What do you think?
Rate this book
Hannah Swensen #20
Christmas Caramel Murder
Christmas normally descends on Lake Eden, Minnesota, as gently as reindeer alighting on a rooftop—but this yuletide season the only thing coming down Hannah Swensen’s chimney is a case of murder . . .
The holidays have arrived, and Hannah and her good pal Lisa have agreed to provide all the goodies for the town’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. But before anyone can say “Bah, humbug!” a Santa-sized sackful of trouble ensues. Like the fact that Lisa’s husband will be playing Mr. Claus to his ex-girlfriend Phyllis Bates’ Mrs. Claus. Or that before the curtains even go up Phyllis is found dead in the snow—wearing a costume that the real Mrs. Claus would put on the naughty list. Soon after the suspects pile up faster than snowdrifts in a blizzard, while a merry murderer remains on the loose. With clues even harder to find, it might take a visit from ghosts of Christmas past to wrap up this mystery in time for the holidays . . .
Includes Over a Dozen Holiday Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
The holidays have arrived, and Hannah and her good pal Lisa have agreed to provide all the goodies for the town’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. But before anyone can say “Bah, humbug!” a Santa-sized sackful of trouble ensues. Like the fact that Lisa’s husband will be playing Mr. Claus to his ex-girlfriend Phyllis Bates’ Mrs. Claus. Or that before the curtains even go up Phyllis is found dead in the snow—wearing a costume that the real Mrs. Claus would put on the naughty list. Soon after the suspects pile up faster than snowdrifts in a blizzard, while a merry murderer remains on the loose. With clues even harder to find, it might take a visit from ghosts of Christmas past to wrap up this mystery in time for the holidays . . .
Includes Over a Dozen Holiday Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
204 pages, ebook
First published September 27, 2016
1519 people are currently reading
7193 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
127 books8,405 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews
August 12, 2022
If you've been following my reviews closely for the last few months, you're probably thinking... how many baking murder books does this guy read? Or how many did that Joanne Fluke author woman write? Well... the Hannah Swensen series is up to ~25 in 2018. I've just finished reading #20 entitled Christmas Caramel Murder. I have the next three on my Kindle to read this fall, but I want to be fully caught up so I can get back to many other series I also enjoy. As for this one, it's a shorter novella version but still packs quite a little punch around Christmas season. It's a good one to read as you start thinking about the upcoming holidays, but for now, I'm still thinking about Halloween and fall so I wouldn't allow myself to totally immerse.
It's written as backstory which was a different kind of read. The first and last chapters are appended to the main story, allowing Fluke to use current relationships in Hannah's life without confusing readers. Essentially, Hannah's telling the story to her new husband about what happened the prior year's Christmas. I stopped myself from trying to find any timeline issues in case something happened in this book that was different since the last few, but the story on the whole is fun, so it wouldn't matter if it had.
Herb, Lisa's husband, is playing Santa Claus in the town Christmas play. Lisa is Hannah's best friend and partner at The Cookie Shop. Herb's ex-girlfriend has returned to town and is cast as Mrs. Claus, but the naughty kind. Serves her right, she ends up dead! Unfortunately, it looks like Lisa is the culprit because she was jealous when the ex kisses Herb in the play. Throw in a some high school memories, old rivalries, and teachers who want to help keep their students focused, and you've got a case full of shenanigans.
I enjoyed the read... less than 90 minutes as it was barely 100 pages once you remove the recipes. Someday I will cook a few from them. I do like caramel, but that's hard to get right. Next up is banana cream pie murder... my favorite kind of.... PIE. Did you think I'd say murder? Obviously you know me well. :)
It's written as backstory which was a different kind of read. The first and last chapters are appended to the main story, allowing Fluke to use current relationships in Hannah's life without confusing readers. Essentially, Hannah's telling the story to her new husband about what happened the prior year's Christmas. I stopped myself from trying to find any timeline issues in case something happened in this book that was different since the last few, but the story on the whole is fun, so it wouldn't matter if it had.
