion
I am going to quit this series because the Cons outweigh the pros. Good bye Mrs. Fluke you have been a good author and I used to look forward to your next book, but I just cannot take anymore! If Fluke starts a new series that address some concerns of a large population of her readers, I am so there!
Cons
I am tired of the love triangle! I have had enough. Why doesn't Hannah pick someone? It's been too long. The men are stupid to stick around with no hint of her marrying either one. And Fluke has never made mention of either men spending the night. IN. TWO. YEARS. Come on!
Hannah dresses odd. Who wears pant suits? Her sister is supposed to be a fashion expert but still wears a French twist. No one wears their hair that way. Fluke really needs to get fashion advice for Hannah and other characters. She does not have to be a fashion guru but gosh, dress Hannah like she lives in 2013!
Her sisters daughter talks like she is an adult and she is seven! I know Fluke wants to portray her as smart but seven year olds do not talk like that even if they are smart.
Pros
Fluke still writes a great mystery. I always have fun trying to solve her mysteries.
I love how fluke always writes about food in each chapter that later tie to the recipe at the end of the book.
Conclusion
I am going to quit this series because the Cons outweigh the pros. Good bye Mrs. Fluke you have been a good author and I used to look forward to your next book, but I just cannot take anymore! If Fluke starts a new series that address some concerns of a large population of her readers, I am so there!
April 29, 2013
I find the first few pages to be rather slow and annoying because (Shocker!) the man is Hannah's room is her cat, which if you've been dedicated to the series and read all the books (this is book 16) you'll immediately know. I have no clue why Fluke wrote the first chapter all about panty hose, since it's rather dull and I ended up skimming the chapter. Honestly, describing the ways to put them on? It's as if she needed to reach her quota, so she wrote chapter one.
Hannah (naturally) finds the body and works on finding the killer, by logically following the leads. It's as if the police have no way of solving a crime without her. Realistically they'd make her keep her nose out. Later, when Hannah's a suspect, I'm baffled that she's so upset. She (or a close family member) find bodies all the time and Hannah's food is always there. Did it not occur to anyone that it seemed a little suspicious? This is the first time anyone stopped to think "Huh. The body finder girl fines another body maybe *gasp* her food was poisoned and that's what killed the person." No small town has this many murders, I can't help but wonder what will happen since almost every character that's introduced is killed and she has to keep introducing new character's to keep the story flowing.
And the love triangle is still trudging along. It's getting to the point where it's unrealistic. The books started in 2000-it's 2013, there's been 16 books. Assuming she's having two books (or even three) represent a season, a good 5-8+ years have passed; Hannah's in her late 30's and nearing 40. At this point, she just needs to make a choice before both Mike and Norman leave her. I assumed after the Dr. Bev incident she'd realize that she needs to make a choice, because one day she won't get one. Nope. She's still dating both, even though Norman is clearly more reliable. Mike makes a nice fling, but he isn't Hannah-husband material. There's one point where she's thinking something along the lines of "I bet Mike's out with ___(enter the waitress' name. Misty?)" and she's mad, even though she's doing the exact same thing to him. She isn't exclusive, why does she expect them to be?
Mike was married with a baby on the way, then his wife was shot. You'd think he'd be wanting to start a family again, which obviously won't happen with Hannah. I still don't understand why he likes her in the first place. I'm rooting for Norman, but in this book I honestly wanted her to just pick someone, I didn't care whom. If she doesn't pick one of them, which is plausible, she'll be a real witch (which is a common term in this novel) for wasting almost a decade of both men's lives. Hannah's older and I really don't see her getting any closer to marriage and a family, I see her as an old crazy cat lady.
The dialogue is very blunt and straight forward. There's quite a few conversations that go like this.
"You are wearing make up. You look good in makeup." Mike observed.
or
"Would you like to____?"
"Yes, I would to____"
or
"Ha ha." Hannah laughed.
"What?"
"Well, Lisa, I realized that you used three cliches in a row! Hilarious!" Hannah seems to be a grumpy old English teacher who isn't exactly likable and corrects everyone all the time. I understand that Hannah has a pet peeve concerning the English language and grammar, but she's coming off as annoying.
Second to last, when Dr. Bev is murdered nobody mentions Diana. Nobody. I understand that she was a deadbeat mother, but you'd think that they'd at least be concerned a little for the poor kid; both her parents are dead. Diana gets mentioned very little in the novel, the only time she is goes like this:
"I have to go pick something up from the city." Bev said.
'I bet the something isn't your daughter who you dumped on your mother.' Thought Hannah.
On the subject of children, Tracey is cute, but she almost comes off as a smart alec at sometimes when she says something or it seems like an adult brain trapped in a 7 year old's body. I wish Bethie (who's 2!) would make an appearance, since she hasn't yet. Bethie hasn't contributed a ton to the overall plot and is rarely mentioned at all; I don't expect a baby to be out solving crimes, but maybe having Andrea bring her along to see Hannah one day at the bakery might be nice.
