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Hannah Swensen #28
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder
In this scrumptious new read in the blockbuster series packed with delightful recipes from a beloved New York Times bestselling author, baker Hannah Swensen is tempted by a high-profile tournament in Lake Eden that quickly turns deadly…
Embracing a sweet escape from her usual routine at The Cookie Jar, Hannah gets asked for her help in baking pastries at the local inn for a flashy fishing competition with big prizes and even bigger names. But the fun stops when she spots a runway boat on the water and, on board, the lifeless body of the event’s renowned celebrity spokesperson…
Famed TV show host Sonny Bowman wasn’t humble about his ability to reel in winning catches, and no one knew that better than his tragically overworked sidekick, Joey. Did Joey finally take bloody revenge on his pompous boss—or was Sonny killed by a jealous contestant?
With goodies to bake and a mess of fresh challenges mixed into her personal life, it’s either sink or swim as Hannah joins forces with her sister, Andrea, to catch a clever culprit before another unsuspecting victim goes belly up…
Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
Embracing a sweet escape from her usual routine at The Cookie Jar, Hannah gets asked for her help in baking pastries at the local inn for a flashy fishing competition with big prizes and even bigger names. But the fun stops when she spots a runway boat on the water and, on board, the lifeless body of the event’s renowned celebrity spokesperson…
Famed TV show host Sonny Bowman wasn’t humble about his ability to reel in winning catches, and no one knew that better than his tragically overworked sidekick, Joey. Did Joey finally take bloody revenge on his pompous boss—or was Sonny killed by a jealous contestant?
With goodies to bake and a mess of fresh challenges mixed into her personal life, it’s either sink or swim as Hannah joins forces with her sister, Andrea, to catch a clever culprit before another unsuspecting victim goes belly up…
Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
1531 people are currently reading
17203 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,544 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 980 reviews
February 22, 2022
Alright here we go. I finally made it through this one.
1. There’s an acknowledgment in the front to Trudi Nash and her husband for being brave enough to try several of the recipes. I gotta agree here, some of these recipes in the series I don’t even think Sandra Lee would have dreamed up.
2. We learn that Digger Gibson was the local undertaker. Digger! Oh a pun.
3. Hannah is back to her old tricks. Thawing store bought puff pastry to make Danish for her bakery. Come on Hannah! At least try. How much does she have to sell a Danish for to recoup the cost here. Phew.
4. Norman arrives to pick up cookies for Mike who is working a road accident. Hannah informs him that she’s already sent cookie out to Mike. Norman: “Mike knew that but he just called me to ask me to bring out more” gosh Mike is a pig.
5. And we’re back with a terrible recipe that instructs us to use “a spoon from your silverware drawer” to drizzle something over a cookie. Ok but what if I want to use a spoon from m sock drawer? Try and stop me.
6. Here we go. The recipe for the “easiest caramel pecan rolls you’ll ever make” know how? Use premade canned pillsbury cinnamon rolls. 3 cans! Those cans are expensive. She’s calling for the grands big ones here. Phew. I wonder how much these sell for at the red owl.
7. The instructions for the rolls tell me to place three rolls across the top of the pan, then place another three rolls under the first roll. So should I flip the pan over and place the rolls on top? Can I use a pan from my junk drawer?
8. Hannah asks poor Norman what time he left the house. Everyone is staying out with Sally and Dick! Norman tells her it was lonely at home without her. Hannah still doesn’t get it.
9. Delorimother is back! She told Hannah that it’s very relaxing when Stephanie drops by after the mayors office closes. They sit outside and drink champagne and watch the cats play. Did I mention Delorimother is babysitting the cats? Well she is.
10. Hannah is concerned that both she and Norman are staying at the hotel. Delorimother doesn’t want Lake Eden to get the wrong idea about her daughter who married a con artist. So Hannah assures Delorimother “you won’t have to do any damage control for us, I checked with Sally and she’s going to make it clear to anyone who asks that Norman and I have separate rooms” who’s asking? I mean how many people care?
11. Delorimother bought a litter robot for the cats! I wish I could tell her how much they suck. They leave little nuggets of dirty litter behind and coat the inside with nice dirty dust for your precious cat to get coated in. I like my cats too much to use this machine.
12. Dick has made a cocktail that is a miniature dirty martini and declares “the olive juice looks a little like cloudy lake water” mmmm cloudy lake water. My fave.
13. Sally explains Boursin to Michelle. Fancy French cheese. Michelle’s mind is blown.
14. Delorimother plans to trip someone in public! Then she declares “there’s no way I’m going to let my girls dance with a drunk for long” For long. Just chew on that.
15. Michelle acts sexy and Lonnie is rattled. So Hannah tells him that Michelle’s sexy talk is from a one act play that Michelle did in college. “Mother and I drove down to see if. She directed it and she also played the lead” hate to break it to you Lonnie but she probably also wrote it. You’re not getting the sexy talk though.
16. We learn Hannah has a favorite hockey expression. Who knew?
17. Hannah implores a drunk to not fall down yet so as not to “spoil Mother’s fun”
18. There is a DRI. I repeat a DRI. A dance related injury. Call Doc.
19. Another recipe tip “if your mushrooms have stems, twist and pull them out. Throw away the stems” how wasteful! Make some mushroom turnovers or stew or soup or put the stems in an omelet. Jeeze
20. We learn Hannah’s great grandmother Elsa used to spread rhubarb on Bologna sandwiches to “add a little interest” ok. I mean. Gross.
21. Hannah and Andrea are helping Sally since her baker had to go on leave but then they get croissants sent to the room. Who made the croissants??
22. Doc admits to checking peoples work records and personnel files. Jeeze doc. Is this through the hospital or what?
23. Andrea learns her husband Bill was quite the fisherman in his day. And she’s shocked. They’ve been together for years. Lake Eden is on lakes. Shouldn’t she know her husband likes to fish?
24. We learn that Norman knows a lot about fishing and bait. Norman knows it all.
25. Norman asks Hannah for Mike’s number. What? Surely they have swapped numbers. In lake Eden the number is likely something like KL5-MIKE.
26. Wally (owner of the fishing show and shops) is so rich he arranged for a cell tower to be built next to the inn. In general or for the contest? Who knows? Not me.
27. Normal Norman teaches us about sidedrafting. Once again his racing background pops out. I love it!
28. Someone suggests the pecan rolls are poisoned. Hannah implodes. Half of this item is true.
29. Hannah considers not telling Dick and Sally that one of their guests has been murdered. But luckily she decides it’s the right thing to do. So glad she has the authority.
30. Hannah says she hates to deliver bad news. You know about murder. Yet..she does this often. Hm…
31. Hannah interrogates someone by saying “So you took a shower and dressed in clean clothes?” Who puts on dirty clothes after a shower?
32. Hannah declares that since Mike was the person who discovered the murder, if he tells her he doesn’t need her help she will step back. Because Mike isn’t a detective or anything.
33. Norman tells Hannah they are part of the investigation. Since Bill is out of town and so is Rick, with the new guy on vacation…Mike and Lonnie are the only detectives left. So they will need “us to do some of the legwork for them” hah
34. The recipe for the Reuben omelets says that Mike has had these before, but talking to Sally he asked if he will like them or not. Strange eh? Then Doc tells Sally to make three more for Mike. The man can eat.
35. Andrea wants to know why she can’t be the one to tell her husband the sheriff there was a murder. She even says “he ought to know there’s been a murder” yeah he should Andrea and Mike should have told him. Hannah says “that’s not wise. Do you really want him to come home early and miss his televised speech?” Because what’s a murder when there’s a speech to be orated.
36. Andrea brings an apparently weighty box of goldfish crackers to the inn on recommendation of her daughter Tracey. So heavy that it makes her suitcase hard to move. Even Costco doesn’t sell boxes this big. But Andrea bought them from the red owl.
37. Hannah uses the word sexy. That’s all.
38. Rosa apparently goes into peoples rooms to turn down the lights at night. What kind of trickery is this? Turn down the bed I’ve heard of but not the lights. Sheesh
39. Andrea says she’s too tired to “work” but delivering drinks and appetizers isn’t working. Andrea have you ever met someone who works full time in the service industry? I thought not. How ignorant.