Herb, Lisa's husband, is playing Santa Claus in the town Christmas play. Lisa is Hannah's best friend and partner at The Cookie Shop. Herb's ex-girlfriend has returned to town and is cast as Mrs. Claus, but the naughty kind. Serves her right, she ends up dead! Unfortunately, it looks like Lisa is the culprit because she was jealous when the ex kisses Herb in the play. Throw in a some high school memories, old rivalries, and teachers who want to help keep their students focused, and you've got a case full of shenanigans.
I enjoyed the read... less than 90 minutes as it was barely 100 pages once you remove the recipes. Someday I will cook a few from them. I do like caramel, but that's hard to get right. Next up is banana cream pie murder... my favorite kind of.... PIE. Did you think I'd say murder? Obviously you know me well. :)
Read
October 30, 2023If you take out the recipes, the hokey conversations about how well they know each other, the declarations of love from Mike and Norman (which are super weird considering that this whole book is a story that Hannah is telling her husband Ross [who coincidentally is a virtual stranger]), and the analysis of everyone's door knocking patterns, you'd have a fairly decent story of about 40 pages. For me this series is like that black sheep cousin. You have a sentimental attachment, nice memories about the good old days, and a desire to find out every once in a while how they're doing and what they're up to. But I was disappointed.
November 9, 2016
Sorry, but can we maybe just kill off Ross?
February 10, 2017
I have read all the books in this series, but now I'm finding them to be stale and annoying. I keep hoping they will get better but they don't. I know these are cozy but they are starting to feel more corny than anything. Everyone who causes Hannah turmoil or does her wrong, dies immediately. If we could all be so lucky. Why can't they stick around for a couple of books before they get killed off? And I like cookies as much as anyone else but I am tired of there being more recipes than story. I don't want to read cookbooks. The characters have become boring and all the conversations as others readers have said, are basically about the recipes, how they make them, and how everyone likes them, how delicious and great they are. Hannah seemed like a good character but she thinks she is smarter than everyone else and has to correct, and or comment about what others say or do wrong. Plus the way she talks and her mannerism doesn't jive with her supposed age. She is probably in her late 30's early forties by now, however she started out younger but has always been frumpy, not so good looking and she has always acted more like someone who is about 20 years older. She doesn't care for clothes, make-up, jewelry and stuff that younger women generally care about. I find this hard to believe. Also, everything she owns has come from the Helping hands thrift store. Why? Doesn't she ever long for something NEW or DIFFERENT? Then the two men in her life both love her and she can't choose so she gets with Ross. Okay. Also the talk of "pantsuits" and "wall phones" needs to go away. Small town I know but they seem a few decades behind everyone else. My other issue is the names of these characters. Like Phyllis? Herb? I like old names too but these people are not that old and the names don't match the time period they were born in. I understand a couple here and there but it seems like everyone has a name that just doesn't fit. This series either needs to get more exciting or end. Maybe the author should just focus on cookbooks since all the efforts seem to be in that area anyway.
June 8, 2023
In this short Christmas novella, Hannah recounts for Ross a Christmas from the year before when she was called upon to solve a murder that took place in the town theatre production. Lots of jealousy between several different parties. I loved that this one included many familiar Lake Eden characters.
August 8, 2016
There is one thing about cozy mysteries. You have to suspend your believability.. How many times in a small Minnesota town can a cookie store owner find dead bodies? This goes for knitters, librarians, interior decorators and real estate agents too. You have to just go with the flow. I also find it questionable that a cookie store owner could make enough to support her business, herself and a partner. Still you're not reading this for great literature but for the cookie recipes.
The recipes take me back to my mother who was a master cookie maker. It made me sad she isn't around to share the recipes with. It also uses ingredients I haven't used in a long time like Karo syrup, molasses, sweetened condensed milk, etc. It harkens back to cooking from the 50's and 60's and is quite tasty. It's comfort food for me.
The plot is negligible. Hannah finds yet another dead body. She investigates and finds the killer. She is still having romances with both Mike, the Sheriff's Deputy, and Norman, the faithful dentist. Norman is remodeling his house to put in a huge movie screen so he and Hannah can watch old movies together. I found this rather creepy. Who does this?