Lastly, how does someone in their 30's not use a cell phone or laptop or computer? I'd understand if this was the early 2000's but it isn't, it's 2013. Every time Hannah wants to use her cell phone-oops! Battery isn't charged, because she uses it so, so often and it takes a lot of power to sit in her purse turned off. The technology aspect seems like it was written from someone who just learned about it a few days ago and is reluctant to give in to the "fad".
Overall: Hannah has some weight/clothing related issue, she goes to some event, someone's murdered, the police are helpless without her instructions (I'm surprised she isn't employed there; she's solved every case they've had), she uses logic to solve the murder, she gets in some confrontation with Mr/Miss. Murderer, Mike/Norman saves her.
Hannah (naturally) finds the body and works on finding the killer, by logically following the leads. It's as if the police have no way of solving a crime without her. Realistically they'd make her keep her nose out. Later, when Hannah's a suspect, I'm baffled that she's so upset. She (or a close family member) find bodies all the time and Hannah's food is always there. Did it not occur to anyone that it seemed a little suspicious? This is the first time anyone stopped to think "Huh. The body finder girl fines another body maybe *gasp* her food was poisoned and that's what killed the person." No small town has this many murders, I can't help but wonder what will happen since almost every character that's introduced is killed and she has to keep introducing new character's to keep the story flowing.
And the love triangle is still trudging along. It's getting to the point where it's unrealistic. The books started in 2000-it's 2013, there's been 16 books. Assuming she's having two books (or even three) represent a season, a good 5-8+ years have passed; Hannah's in her late 30's and nearing 40. At this point, she just needs to make a choice before both Mike and Norman leave her. I assumed after the Dr. Bev incident she'd realize that she needs to make a choice, because one day she won't get one. Nope. She's still dating both, even though Norman is clearly more reliable. Mike makes a nice fling, but he isn't Hannah-husband material. There's one point where she's thinking something along the lines of "I bet Mike's out with ___(enter the waitress' name. Misty?)" and she's mad, even though she's doing the exact same thing to him. She isn't exclusive, why does she expect them to be?
Mike was married with a baby on the way, then his wife was shot. You'd think he'd be wanting to start a family again, which obviously won't happen with Hannah. I still don't understand why he likes her in the first place. I'm rooting for Norman, but in this book I honestly wanted her to just pick someone, I didn't care whom. If she doesn't pick one of them, which is plausible, she'll be a real witch (which is a common term in this novel) for wasting almost a decade of both men's lives. Hannah's older and I really don't see her getting any closer to marriage and a family, I see her as an old crazy cat lady.
The dialogue is very blunt and straight forward. There's quite a few conversations that go like this.
"You are wearing make up. You look good in makeup." Mike observed.
or
"Would you like to____?"
"Yes, I would to____"
or
"Ha ha." Hannah laughed.
"What?"
"Well, Lisa, I realized that you used three cliches in a row! Hilarious!" Hannah seems to be a grumpy old English teacher who isn't exactly likable and corrects everyone all the time. I understand that Hannah has a pet peeve concerning the English language and grammar, but she's coming off as annoying.
Second to last, when Dr. Bev is murdered nobody mentions Diana. Nobody. I understand that she was a deadbeat mother, but you'd think that they'd at least be concerned a little for the poor kid; both her parents are dead. Diana gets mentioned very little in the novel, the only time she is goes like this:
"I have to go pick something up from the city." Bev said.
'I bet the something isn't your daughter who you dumped on your mother.' Thought Hannah.
On the subject of children, Tracey is cute, but she almost comes off as a smart alec at sometimes when she says something or it seems like an adult brain trapped in a 7 year old's body. I wish Bethie (who's 2!) would make an appearance, since she hasn't yet. Bethie hasn't contributed a ton to the overall plot and is rarely mentioned at all; I don't expect a baby to be out solving crimes, but maybe having Andrea bring her along to see Hannah one day at the bakery might be nice.
Lastly, how does someone in their 30's not use a cell phone or laptop or computer? I'd understand if this was the early 2000's but it isn't, it's 2013. Every time Hannah wants to use her cell phone-oops! Battery isn't charged, because she uses it so, so often and it takes a lot of power to sit in her purse turned off. The technology aspect seems like it was written from someone who just learned about it a few days ago and is reluctant to give in to the "fad".
Overall: Hannah has some weight/clothing related issue, she goes to some event, someone's murdered, the police are helpless without her instructions (I'm surprised she isn't employed there; she's solved every case they've had), she uses logic to solve the murder, she gets in some confrontation with Mr/Miss. Murderer, Mike/Norman saves her.
April 12, 2013
Well, I knew I was in for a wild ride when the book started out with almost a whole page devoted to … wait for it … putting on pantyhose. Yes. The rest is standard Hannah fare except for a new obsession with clichés, which is hilarious because this whole series has become clichéd.