40. Hannah tries to hypnotize Lily with baking imagery. It doesn’t work but suddenly I am hungry.
41. Mike tells Hannah his heart is not in his work. We are all shocked. What does Mike do again?
41. Andrea kinda made a recipe! Sort of.
42. Hannah tells Lily’s mom that if she was engaged and had trouble with the man she was going to marry she would talk to her mom. But she didn’t. Remember Ross Hannah? We do.
43. Lily’s mom wonders what good it would have done to tell her daughter that she knew the man she was going to marry was engaged four times before. Yes what good indeed.
44. Hannah spills the beans about the murder to strangers again. Even she knows she’s not supposed to tell anyone and she still does. Again.
45. Suspects ask Hannah over and over again if they are suspects still. Hannah. Who is not a police detective. Then Andrea spills the beans on the cause of death. Oh those Swensen sisters.
46. I learned that on the packs of Uncle Bens rice there is no longer any mention of anybody’s “Uncle”Apparently this is so alarming that it needed to be in the book.
47. Hannah tells Andrea that “detectives can’t have blind trust, and maybe that’s why many of us are single” are you a detective though Hannah? And furthermore are you single? I heard you are staying in the same hotel as Norman after all. How classy.
48. Rosa says Lily has ain interview with Mike at two. Then Hannah asks Mike when Lonnie is interviewing Lily. Who’s on first?
49. Mike declares he’s losing his humanity. Did he have any? I thought he was just the Baltimore Trash Wheel. Actually Mr Trash Wheel has more humanity than Mike.
50. Hannah bakes Lonnie brownies for his birthday. Then Sally shows up with not one, not two, but three special desserts she made for Lonnie. What happened to the brownies? And if Sally is baking cakes, a pie, and another cake why did she hire Hannah to bake? The mystery deepens.
51. Finally Mike says what we are all wondering about “I couldn’t have solved that murder case…I’m not sure Lonnie could have either” ok so why are you both employed then? Someone call Bill!
This one gave me a BRI - book related injury. By which I mean a headache. Does anyone know if Florence down at the Red Owl sells Bufferin/Anacin/Excedrin? None of that new fangled hooey for me. I gotta stop in anyway for some Pillsbury Grands!
1. There’s an acknowledgment in the front to Trudi Nash and her husband for being brave enough to try several of the recipes. I gotta agree here, some of these recipes in the series I don’t even think Sandra Lee would have dreamed up.
2. We learn that Digger Gibson was the local undertaker. Digger! Oh a pun.
3. Hannah is back to her old tricks. Thawing store bought puff pastry to make Danish for her bakery. Come on Hannah! At least try. How much does she have to sell a Danish for to recoup the cost here. Phew.
4. Norman arrives to pick up cookies for Mike who is working a road accident. Hannah informs him that she’s already sent cookie out to Mike. Norman: “Mike knew that but he just called me to ask me to bring out more” gosh Mike is a pig.
5. And we’re back with a terrible recipe that instructs us to use “a spoon from your silverware drawer” to drizzle something over a cookie. Ok but what if I want to use a spoon from m sock drawer? Try and stop me.
6. Here we go. The recipe for the “easiest caramel pecan rolls you’ll ever make” know how? Use premade canned pillsbury cinnamon rolls. 3 cans! Those cans are expensive. She’s calling for the grands big ones here. Phew. I wonder how much these sell for at the red owl.
7. The instructions for the rolls tell me to place three rolls across the top of the pan, then place another three rolls under the first roll. So should I flip the pan over and place the rolls on top? Can I use a pan from my junk drawer?
8. Hannah asks poor Norman what time he left the house. Everyone is staying out with Sally and Dick! Norman tells her it was lonely at home without her. Hannah still doesn’t get it.
9. Delorimother is back! She told Hannah that it’s very relaxing when Stephanie drops by after the mayors office closes. They sit outside and drink champagne and watch the cats play. Did I mention Delorimother is babysitting the cats? Well she is.
10. Hannah is concerned that both she and Norman are staying at the hotel. Delorimother doesn’t want Lake Eden to get the wrong idea about her daughter who married a con artist. So Hannah assures Delorimother “you won’t have to do any damage control for us, I checked with Sally and she’s going to make it clear to anyone who asks that Norman and I have separate rooms” who’s asking? I mean how many people care?
11. Delorimother bought a litter robot for the cats! I wish I could tell her how much they suck. They leave little nuggets of dirty litter behind and coat the inside with nice dirty dust for your precious cat to get coated in. I like my cats too much to use this machine.
12. Dick has made a cocktail that is a miniature dirty martini and declares “the olive juice looks a little like cloudy lake water” mmmm cloudy lake water. My fave.
13. Sally explains Boursin to Michelle. Fancy French cheese. Michelle’s mind is blown.
14. Delorimother plans to trip someone in public! Then she declares “there’s no way I’m going to let my girls dance with a drunk for long” For long. Just chew on that.
15. Michelle acts sexy and Lonnie is rattled. So Hannah tells him that Michelle’s sexy talk is from a one act play that Michelle did in college. “Mother and I drove down to see if. She directed it and she also played the lead” hate to break it to you Lonnie but she probably also wrote it. You’re not getting the sexy talk though.
16. We learn Hannah has a favorite hockey expression. Who knew?
17. Hannah implores a drunk to not fall down yet so as not to “spoil Mother’s fun”
18. There is a DRI. I repeat a DRI. A dance related injury. Call Doc.
19. Another recipe tip “if your mushrooms have stems, twist and pull them out. Throw away the stems” how wasteful! Make some mushroom turnovers or stew or soup or put the stems in an omelet. Jeeze
20. We learn Hannah’s great grandmother Elsa used to spread rhubarb on Bologna sandwiches to “add a little interest” ok. I mean. Gross.
21. Hannah and Andrea are helping Sally since her baker had to go on leave but then they get croissants sent to the room. Who made the croissants??
22. Doc admits to checking peoples work records and personnel files. Jeeze doc. Is this through the hospital or what?
23. Andrea learns her husband Bill was quite the fisherman in his day. And she’s shocked. They’ve been together for years. Lake Eden is on lakes. Shouldn’t she know her husband likes to fish?
24. We learn that Norman knows a lot about fishing and bait. Norman knows it all.
25. Norman asks Hannah for Mike’s number. What? Surely they have swapped numbers. In lake Eden the number is likely something like KL5-MIKE.
26. Wally (owner of the fishing show and shops) is so rich he arranged for a cell tower to be built next to the inn. In general or for the contest? Who knows? Not me.
27. Normal Norman teaches us about sidedrafting. Once again his racing background pops out. I love it!
28. Someone suggests the pecan rolls are poisoned. Hannah implodes. Half of this item is true.
29. Hannah considers not telling Dick and Sally that one of their guests has been murdered. But luckily she decides it’s the right thing to do. So glad she has the authority.
30. Hannah says she hates to deliver bad news. You know about murder. Yet..she does this often. Hm…
31. Hannah interrogates someone by saying “So you took a shower and dressed in clean clothes?” Who puts on dirty clothes after a shower?
32. Hannah declares that since Mike was the person who discovered the murder, if he tells her he doesn’t need her help she will step back. Because Mike isn’t a detective or anything.
33. Norman tells Hannah they are part of the investigation. Since Bill is out of town and so is Rick, with the new guy on vacation…Mike and Lonnie are the only detectives left. So they will need “us to do some of the legwork for them” hah
34. The recipe for the Reuben omelets says that Mike has had these before, but talking to Sally he asked if he will like them or not. Strange eh? Then Doc tells Sally to make three more for Mike. The man can eat.
35. Andrea wants to know why she can’t be the one to tell her husband the sheriff there was a murder. She even says “he ought to know there’s been a murder” yeah he should Andrea and Mike should have told him. Hannah says “that’s not wise. Do you really want him to come home early and miss his televised speech?” Because what’s a murder when there’s a speech to be orated.
36. Andrea brings an apparently weighty box of goldfish crackers to the inn on recommendation of her daughter Tracey. So heavy that it makes her suitcase hard to move. Even Costco doesn’t sell boxes this big. But Andrea bought them from the red owl.
37. Hannah uses the word sexy. That’s all.
38. Rosa apparently goes into peoples rooms to turn down the lights at night. What kind of trickery is this? Turn down the bed I’ve heard of but not the lights. Sheesh
39. Andrea says she’s too tired to “work” but delivering drinks and appetizers isn’t working. Andrea have you ever met someone who works full time in the service industry? I thought not. How ignorant.