It's a short book, 206 pages, and about a quarter of them are recipes. I read it in one day. It wasn't my favorite Hannah Swenson book.
The recipes take me back to my mother who was a master cookie maker. It made me sad she isn't around to share the recipes with. It also uses ingredients I haven't used in a long time like Karo syrup, molasses, sweetened condensed milk, etc. It harkens back to cooking from the 50's and 60's and is quite tasty. It's comfort food for me.
The plot is negligible. Hannah finds yet another dead body. She investigates and finds the killer. She is still having romances with both Mike, the Sheriff's Deputy, and Norman, the faithful dentist. Norman is remodeling his house to put in a huge movie screen so he and Hannah can watch old movies together. I found this rather creepy. Who does this?
It's a short book, 206 pages, and about a quarter of them are recipes. I read it in one day. It wasn't my favorite Hannah Swenson book.
December 5, 2016
I have faithfully read Joanne Fluke's 'Hannah Swenson' series since the first book. I used to even buy each one, but 3-4 books ago, I stopped and began borrowing them from the library. The last book was so 'out of steam' that I thought I might stop reading this series altogether. Old habits die hard and I ended up borrowing this one. At least it's short. I have had the nagging feeling that Ms. Fluke, herself, is bored with the series. With this book, I am convinced she has lost interest. It is obvious she is not putting a lot of thought or creativity into it anymore. It's truly a shame because I used to like reading about Hannah, her sisters, mom, nieces, assorted other characters in the town that she lives and, of course, her cookie shop. I think most of us who read cozies, read them because they like the characters and setting. We feel like we are revisiting old friends. I am not looking for clever twists and turns or Machiavellian plotting in a cozy. I turn to other authors for that kind of thriller. Andrea is not in this story at all and Norman makes one brief appearance. For shame Ms. Fluke. I would rather you quit writing the series or even kill Hannah off then throw together a rather lame imitation of your creation.
November 6, 2016
This latest entry in the Hannah Swenson series lacks a little something. I read that Joanne Fluke was really too busy in Hollywood to really give this book her full attention, and I believe it.
Taking place a year before the previous book in the series, Hannah tells Ross (whom I was hoping would be the victim in this book. Does anyone actually like Ross?) the story of the murder of Phyllis, who was a tramp and trying to steal the husband of Hannah's business partner. The whole family goes about the business of trying to solve the murder. The ghost of Hannah's father keeps appearing and giving her hints of whodunnit. That still doesn't prevent the usual idiotic brush with death.
I really think this was supposed to be part of one of the Christmas compilations, but for whatever reason was published solo.
I would rate this as for completists only.
Taking place a year before the previous book in the series, Hannah tells Ross (whom I was hoping would be the victim in this book. Does anyone actually like Ross?) the story of the murder of Phyllis, who was a tramp and trying to steal the husband of Hannah's business partner. The whole family goes about the business of trying to solve the murder. The ghost of Hannah's father keeps appearing and giving her hints of whodunnit. That still doesn't prevent the usual idiotic brush with death.
I really think this was supposed to be part of one of the Christmas compilations, but for whatever reason was published solo.
I would rate this as for completists only.
November 2, 2016
In good news, the book is very small! The bad news is that it is still full of patronizing morons. Hmm I think so-and-so is probably a murderer, I think I will go take them some food. Alone. Because I'm not stupid or anything.
What the heck was the point of pissing people off and having her marry Ross, if the whole book is a flashback? Stupid Stupid Stupid!
Please, no more of the series. They are not good anymore. Stop. Done. Fini!
What the heck was the point of pissing people off and having her marry Ross, if the whole book is a flashback? Stupid Stupid Stupid!
Please, no more of the series. They are not good anymore. Stop. Done. Fini!
December 14, 2016
I've read all the Hannah Swensen mysteries. This one left more than a little to be desired. The dialogue was written as if the author was trying to achieve a predetermined word count. There was an exchange between Hannah and Lisa while hanging decorations. Hannah said "I'll stretch up" Lisa replies "I will bend down." Really?