I’m beginning to think Kensington must pay by the word. I can think of no other reason why she constantly uses ten words where she can use three, especially in the recipes. My daughter once had a science assignment where she had to pick a couple of different tasks and write out the steps like it was for someone who knew absolutely nothing. The recipes are like that. I think most people can figure out to set down a pan somewhere after it comes out of the oven. I picture some poor woman wandering around her kitchen with a hot pan, wondering what to do since Ms. Fluke didn’t give out that information.
I will give it two stars for the cute storyline involving Lisa’s dad.
I’m beginning to think Kensington must pay by the word. I can think of no other reason why she constantly uses ten words where she can use three, especially in the recipes. My daughter once had a science assignment where she had to pick a couple of different tasks and write out the steps like it was for someone who knew absolutely nothing. The recipes are like that. I think most people can figure out to set down a pan somewhere after it comes out of the oven. I picture some poor woman wandering around her kitchen with a hot pan, wondering what to do since Ms. Fluke didn’t give out that information.
I will give it two stars for the cute storyline involving Lisa’s dad.
April 16, 2013
The Triangle that will not end. Hannah finds a body. Hannah solves the murder. Hannah wears pantsuits and pantyhose. Hannah and Andrea have these long exciting convos: "Hi Hannah. Hi Andrea. And the back and forth continues.
It's not bad, per se. It's just not even half as good as it used to be.
These books are library books from now on.
My review: Traveling With T
It's not bad, per se. It's just not even half as good as it used to be.
These books are library books from now on.
My review: Traveling With T
September 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
Book #16 in the Hannah Swensen Series.
After trying to rescue her old nemesis Doctor Bev from her sinking car in Millers Pond, Hannah goes from would-be hero to murder suspect when an autopsy reveals that Doctor Bev was poisoned by a cupcake Hannah baked specifically for Doctor Bev. We also get a little wedding planning drama from Delores in regard to her upcoming nuptials to Doc Knight. A fun, quick read.
Book #16 in the Hannah Swensen Series.
After trying to rescue her old nemesis Doctor Bev from her sinking car in Millers Pond, Hannah goes from would-be hero to murder suspect when an autopsy reveals that Doctor Bev was poisoned by a cupcake Hannah baked specifically for Doctor Bev. We also get a little wedding planning drama from Delores in regard to her upcoming nuptials to Doc Knight. A fun, quick read.
October 6, 2021
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You'd think at some point they'd run out of murder victims. After all, there's like 100 people in this town? But no, they keep on importing them form other places. An endless supply of fresh, warm bodies for Hannah to discover. Yum... What a feast for her hungry eyes 😏
You'd think at some point they'd run out of murder victims. After all, there's like 100 people in this town? But no, they keep on importing them form other places. An endless supply of fresh, warm bodies for Hannah to discover. Yum... What a feast for her hungry eyes 😏
February 7, 2017
The Albion Hotel in Lake Eden, MN is hosting a grand re-opening. The hotel has been totally remodeled and anybody who is anybody in Lake Eden is at the ceremony. Hannah Swensen has baked her famous Red Velvet Cupcakes for the occasion. With the arrival of Doctor Bev - a woman that Hannah hates because she tried to hurt her friend, Norman - gossipy whispers start passing from one guest to another. But, the whispers stop when Barbara Donnelly falls from the roof of the hotel. As the Lake Eden Police Department scrambles to find out why Barbara fell from the roof, Doctor Bev falls back into her witchy ways, informing Hannah that she could steal Norman back from her with little effort. Hannah barely has time to stop being angry before she finds Doctor Bev's car submerged in Miller's Pond. Ding, Dong with witch is dead. Only it wasn't a Ding Dong that killed Doctor Bev. Local authorities believe it was Hannah who caused Doctor Bev's death by spiking her cupcake. Things don't look good for Hannah. The only way she can prevent her own arrest is to investigate and find out who actually killed the nasty Doctor Bev.
I enjoyed Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, the 16th book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. The mystery was a bit more involved this time. There were more suspects (even Hannah herself) and a bit more substance to the investigation. I didn't like the fact that Doctor Bev was the murder victim. Not that I didn't feel the venomous, slutty doctor didn't deserve it....but this is the 4th time this particular plot device has been used in this series. Two prior murder victims were women that dared to date Hannah's other love interest, Mike Kingston. Then a jerk ex-boyfriend of Hannah's was killed. And now, the female dentist who was really horrible to Norman Rhodes is murdered. After awhile, deaths surrounding this on-going love triangle would start to make the authorities a little suspicious. How many boyfriends/girlfriends can drop dead around these people? I rolled my eyes at this one....not that part of me wasn't elated that Doctor Bev wouldn't be coming back in any of the future books.....I think Joanne Fluke needs to start murdering people who have never dated Mike, Norman or Hannah. It's a bit over-used after 4 times.
