In late October, the town is preparing for Halloween as well as the new election for Sheriff. Sheriff Grant is running as well as Bill, Hannah's brother in love, so of course that is who she is going to vote for. While dealing with her love life, her sister Andrea's pregnancy, find a costume, her cat Moishe, who needs to eat more healthy food, as well as helping with the election, trying to find the secret ingredient to Alma Koester Fudge Cupckes, and trying out recipes for the Lake Eden Cookbook, Hannah has a full plate. The last thing she needs is to find Sheriff Grant in the dumpster while she is about to take out the trash. Luckily Mike is there so she doesn't need to call the cops. When Mike, now Active Sheriff, suspects Mike, and puts him on suspension, Hannah start investigating to clear her brother in law's name. Once his name is cleared, Mike and Bill ask Hannah to stop her investigation, (which I found to be rude. Professionals my foot, she continues to investigate who would have killed Sheriff Grant, who most people in town didn't really like, including his wife, who was going to ask for divorce.I'll admit that it took me a while to figure out who the killer was. I didn't figure it out until a few pages before it was confirmed, but I did noticed that cars was a major theme in the investigation. I'm not sure how I feel about Shawna Lee Quinn. I feel that Hannah acted a bit childish when it came to her. Trying to think of ways for her to get demoted, just because she shows an interest in Mike, is not the way to go about it. If she would just pick who she wants to be with, she wouldn't have to worry about it. Norman or Mike. I still say she would pick Norman. She want someone who will put her first and Norman. While Mike will always put his job first. He will always be called in unexpectedly. But we shall see how her relationships progress.
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for a cozy mystery series. You give me someone with a fluffy occupation stumbling onto a mystery where she or he manage to outwit the police and solve the crime and I’m all in. Be they housewives, mystery bookstore owners, southern sisters, or small town bakers I love them. I have an infinite ability to suspend disbelief.I stumbled upon the Hannah Swensen mystery just recently. I know they’ve been around forever and that’s good for me because there’s a nice big back catalog. This is a nice traditional cozy series. None of the murders take place “on screen” and you’re never really worried about the central characters safety. And you get cookie recipes. How can you go wrong.The one thing I am having a problem with with this series is I can’t quite picture Hannah in my head. I’ll get a picture and then the description of her doesn’t match what’s in my head. I don’t blame the author I know it’s just me but I just can’t get it. So, if anyone is reading this series and has a actress in mind I’d really appreciate a note.I did like the outing, it seemed reasonable for Hannah to be involved (not that that matters much to me) and I love Hannah’s sister and mother.There’s an fun side mystery involving the secret ingredient in the titled Fudge Cupcakes. I do wish she’d get off the stick and pick one of the two men she bounces back and forth between but I know this should last a bit longer. I have yet to try any of the recipes but I will say they all sound yummy and they look really easy.Don’t go into these expecting challenging writing or even mystery. They are a little formulaic but the character are charming and I have a fun time when I read them and sometimes that’s all I need in a book.
What do You think about Fudge Cupcake Murder (2005)?
This book was a way better read then the previous book. It was a fast read. I did notice that certain pieces of the puzzle never get solved/ talked about. In fudge cupcake they bring up the sheriff's sons death, saying it may have something to do with the murder of the sheriff, but nothing is ever said again. In one of the previous books Norman had a sercret and Hannah doesn't press for the information, but Norman never gives it either. Am I supposed to forget these details?On another note, why is Hannah thinking about marriage, or getting exclusive with either Mike or Norman when she keeps turning down their passes at her. They can't be anymore clear that they are into her!!I made the cupcake recipe from the book. Super rich, but very tasty.
—Michelle
And that indecision goes on for another 10+ books! I know a lot of readers who have abandoned this series for that very reason. When asked why she continues with this 'love triangle,' the author said "I can't make up Hannah's mind FOR her!!" Ummm ... you're the author, she wouldn't exist without you. Yes you CAN!
—Sheila
Hannah Swensen is a bakery owner in Lake Eden, Minn. She is developing the Lake Eden cookbook which will include recipes from everyone in town. At her potluck cooking class in the evenings she has had the participants test out the recipes. As she is winding up her class and tossing the garbage out, Hannah finds the local sheriff dead in the dumpster.One of her boyfriends, Bill is appointed the Acting Sheriff. Bill determines that Hannah's brother-in-law, another law enforcement officer is the only suspect and suspends him. Her Sister, Andrea pleads for Hannah to solve the murder and clear Bill. Andrea is eight months pregnant and confined to rest.Being a cat owner we understand, some of the routine she goes through each day. I also have a senior cat. They are getting quite predictable.(
—Carol