Even with the verbosity, it took less than 24 hours to read. Including working and sleeping. At least I didn't pay for this book. Thank heavens for the Library.
True to form, Hannah once again visits someone she suspects is a murderer alone, ALL BY HERSELF! Ms. Fluke, you have beaten that horse thoroughly and completely to death. Add that to the new marriage between Ross and Hannah (I have always been on Team Norman) maybe it is time to put the cookie jar away for good?
Even with the verbosity, it took less than 24 hours to read. Including working and sleeping. At least I didn't pay for this book. Thank heavens for the Library.
True to form, Hannah once again visits someone she suspects is a murderer alone, ALL BY HERSELF! Ms. Fluke, you have beaten that horse thoroughly and completely to death. Add that to the new marriage between Ross and Hannah (I have always been on Team Norman) maybe it is time to put the cookie jar away for good?
October 24, 2024
I hope the recipes are better than the book
Here is a book that was not for me. It was way to simple and very easy to predict. Much of the dialogue was made of short and simplistic words.
I really do hope the recipes are better than the book or else indigestion is ahead for readers.
Pass this one by unless you are hungry.
Here is a book that was not for me. It was way to simple and very easy to predict. Much of the dialogue was made of short and simplistic words.
I really do hope the recipes are better than the book or else indigestion is ahead for readers.
Pass this one by unless you are hungry.
December 1, 2016
I think I'm done with this series. I felt like there was more recipe than story here. Also, I actually had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at some parts. Did I really need a description of how a Keurig works?
November 23, 2016
This book really did not sit well with me at all. First of all, it felt very formulaic (to all her other novels) and quite juvenile. The language is so basic and not at all how people converse in real life. We don't tend to overstate the obvious and point out every detail of things that should be assumed and understood.
SPOILER BELOW*****
Secondly, I'm so over the trope of the crazy Christian person being the idiot villain who hears God tell them to do something wrong. Really? When would that ever be okay in a book for any other religion?
I found it disturbing how Hannah saw someone she had known her whole life killed, and a nap made her feel all better. There was no trauma, no period of mourning, just some coffee, sweets and she was back to normal. She was also completely nonchalant over the death of the first victim, even if it was an unlikable character. Death should not be treated so trivially, not to mention, it's just unrealistic.
I also found the allusion to Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, with the ghost of her father showing up, just creepy and peculiar. If you are going to pull off something like that, it has to be done really well with a deeper message being expressed. Copying Dickens in this way just didn't work, in my opinion. I wasn't a fan of the presumed cheating of Herb and the overall dark tone of this book which seemed misplaced in a Christmas book. Overall it was boring, disturbing and concluded with a weak ending. Not my favorite from Ms. Fluke.
SPOILER BELOW*****
Secondly, I'm so over the trope of the crazy Christian person being the idiot villain who hears God tell them to do something wrong. Really? When would that ever be okay in a book for any other religion?
I found it disturbing how Hannah saw someone she had known her whole life killed, and a nap made her feel all better. There was no trauma, no period of mourning, just some coffee, sweets and she was back to normal. She was also completely nonchalant over the death of the first victim, even if it was an unlikable character. Death should not be treated so trivially, not to mention, it's just unrealistic.
I also found the allusion to Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, with the ghost of her father showing up, just creepy and peculiar. If you are going to pull off something like that, it has to be done really well with a deeper message being expressed. Copying Dickens in this way just didn't work, in my opinion. I wasn't a fan of the presumed cheating of Herb and the overall dark tone of this book which seemed misplaced in a Christmas book. Overall it was boring, disturbing and concluded with a weak ending. Not my favorite from Ms. Fluke.
July 1, 2017
ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
Jumping into this series at Number 20 is probably the reason that I gave this book 3 stars. More my fault than the book, I think. There are lots of characters that readers who follow this series know and love, I'm sure. I just couldn't figure out the relationships in such a short novel.
The recipes in the book need to be made!
I'm going to hand this book off to someone who follows the series!
Jumping into this series at Number 20 is probably the reason that I gave this book 3 stars. More my fault than the book, I think. There are lots of characters that readers who follow this series know and love, I'm sure. I just couldn't figure out the relationships in such a short novel.