The recipes in this book all looked yummy. Mostly desserts this time, with one hotdish recipe.
All in all, the story was interesting, well paced, and an enjoyable Hannah Swensen mystery. But, it did nothing to get closer to a solution of the Mike-Norman-Hannah issue. The love triangle has gone on long enough.....and it's getting a bit annoying. The series has 20 books...with #21 coming out at the end of February. I'm trying to catch up with the series so I can find out if the weird love trifecta was ressolved before I accidentally read a spoiler somewhere that gives it away. I guess, even though it is annoying, the plot device of having Hannah indecisive in her love life is working if it has me reading through a 20 book series just to find out if she makes up her mind! The minute I start thinking she has decided on Norman.....Mike pops back up. Then I think maybe she's going to choose Mike...then she's back onto Norman. Maybe she just needs to dump them both and find someone else entirely.
I have to say......I'm finding myself pretty much siding with Team Norman. But, my guess is that most likely a dark horse will appear to steal her heart from both of them. Hopefully I find out soon! I'm tired of reading all the way through a novel and finding her not even one step closer to making any sort of a decision. Frustrating! :)
I receommend this series for anyone who enjoys light, cozy mysteries. There is no cussing, sex, spurting blood or graphic violence. Hannah runs her bakery with her friend Lisa, and seems to have a knack for discovering dead bodies. The supporting characters are fun and quirky. And, the recipes included are definitely yummy!
I enjoyed Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, the 16th book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. The mystery was a bit more involved this time. There were more suspects (even Hannah herself) and a bit more substance to the investigation. I didn't like the fact that Doctor Bev was the murder victim. Not that I didn't feel the venomous, slutty doctor didn't deserve it....but this is the 4th time this particular plot device has been used in this series. Two prior murder victims were women that dared to date Hannah's other love interest, Mike Kingston. Then a jerk ex-boyfriend of Hannah's was killed. And now, the female dentist who was really horrible to Norman Rhodes is murdered. After awhile, deaths surrounding this on-going love triangle would start to make the authorities a little suspicious. How many boyfriends/girlfriends can drop dead around these people? I rolled my eyes at this one....not that part of me wasn't elated that Doctor Bev wouldn't be coming back in any of the future books.....I think Joanne Fluke needs to start murdering people who have never dated Mike, Norman or Hannah. It's a bit over-used after 4 times.
The recipes in this book all looked yummy. Mostly desserts this time, with one hotdish recipe.
All in all, the story was interesting, well paced, and an enjoyable Hannah Swensen mystery. But, it did nothing to get closer to a solution of the Mike-Norman-Hannah issue. The love triangle has gone on long enough.....and it's getting a bit annoying. The series has 20 books...with #21 coming out at the end of February. I'm trying to catch up with the series so I can find out if the weird love trifecta was ressolved before I accidentally read a spoiler somewhere that gives it away. I guess, even though it is annoying, the plot device of having Hannah indecisive in her love life is working if it has me reading through a 20 book series just to find out if she makes up her mind! The minute I start thinking she has decided on Norman.....Mike pops back up. Then I think maybe she's going to choose Mike...then she's back onto Norman. Maybe she just needs to dump them both and find someone else entirely.
I have to say......I'm finding myself pretty much siding with Team Norman. But, my guess is that most likely a dark horse will appear to steal her heart from both of them. Hopefully I find out soon! I'm tired of reading all the way through a novel and finding her not even one step closer to making any sort of a decision. Frustrating! :)
I receommend this series for anyone who enjoys light, cozy mysteries. There is no cussing, sex, spurting blood or graphic violence. Hannah runs her bakery with her friend Lisa, and seems to have a knack for discovering dead bodies. The supporting characters are fun and quirky. And, the recipes included are definitely yummy!
August 17, 2020
4-4.5 stars
This was honestly a mixed bag for me in regards to some plot elements. We see the bringing together of the two baddest villains this series has ever introduced, but the handling of them was pretty good but I feel like it could have been more of a bang. The final encounters with them and Hannah were truly nicely written; you couldn't help but feel strong emotions when they spoke like hatred and fear. It was only a matter of time when the more horrible person would end up on top.
There was storyline about a white ghost that felt a bit unexplained. I think it would have been better if it hadn't appeared in the story as it felt too random. It was wonderful seeing Moishe in action. We love our brave Moishe the cat! I pray he never tries to jump out a window again even to protect someone he cares about. My heart couldn't take it if something happened to his furry wonderful being.
The love triangle between Norman, Hannah, and Mike feels like it has definitely run its course with this book. Mike proved without a doubt that his job will always come first and nothing Hannah could say or do will change that. It truly feels like there is only a physical attraction and best friend relationship between them. Norman on the other hand proves to put Hannah first and she knows he believes in her no matter what.
This was honestly a mixed bag for me in regards to some plot elements. We see the bringing together of the two baddest villains this series has ever introduced, but the handling of them was pretty good but I feel like it could have been more of a bang. The final encounters with them and Hannah were truly nicely written; you couldn't help but feel strong emotions when they spoke like hatred and fear. It was only a matter of time when the more horrible person would end up on top.
There was storyline about a white ghost that felt a bit unexplained. I think it would have been better if it hadn't appeared in the story as it felt too random. It was wonderful seeing Moishe in action. We love our brave Moishe the cat! I pray he never tries to jump out a window again even to protect someone he cares about. My heart couldn't take it if something happened to his furry wonderful being.
The love triangle between Norman, Hannah, and Mike feels like it has definitely run its course with this book. Mike proved without a doubt that his job will always come first and nothing Hannah could say or do will change that. It truly feels like there is only a physical attraction and best friend relationship between them. Norman on the other hand proves to put Hannah first and she knows he believes in her no matter what.
July 14, 2015
Joanne Fluke was the first cozy author I liked. Heck she was the first author to introduce me to the 'cozy' genre. And actually, she's the only author I stuck with having given up on Diana Mott Davidson long ago (and very short into the series). I enjoyed this series for a very long time even though each book was pretty much the same and the writing started getting simpler and simpler. I tried to stick with it though, which brings us to now.
Another reviewer wrote: I am tired of the love triangle! I have had enough. Why doesn't Hannah pick someone? It's been too long. The men are stupid to stick around with no hint of her marrying either one. And Fluke has never made mention of either men spending the night. IN. TWO. YEARS. Come on!
- I completely agree. For one thing, Mike would be sleeping with someone else for certain. Norman might maintain the Hannah induced celibacy, but I think even Norm would have moved on.
Another reviewer wrote: Hannah dresses odd. Who wears pant suits? Her sister is supposed to be a fashion expert but still wears a French twist. No one wears their hair that way. Fluke really needs to get fashion advice for Hannah and other characters. She does not have to be a fashion guru but gosh, dress Hannah like she lives in 2013!
- Again, I agree, but at the same time I do realize that Minnesota is it's own little world and people do tend to be in a time warp. But Hannah's cheap mentality gets grating after a while. Seriously woman, buy yourself something NEW once in a while, and why be so proud about a Formica table you got a the thrift store. Seriously, that isn't something to be proud about.
Another reviewer wrote: Her sisters daughter talks like she is an adult and she is seven! I know Fluke wants to portray her as smart but seven year olds do not talk like that even if they are smart.
-This has bugged me for a while. Even more so, the people of Lake Eden talk like idiots.
The recipes are starting to bother me as well. Why does every book have to have a recipe or two that _has_ to use 'Real Cool Whip' (nothing else will do, not diet, not Real Whipped Cream) I've been grossed out by many of the recipes before, again I chalk it up to Minnesota taste (Reminded of How I Met Your Mother and the 7 Layer 'Salad' that uses 16 cups of Mayo, has gummy bears and potato chips- blegh) I used to love the recipes, I've even tried a few. But I don't think there was a single one that I really wanted to try from this one.. But that could be just because I was listening to it on an audio book.
Speaking of which, the audio book was HORRIBLE. This was the first time I'd listened to Hannah's world, and I will not do it again. I don't know if it is what colored my opinion of it. Normally when I read this book, I can finish it in one day. The audiobook took me two days at work, and let me tell you, it dragged.
It made the very dumbed down and detailed writing (Really, did I need to know every single step of Hannah making a pitcher of canned lemonade? Every.Single.Step.) so much worse.
The narrator aged several of the characters, made Mike sound like an absolute idiot (not just the words, but the way he sounded). And every single female other than Hannah sounded like a blonde idiot.
I figured out who the killer was basically in the first chapter. I figured out where the final showdown was going to happen also at the beginning. I figured out the 'twist' half way through the book. The end 'surprise' wasn't much of a surprise as it was beat over our heads repeatedly (regarding Delores).
I don't know if I'm REALLY ready to give up the series, but I'm not going to rush out for the next one, and I certainly won't listen to it as an audiobook.
Another reviewer wrote: I am tired of the love triangle! I have had enough. Why doesn't Hannah pick someone? It's been too long. The men are stupid to stick around with no hint of her marrying either one. And Fluke has never made mention of either men spending the night. IN. TWO. YEARS. Come on!
- I completely agree. For one thing, Mike would be sleeping with someone else for certain. Norman might maintain the Hannah induced celibacy, but I think even Norm would have moved on.
Another reviewer wrote: Hannah dresses odd. Who wears pant suits? Her sister is supposed to be a fashion expert but still wears a French twist. No one wears their hair that way. Fluke really needs to get fashion advice for Hannah and other characters. She does not have to be a fashion guru but gosh, dress Hannah like she lives in 2013!
- Again, I agree, but at the same time I do realize that Minnesota is it's own little world and people do tend to be in a time warp. But Hannah's cheap mentality gets grating after a while. Seriously woman, buy yourself something NEW once in a while, and why be so proud about a Formica table you got a the thrift store. Seriously, that isn't something to be proud about.
Another reviewer wrote: Her sisters daughter talks like she is an adult and she is seven! I know Fluke wants to portray her as smart but seven year olds do not talk like that even if they are smart.
-This has bugged me for a while. Even more so, the people of Lake Eden talk like idiots.
The recipes are starting to bother me as well. Why does every book have to have a recipe or two that _has_ to use 'Real Cool Whip' (nothing else will do, not diet, not Real Whipped Cream) I've been grossed out by many of the recipes before, again I chalk it up to Minnesota taste (Reminded of How I Met Your Mother and the 7 Layer 'Salad' that uses 16 cups of Mayo, has gummy bears and potato chips- blegh) I used to love the recipes, I've even tried a few. But I don't think there was a single one that I really wanted to try from this one.. But that could be just because I was listening to it on an audio book.
Speaking of which, the audio book was HORRIBLE. This was the first time I'd listened to Hannah's world, and I will not do it again. I don't know if it is what colored my opinion of it. Normally when I read this book, I can finish it in one day. The audiobook took me two days at work, and let me tell you, it dragged.
It made the very dumbed down and detailed writing (Really, did I need to know every single step of Hannah making a pitcher of canned lemonade? Every.Single.Step.) so much worse.
The narrator aged several of the characters, made Mike sound like an absolute idiot (not just the words, but the way he sounded). And every single female other than Hannah sounded like a blonde idiot.
I figured out who the killer was basically in the first chapter. I figured out where the final showdown was going to happen also at the beginning. I figured out the 'twist' half way through the book. The end 'surprise' wasn't much of a surprise as it was beat over our heads repeatedly (regarding Delores).
I don't know if I'm REALLY ready to give up the series, but I'm not going to rush out for the next one, and I certainly won't listen to it as an audiobook.
September 27, 2020
Whenever I need a brain break I turn to familiar, easy, fun mysteries. This time I downloaded a bunch of these cozy mysteries. They are sweet, simple, predictable and formulaic, but they are also fun. I like all of the characters. I am invested in their lives. They are perfect when a palate cleanser is needed.
July 27, 2019
It seemed like Lake Eden was having the same kind of summer weather we're having here in central Ohio, hot and humid. I liked how some details from the previous case, Cinnamon Roll Murder, were ironed out in this book. I never did get the feeling that they'd had any closure on the bus driver's death. But in this book, Hannah met a nurse who was able to fill her in on something she knew about the bus driver.
Once the murder was solved, there were several cases of happy endings, which is something I always like to see. I didn't think that there were any threads hanging in this book. Doc and Delores had some good news for everyone, Lisa's dad and Herb's mom had news as well, and then there was the good news of clearing up Clayton's death once and for all. There were some seriously awesome-sounding recipes in this book! When I'm pretty sure of who the killer is, as I was in this case, I just keep reading and enjoy how the person gets caught.
Once the murder was solved, there were several cases of happy endings, which is something I always like to see. I didn't think that there were any threads hanging in this book. Doc and Delores had some good news for everyone, Lisa's dad and Herb's mom had news as well, and then there was the good news of clearing up Clayton's death once and for all. There were some seriously awesome-sounding recipes in this book! When I'm pretty sure of who the killer is, as I was in this case, I just keep reading and enjoy how the person gets caught.
September 14, 2013
This is the sixteenth installment of this long series, although it certainly has felt even longer. And the biggest, most evident theme throughout all of these books - more than Swedish Plasma, more than cats, more than her bizarre penchant for randomly italicising sentences, more even than baking and cookies and eating - is Joanne Fluke's masterful flair for self-preservation. She has figured out that keeping Hannah torn between two lovers, as it were, will keep bringing readers to each new book, if for weary curiosity more than for actual interest. She knows that announcing a big event at the end of one book is the way to preface a perfect setting on which to base her next book, her next murder.* (But haven't we already had a murder at a wedding?) (Non-spoiler alert: not Hannah's wedding. Obviously.)
Eh, but there's a comfort here, in reading these books. Perhaps its the dependability, in that Ms. Fluke will always write the same book and just change the names. Or it's that the recipes take up many pages and skipping them makes reading the book quicker.
Oh, but Hannah: maybe it's time to stop eating your own cookies when you can't climb three flights of stairs without an iron lung. Just sayin'.
*Not that there's anyone left to kill in Lake Eden anymore, anyway.
Eh, but there's a comfort here, in reading these books. Perhaps its the dependability, in that Ms. Fluke will always write the same book and just change the names. Or it's that the recipes take up many pages and skipping them makes reading the book quicker.
Oh, but Hannah: maybe it's time to stop eating your own cookies when you can't climb three flights of stairs without an iron lung. Just sayin'.
*Not that there's anyone left to kill in Lake Eden anymore, anyway.