40. Hannah tries to hypnotize Lily with baking imagery. It doesn’t work but suddenly I am hungry.
41. Mike tells Hannah his heart is not in his work. We are all shocked. What does Mike do again?
41. Andrea kinda made a recipe! Sort of.
42. Hannah tells Lily’s mom that if she was engaged and had trouble with the man she was going to marry she would talk to her mom. But she didn’t. Remember Ross Hannah? We do.
43. Lily’s mom wonders what good it would have done to tell her daughter that she knew the man she was going to marry was engaged four times before. Yes what good indeed.
44. Hannah spills the beans about the murder to strangers again. Even she knows she’s not supposed to tell anyone and she still does. Again.
45. Suspects ask Hannah over and over again if they are suspects still. Hannah. Who is not a police detective. Then Andrea spills the beans on the cause of death. Oh those Swensen sisters.
46. I learned that on the packs of Uncle Bens rice there is no longer any mention of anybody’s “Uncle”Apparently this is so alarming that it needed to be in the book.
47. Hannah tells Andrea that “detectives can’t have blind trust, and maybe that’s why many of us are single” are you a detective though Hannah? And furthermore are you single? I heard you are staying in the same hotel as Norman after all. How classy.
48. Rosa says Lily has ain interview with Mike at two. Then Hannah asks Mike when Lonnie is interviewing Lily. Who’s on first?
49. Mike declares he’s losing his humanity. Did he have any? I thought he was just the Baltimore Trash Wheel. Actually Mr Trash Wheel has more humanity than Mike.
50. Hannah bakes Lonnie brownies for his birthday. Then Sally shows up with not one, not two, but three special desserts she made for Lonnie. What happened to the brownies? And if Sally is baking cakes, a pie, and another cake why did she hire Hannah to bake? The mystery deepens.
51. Finally Mike says what we are all wondering about “I couldn’t have solved that murder case…I’m not sure Lonnie could have either” ok so why are you both employed then? Someone call Bill!
This one gave me a BRI - book related injury. By which I mean a headache. Does anyone know if Florence down at the Red Owl sells Bufferin/Anacin/Excedrin? None of that new fangled hooey for me. I gotta stop in anyway for some Pillsbury Grands!
April 4, 2022
Just awful. Such stupid conversations. Over-the-top reactions to every single cookie Hannah or Andrea made. The story was just so awkward! Had no flow to it. Childish behavior. Constant addressing of the other person during a conversation when there are only two people in the room! That drives me nuts! It is so annoying and unnecessary! This does not read like a book that was written by a seasoned author! It reads more like a high school aged person's first attempt at Creative Writing class. I liked a few of the recipes. That was it. I think this series needs to end. NOW.
December 2, 2021
Unfortunately, I think I still read these out of habit. While I still enjoy the characters and setting, these past few books are really just filler. The recipes are great and leave me hungry but the main arc of the story for Hannah and the others just needs to move on.
January 23, 2022
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is the 28th or 29th (if you count reissue of old ones) book in the Hannah Swensen Mysteries written by Joanne Fluke. Although the books are generally full-length, fifty percent of the pages are recipes based on what the characters are cooking or baking in the story. They're also very simple, sweet, and polite tales where it's all about the basics... then there's some murder involved. I enjoy them because the cast feels like extended family -- it's good to see them once a year, perhaps twice... catch up on what's going on in their lives, learn a bit about baking or Minnesota or fishing (the focus of this book). But too much time with them would be killer!
The world of cozies ranges from the light (like this one) to the complex where you are really trying to solve a complicated puzzle. Here, there are usually only 3 viable suspects. Hannah always guesses it correctly before the police. She knows the killer well, or at least his or her family. And various friends help her try to trap the person. It's fun. It's simple. It's routine. All that said, there was a curious twist in the end that really leaves us wondering about the future of the Mike - Hannah - Norman triangle. We've been there before when 1 of the 3 finds someone else to focus on for a bit.... but this time, it's entirely about 1 person's personal life / career.
My biggest frustration with this one was the use of two characters with the name Joe. One was Joey, and the other Joe Dietz. The name has nothing to do with the murder or a confusion between people. It was purely just two characters with a similar name. Why on earth would an editor let this happen? It forces the reader out of the story and slows the pacing. I had to go back pages and see if I missed an explanation, but I didn't. Other than that, the mystery was as expected. I enjoyed the hotel scenes. Andrea is becoming a much more core character. Visiting with Sally and Dick was good; they generally pop up once a book for a quick scene, but they were integral in this installment. I got my annual fix, and I already look forward to the next one.
The world of cozies ranges from the light (like this one) to the complex where you are really trying to solve a complicated puzzle. Here, there are usually only 3 viable suspects. Hannah always guesses it correctly before the police. She knows the killer well, or at least his or her family. And various friends help her try to trap the person. It's fun. It's simple. It's routine. All that said, there was a curious twist in the end that really leaves us wondering about the future of the Mike - Hannah - Norman triangle. We've been there before when 1 of the 3 finds someone else to focus on for a bit.... but this time, it's entirely about 1 person's personal life / career.
My biggest frustration with this one was the use of two characters with the name Joe. One was Joey, and the other Joe Dietz. The name has nothing to do with the murder or a confusion between people. It was purely just two characters with a similar name. Why on earth would an editor let this happen? It forces the reader out of the story and slows the pacing. I had to go back pages and see if I missed an explanation, but I didn't. Other than that, the mystery was as expected. I enjoyed the hotel scenes. Andrea is becoming a much more core character. Visiting with Sally and Dick was good; they generally pop up once a book for a quick scene, but they were integral in this installment. I got my annual fix, and I already look forward to the next one.
January 14, 2022
This used to be one of my favorite series. The last few books have been awful and this one was terrible. I'm not usually one to say that about a book (especially one that I've read almost 30 books in a series), but this one was not good. Some of the parts, like when Hannah was in the kitchen and it said she was putting on her shoes...why did she leave her hotel room without shoes...it made no sense and didn't have anything to do with the plot, needed to go back through the editing process again. They actually took me out of the story, because I was trying to figure out what was going on. I really want to keep reading this series, because I'm invested in the characters and I have to know Norman or Mike (or some complete stranger out of left field...wait, I think we had that before...), but I'm not sure I can stand to waste my time reading through another one of these books. I'm not completely convinced Joanne Fluke is actually writing them anymore. I read through some of the reviews before trying to write mine and I'm actually convinced that I got a different copy than other readers, since their reviews were so positive. I want to look forward to the next book and hope that something actually happens in it to move the characters along, but I'm a little afraid for the next book.
September 28, 2025
Hannah Swenson is back for the 28th book in this cozy mystery series. There is still no resolution in sight for the love triangle between her, Norman, and Mike. Hannah is still upset over Ross. Despite my frustration with the love triangle aspect of the book, I wound up really enjoying the mystery. There’s a fishing tournament in Lake Eden, with a famed TV fishing host in charge of the competition. It doesn’t hurt that he’s good looking. Unfortunately, his personality is lacking. When he turns up dead, there are a long list of suspects, including people he’s mistreated on the TV set, and his fiancée and her family, none of whom want to see the pair wed. I liked the recipes in this one. I was a little surprised by the cliffhanger at the end. 4/5 stars.
January 29, 2022
I like Hannah; I really do! However, I find myself asking if this series should end? Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is filled with a lot of wonderful treats, and most of the recipes are delightful. Hannah is still Hannah. She is curious, constantly busy, and easy to like. The other characters, such as her sister, Andrea, and their mother, are, as usual, getting into trouble with Hannah and “trying” to help.
When a fishing competition comes to town, Hannah helps do the baking to feed the hungry competitors. She spends her time with Norman in between baking, and of course, they find a body and not just anybody’s body. It looks like someone has murdered a famous fishing show TV host, and if Hannah isn’t careful, she could be next. Her caramel pecan rolls may be a favorite of the fishing competitors, but they can’t help her solve a murder. Suspects abound throughout the story. Evidence tells the tale of revenge, jealousy, and heartbreak. The red herrings keep readers distracted.
Now we come to the part of this review that I hesitated to write. Most fans of the “A Hannah Swensen Mystery” series may well enjoy this book, just as they did all the others, but I did not. There is so much wrong. I am not sure I can list all of it and not sound like a whiny jerk who hates the series and the author. This could not be further from the truth. I will give it a try nonetheless.