The recipes in the book need to be made!
I'm going to hand this book off to someone who follows the series!
November 9, 2018
Maybe because I didn't start this from the beginning of the series but, I had a really hard time getting into this. I think maybe it was a little too...cookie cutter for me. Okay bad pun, but, I think I like the darker mysteries more than the almost sugary sweet ones.
Not a bad read, just maybe not my cup of tea.
Not a bad read, just maybe not my cup of tea.
December 13, 2022
Cozy mystery. I didn’t care for the writing-I found it repetitive. I listened to the audio and I wasn’t a fan of the voices chosen for characters. There’s a paranormal aspect in her that flows with the Christmas play discussed but it was awkward. Overall I didn’t care for the story. Also, this is my first Fluke book in this series and I shouldn’t have jumped in the middle. Relationships have clearly been defined earlier and I was at a lost who the characters were and their history.
November 27, 2017
I was looking for a cozy Christmas mystery and although I got what I asked for I hated it. This was almost too cozy. This is the twentieth Hannah Swensen book and by god, does someone die every month in this small town? Is Hannah always the one tripping over bodies? Why do the police let her run her own parallel investigations when she clearly has no formal training? Why is she such a goody goody meddler? There is no tension or real intrigue in this mystery. Readers are spoon fed a watered down Christmas time murder. Of course it happens in a small charming town, where everyone is in everyone else's business. This mystery is lukewarm at best. Also, included are recipes that sound interesting, but I will never attempt. Very meh.
December 16, 2016
This book was painful to read. I used to be a huge Joanne Fluke fan. I could not wait to sit down with her books, when I first discovered the Hannah Swenson Mystery Series. And the recipes were an added bonus. Over time the story line became old, stale and boring. The recipes don't even hold my interest because I am so discussed with the story. Sorry you are not listening to your fans Joanne Fluke because you are losing a lot of your followers. I am one of them and I am done. There are too many 'good' books out there to keep torturing myself with these.
August 9, 2017
A really disappointing flashback novella. Hannah's smartphone texting and sending pictures, I'm pretty sure the flashback is set before she got rid of her flip phone.
October 18, 2016
I did not find this book as well written as some of the earlier books in this series. Not much of a storyline and I found too many typos. The best part of the book were the recipes.
September 24, 2019
I loved this book in the Hannah Swensen series. Hannah and her husband are having a Christmas dinner at the Inn and Hannah relates an old story from the Christmas before. I loved that it was told in a flashback manner, and I loved the Christmas them with A Christmas Carol. I really liked when . I would definitely not read this book before reading the earlier books in the series.
December 18, 2018
My librarian husband (yes, I had to put that in to sound even more bookish), was recently describing these "cozy mysteries" to me and I admit I was intrigued. I like mysteries, recipes and things that are "Christmasy". I lived in Minnesota for 3 years, so I enjoyed reading about a somewhat familiar culture and setting. I knew this book would either be terrible or great in a really cheesy way.
I think it leaned more on the terrible side. First, I found some spelling and grammatical mistakes that seemed obvious. Also I think they had this exact line said to different people at least 3 times. "____, your muffins are so good." I also couldn't believe that the author took 2 paragraphs to describe how a Keurig coffee machine works. This book was written in 2016, isn't everyone familiar with a k-cup machine? There was a long page where the characters were saying how much they loved meat, it was so ridiculous I read it aloud to my husband and we both laughed. The big reveal at the end seriously made me laugh out loud (and I don't think it was supposed to).
All that to say, for some weird reason I find myself wanting to read more! I still enjoyed the recipes intertwined and the food talk. I didn't know the characters, so I got confused. But maybe if there is a well written cozy mystery series out there, I would enjoy it.
I think it leaned more on the terrible side. First, I found some spelling and grammatical mistakes that seemed obvious. Also I think they had this exact line said to different people at least 3 times. "____, your muffins are so good." I also couldn't believe that the author took 2 paragraphs to describe how a Keurig coffee machine works. This book was written in 2016, isn't everyone familiar with a k-cup machine? There was a long page where the characters were saying how much they loved meat, it was so ridiculous I read it aloud to my husband and we both laughed. The big reveal at the end seriously made me laugh out loud (and I don't think it was supposed to).