September 11, 2013
I am laughing out loud reading some of these reviews. I agree with all of the criticisms, especially that ummmm HELLO Joanne Fluke it's 2013. I think Joanne Fluke might be a total weirdo... I honestly had to double check when this book was written because I couldn't believe it was written after 1990! I read a couple of the older Hannah Swensen books and they're still talking about TAPING things on TV. Really... do they even sell VHS's anymore? And the idiots in this town don't know how to use them?
Speaking of electronics, what 30 year old woman isn't ALWAYS on their cell phone? Especially when you almost get murdered every 6 months. I am 30 and I couldn't live without it just to text and play Candy Crush!
And who has 2 boyfriends for several years? Maybe if they didn't know each other... Aren't the dudes tired of this ? She doesn't seem that great honestly so why are they sharing her and why are they friends when they're competing for the same chick? They're not even getting any lol. She's too busy with her stupid cat...blah blah its the same in every book, he hates her mom, he loves his food, who cares he is a dumb cat. I just imagine all the happy fat cat ladies reading this book out loud to their cats and loving it. Also, Hannah will probably end up a sad old fat cat lady.
Ok and I know they're in the midwest, but if you listen to the audio version, the reader is SO obnoxious with the accent. I can't tell you how many times they say rational (RAAAAAASHOOONUL) in this book. Ridiculous. And I shouldn't be able to hear the woman swallowing and making weird noises with her mouth either! Retape that ish!
All this being said, there was nothing else to rent electronically for my 1.5 drive home everyday from work, so after I listened to this book and hated it the whole time, I rented the first one and now I'm probably up to the 4th or 5th. It's this or fall asleep at the wheel! These books are stupid but at least it's free!
p.s. I went through the whole Sookie Stackhouse series (which was amazing) and now I have to listen to this. Wah!!!
Speaking of electronics, what 30 year old woman isn't ALWAYS on their cell phone? Especially when you almost get murdered every 6 months. I am 30 and I couldn't live without it just to text and play Candy Crush!
And who has 2 boyfriends for several years? Maybe if they didn't know each other... Aren't the dudes tired of this ? She doesn't seem that great honestly so why are they sharing her and why are they friends when they're competing for the same chick? They're not even getting any lol. She's too busy with her stupid cat...blah blah its the same in every book, he hates her mom, he loves his food, who cares he is a dumb cat. I just imagine all the happy fat cat ladies reading this book out loud to their cats and loving it. Also, Hannah will probably end up a sad old fat cat lady.
Ok and I know they're in the midwest, but if you listen to the audio version, the reader is SO obnoxious with the accent. I can't tell you how many times they say rational (RAAAAAASHOOONUL) in this book. Ridiculous. And I shouldn't be able to hear the woman swallowing and making weird noises with her mouth either! Retape that ish!
All this being said, there was nothing else to rent electronically for my 1.5 drive home everyday from work, so after I listened to this book and hated it the whole time, I rented the first one and now I'm probably up to the 4th or 5th. It's this or fall asleep at the wheel! These books are stupid but at least it's free!
p.s. I went through the whole Sookie Stackhouse series (which was amazing) and now I have to listen to this. Wah!!!
March 5, 2013
I've read all the Cookie Jar mysteries and I've got to say (as others have mentioned) that I'm growing weary of where this series is headed. Mike has got to be one of the biggest jerks out there, so why his smiles make Hannah weak in the knees I just don't understand. Yes, Ms. Fluke it is long past time for Hannah to pick her love. It has to be Norman. It should be Norman. But aside from that gripe I find the amount of phone calls she receives while home amazing! And pantsuits? Really no one has worn pantsuits since the 80's. Her mother, whom we are told is only in her 50's talks like a woman many years older. And one last thing that the publisher really needs to address - while I like that the recipes are included in the book could you please put them at the end of the book instead of every chapter? I do the vast majority of my reading on a kindle and it is a real pain to have o skip a page, skip a page, skip a page (you get the idea) at the end of chapters.
I hope you are reading these comments Ms Fluke. Bring Hannah and Co into the new millennium and make your readers happy.
I hope you are reading these comments Ms Fluke. Bring Hannah and Co into the new millennium and make your readers happy.
March 24, 2013
Hannah Swenson and her bakery have returned to solve another murder in Lake Eden, Minnesota. The book begins at the grand re-opening of the Albion Hotel, now converted into condominiums, that Hannah's sister, Andrea, is trying to sell. The party screeches to a halt when a party-goer plummets off of the roof of the hotel. Then, Dr. Bev, Norman's former fiance, arrives back in town to move into the penthouse. (She is supposedly going to marry the developer.) Of course, the love triangle of Hannah, Mike and Norman also continues to limp along. This has probably gone on for a couple of more books than necessary and has started seeming pretty stale. Hannah needs to make a decision and get on with her life. There were some really good-sounding recipes in this book, which is a definite plus. If it's your first taste of Hannah and her bakery, you will no doubt love the book. If you are a series regular, it is more of the same, which is not a bad thing. It's just kind of starting to seem a little stale.
February 26, 2013
I think it's time this series was laid to rest. When you can figure out the murderer and the victim really early, you need compelling characters and relationships to make the read worthwhile.
Unfortunately, these characters are just frustrating. A 30something woman with 2 boyfriends for 2 years, both of whom have proposed, and yet neither has ever spent the night? No indication of anything beyond kissing? It's a bit ridiculous.
Love triangles are good tension builders, yes, but there is absolutely no tension in this triangle. It's like a limp noodle. And after 16 books, this is obviously not going to be resolved.
It's time to hang up your detective hat, Ms. Swensen.
Unfortunately, these characters are just frustrating. A 30something woman with 2 boyfriends for 2 years, both of whom have proposed, and yet neither has ever spent the night? No indication of anything beyond kissing? It's a bit ridiculous.
Love triangles are good tension builders, yes, but there is absolutely no tension in this triangle. It's like a limp noodle. And after 16 books, this is obviously not going to be resolved.
It's time to hang up your detective hat, Ms. Swensen.
July 31, 2015
Meh.
I am not even sure this deserves 3 stars. I knew who "dunnit" by the third chapter [but not the why until close to the end of the book], could NOT believe the stupidity surrounding Barbara's inability to remember her "dad's" name but not her "father's" and why ALL the stupid people of Lake Eden weren't smart enough to figure THAT one out [even Hannah, who is supposedly SOOOOOOO wonderful] and lets talk about Hannah and her [weird, wacky and TWISTED] love life and how seriously annoying she actually is as a character. HOW is it that she doesn't see Mike for the supreme creep that we all KNOW he is? I totally remember why I haven't read one of these in awhile...
March 15, 2022
This was the very first Joanne Fluke book I ever read. Thanks to Emilie and Andrew and a game to find the absolute *worst* book on a sale rack outside of the Nashville Public Library, I found a series that I love to read and that I love to hate. There is something so amazing about fluff books; they are comforting and warm and this series specifically is akin to reading a Hallmark movie. Listening to the very first book I encountered in the series was a real treat. The recipes are *chefs kiss* and the plot was nonexistent. What more could one ask for?
February 3, 2013
I was sent an advanced copy by Kensington and it was a perfect Saturday afternoon read. I have read almost all of this series and enjoyed them. This is a pretty standard cozy but the recipes set them apart. Fluke provides a lot of recipes and for a culinary cozy reader it's a standout.
September 24, 2022
Another fun addition.
April 26, 2024
Fasten your seat belts because Hannah is helping to solve another murder and attempted murder in this book.
It all starts with her bitter enemy returning to town on the arm of the town’s wealthiest bachelor. Yes Doctor Bev is back and Hannah worries about how Norman will react to the return of his former fiance, especially, since he seems so committed to Hannah.
The Albion Hotel is having a grand reopening as condos, including a huge penthouse on the third floor which includes and enclosed “outdoor” garden. Hannah’s sister Andrea is the agent for the condos and offers Hannah a tour of the penthouse including the special piece of equipment that will be used to wash the glass covering over the garden.
I did figure out who the mysterious figure is, who is the person who attempted murder. It actually was a little too easy but I still enjoyed reading about Hannah’s adventures and, of course, all the recipes included in the book. I loved returning to Lake Eden and all the characters that live there.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Mystery, Kensington Books and the author Joanne Fluke.
It all starts with her bitter enemy returning to town on the arm of the town’s wealthiest bachelor. Yes Doctor Bev is back and Hannah worries about how Norman will react to the return of his former fiance, especially, since he seems so committed to Hannah.
The Albion Hotel is having a grand reopening as condos, including a huge penthouse on the third floor which includes and enclosed “outdoor” garden. Hannah’s sister Andrea is the agent for the condos and offers Hannah a tour of the penthouse including the special piece of equipment that will be used to wash the glass covering over the garden.
I did figure out who the mysterious figure is, who is the person who attempted murder. It actually was a little too easy but I still enjoyed reading about Hannah’s adventures and, of course, all the recipes included in the book. I loved returning to Lake Eden and all the characters that live there.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Mystery, Kensington Books and the author Joanne Fluke.
January 23, 2020
Everyone is excited over the grand opening of the newly remodeled hotel, and especially with the glass dome covering of the penthouse garden. The dome didn’t arrive time for the big party, so the garden was roped off. But a guest, the well-liked sheriff’s secretary, went over the edge anyway, and is clinging to life. Complicating Hannah’s life is Dr. Bev, who has turned up again, like the bad penny she is, to torment Hannah. So much happens in this cozy, Hannah has her hands full trying to see how all the pieces fit together. It’s an exciting and entertaining addition to the series.
June 26, 2022
love hannah and her gang, this did not disapoint at all, good easy read, with a mystery and food
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