To start, the writing throughout this story was not what I would have expected and does not hold up to earlier books in the series. Readers may well believe that this book was written by a ghostwriter who had never learned how to write a book and who definitely never read any of the others in this series. There are parts throughout where Hannah is talking about something, and then the narrative jumps to some conversation or action that was never described in the story. The conversations are stilted, and the constant use of the character's formal names all the time is just plain irritating. The fishing and the caramel rolls just didn’t add much to the plot, if anything.
This story seems to be primarily filler with no substance. Even the caramel rolls didn’t sound all that appetizing. The fishing competition didn’t play a genuine part in the story other than a means of giving the victim some occupation and a way of finding the body. The killer was not introduced quickly; the motive was so obvious I almost threw the book across the room. All in all, I did not want to eat the caramel rolls or go fishing, and honestly, I can’t recommend Caramel Pecan Roll Murder to anyone. I am just hoping this was not a look at things to come in the series, but if it is, maybe it's time for Hannah to close up shop and move on to something new.
When a fishing competition comes to town, Hannah helps do the baking to feed the hungry competitors. She spends her time with Norman in between baking, and of course, they find a body and not just anybody’s body. It looks like someone has murdered a famous fishing show TV host, and if Hannah isn’t careful, she could be next. Her caramel pecan rolls may be a favorite of the fishing competitors, but they can’t help her solve a murder. Suspects abound throughout the story. Evidence tells the tale of revenge, jealousy, and heartbreak. The red herrings keep readers distracted.
Now we come to the part of this review that I hesitated to write. Most fans of the “A Hannah Swensen Mystery” series may well enjoy this book, just as they did all the others, but I did not. There is so much wrong. I am not sure I can list all of it and not sound like a whiny jerk who hates the series and the author. This could not be further from the truth. I will give it a try nonetheless.
To start, the writing throughout this story was not what I would have expected and does not hold up to earlier books in the series. Readers may well believe that this book was written by a ghostwriter who had never learned how to write a book and who definitely never read any of the others in this series. There are parts throughout where Hannah is talking about something, and then the narrative jumps to some conversation or action that was never described in the story. The conversations are stilted, and the constant use of the character's formal names all the time is just plain irritating. The fishing and the caramel rolls just didn’t add much to the plot, if anything.
This story seems to be primarily filler with no substance. Even the caramel rolls didn’t sound all that appetizing. The fishing competition didn’t play a genuine part in the story other than a means of giving the victim some occupation and a way of finding the body. The killer was not introduced quickly; the motive was so obvious I almost threw the book across the room. All in all, I did not want to eat the caramel rolls or go fishing, and honestly, I can’t recommend Caramel Pecan Roll Murder to anyone. I am just hoping this was not a look at things to come in the series, but if it is, maybe it's time for Hannah to close up shop and move on to something new.
April 3, 2022
Again I fell for the lure of Hannah Swenson. Again I was disappointed.
I never know what decade the author (or are there multiple authors?) is coming from. Supposedly the women are all strong and self-sufficient with careers of their own; yet they are all technology challenged, laugh and giggle about their inability to remember to charge their phones, set up their computers, connect to the internet, etc. etc. Why can't they just say, Yep, we're in the 21st century and I have learned to handle my devices?
Why do they call each other by name every single time they have a conversation even if there are just two people? Do you know what day this is Norman? No, Hannah, what day is it? I don't know Norman, I'm asking you. Not a real conversation but it could be because that is how simplistic the people sound when they talk.
Why is their discordance between individuals talking about the lake? On the one hand they make a martini with olive juice so it mimics the cloudy waters of the lake. In another section the fisherman ooh and aah about how clear and pristine the lake waters are. Can't be both.
How physically weak is Andrea? She brought in a suitcase full of goldfish crackers and complains about how heavy it is. I have picked up packages of goldfish and they weigh next to nothing. Even a suitcase full of those crackers is not going to weigh anything. And for that matter why did she buy a bunch of packages of crackers to fill a suitcase? Why didn't she just buy a case and be done with it?
Did Lily get an entry card from the night clerk as Rosa repeats or did Rosa let Lily into the room because she couldn't get a card as Lily relates? Did two different people write two different chapters and never check in with each other? Likewise, when did Hannah make the caramel rolls? I got so confused as to what day was what and I think the author(s) were too.
Sally asked Hannah to fill in for the pastry chef, but then later introduces her to a guest as "helping out" with the baking. Huge difference in whether you are a pastry chef or a baker's helper.
Does Angela really need to explain to Hannah the background story of a woman they have both known since their school days? Living in a small town, wouldn't Hannah be aware that the individual had been in the army, that she had married and that the person with the woman's father is her husband?
And why does Hannah treat Andrea like a small child? When she makes her "work out" why a recipe wouldn't work, she yelled "bravo" when Andrea got the "right" answer. Did she jump up and down and clap her hands too? Because that's the vibe that she gave off.
Why would a woman who is just introduced to Hannah proceed to tell her the most personal details about her marriage and pregnancy? Why would she admit to a total stranger that she was taking drugs during her pregnancy? Why is no one disturbed by this fact?
Why is Hannah still obsessing about Ross? He was a bigamist so why is she still playing the victim? Why isn't she angry beyond belief instead of wishing things had been different?
What on earth is the author thinking by saying that Delores didn't have driver's ed when she was in school? How old (or young) is Delores anyway? When I was in school, driver's ed was mandatory, but when my kids were in school, budget constraints had deleted the option for a school sponsored class. So either Delores is in her 90s or in her 40s. Can't figure out which.
And let's go to the recipes. So. Much. Product. Placement. And this bleeds over into the story itself. And the instructions? The recipes could have been reduced by at least 2/5 of their length because the instructions have become so simplistic that they are comical. Things like "take the lid off the sour cream. Add the sour cream to the mixture." Or "open the bag of chips and pour the chips into the bowl". It's enough to make you bang your head against the desk.
Don't read the book. It is a waste of 3 1/2 hours of your time. You have better things to do. And if you want a good cookie recipe, find a book by Dorie Greenspan.
I never know what decade the author (or are there multiple authors?) is coming from. Supposedly the women are all strong and self-sufficient with careers of their own; yet they are all technology challenged, laugh and giggle about their inability to remember to charge their phones, set up their computers, connect to the internet, etc. etc. Why can't they just say, Yep, we're in the 21st century and I have learned to handle my devices?
Why do they call each other by name every single time they have a conversation even if there are just two people? Do you know what day this is Norman? No, Hannah, what day is it? I don't know Norman, I'm asking you. Not a real conversation but it could be because that is how simplistic the people sound when they talk.
Why is their discordance between individuals talking about the lake? On the one hand they make a martini with olive juice so it mimics the cloudy waters of the lake. In another section the fisherman ooh and aah about how clear and pristine the lake waters are. Can't be both.
How physically weak is Andrea? She brought in a suitcase full of goldfish crackers and complains about how heavy it is. I have picked up packages of goldfish and they weigh next to nothing. Even a suitcase full of those crackers is not going to weigh anything. And for that matter why did she buy a bunch of packages of crackers to fill a suitcase? Why didn't she just buy a case and be done with it?
Did Lily get an entry card from the night clerk as Rosa repeats or did Rosa let Lily into the room because she couldn't get a card as Lily relates? Did two different people write two different chapters and never check in with each other? Likewise, when did Hannah make the caramel rolls? I got so confused as to what day was what and I think the author(s) were too.
Sally asked Hannah to fill in for the pastry chef, but then later introduces her to a guest as "helping out" with the baking. Huge difference in whether you are a pastry chef or a baker's helper.
Does Angela really need to explain to Hannah the background story of a woman they have both known since their school days? Living in a small town, wouldn't Hannah be aware that the individual had been in the army, that she had married and that the person with the woman's father is her husband?
And why does Hannah treat Andrea like a small child? When she makes her "work out" why a recipe wouldn't work, she yelled "bravo" when Andrea got the "right" answer. Did she jump up and down and clap her hands too? Because that's the vibe that she gave off.
Why would a woman who is just introduced to Hannah proceed to tell her the most personal details about her marriage and pregnancy? Why would she admit to a total stranger that she was taking drugs during her pregnancy? Why is no one disturbed by this fact?
Why is Hannah still obsessing about Ross? He was a bigamist so why is she still playing the victim? Why isn't she angry beyond belief instead of wishing things had been different?
What on earth is the author thinking by saying that Delores didn't have driver's ed when she was in school? How old (or young) is Delores anyway? When I was in school, driver's ed was mandatory, but when my kids were in school, budget constraints had deleted the option for a school sponsored class. So either Delores is in her 90s or in her 40s. Can't figure out which.
And let's go to the recipes. So. Much. Product. Placement. And this bleeds over into the story itself. And the instructions? The recipes could have been reduced by at least 2/5 of their length because the instructions have become so simplistic that they are comical. Things like "take the lid off the sour cream. Add the sour cream to the mixture." Or "open the bag of chips and pour the chips into the bowl". It's enough to make you bang your head against the desk.
Don't read the book. It is a waste of 3 1/2 hours of your time. You have better things to do. And if you want a good cookie recipe, find a book by Dorie Greenspan.
March 8, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was the 1st cozy series I read and it was one of my favorite series until Hannah got engaged and married Ross. Now it feels like the writing has changed. It feels like the mysteries are often an afterthought (though this one did better in a way). It feels like Hannah's personality changed. She used to be more independent. And I've definitely gotten tired of the Norman v.s. Mike thing. She doesn't love either so please drop it. It's truly annoying and tiring.
In this one, a lot of the same ideas keeping repeating (like Hannah worrying about what people think about her staying with Norman and how to get Moishe back in the condo) to the point of being tiring. Also the whole Ross drama was recapped again. As for the mystery, it wrapped up too suddenly and we really didn't see the conclusion of the mystery. Again it seems like the mystery was an afterthought and the plot focused more on Hannah and her life drama.
I probably will read the next one just to see what happens with Mike.
This was the 1st cozy series I read and it was one of my favorite series until Hannah got engaged and married Ross. Now it feels like the writing has changed. It feels like the mysteries are often an afterthought (though this one did better in a way). It feels like Hannah's personality changed. She used to be more independent. And I've definitely gotten tired of the Norman v.s. Mike thing. She doesn't love either so please drop it. It's truly annoying and tiring.
In this one, a lot of the same ideas keeping repeating (like Hannah worrying about what people think about her staying with Norman and how to get Moishe back in the condo) to the point of being tiring. Also the whole Ross drama was recapped again. As for the mystery, it wrapped up too suddenly and we really didn't see the conclusion of the mystery. Again it seems like the mystery was an afterthought and the plot focused more on Hannah and her life drama.
I probably will read the next one just to see what happens with Mike.
October 11, 2025
Hannah Swenson is asked for help to bake pastries at the local inn as well as making cookies for the Lake Eden walleye fishing completion. It all sounds like fun. Especially when the famous tv celebrity Sonny Bowman is going to be there. He is very good looking but a serial flirt and womaniser. He is accompanied by his faithful assistant Joey who knows more about fishing than Sonny does. Sonny manages to alienate more than a few people at the inn with his flirting and antics. But then things turn deadly serious when a man is found slumped over the wheel of a boat. It looks like murder. Of course, Hannah can’t help but insert herself along with her sister Andrea into the investigation to catch the culprit. But could she be putting her own life in danger? It wouldn’t be the first time. Hannah has a list of suspects that she is methodically ticking off.
This book is one of many in this series with Hannah Swenson of The Cookie Jar fame.
It is not the first book I have read by this author. I haven’t rated any of them above three stars. This is a case where I prefer the movies to the books. Think I will stick to that in future.
The book is sure slow moving as the murder doesn’t occur till a very long way into the book.
Lots of recipes are included at the end of chapters for those readers and cooks who are so inclined, to enjoy. I am not one of them, so I skipped through them.
There are a few twists and turns but also a lot of seemingly pointless chat plus an abrupt ending. Some aspects of the plot didn’t make sense. So, while the book was enjoyable after a fashion, I certainly didn’t love it. And I am not inclined to read any more of the series. But others may well view this book and the series differently, so maybe give it a go and see what you think.
Debated between two and three but ended up going with three stars.
This book is one of many in this series with Hannah Swenson of The Cookie Jar fame.
It is not the first book I have read by this author. I haven’t rated any of them above three stars. This is a case where I prefer the movies to the books. Think I will stick to that in future.
The book is sure slow moving as the murder doesn’t occur till a very long way into the book.
Lots of recipes are included at the end of chapters for those readers and cooks who are so inclined, to enjoy. I am not one of them, so I skipped through them.
There are a few twists and turns but also a lot of seemingly pointless chat plus an abrupt ending. Some aspects of the plot didn’t make sense. So, while the book was enjoyable after a fashion, I certainly didn’t love it. And I am not inclined to read any more of the series. But others may well view this book and the series differently, so maybe give it a go and see what you think.
Debated between two and three but ended up going with three stars.
March 4, 2022
A fishing tournament has come to Lake Eden, which is great news for Lake Eden Inn since it is located on the shores of Eden Lake. Hannah Swensen is out at the inn filling in for their pastry chef, who is out for a family emergency. That’s how she first meets Sonny Bowman, the celebrity face of the contest. Sonny is as arrogant as he is handsome, but Hannah is still surprised when she finds his dead body. Can she figure out what happened?
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
If you haven’t picked up a book in this series before, don’t start here. Not only are there some spoilers about what has gone on in Hannah’s life recently, but the earlier books were stronger. Go back then to see why people got hooked on the books. For fans, they’ll find this book is a mixed bag. It’s definitely stronger than the last few in the series were, with a little less cooking and baking talk and more time spent on the mystery. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, and there were some decent twists along the way. Since the action takes place at the Inn, we only get cameos from some of the usual characters, which is okay. The characters continue to be a bit thin, but fans will love spending time with them anyway. My biggest issue was the lack of editing. There were several times that a character contradicted something that had happened just a few pages before. It wasn’t related to the mystery; it was just lazy writing and editing. By my count, there are twenty new recipes to enjoy once you’ve finished the book, and they made my mouth water as always. If you’ve stuck with the series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest entry.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 27, 2022
I begin to feel this is a series that has stretched too far…
My main complaints:
1: Too heavy on the recipes and too light on story content.
2: And this one is in dire need of an editor - there are so many inconsistencies and discrepancies (and appearing in exceedingly close proximity, not like it’s happening 7 chapters later), as well as just rough writing.
3: The first half is all Norman-Norman-Norman, and then he just vanishes — but that’s okay, because now Mike is having an existential crisis? 🤷🏻♀️
My main complaints:
1: Too heavy on the recipes and too light on story content.
2: And this one is in dire need of an editor - there are so many inconsistencies and discrepancies (and appearing in exceedingly close proximity, not like it’s happening 7 chapters later), as well as just rough writing.
3: The first half is all Norman-Norman-Norman, and then he just vanishes — but that’s okay, because now Mike is having an existential crisis? 🤷🏻♀️
March 18, 2022
I rarely write reviews (or even rate) books unless they’re stellar. This one is not. In fact, it’s so bad that I feel compelled to warn folks away from it.
Usually a cozy mystery is a good way to relax after a stressful day, turn off your brain, and have a heartwarming little town work together on a whodunnit. There are not enough words to explain how much this series has recently made me more angry than is rational.
My favourite part (this is sarcasm) is when Norman and Hannah *specifically ask* if they can tell Dick and Sally about the murder and Mike gives them the go-ahead… and then on the next pages we get multiple paragraphs of “do you think Mike would be mad if we tell them even though he only told us to tell Doc?” NO YOU DIMWIT, HE LITERALLY JUST TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD TELL THEM.
These characters need some ginkgo biloba, stat. This series needs a new freaking ghostwriter and/or team of editors to catch these stupid mistakes that are easily prevented. I’m over 28 books in (counting novellas) and I don’t think I can pick up another one because of how annoying they’ve become with inane and childish conversations. *Yeah Hannah, we know you should get your spoon from the cutlery drawer. Thanks for that hot tip.* I’ll just grab spoilers from Goodreads until the ridiculous plot lines are resolved and this series finally tanks.
I’m pretty sure my library only purchases the licenses because I routinely request the new volumes. That’s not happening anymore - I cannot ask for anyone to pay for this low-quality low-effort series.
Usually a cozy mystery is a good way to relax after a stressful day, turn off your brain, and have a heartwarming little town work together on a whodunnit. There are not enough words to explain how much this series has recently made me more angry than is rational.
My favourite part (this is sarcasm) is when Norman and Hannah *specifically ask* if they can tell Dick and Sally about the murder and Mike gives them the go-ahead… and then on the next pages we get multiple paragraphs of “do you think Mike would be mad if we tell them even though he only told us to tell Doc?” NO YOU DIMWIT, HE LITERALLY JUST TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD TELL THEM.
These characters need some ginkgo biloba, stat. This series needs a new freaking ghostwriter and/or team of editors to catch these stupid mistakes that are easily prevented. I’m over 28 books in (counting novellas) and I don’t think I can pick up another one because of how annoying they’ve become with inane and childish conversations. *Yeah Hannah, we know you should get your spoon from the cutlery drawer. Thanks for that hot tip.* I’ll just grab spoilers from Goodreads until the ridiculous plot lines are resolved and this series finally tanks.
I’m pretty sure my library only purchases the licenses because I routinely request the new volumes. That’s not happening anymore - I cannot ask for anyone to pay for this low-quality low-effort series.
February 5, 2022
I've been reading the Hannah Swenson mystery series for more than 20 years now. I eagerly look forward to each new book! And I will continue reading this series until it ends. :) Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is the 29th book in the series...so I'm nothing if not a loyal reader!
This time around Lake Eden is hosting a fishing contest at the lake, sponsored by the owner of chain of famous sportsman's shops. A well-known television personality is there to host the event. Sonny is a looker, but pretty much a jerk...and a fake. Hannah takes a bit of a break from The Cookie Jar to help the local Inn during the competition. Things are going swimmingly at the event until Hannah and Norman spot a dead body. Suddenly Hannah is not just cooking desserts for the Inn.....she's also fishing for clues!
Another great story in this long-running series. I always look forward to revisiting my favorite characters from Lake Eden, MN! Loved every word of this new book! And, as always, I'm looking forward to the next book!
Yummy recipes in this newest book! The recipes are a varied mix of sweet and savory dishes. There are definitely a few I'm going to try! Yum!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this new book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This time around Lake Eden is hosting a fishing contest at the lake, sponsored by the owner of chain of famous sportsman's shops. A well-known television personality is there to host the event. Sonny is a looker, but pretty much a jerk...and a fake. Hannah takes a bit of a break from The Cookie Jar to help the local Inn during the competition. Things are going swimmingly at the event until Hannah and Norman spot a dead body. Suddenly Hannah is not just cooking desserts for the Inn.....she's also fishing for clues!
Another great story in this long-running series. I always look forward to revisiting my favorite characters from Lake Eden, MN! Loved every word of this new book! And, as always, I'm looking forward to the next book!
Yummy recipes in this newest book! The recipes are a varied mix of sweet and savory dishes. There are definitely a few I'm going to try! Yum!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this new book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
January 29, 2022
Well, here we are again, another Hannah mystery. Hannah is just as simple and "twee" as ever. It amazed me that electronics stump her, but she's able to drive and dock a boat? The person who really annoyed me this round was Andrea... she came across as VERY dumb and VERY juvenile, almost as if she were a little girl "playing" detective instead of a grown wife and mother helping solve a mystery.
Once again, there are ENDLESS rounds of coffee and cookies. And this time champagne too! I skip over all the recipes and so the mystery proves to be a quick read.
I guessed correctly who the murderer was. And say what you will about Joanne Fluke... but she seems to be a pro at cliffhangers at the end of her books. After revealing Mike's "revelation" (which seems to be out of character?) the book just ENDS.
I really wish there was more of Norman and Lisa in this one. I did like the hotel setting, though; it was nice to have a change.
This series is one I love to hate on, but I will definitely keep reading. It will be interesting to see where Joanne takes her characters now.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc.
Once again, there are ENDLESS rounds of coffee and cookies. And this time champagne too! I skip over all the recipes and so the mystery proves to be a quick read.
I guessed correctly who the murderer was. And say what you will about Joanne Fluke... but she seems to be a pro at cliffhangers at the end of her books. After revealing Mike's "revelation" (which seems to be out of character?) the book just ENDS.
I really wish there was more of Norman and Lisa in this one. I did like the hotel setting, though; it was nice to have a change.
This series is one I love to hate on, but I will definitely keep reading. It will be interesting to see where Joanne takes her characters now.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc.
December 6, 2021
I've been a long time reader of this series, and I've always been supportive of the author and her works.
Since this is the 29th book in this series, I had hoped by now that we'd see some progress with Hannah and Norman, but things still are as awkward as usual.
While I love the characters in general, it's time for them to move forward.
Hannah has always been portrayed as a strong, independent woman, who has seen more dead bodies than anyone I know.
Now, she's scared to return to her condo, staying with Norman, and basically being miserable.
I think this is disappointing, the Hannah I know would step up and either return home, or buy her own home.
Her whirlwind fling with Ross and his death surely caused her emotional pain, however, she needs to take her own advice. Chocolate cures anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#CaramelPecanRollMurder #NetGalley
Since this is the 29th book in this series, I had hoped by now that we'd see some progress with Hannah and Norman, but things still are as awkward as usual.
While I love the characters in general, it's time for them to move forward.
Hannah has always been portrayed as a strong, independent woman, who has seen more dead bodies than anyone I know.
Now, she's scared to return to her condo, staying with Norman, and basically being miserable.
I think this is disappointing, the Hannah I know would step up and either return home, or buy her own home.
Her whirlwind fling with Ross and his death surely caused her emotional pain, however, she needs to take her own advice. Chocolate cures anything.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#CaramelPecanRollMurder #NetGalley
April 5, 2022
Without getting into the actual book itself, I have always enjoyed Joanne's books however this one not so much. I do not know what it was but it did not feel as if it were her writing it. There were too many inconsistencies, like when Hannah left her room without shoes but put them on in the kitchen? I followed the plot but it was hard at times. It just did not feel like her book. I am hoping the next one gets better. Oh I was not thrilled with the ending at all either.
I do hope the next one will be better written.
I do hope the next one will be better written.
March 7, 2022
Not sure if the book in a whole is worthy of 5 stars, but I love the series and want it to continue! There's so much potential for relationships and with Mike at the ending, I need to know what's going to come next for him. I love all the recipes in the story (even if they take up half of the book). I can't wait to try out something new!
March 5, 2022
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke 304 pages 7 hours and 59 minutes narrated by Suzanne Toren
Hannah Swenson #28 (25 according to my library)
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Food, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Humor
Featuring: Minnesota, Slapstick, Questionable Recipes, Murder, Sex - off-camera, Drinking, Strange Relationships, Small Towns, Blatant Stupidity, Unrelieved Banter, Monotonous Conversations, Tedious Investigating, Capitan Obvious, Television Show Style Flow and Continuity, Cliffhanger
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult themes
My rating: ⭐¾
Opening Scene: Hannah is baking cookies at The Cookie Jar when the phone on the wall rings. She goes through a list of employees she won't wait for and answers the phone. Mike wants to know if Earl is there because there has been an accident and he needs a tow truck. Earl is in the dining room with his wife, Hannah motions him into the kitchen where he uses the phone. Earl is going to get Digger, also at The Cookie Jar, because Mike wants him to drive his hearse up and down the road because the sight of it makes drivers slow down and drive carefully.
My thoughts: 20% - Meh.
31% - OK, I'll just be honest, the story doesn't make any sense at all. The opening scene was ridiculous, the plot is just pathetic, and all these good ideas are actually terrible ideas and silly to boot, but they are "a stroke of genius" according to the characters. This is very Three Stooges and I'm just going to pretend it's a parody to get through it.
53% - Over 40!
75% - This plot is thin!
91% - You ain't learned nothing in all these years? Don't do it girl!
The opening scene says it all. The story makes no sense. Why wouldn't Earl have a cellphone or pager for his tow truck company? Accidents stop traffic, you don't need a hearse to remind people of their mortality to slow them down. Do they not have rubbernecking in Lake Eden? In previous books, Hannah got her information the old-fashioned way, gossip but now she is the local dispatcher and apparently head detective. There is no real plot here. This story is night and day from the last book and I'm starting to believe the ghostwriting claims. This series has become very BSC lately. Instead of repeating previous scenes with new food, Caramel Pecan has a series of new scenes that are loosely connected and somehow moves the story along. No one actually does their job so, they can all hang around the Lake Eden Inn for a fishing tournament pretending to work while waiting for someone to die. They even gave Andrea a job in the kitchen. This book is 60% recipes, expected, and 40% sitting around talking, annoying. I didn't hate it as much as Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder, but at least that was a true book. This is like a sitcom, you don't know how you got to the next scene, but here you are, plothole, but keep it moving. My mom gave up on this series around Wedding Cake Murder, once again my mom was right. This will be my last book, I finally don't care anymore. On the bright side, there weren't any house fires, never mind, Hannah has been displaced just the same.
Recommend to others?: Nope. I'd had a better time as a kid listening to my grandma argue with the TV during her soaps.
Hannah Swenson #28 (25 according to my library)
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Food, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Humor
Featuring: Minnesota, Slapstick, Questionable Recipes, Murder, Sex - off-camera, Drinking, Strange Relationships, Small Towns, Blatant Stupidity, Unrelieved Banter, Monotonous Conversations, Tedious Investigating, Capitan Obvious, Television Show Style Flow and Continuity, Cliffhanger
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult themes
My rating: ⭐¾
Opening Scene: Hannah is baking cookies at The Cookie Jar when the phone on the wall rings. She goes through a list of employees she won't wait for and answers the phone. Mike wants to know if Earl is there because there has been an accident and he needs a tow truck. Earl is in the dining room with his wife, Hannah motions him into the kitchen where he uses the phone. Earl is going to get Digger, also at The Cookie Jar, because Mike wants him to drive his hearse up and down the road because the sight of it makes drivers slow down and drive carefully.
My thoughts: 20% - Meh.
31% - OK, I'll just be honest, the story doesn't make any sense at all. The opening scene was ridiculous, the plot is just pathetic, and all these good ideas are actually terrible ideas and silly to boot, but they are "a stroke of genius" according to the characters. This is very Three Stooges and I'm just going to pretend it's a parody to get through it.
53% - Over 40!
75% - This plot is thin!
91% - You ain't learned nothing in all these years? Don't do it girl!
The opening scene says it all. The story makes no sense. Why wouldn't Earl have a cellphone or pager for his tow truck company? Accidents stop traffic, you don't need a hearse to remind people of their mortality to slow them down. Do they not have rubbernecking in Lake Eden? In previous books, Hannah got her information the old-fashioned way, gossip but now she is the local dispatcher and apparently head detective. There is no real plot here. This story is night and day from the last book and I'm starting to believe the ghostwriting claims. This series has become very BSC lately. Instead of repeating previous scenes with new food, Caramel Pecan has a series of new scenes that are loosely connected and somehow moves the story along. No one actually does their job so, they can all hang around the Lake Eden Inn for a fishing tournament pretending to work while waiting for someone to die. They even gave Andrea a job in the kitchen. This book is 60% recipes, expected, and 40% sitting around talking, annoying. I didn't hate it as much as Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder, but at least that was a true book. This is like a sitcom, you don't know how you got to the next scene, but here you are, plothole, but keep it moving. My mom gave up on this series around Wedding Cake Murder, once again my mom was right. This will be my last book, I finally don't care anymore. On the bright side, there weren't any house fires, never mind, Hannah has been displaced just the same.
Recommend to others?: Nope. I'd had a better time as a kid listening to my grandma argue with the TV during her soaps.
March 1, 2022
Why do you keep placing the recipes in between chapters?! Please place them at the END of the book. Frustrating and distracting...
June 23, 2022
I listened to the audio on Libby and was pretty disappointed in this one. It is boring and not much happens.
October 17, 2022
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke is the 28th A Hannah Swensen Mystery. I do not feel Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is a standalone book. New readers will find the background information needed to be missing. Fans of the series (like me), though, will enjoy it. I have read every Hannah Swensen mystery. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder picks up a few weeks after the death with Ross, Hannah’s “husband” has been cleared up. Hannah is lacking her confidence after everything that has happened. I hope she gets it back soon. I understand that Hannah loves her condo, but I feel it would be best for her and Moishe if she sold it and found a new place to live (I see her in a cozy little house with lots of play space for Moishe and Cuddles). I feel bad for Moishe, and I am glad that he has Cuddles to keep him company and has Hannah’s mother to spoil him. The mystery had a dead television host at a fishing tournament. The man was a piece of work so naturally there are a number of suspects. Hannah with help from Andrea sets out to hook the killer. Hannah could use the diversion as her thoughts keep going back to Ross. There are good clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal. The reveal was dramatic and tense. We get all our questions answered regarding the whodunit. The pacing was a little slower for Caramel Pecan Roll Murder. I enjoyed my latest visit to Lake Eden. We are left with a little cliffhanger at the end of Caramel Pecan Roll Murder. I am curious how it will turn out. I enjoyed catching up with Hannah, Mike, Norman, Delores, Andrea, Michelle, Lonnie, Lisa, and, of course, Moishe. I look forward to seeing what Hannah will do next. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is a tasty treat with timorous Moishe, a sloshed Sonny, a distressed Sally, a helpful Hannah, a considerate Norman, able assistant Andrea, a sympathetic Mike, and a mysterious murder.
February 28, 2022
This was a sweet, cozy read. The writing and the plot weren't that exciting but there were so many yummy recipes that you could try.
The investigation wasn't sophisticated and it was pretty easy to guess who the culprit was.
The investigation wasn't sophisticated and it was pretty easy to guess who the culprit was.
March 6, 2022
There SHOULDN’T be spoilers but selecting just in case
1. WHY do I keep getting these?
2. Don’t have an emergency in Lake Eden…cops are too busy getting cookies and coffee to help.
3. Again…what a prudish town. If it wasn’t for cell phones and technology being mentioned, I would think these books were set in the Middle Ages
4. I forget Andrea has kids until they get mentioned. I bet she does too
5. Do these people ever sleep?
6. So it’s ok to be on the water during a storm BUT NOT during a tornado. Rain? Sure. Lightening? Nope
7. WHY do I keep reading these?
8. Someone needs to give Mike a physical. I love food and sweets. If I ate like him, I would probably be dead by now. Wouldn’t want that to happen in Lake Eden. He would be too busy eating to investigate my murder
9. Poor Grandma McCann. Does she ever get a break? Does Andrea know HOW to parent?
10. I like proper grammar and wording as much as anyone but don’t watch what you say in Lake Eden. You WILL get corrected.
11. Hannah is ALWAYS at the ready with food. I’m lucky if I have what I need in my house.
12. Should anyone else think that someone should tell Andrea that just because he is the Sheriff doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to be a detective? No? Just me?
13. Staying at an inn that makes photocopies of your driver’s license and credit card is akin to staying at a “no tell” motel that still uses physical keys. No thank you
14. Seriously zoned out towards end of chapter 21. Perked back up mid recipe and skipped to chapter 22 (I read via Audible, if anyone wonders how I zoned out reading 😂)
15. Well…that escalated quickly
16. The Walking Dead vibes that are happening are real
17. Anything else would be a spoiler so I’m just gonna insert this emoji here: 🙄🙄
18. I know there are spots I missed commenting on. I either zoned out in those moments or I was actually expected to be working…lol. Maybe that’s why I keep getting these. I don’t really miss anything when I zone out. Especially if I am at work
1. WHY do I keep getting these?
2. Don’t have an emergency in Lake Eden…cops are too busy getting cookies and coffee to help.
3. Again…what a prudish town. If it wasn’t for cell phones and technology being mentioned, I would think these books were set in the Middle Ages
4. I forget Andrea has kids until they get mentioned. I bet she does too
5. Do these people ever sleep?
6. So it’s ok to be on the water during a storm BUT NOT during a tornado. Rain? Sure. Lightening? Nope
7. WHY do I keep reading these?
8. Someone needs to give Mike a physical. I love food and sweets. If I ate like him, I would probably be dead by now. Wouldn’t want that to happen in Lake Eden. He would be too busy eating to investigate my murder
9. Poor Grandma McCann. Does she ever get a break? Does Andrea know HOW to parent?
10. I like proper grammar and wording as much as anyone but don’t watch what you say in Lake Eden. You WILL get corrected.
11. Hannah is ALWAYS at the ready with food. I’m lucky if I have what I need in my house.
12. Should anyone else think that someone should tell Andrea that just because he is the Sheriff doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to be a detective? No? Just me?
13. Staying at an inn that makes photocopies of your driver’s license and credit card is akin to staying at a “no tell” motel that still uses physical keys. No thank you
14. Seriously zoned out towards end of chapter 21. Perked back up mid recipe and skipped to chapter 22 (I read via Audible, if anyone wonders how I zoned out reading 😂)
15. Well…that escalated quickly
16. The Walking Dead vibes that are happening are real
17. Anything else would be a spoiler so I’m just gonna insert this emoji here: 🙄🙄
18. I know there are spots I missed commenting on. I either zoned out in those moments or I was actually expected to be working…lol. Maybe that’s why I keep getting these. I don’t really miss anything when I zone out. Especially if I am at work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
My pet peeve is authors that do no research and write down falsehoods as fact:
My biggest issue with this book is the description of a functional alcoholic- I am personally related to a functional alcoholic and authors need to do some freaking research before sprouting non sense. A functional alcoholic is someone who cannot get through the day without alcohol because they cannot function without it hence the term. Binge drinking is someone that binges on say weekends. There is a big difference.
The recipe for the title of the book is basically Pillsbury cinnamon rolls which apparently Sally makes in mass quantities does she own stock in Pillsbury ? How many can's would it take to make enough for a whole breakfast buffet plus special orders?
Overall this book has questionable writing quality with filler sentences that make no sense and the names: Wally Wallace is hosting a Walleye competition I feel like I am reading a Dr. Seuss book and not an adult mystery novel.
The earlier books in the series were much better.
My biggest issue with this book is the description of a functional alcoholic- I am personally related to a functional alcoholic and authors need to do some freaking research before sprouting non sense. A functional alcoholic is someone who cannot get through the day without alcohol because they cannot function without it hence the term. Binge drinking is someone that binges on say weekends. There is a big difference.
The recipe for the title of the book is basically Pillsbury cinnamon rolls which apparently Sally makes in mass quantities does she own stock in Pillsbury ? How many can's would it take to make enough for a whole breakfast buffet plus special orders?
Overall this book has questionable writing quality with filler sentences that make no sense and the names: Wally Wallace is hosting a Walleye competition I feel like I am reading a Dr. Seuss book and not an adult mystery novel.
The earlier books in the series were much better.
January 9, 2022
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is the twenty-ninth installment in the Hannah Swensen series featuring Cookie Jar owner, Hannah and set in Lake Eden, Minnesota. Owners of the Lake Eden Inn, Sally and Dick are short a baker for the week of the upcoming Walleye Fishing Tournament so they ask Hannah if she will fill in for them. Not yet back living in her condo and becoming more uncomfortable living at Norman's house, Hannah agrees if Sally can provide a room for both her and her sister Andrea, (Andrea is coming along because her husband Bill is out of town at a convention).
Night one readers are introduced to Sonny Bowman, the showy host of the the syndicated fishing show. A braggart, a drunk and a little too handsy, it's not surprising that Sonny doesn't have too many admirers among the men in the fishing community, so when Hannah finds him dead in a boat the next day, it's not much of a shock. With Mike appearing not to care about investigating anymore, he asks for Hannah's help in reeling in the killer.
This book is 90% filled with overly detailed recipes and perhaps 10% plot. It really makes no sense that the girls, along with Norman had to move to the Inn just to bake a few cookies each morning. The one good thing about the change of venue was that we didn't have to listen to the incessant "door knocking" at the Cookie Jar. Still completely baffled as to why the characters have to address each other by their formal names every time they speak to each other - even if there are only 2 people in the room. Fortunately, there is very little interaction between Hannah, Mike and Norman so the dreaded (dragging) love triangle takes somewhat of a backseat to the minimal plot.
I received an advanced copy of Caramel Pecan Roll Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Night one readers are introduced to Sonny Bowman, the showy host of the the syndicated fishing show. A braggart, a drunk and a little too handsy, it's not surprising that Sonny doesn't have too many admirers among the men in the fishing community, so when Hannah finds him dead in a boat the next day, it's not much of a shock. With Mike appearing not to care about investigating anymore, he asks for Hannah's help in reeling in the killer.
This book is 90% filled with overly detailed recipes and perhaps 10% plot. It really makes no sense that the girls, along with Norman had to move to the Inn just to bake a few cookies each morning. The one good thing about the change of venue was that we didn't have to listen to the incessant "door knocking" at the Cookie Jar. Still completely baffled as to why the characters have to address each other by their formal names every time they speak to each other - even if there are only 2 people in the room. Fortunately, there is very little interaction between Hannah, Mike and Norman so the dreaded (dragging) love triangle takes somewhat of a backseat to the minimal plot.
I received an advanced copy of Caramel Pecan Roll Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 6, 2022
If the recipes had been omitted from this book, along with all the references to the recipes, it could maybe have made a short story. The recipes sound really good. The mystery was really awful. There are times where the name of the recipe takes up one whole line...and there's usually one recipe that is mentions every, or every 2 mystery chapters....and then it's mentioned a LOT. The mystery part...well, there are so many inconsistencies in it that you kind of forget what is going on. Like the time a maid 'guesses' about a person dying, goes on to mention that he was 'shot' and the so-called baker-detective doesn't bat an eye, even though she'd just been told by the real detective not to mention there had even been a murder. Then when the baker -detective is out on a boat, she reaches down to make sure her cell phone is 'still' recording, when there's never a mention or even a reason given that she'd been recording in the first place. And then, there's the girlfriend in the hall with the maid...and I got so confused about when she was there, how many times the maid let her into the boyfriend's room that I finally gave up. Not to mention (although I am) the chapter in the middle of the book where the b-d's sisters goes on and on and on about not knowing things about recipes..when she's the b-d helper at the bakery.... I wasted parts of 3 days (my own fault) in trying to read this...just because I was wanting to find out the killer without skipping to the end. I should have skipped.
March 7, 2024
Ok. I thought I would switch it up and read a cozy mystery. I have read the previous books in this series, but it might be time to put this series out to pasture. I was literally questioning myself the whole time I was reading this. It was over explained and clunky. Things were repeated and explanations were added that didn’t need to be. It was like she had a word count to hit and turned a sentence into a paragraph. I dunno. No real intrigue, and some of the recipes were… interesting. The recipe in the title is made literally with store bought pillsbury cinnamon rolls. I’m not sure I need a recipe for that. Thanks though. But that kind of explains the whole book, doesn’t it?
Hannah Swensen is back to solve her 28th mystery at this point. Some dbag drunk cheater fisherman that stars on a fishing show was murdered (you mean it wasn’t natural causes? Yes. That is the next line in the book. You’ve solved 27 other mysteries somehow Hannah. Use your dang brain). No one seems super sad he’s dead, but the killer needs to be caught. Leave it to the baker to step in and solve the case for the cops, just like the other 27 times!
Hannah Swensen is back to solve her 28th mystery at this point. Some dbag drunk cheater fisherman that stars on a fishing show was murdered (you mean it wasn’t natural causes? Yes. That is the next line in the book. You’ve solved 27 other mysteries somehow Hannah. Use your dang brain). No one seems super sad he’s dead, but the killer needs to be caught. Leave it to the baker to step in and solve the case for the cops, just like the other 27 times!
March 3, 2022
I've been having issues with this series the last bunch of books, yet I still keep reading, mostly for the recipes at this point. There were some parts that were better, some parts that were worse on the issues that bothered me. Not bad mystery, and like Mike I had a hard time feeling sorry for the person who died. I was surprised by what Mike announced at the end. Can't see how that will actually go through.
April 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I got tired of hearing about fishing. I realize there is going to be some talk about fishing since the setting is a fishing tournament, I just was over it by the end of the book. There were a couple instances in which something was discussed and then a chapter later, the characters act as if it was never mentioned before and they don't know what to do about the situation at hand. That bothered me some. Perhaps one more read through would have caught it before publication?
That ending sentence... now I want to know what happens in the next book.
As always, the recipes sound amazing and I really want to make some of them. I need my own copy of the book to put in my cookbook collection (which is where I keep copies of books from this series after I read them.) I want to make the lemon Danishes and the blueberry coffee cake and the peanut butter chocolate whippersnappers and and and...
I got tired of hearing about fishing. I realize there is going to be some talk about fishing since the setting is a fishing tournament, I just was over it by the end of the book. There were a couple instances in which something was discussed and then a chapter later, the characters act as if it was never mentioned before and they don't know what to do about the situation at hand. That bothered me some. Perhaps one more read through would have caught it before publication?
That ending sentence... now I want to know what happens in the next book.
As always, the recipes sound amazing and I really want to make some of them. I need my own copy of the book to put in my cookbook collection (which is where I keep copies of books from this series after I read them.) I want to make the lemon Danishes and the blueberry coffee cake and the peanut butter chocolate whippersnappers and and and...
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