All that to say, for some weird reason I find myself wanting to read more! I still enjoyed the recipes intertwined and the food talk. I didn't know the characters, so I got confused. But maybe if there is a well written cozy mystery series out there, I would enjoy it.
November 1, 2016
I was not a fan of this installment, for many reasons. First off, it was extremely short, and read almost more like a short story than a stand alone novel. Second, I didn't like how it was told in flash back, and hope that that isn't the format going forward as a way to deal with Hannah now being married, and yet still keep the interest of the love trial. The last part that bothered me was the appearance of Hannah's father as a ghost. I suppose it was relevant to the Christmas Carol theme, but since this isn't a supernatural series it seemed really out of place, and I hope that this won't be a reoccurring theme now. I hope the next book goes back to the original format, otherwise it may be time to retire this series.
October 31, 2022
3-3.25 stars
I heard from a friend that also read this book that Ms. Fluke was really busy in Hollywood at the time she was writing this book. I can believe it because while this book was a nice holiday read it lacked what her previous novels have had. Honestly, this feels like it would have been better served as a novella featured in a Christmas anthology that she’s done with other cozy mystery authors previously.
I’ll start with what I liked about this short story. I enjoyed the smack down talks that occurred for the “stripper like dressing tramp” murder victim. She definitely caused drama, which was fun to read about at times. The recipes look fantastic. It’s clear that there are still plenty of good submissions coming into the website. I’ll definitely be trying some of these fruit filling ones especially the raspberry based ones. The cover also is fantastically done.
Now for what I didn’t like. There were so many inconsistencies! For example, it was never explained if the murder victim was going after her married ex-boyfriend. Maybe it’s to prove she could get him to fall for her even though he’s happily married? Was it to make someone else jealous? Who knows!? I’d also like to know how this guy was feeling and reacting to being forced to work and put up with his ex constantly pursuing him. It bothers me that there wasn’t any real resolution to the marriage issue that was a main issue throughout the story and what about that twist at the end that would result in a legal issue? That definitely could have been covered in the epilogue. There were also spelling and word errors in the book.
This was a good book that gave me the winter feels I was looking for but it leaves me unsatisfied in a way I’m not used to when reading this series. Hopefully the next book is better.
I heard from a friend that also read this book that Ms. Fluke was really busy in Hollywood at the time she was writing this book. I can believe it because while this book was a nice holiday read it lacked what her previous novels have had. Honestly, this feels like it would have been better served as a novella featured in a Christmas anthology that she’s done with other cozy mystery authors previously.
I’ll start with what I liked about this short story. I enjoyed the smack down talks that occurred for the “stripper like dressing tramp” murder victim. She definitely caused drama, which was fun to read about at times. The recipes look fantastic. It’s clear that there are still plenty of good submissions coming into the website. I’ll definitely be trying some of these fruit filling ones especially the raspberry based ones. The cover also is fantastically done.
Now for what I didn’t like. There were so many inconsistencies! For example, it was never explained if the murder victim was going after her married ex-boyfriend. Maybe it’s to prove she could get him to fall for her even though he’s happily married? Was it to make someone else jealous? Who knows!? I’d also like to know how this guy was feeling and reacting to being forced to work and put up with his ex constantly pursuing him. It bothers me that there wasn’t any real resolution to the marriage issue that was a main issue throughout the story and what about that twist at the end that would result in a legal issue? That definitely could have been covered in the epilogue. There were also spelling and word errors in the book.
This was a good book that gave me the winter feels I was looking for but it leaves me unsatisfied in a way I’m not used to when reading this series. Hopefully the next book is better.
March 30, 2018
This was a short, but sweet Hannah Swenson novel. I am a sucker for anything holiday themed, so I loved all the holiday accents included. Poor Lisa is worried that Herb is spending a little too much time with his new assistant... someone who he dated back in high school! She also happens to be the mayor's mistress and widely disliked around town. So it's not that surprising that she turns up dead on the side of the road. And even less surprising that Hannah is the one to find her. But with so many possible suspects, can Hannah clear her friends' names and find the real killer?
I loved the format of this book. The story is actually a flash back. Hannah tells her new husband Ross the story of the last Christmas when Lisa made her caramels and the murder that they solved. I was completely shocked by the identity of the murderer....there were just no breadcrumbs along the way until BAM there's the killer. I thought it was so cute that Hannah's dad kept visiting her as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The tension with Lisa and Herb made me sad, but in true fashion there was a happy ending!
I loved the format of this book. The story is actually a flash back. Hannah tells her new husband Ross the story of the last Christmas when Lisa made her caramels and the murder that they solved. I was completely shocked by the identity of the murderer....there were just no breadcrumbs along the way until BAM there's the killer. I thought it was so cute that Hannah's dad kept visiting her as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The tension with Lisa and Herb made me sad, but in true fashion there was a happy ending!
December 14, 2016
It’s Christmas time again in Lake Eden, but trouble is brewing for Lisa, Hannah’s partner at The Cookie Jar. Her husband, Herb, is working late every night, and his new assistant is Phyllis, his high school girlfriend. Then Phyllis is cast as Mrs. Claus opposite Herb in the community play. Naturally, when Phyllis shows up murdered, Lisa and Herb are both suspects, and Hannah must work hard to clear their names.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 22, 2016
This is the latest in the Hannah Swenson series. This is a flasback story. Hannah reminisces about the previous Christmas where she of course stumbled over a dead body. The body is that of Phyllis Bates, who was playing Mrs Claus with Lisa s husband Herb as Santa. It is also no secret that Phyllis was trying to lure Herb awsy from Lisa. So of course Hannah sets out to solve the crime.
I have always loved this series it is what started me on the cozy genre. This was a bit shorter than usual. We saw more of Mike abd less if Norman as well and i kind of missed Norman. I do love it when Michelle is home and we get to see what new reciped she has. There were a few recipes from the book that i will be trying. While it was not my favorite book in the series, i will still continue to read them.
I have always loved this series it is what started me on the cozy genre. This was a bit shorter than usual. We saw more of Mike abd less if Norman as well and i kind of missed Norman. I do love it when Michelle is home and we get to see what new reciped she has. There were a few recipes from the book that i will be trying. While it was not my favorite book in the series, i will still continue to read them.
June 18, 2019
same old, same old
July 28, 2022
Book 20 This series in the book. Is about Hanna telling the past story of last year on Christmas to her kinda date. It was a disaster. Herb ( Lisa husband that works with Hanna in her Sweet Shop.) Was always Santa Clause. So when mayor Bascomb showed up with a Stunning Phyllis. ( Herb ex and a menace to soiciety) And Mayor made be assign ed with Herb on his job and became Mrs. Santa Clause. To Lisa' s Horror. Tory ( Mayor sister a actress a long time ago) was heading the Play A Christmas Carol. And Phyllis playing Mrs Santa ( she looked like tramp and Tory even told her.) And Herb were rehearsing what they were going to do. But Tory had other plans instead of hugging each other they were going to stage kiss. ( fake kiss) (Hanna and Lisa were watchong) So when it was time Phyllis grabbed Herb and really laid on the kiss. Lisa was absolutely Upset. She ran out and she was so upset saying that Herb wants her back. But Hanna said no I don't think so. Well any ways Phyllis was found dead at Corner Tavern where Lisa and Gahanna were eating. But there were a whole slew of people that did not her dead. Not just Lisa and Herb. I've always loved these books in series. Love the recipes that Joanne has in all the books. I have read almost all of them just need to read 8 more so far.
February 4, 2019
This was better than I thought it would be. The last few books haven’t been great at all. It did have a couple super cheesy storylines but I’ve come to expect that with this author. I did miss the complete absence of her sister Andrea from this book however, she’s one character I really like. This story did seem more modern and not like Hannah was living in the 1950’s which was also a nice change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews