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Hannah Swensen #21
Banana Cream Pie Murder
A romantic seven-day cruise is the perfect start to bakery owner Hannah Swensen’s marriage. However, with a murder mystery heating up in Lake Eden, Minnesota, it seems the newlywed’s homecoming won’t be as sweet as she anticipated . . .
After an extravagant honeymoon, Hannah’s eager to settle down in Lake Eden and turn domestic daydreams into reality. But when her mother’s neighbor is discovered murdered in the condo downstairs, reality becomes a nightmarish investigation. Victoria Bascomb, once a renowned stage actress, was active in the theater community during her brief appearance in town . . . and made throngs of enemies along the way. Did a random intruder murder the woman as police claim, or was a deadlier scheme at play? As Hannah peels through countless suspects and some new troubles of her own, solving this crime—and living to tell about it—might prove trickier than mixing up the ultimate banana cream pie . . .
After an extravagant honeymoon, Hannah’s eager to settle down in Lake Eden and turn domestic daydreams into reality. But when her mother’s neighbor is discovered murdered in the condo downstairs, reality becomes a nightmarish investigation. Victoria Bascomb, once a renowned stage actress, was active in the theater community during her brief appearance in town . . . and made throngs of enemies along the way. Did a random intruder murder the woman as police claim, or was a deadlier scheme at play? As Hannah peels through countless suspects and some new troubles of her own, solving this crime—and living to tell about it—might prove trickier than mixing up the ultimate banana cream pie . . .
355 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
2134 people are currently reading
7334 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,542 followersLike Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota where her neighbors were friendly, the winters were fierce, and the biggest scandal was the spotting of unidentified male undergarments on a young widow's clothesline. She insists that there really are 10,000 lakes and the mosquito is NOT the state bird.
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,051 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book can be turned into the perfect drinking game. Keep reading and you’ll find out why!
I’ve read and own every one of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mystery series. I’ve always loved the recipes and have tried quite a few out for myself much to the enjoyment of my family. For the most part I’ve liked the stories as well because to me they’re like ‘junk food’ books; you read them as a treat so you can turn off the world for a while. I don’t read them to gain some better understanding of the world, to find some emotional attachment, have an epiphany, look for that quote that will change my outlook, etc; they’re just a fun way to pass the time.
Did I mention how great the recipes are? I’ve made some tasty dinners and really wowed my kids and family with some of her desserts. My only complaint is that it’s seriously made me want a food processor because she has so many that sound good but require one. The few times I’ve tried one of those and tried to create a workaround for not having a processor it hasn’t worked out well.
As far as the stories themselves I’ve only ever had 2 main and consistent problems.
One, it’s a running part of the plot lines that Hannah is technologically inept to the point she didn’t get a cell phone or computer until nearly this last book and there are over 20 in the series. Even when she did she constantly doesn’t seem to know how to use them. It seems as if Fluke has placed her series in ‘modern’ times so I have a VERY HARD TIME believing or understanding why she would create a character who is young AND owns a business wouldn’t have either a cell or computer, especially a computer. It also makes NO SENSE that once they bought each of these the character would have such a hard time understanding how to use them. It seems completely inaccurate, unrealistic and unfair to her readers to expect them to buy this.
In Banana Cream Pie Murder that running gag makes a huge part of the plot because at one point Hannah is having a meltdown over her husband going on a business trip without telling her only to later find out he called her cell and text her multiple times but because she’s so technologically inept she never got the messages and didn’t think to check. My husband and I communicate multiple times a day via our cells even if it’s just a text letting the other know we were thinking about them and if I haven’t heard from him the first thing I do is check my cell BECAUSE IT IS 2017! This ignorance of technology thing needs to end NOW! It’s just not funny.
Two, Hannah’s love life. There’s been a back and forth love triangle going on for about 20 books between her and 2 other male characters. When I saw a wedding theme book was coming I felt this huge sense of relief Fluke was finally going to end it and have Hannah settle down because the triangle was as irritating as her tech issues. Only, when the time came she had Hannah marry some throw away character who has never had a major part in her life at least in the books. The character has rarely been mentioned and she married him after only dating for like 2 seconds. It was such a slap in the face to her readers who have hung in there for this long as it made no sense.
Then it got worse in Banana Cream Pie Murder which is the first book to actually portray her married life. It starts off right away showing their marriage just isn’t going to work, the pseudo husband doesn’t seem to have any idea who Hannah really is and it’s as if the stage has been set for them to split up in the very near future. There’s never a portrayal of them actually ‘clicking’, no scene that assures the reader Fluke didn’t just screw us all over by throwing this guy in there because as the author she couldn’t make up her own mind who to choose in the love triangle (should’ve been Norman by the way – he built her a flipping house!). The marriage NEVER gets any better throughout the book, only worse until you feel like she set Hannah up in this sorry excuse of a relationship in order to create more plotlines for future books which considering how the book ended proved my very belief on this matter.
Now the Drinking Game: Ross, Hannah’s sorry excuse for a husband, CONSTANTLY calls her “Cookie”. Much later in the book it’s explained that apparently when she knew him eons ago in college that was his nickname for her because she liked to baked cookies – yes I know it shows how incredibly witty and intelligent this guy is (eye roll). Anyways, for whatever the reason Fluke seemed to need to impress upon her readers Ross’ love for calling Hannah “Cookie” by using it so often I started to feel like I needed a drink if I read that one more time which led me to my first ever Hannah Swensen Murder Mystery epiphany! You must take a shot, sip of wine, whatever EVERY TIME he calls Hannah “Cookie” and I promise you’ll be passed out on the floor by chapter 10! :-) You’ll thank me as it will help with the irritation over this plot device.
The book is what it is, there’s some really fabulous recipes in here I’ll be trying out this week. The murderer wasn’t someone I saw coming right away so that was nice and it ended on a decent cliffhanger so I’ll be curious to see what she’s going to do in her next book.
I’ve read and own every one of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mystery series. I’ve always loved the recipes and have tried quite a few out for myself much to the enjoyment of my family. For the most part I’ve liked the stories as well because to me they’re like ‘junk food’ books; you read them as a treat so you can turn off the world for a while. I don’t read them to gain some better understanding of the world, to find some emotional attachment, have an epiphany, look for that quote that will change my outlook, etc; they’re just a fun way to pass the time.
Did I mention how great the recipes are? I’ve made some tasty dinners and really wowed my kids and family with some of her desserts. My only complaint is that it’s seriously made me want a food processor because she has so many that sound good but require one. The few times I’ve tried one of those and tried to create a workaround for not having a processor it hasn’t worked out well.
As far as the stories themselves I’ve only ever had 2 main and consistent problems.
One, it’s a running part of the plot lines that Hannah is technologically inept to the point she didn’t get a cell phone or computer until nearly this last book and there are over 20 in the series. Even when she did she constantly doesn’t seem to know how to use them. It seems as if Fluke has placed her series in ‘modern’ times so I have a VERY HARD TIME believing or understanding why she would create a character who is young AND owns a business wouldn’t have either a cell or computer, especially a computer. It also makes NO SENSE that once they bought each of these the character would have such a hard time understanding how to use them. It seems completely inaccurate, unrealistic and unfair to her readers to expect them to buy this.
In Banana Cream Pie Murder that running gag makes a huge part of the plot because at one point Hannah is having a meltdown over her husband going on a business trip without telling her only to later find out he called her cell and text her multiple times but because she’s so technologically inept she never got the messages and didn’t think to check. My husband and I communicate multiple times a day via our cells even if it’s just a text letting the other know we were thinking about them and if I haven’t heard from him the first thing I do is check my cell BECAUSE IT IS 2017! This ignorance of technology thing needs to end NOW! It’s just not funny.
Two, Hannah’s love life. There’s been a back and forth love triangle going on for about 20 books between her and 2 other male characters. When I saw a wedding theme book was coming I felt this huge sense of relief Fluke was finally going to end it and have Hannah settle down because the triangle was as irritating as her tech issues. Only, when the time came she had Hannah marry some throw away character who has never had a major part in her life at least in the books. The character has rarely been mentioned and she married him after only dating for like 2 seconds. It was such a slap in the face to her readers who have hung in there for this long as it made no sense.
Then it got worse in Banana Cream Pie Murder which is the first book to actually portray her married life. It starts off right away showing their marriage just isn’t going to work, the pseudo husband doesn’t seem to have any idea who Hannah really is and it’s as if the stage has been set for them to split up in the very near future. There’s never a portrayal of them actually ‘clicking’, no scene that assures the reader Fluke didn’t just screw us all over by throwing this guy in there because as the author she couldn’t make up her own mind who to choose in the love triangle (should’ve been Norman by the way – he built her a flipping house!). The marriage NEVER gets any better throughout the book, only worse until you feel like she set Hannah up in this sorry excuse of a relationship in order to create more plotlines for future books which considering how the book ended proved my very belief on this matter.
Now the Drinking Game: Ross, Hannah’s sorry excuse for a husband, CONSTANTLY calls her “Cookie”. Much later in the book it’s explained that apparently when she knew him eons ago in college that was his nickname for her because she liked to baked cookies – yes I know it shows how incredibly witty and intelligent this guy is (eye roll). Anyways, for whatever the reason Fluke seemed to need to impress upon her readers Ross’ love for calling Hannah “Cookie” by using it so often I started to feel like I needed a drink if I read that one more time which led me to my first ever Hannah Swensen Murder Mystery epiphany! You must take a shot, sip of wine, whatever EVERY TIME he calls Hannah “Cookie” and I promise you’ll be passed out on the floor by chapter 10! :-) You’ll thank me as it will help with the irritation over this plot device.
The book is what it is, there’s some really fabulous recipes in here I’ll be trying out this week. The murderer wasn’t someone I saw coming right away so that was nice and it ended on a decent cliffhanger so I’ll be curious to see what she’s going to do in her next book.
February 7, 2017
Meh. This series used to be cute and charming but since Hannah overthrew her own love triangle with Norman and Mike for Ross it's lost my attention. With each book Joanne Fluke seems to write Hannah into a hole of stupidity. She really has no idea how to see that she's missed calls or text messages? All the while sending other text messages or having her phone ringer on? Makes no sense.
Also Hannah seems lost in the Red Owl local grocery store but one of the recipes mentions "I bought mine at the Whole Foods olive bar!" ok sure.
Overall I'd like to see Hannah wise up and stop acting like a dimwit. I think I'm done with this series. In one chapter Hannah spends quite a bit of time at the grocery store wondering what a "pale lager" is in terms of beer. Each beer on the shelf states clearly the type of beer it is. It would have been as simple as her reading the labels to see which were pale lagers. Please stop writing this character as so helpless.
For someone who is supposedly logical and smart enough to solve crimes before the local Police Department Hannah sure is real world dumb.
Also Hannah seems lost in the Red Owl local grocery store but one of the recipes mentions "I bought mine at the Whole Foods olive bar!" ok sure.
Overall I'd like to see Hannah wise up and stop acting like a dimwit. I think I'm done with this series. In one chapter Hannah spends quite a bit of time at the grocery store wondering what a "pale lager" is in terms of beer. Each beer on the shelf states clearly the type of beer it is. It would have been as simple as her reading the labels to see which were pale lagers. Please stop writing this character as so helpless.
For someone who is supposedly logical and smart enough to solve crimes before the local Police Department Hannah sure is real world dumb.
August 12, 2022
I'm starting to get a little sad... this book, Banana Cream Pie Murder, is the 21st of 24 cozy mystery novels written in the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. I've only got three more left! I was awarded the next two via NetGalley, and I'll need to buy the last one when it's released this fall... then I'll have to wait months. Oh no! I've managed not to read any spoilers on what's happened in the next three books, nor share anything too big in my reviews to ruin it for others, but based on the way this one ended, with the first major cliffhanger ever, I'm worried! Is it all a sham? Oh no!
In this caper, Hannah's newly married after finally choosing one of her three suitors throughout the series. She picked the least likely one, and something tells me that there's a reason for it in the future books. As she settles into married life, she asks the basic questions: Do I have to cook dinner for him? Should we tell each other everything? Will he put me first always? Interesting ideas... I mean, I get she comes from a town where many of the women look at it as their responsibility to cook their husband's dinner, so I don't take any offense to it (nor should others as this is representing something 'traditional' from the past -- not necessarily correct or something to promote as good, but still... it fits with the series and character type. On the flip side, she also says "I'll do what I want with my own time, I'm not tied to the hip with him." At least she stood up for herself there!
That said... the mystery was good up until the finish. Talk about a dark horse coming in to be the killer in the last 2 chapters. The process of elimination for other suspects was clever and good as usual, but I did feel a tad bit gipped in the end. Hmm... why is GR telling me gipped isn't a word? Oh well... back to the review. I'd have liked to see something a little stronger, but the rest of the book was hilarious and fun to watch all the character development. Delores found the body this time. Michelle is turning out to be the best sister ever. The mayor is the scapegoat for everything. And wow... where is this police force? Always missing until Hannah's caught the killer. Ha!
Can't wait for more... it's my self-indulging silly and entertaining fun! :)
In this caper, Hannah's newly married after finally choosing one of her three suitors throughout the series. She picked the least likely one, and something tells me that there's a reason for it in the future books. As she settles into married life, she asks the basic questions: Do I have to cook dinner for him? Should we tell each other everything? Will he put me first always? Interesting ideas... I mean, I get she comes from a town where many of the women look at it as their responsibility to cook their husband's dinner, so I don't take any offense to it (nor should others as this is representing something 'traditional' from the past -- not necessarily correct or something to promote as good, but still... it fits with the series and character type. On the flip side, she also says "I'll do what I want with my own time, I'm not tied to the hip with him." At least she stood up for herself there!
That said... the mystery was good up until the finish. Talk about a dark horse coming in to be the killer in the last 2 chapters. The process of elimination for other suspects was clever and good as usual, but I did feel a tad bit gipped in the end. Hmm... why is GR telling me gipped isn't a word? Oh well... back to the review. I'd have liked to see something a little stronger, but the rest of the book was hilarious and fun to watch all the character development. Delores found the body this time. Michelle is turning out to be the best sister ever. The mayor is the scapegoat for everything. And wow... where is this police force? Always missing until Hannah's caught the killer. Ha!
Can't wait for more... it's my self-indulging silly and entertaining fun! :)
March 31, 2017
I have read every book in this series. I've always loved this series and always get excited to see another book coming out.
However, this book made me crazy for several reasons.
1. The politeness the family showed to each other. What happened to all the snarky comments between the sisters and their mom? I loved how the were portrayed as a real family, this book portrays them as fake.
2. The ridiculousness of Hannah not knowing how to use a cell phone. It just seemed really wrong and made her seem dumb.
3. Ross and Hannah......omg, do they even know each other? The dialogue between them was truly a put off. The whole marriage seemed like a sham.
Part of me thinks that a different author wrote this book because I can't imagine Ms. Fluke would have written a story so fragmented.
I had such high hopes for this book and I was really disappointed.
I will read the next book of course, because I have to see how this plays out.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
However, this book made me crazy for several reasons.
1. The politeness the family showed to each other. What happened to all the snarky comments between the sisters and their mom? I loved how the were portrayed as a real family, this book portrays them as fake.
2. The ridiculousness of Hannah not knowing how to use a cell phone. It just seemed really wrong and made her seem dumb.
3. Ross and Hannah......omg, do they even know each other? The dialogue between them was truly a put off. The whole marriage seemed like a sham.
Part of me thinks that a different author wrote this book because I can't imagine Ms. Fluke would have written a story so fragmented.
I had such high hopes for this book and I was really disappointed.
I will read the next book of course, because I have to see how this plays out.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 28, 2025
Hannah is on her honeymoon with new husband Ross Barton and having a bit of trouble adjusting to being a newlywed. Maybe she and Ross don’t click quite as well as she (and readers everywhere!) originally thought. Back in Lake Eden, Minnesota, Victoria Bascomb, sister of the mayor, is found dead by Hannah’s mother Dolores. Some of the recipes were really good in this one, especially the orange/lemon sugar cookies. I enjoyed the mystery in this one, and the scenes with the Swenson family. I will always be a fan of the series, however the Ross/Hannah storyline really isn’t my favorite.
March 12, 2017
I didn’t think this could be any worse than 2016’s awful “Christmas Caramel Murder,” but, alas, it was. After the initial discovery of the murder victim by Hannah’s mother, Delores, absolutely nothing relevant happens until the last few chapters when the murderer is revealed and (of course) threatens to do Hannah in. Right on the heels of her rescue comes a cliffhanger, some form of which many readers, myself included, have been expecting.
The book is chock full of irrelevant get togethers, pointless information (we have to be told twice that “red and green are the colors of Christmas,” for example), and endless, inane chit chat that does nothing to move an already non-existent plot along. Worst of all, any investigating anyone actually does leads absolutely nowhere, so there aren't any real murder suspects--wha? As a result, the reader can easily figure out whodunit because any real clues that finally show up near the end point in only one direction.
The main things that do happen are: Mass quantities of coffee are consumed morning, noon and night (how do these people sleep?) and all the requisite recipes that are baked or cooked are pronounced (of course) “delicious,” “amazing,” or lauded using other superlatives. After umpteen books of this predictable sameness, I wonder what would happen if JUST ONCE something Hannah or someone else made would fail to amaze…
Hannah is having a hard time adjusting to married life as she acknowledges that she wed in haste and therefore knows alarmingly little about her husband, Ross, or how to “do” marriage. Mike and Norman continue to help and hover over Hannah like puppy dogs, as though nothing significant or change worthy has occurred. Granted, there probably is nothing else these set characters can do, unless Fluke writes them out of the books. The One Big Happy Family sensibility that has informed the series from day one, which got irritating and stale, largely due to Hannah’s inability to choose between her two beaus, is now even more unbelievable, if not a tad strange.
The only reason I plan to soldier on through the next book is that I’m curious to see how (whoever writes it—Joanna or her son) manages to extricate Hannah out of the weird mess she’s gotten herself into.
The book is chock full of irrelevant get togethers, pointless information (we have to be told twice that “red and green are the colors of Christmas,” for example), and endless, inane chit chat that does nothing to move an already non-existent plot along. Worst of all, any investigating anyone actually does leads absolutely nowhere, so there aren't any real murder suspects--wha? As a result, the reader can easily figure out whodunit because any real clues that finally show up near the end point in only one direction.
The main things that do happen are: Mass quantities of coffee are consumed morning, noon and night (how do these people sleep?) and all the requisite recipes that are baked or cooked are pronounced (of course) “delicious,” “amazing,” or lauded using other superlatives. After umpteen books of this predictable sameness, I wonder what would happen if JUST ONCE something Hannah or someone else made would fail to amaze…
Hannah is having a hard time adjusting to married life as she acknowledges that she wed in haste and therefore knows alarmingly little about her husband, Ross, or how to “do” marriage. Mike and Norman continue to help and hover over Hannah like puppy dogs, as though nothing significant or change worthy has occurred. Granted, there probably is nothing else these set characters can do, unless Fluke writes them out of the books. The One Big Happy Family sensibility that has informed the series from day one, which got irritating and stale, largely due to Hannah’s inability to choose between her two beaus, is now even more unbelievable, if not a tad strange.
The only reason I plan to soldier on through the next book is that I’m curious to see how (whoever writes it—Joanna or her son) manages to extricate Hannah out of the weird mess she’s gotten herself into.
March 6, 2017
I used to like this series. It used to be charming and delightful in a silly sort of way with a cute baker investigating murders when she's not baking up some wonderful items in her bakery. Now it has become trite and seems written for "dummies" as every action that is taken needs an inordinate amount of explaining between characters. Also, the main character has come back from her honeymoon and clearly has lost any sense of independence and personal spunk. Her words seem horribly choreographed and her mind is like that of a woman afraid to displease her new husband (when she remembers he's there!). In addition, all the supporting characters are very one dimensional and absolutely not believable (where in the world would two men thrown over for one woman's affection become best friends and give a joint wedding present then have dinner with the new couple as they come back from their honeymoon?!). While the recipes in the book were interesting (though laden with butter and sugar, so watch your arteries), the writing does little to hold the story together from one cookie to another.
July 24, 2023
Have you read any of Joanne Fluke's cozy murder mysteries?
How much fun can one have reading along while enjoying some amazing delectable dishes along the way? Lots!
You can always count on her character Hannah Swensen not only solving the mystery, but providing some yummy recipes like....whipped caramel topping, cheesy beer muffins, salted caramel bar cookies, special corn chowder, peanut butter cheesecake, and of course, banana creme pie...to name a few!
Mouth watering and easy read!
Side note: As I am cleaning my shelves today, I just so happened to have a nice piece of banana cream pie. Oh yum...(7/23/23)
How much fun can one have reading along while enjoying some amazing delectable dishes along the way? Lots!
You can always count on her character Hannah Swensen not only solving the mystery, but providing some yummy recipes like....whipped caramel topping, cheesy beer muffins, salted caramel bar cookies, special corn chowder, peanut butter cheesecake, and of course, banana creme pie...to name a few!
Mouth watering and easy read!
Side note: As I am cleaning my shelves today, I just so happened to have a nice piece of banana cream pie. Oh yum...(7/23/23)
June 30, 2024
I can't believe I read this whole thing...I did not DNF, I persevered, and I have a migraine to prove it!
I started this series way back when, just like most of the other readers. I found this series to be the ultimate of cozy mysteries, and I loved the setting, the characters, Hannah's bake shop, and even the quaintness of the recipes (at the time, this was not customary in books as it is now).
I started to get disgruntled when Hannah had two men (sort of) chasing after her - a bit implausible, but I could live with it. Then, I started to get bored with this series and backed away. I had read maybe ten books at that point.
Recently Amazon had several of her new books for the low price of $1.99, and I went for it; other than Hannah marrying someone I had never heard of -the series hadn't changed (for the better).
This has to be written by a ghostwriter; this is one of the most horrible books I have ever read: the discussion of food and cookies, the eating of food and cookies, the minutiae of every damn thing she does and thinks, the number of recipes and the
coup de grâce-the fact that this was a mystery that...wasn't. The killer isn't even introduced to the reader until 80% of the book has gone by.
And I have to say that I found most of the recipes revolting, and let me tell you, there were at least 20 of them taking up at least 100 pages of this book (if not more). That could have been cut as well as the interminable discussions of cookies and other foods.
Lastly, apparently, Hannah marries someone she knew in college but hadn't seen in what? 15 years? Uhhh, it's not going to happen in real life. Norman and Mike are NOT going to gift Hannah and Ross with an expensive toy, and I would be FURIOUS if my family came in and redecorated my home while I was on my honeymoon.
Faugh -I hated this book, but guess what? I'll be skimming the next one to find out why THIS one had to end on a cliffhanger. I already bought it, so why not subject myself to this garbage? It'll give me something else to bitch about tomorrow!
I started this series way back when, just like most of the other readers. I found this series to be the ultimate of cozy mysteries, and I loved the setting, the characters, Hannah's bake shop, and even the quaintness of the recipes (at the time, this was not customary in books as it is now).
I started to get disgruntled when Hannah had two men (sort of) chasing after her - a bit implausible, but I could live with it. Then, I started to get bored with this series and backed away. I had read maybe ten books at that point.
Recently Amazon had several of her new books for the low price of $1.99, and I went for it; other than Hannah marrying someone I had never heard of -the series hadn't changed (for the better).
This has to be written by a ghostwriter; this is one of the most horrible books I have ever read: the discussion of food and cookies, the eating of food and cookies, the minutiae of every damn thing she does and thinks, the number of recipes and the
coup de grâce-the fact that this was a mystery that...wasn't. The killer isn't even introduced to the reader until 80% of the book has gone by.
And I have to say that I found most of the recipes revolting, and let me tell you, there were at least 20 of them taking up at least 100 pages of this book (if not more). That could have been cut as well as the interminable discussions of cookies and other foods.
Lastly, apparently, Hannah marries someone she knew in college but hadn't seen in what? 15 years? Uhhh, it's not going to happen in real life. Norman and Mike are NOT going to gift Hannah and Ross with an expensive toy, and I would be FURIOUS if my family came in and redecorated my home while I was on my honeymoon.
Faugh -I hated this book, but guess what? I'll be skimming the next one to find out why THIS one had to end on a cliffhanger. I already bought it, so why not subject myself to this garbage? It'll give me something else to bitch about tomorrow!
February 20, 2017
This is the next installment in the Hannah Swenson popular mystery series. I have enjoyed the entire series as well as the made for TV movies based on the earlier books. In this book our Hannah is suffering from a disastrous quickie marriage to a high school boyfriend she reconnected with who is controlling and lying to her.
Hannah has always been a smart, happy independent woman running a successful; cookie bakery and living her life fully with a great cast of friends and family. Her appeal was in her joy for life and the wonderful career, friends and home she created for herself. In each previous book prior to this relationship she was engaged in her life, solving murders and happily running a successful bakery. Not so anymore. Hannah is a beaten down shadow of what we once knew.
. In this book, we see a concerning departure from the old Hannah, a woman who is subservient to her new husband and lives in fear of disappointing him. She is constantly disappointed in herself and blames herself if "he" is disappointed in her. She suffers from many actions of a emotionally abused wife. Her personality has completely changed and it is a shock to the long time reader. She has stopped standing up for her most basic needs or wants and has changed her personality.. She is deeply unhappy . It becomes clear early on that the new husband will leave her and has no interest in her other then to control her and run her life. he calls her by a derogatory insulting name and makes demands while lying to her about his activities. Clear to the reader he has a second life with another woman. While Hannah spends her days questioning her ability as a wife and berating herself, he is busy lying to her and leading his double life.
In the meantime Hannah is pulled into investigating a murder that has nothing to do with her . Its strange that her Mother asked her to investigate upon her return from her honeymoon. when her daughter is adjusting to her new life. as a married woman and trying to run a business. Her Mother as usual is very pushy and demanding on Hannah's time even though she is trying to adjust to being a wife to a demanding harsh man.
She begins the sleuth as always with help from great characters that struggle to help Hannah regain some of her former self. Her friends and family seem confused and worried about the major changes they see in her. As the sleuth grows Hannah is distracted and not even interested in her beloved bakery or baking any longer. She drags herself through each day and only solving the murder seems to cheer her up. . In this book everyone else is baking and making suggestions to Hannah about her menu but she is not present or involved. The bakery is a wonderful aspect of these stories and normally the center of her universe.
One strange aspect to this story is that Hannah who has always loved her condo as it was, embraced her home life and made her friends a big part of her home, comes home from her honeymoon to a complete redo authorized by her new husband without her permission . It seems nothing is to her liking and she admits to herself she liked it the way it way and misses her old life. yet she says nothing and feels obligated to act as if she likes it for him This is not the Hannah we love who enjoyed her life as a happy home owner, with her own routine that she loved. surrounded by her own comfort . Her former life with her wonderful cat, her friends, cooking for joy and homemaking are no longer important to her. Even the cat is left behind with only a bit part in this book.
The much loved triangle of Mike and Norman is still very present and the main focus of the story. As she uses them again to investigate the murder they stick close to her as they realize her new husband is not who he said he was. Each vies for her attention and her time. Hannah solves the mystery although predictable, its a fast paced good sleuth. The recipes are delicious to read about and definitely swoon worthy . There are many wonderful recipes here that the author obviously spent a great deal of effort on.
Its always disconcerting when a author makes such a departure from a well loved character and reading about Hannah as a subservient woman with no opinion from one who was living a wonderful; happy independent life is hard to take. I am sure the next book will have Hannah back in her game, the ex husband long gone and Hannah back to another great sleuth with her side kicks her real loves, Mike and Norman. While it is obnoxious and unreal how they hover and help her with every detail of her life , they are her true loves and its time the author recognized that for the readers. I look forward to the next in series and our beloved character retuning to the bakery and enjoying life. once again. In every life rain must fall and for our beloved Hannah this book is definitely her stormy sea.
Hannah has always been a smart, happy independent woman running a successful; cookie bakery and living her life fully with a great cast of friends and family. Her appeal was in her joy for life and the wonderful career, friends and home she created for herself. In each previous book prior to this relationship she was engaged in her life, solving murders and happily running a successful bakery. Not so anymore. Hannah is a beaten down shadow of what we once knew.
. In this book, we see a concerning departure from the old Hannah, a woman who is subservient to her new husband and lives in fear of disappointing him. She is constantly disappointed in herself and blames herself if "he" is disappointed in her. She suffers from many actions of a emotionally abused wife. Her personality has completely changed and it is a shock to the long time reader. She has stopped standing up for her most basic needs or wants and has changed her personality.. She is deeply unhappy . It becomes clear early on that the new husband will leave her and has no interest in her other then to control her and run her life. he calls her by a derogatory insulting name and makes demands while lying to her about his activities. Clear to the reader he has a second life with another woman. While Hannah spends her days questioning her ability as a wife and berating herself, he is busy lying to her and leading his double life.
In the meantime Hannah is pulled into investigating a murder that has nothing to do with her . Its strange that her Mother asked her to investigate upon her return from her honeymoon. when her daughter is adjusting to her new life. as a married woman and trying to run a business. Her Mother as usual is very pushy and demanding on Hannah's time even though she is trying to adjust to being a wife to a demanding harsh man.
She begins the sleuth as always with help from great characters that struggle to help Hannah regain some of her former self. Her friends and family seem confused and worried about the major changes they see in her. As the sleuth grows Hannah is distracted and not even interested in her beloved bakery or baking any longer. She drags herself through each day and only solving the murder seems to cheer her up. . In this book everyone else is baking and making suggestions to Hannah about her menu but she is not present or involved. The bakery is a wonderful aspect of these stories and normally the center of her universe.
One strange aspect to this story is that Hannah who has always loved her condo as it was, embraced her home life and made her friends a big part of her home, comes home from her honeymoon to a complete redo authorized by her new husband without her permission . It seems nothing is to her liking and she admits to herself she liked it the way it way and misses her old life. yet she says nothing and feels obligated to act as if she likes it for him This is not the Hannah we love who enjoyed her life as a happy home owner, with her own routine that she loved. surrounded by her own comfort . Her former life with her wonderful cat, her friends, cooking for joy and homemaking are no longer important to her. Even the cat is left behind with only a bit part in this book.
The much loved triangle of Mike and Norman is still very present and the main focus of the story. As she uses them again to investigate the murder they stick close to her as they realize her new husband is not who he said he was. Each vies for her attention and her time. Hannah solves the mystery although predictable, its a fast paced good sleuth. The recipes are delicious to read about and definitely swoon worthy . There are many wonderful recipes here that the author obviously spent a great deal of effort on.
Its always disconcerting when a author makes such a departure from a well loved character and reading about Hannah as a subservient woman with no opinion from one who was living a wonderful; happy independent life is hard to take. I am sure the next book will have Hannah back in her game, the ex husband long gone and Hannah back to another great sleuth with her side kicks her real loves, Mike and Norman. While it is obnoxious and unreal how they hover and help her with every detail of her life , they are her true loves and its time the author recognized that for the readers. I look forward to the next in series and our beloved character retuning to the bakery and enjoying life. once again. In every life rain must fall and for our beloved Hannah this book is definitely her stormy sea.
June 29, 2017
My first ONE Star review ever. The Thrill Is Gone, Ms. Fluke. I have always been on Team Norman. I can take Hannah marrying Ross (but I don't have to like it!) I can (BARELY) take Hannah repeatedly meeting, alone with murder suspects (I mean, duh already!) I can take the other formulaic plot points (Mike eats too much, Oh BOY can Lisa spin a story! Norman always know just what to do for Hannah. Even thought there is Murderer loose on the Street of Minnesota, I'm Hannah and I'm going to be snarky and NOT share my information with Mike. The Police Detective. GRRRR!)
What I can NOT abide it the utterly contrived dialogue between characters! Real people just Don't talk like that! Is it just me or is Hannah actively loosing IQ points? The way Hannah humors her Mother (when Delores hears Mike's been waiting for Hannah while she showers) instead of having a real conversation and saying "No Mother, there is nothing going on between Mike and I. Period.) How old is Hannah supposed to be?? Exactly when did she turn into a nervous teenager worried about what her boyfriend thinks? Hannah finds herself worrying about Michelle's future. Has she met her younger sister? It's clear to me Michelle has a good head on her shoulders, but this has not occurred to Hannah YET?? I truly don't know if I am biased because of Ross The Usurper,, if the dialogue was always this way and I just didn't see it or if it has deteriorated over time.
I really hate to admit defeat and throw in the towel on the series. Because of the Cliffhanger, I will read the next installment and assess my malaise again. I have a strong feeling that I will be disappointed and thus my association with Hannah, Ms. Fluke and The Cookie Jar will come to an abrupt end. I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles.
What I can NOT abide it the utterly contrived dialogue between characters! Real people just Don't talk like that! Is it just me or is Hannah actively loosing IQ points? The way Hannah humors her Mother (when Delores hears Mike's been waiting for Hannah while she showers) instead of having a real conversation and saying "No Mother, there is nothing going on between Mike and I. Period.) How old is Hannah supposed to be?? Exactly when did she turn into a nervous teenager worried about what her boyfriend thinks? Hannah finds herself worrying about Michelle's future. Has she met her younger sister? It's clear to me Michelle has a good head on her shoulders, but this has not occurred to Hannah YET?? I truly don't know if I am biased because of Ross The Usurper,, if the dialogue was always this way and I just didn't see it or if it has deteriorated over time.
I really hate to admit defeat and throw in the towel on the series. Because of the Cliffhanger, I will read the next installment and assess my malaise again. I have a strong feeling that I will be disappointed and thus my association with Hannah, Ms. Fluke and The Cookie Jar will come to an abrupt end. I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles.
April 4, 2017
In the 21st book of this series, Hannah is on her honeymoon cruise with new husband Ross when she learns her mother Delores heard the murder of her friend Victoria Bascomb. Victoria, a retired actress, lived in the apartment directly below Delores's penthouse. After hearing screams and a gunshot, Delores found the body and of course, she wants Hannah to solve the murder. Since Victoria's death left an opening in the local theater group, money needs to be raised and Hannah comes up with a banana cream pie eating contest. While she plans all this, Hannah continues to ask questions and come up with her list of suspects.
I liked this story better than the last Christmas themed one. This cozy ends on a cliffhanger and I'm intrigued where the author intends to take Hannah's future.
I love all the recipes at the ends of the chapters and plan on buying the ingredients to make the "brownie candy" tomorrow. Some of the recipes are more detailed than others, even with Hannah's tips, but this one appears to be simple enough for a not-real-good cook like me.
I liked this story better than the last Christmas themed one. This cozy ends on a cliffhanger and I'm intrigued where the author intends to take Hannah's future.
I love all the recipes at the ends of the chapters and plan on buying the ingredients to make the "brownie candy" tomorrow. Some of the recipes are more detailed than others, even with Hannah's tips, but this one appears to be simple enough for a not-real-good cook like me.
February 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
60% recipes and 40% story, unfortunately.
60% recipes and 40% story, unfortunately.
February 6, 2017
Banana Cream Pie Murder is the 21st book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. This new book will be published February 28th!
Hannah isn't even back home from her honeymoon before she gets news that a famous resident of Lake Eden has been murdered. She arrives home and immediately starts trying to figure out who killed the director of the Lake Eden community players. Hannah's family and friends join in as usual. And sprinkled in among the chapters are lots of yummy recipes.
I enjoyed this book! Hannah was on the case immediately. There were plenty of suspects and a few twists and turns before the murderer was caught. The book ends on an exciting cliff-hanger that I didn't see coming. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! I sincerely hope I don't have too long to wait! :)
I loved the pie eating contest subplot. Mayor Bascomb, after all of his shenanigans in most all of the prior 20 books, deserved a little pie on his face and a few jokes at his expense. Fictional character or not, the man is truly an ass!
Readers who are new to this series don't necessarily have to start at the beginning. Dive in at book #21 if you like -- you will still enjoy the mystery! If you want to see the development of the personal relationships between all the key characters from Lake Eden, it's best to start at the beginning though. But, it's not a requirement to enjoying the books.
This is a cozy mystery, which means there is no cussing, spurting blood, graphic sex. It's light reading, with a cute subplot (Hannah owns a bakery and discusses dessert recipes throughout). She lives with her cat Moishe, her husband and her family and friends stop by her condo all the time for dinner or to assist Hannah in her amateur sleuthing. The ability to suspend reality is necessary because Hannah finds more dead bodies than any other baker I've ever heard of. It's like Jessica Fletcher finding all those dead bodies in Murder She Wrote.....nobody ever batted an eye, unless it was intrinsic to the plot that she be a suspect. Hannah's slay-dar is still in full force after 21 books. :)
For lovers of cozy mysteries and the Hannah Swensen series, this book will be an enjoyable, relaxing read. Those readers looking for a more in-depth police procedural with graphic gore and realistic investigation, then cozy mysteries are not the right fit. This is a perfect mystery to read by the fire place with fuzzy socks on and a cup of coffee. Relaxing, cute and enjoyable. With lots of ideas for yummy things to bake!
I'm looking forward to the next book!!
For more information on Joanne Fluke and her books, check out her website: www.murdershebaked.com.There are also recipes on her site!
FYI: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel has made 4 Hannah Swensen movies starring Alison Sweeney. They are cute and really enjoyable! There are some plot changes and character differences (Moishe isn't a ginger cat but a striped tabby and doesn't have the mangled ear, etc that he does in the book, and Hannah is a beautiful blonde instead of a slightly chunky redhead with frizzy hair, etc), but that's something to be expected in nearly every film adaptation of books. The newest movie, Strawberry Shortcake Mystery, will premiere March 26th!!
**I voluntarily read an Advance Readers Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
Hannah isn't even back home from her honeymoon before she gets news that a famous resident of Lake Eden has been murdered. She arrives home and immediately starts trying to figure out who killed the director of the Lake Eden community players. Hannah's family and friends join in as usual. And sprinkled in among the chapters are lots of yummy recipes.
I enjoyed this book! Hannah was on the case immediately. There were plenty of suspects and a few twists and turns before the murderer was caught. The book ends on an exciting cliff-hanger that I didn't see coming. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book! I sincerely hope I don't have too long to wait! :)
I loved the pie eating contest subplot. Mayor Bascomb, after all of his shenanigans in most all of the prior 20 books, deserved a little pie on his face and a few jokes at his expense. Fictional character or not, the man is truly an ass!
Readers who are new to this series don't necessarily have to start at the beginning. Dive in at book #21 if you like -- you will still enjoy the mystery! If you want to see the development of the personal relationships between all the key characters from Lake Eden, it's best to start at the beginning though. But, it's not a requirement to enjoying the books.
This is a cozy mystery, which means there is no cussing, spurting blood, graphic sex. It's light reading, with a cute subplot (Hannah owns a bakery and discusses dessert recipes throughout). She lives with her cat Moishe, her husband and her family and friends stop by her condo all the time for dinner or to assist Hannah in her amateur sleuthing. The ability to suspend reality is necessary because Hannah finds more dead bodies than any other baker I've ever heard of. It's like Jessica Fletcher finding all those dead bodies in Murder She Wrote.....nobody ever batted an eye, unless it was intrinsic to the plot that she be a suspect. Hannah's slay-dar is still in full force after 21 books. :)
For lovers of cozy mysteries and the Hannah Swensen series, this book will be an enjoyable, relaxing read. Those readers looking for a more in-depth police procedural with graphic gore and realistic investigation, then cozy mysteries are not the right fit. This is a perfect mystery to read by the fire place with fuzzy socks on and a cup of coffee. Relaxing, cute and enjoyable. With lots of ideas for yummy things to bake!
I'm looking forward to the next book!!
For more information on Joanne Fluke and her books, check out her website: www.murdershebaked.com.There are also recipes on her site!
FYI: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel has made 4 Hannah Swensen movies starring Alison Sweeney. They are cute and really enjoyable! There are some plot changes and character differences (Moishe isn't a ginger cat but a striped tabby and doesn't have the mangled ear, etc that he does in the book, and Hannah is a beautiful blonde instead of a slightly chunky redhead with frizzy hair, etc), but that's something to be expected in nearly every film adaptation of books. The newest movie, Strawberry Shortcake Mystery, will premiere March 26th!!
**I voluntarily read an Advance Readers Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
February 27, 2018
SPOILERS INSIDE but not about the killer--if you haven't read all or most of the previous Hannah Swensen books you may want to skip reading this review.
**************************************************
Hannah Swensen Barton is on an amazing honeymoon cruise with her new husband, Ross, when at home her mom Delores finds her good friend Tori dead, murdered. Tori also happens to be Mayor Bascomb's older sister. Of course when Hannah gets home she's determined to investigate like usual but Mike doesn't seem to mind as much as he did when they first met.
Meanwhile Hannah's sister Michelle is now directing the Lake Eden Players' play that will come out around Thanksgiving and staying with Ross and Hannah. Hopefully Hannah can figure out what happened to her mom's friend and it's going to take some checking around in Tori's apartment which ends up being kind of a fun scene with Hannah, Michelle and Norman doing the snooping.
I had only read the fairly early books but I knew what was coming in this book since I heard that Hannah had gotten married previously. One thing that bugged me a little bit was that Hannah couldn't figure out how to retrieve her voice mail which seems a little weird for the Hannah I knew in the earlier books. It honestly didn't detract from the story from me though. I did enjoy the investigation. I always liked the chemistry between Hannah and Mike so I do plan to read the rest to see what happened to drive them apart (obviously Ross but apparently that happened quickly) if they'd ever gotten together to begin with (like they have in the TV movies which I realize have to be different from the books for various reasons).
I always get such a kick out of Delores and now even moreso that she is married to the local doctor. Andrea and Bill have two little girls now, Tracy and Bethie. Bethie is pretty adorable.
The mystery surrounding Tori's death was really good and Hannah worked her usual magic in finding the killer. I hadn't guessed who it was until a couple of clues were given towards the end.
Just about every chapter has one or two recipes at the end and boy do they sound scrumptious, especially the one for the banana cream pie. At the end of this book, there is also the first chapter of the next book that you can read.
**************************************************
Hannah Swensen Barton is on an amazing honeymoon cruise with her new husband, Ross, when at home her mom Delores finds her good friend Tori dead, murdered. Tori also happens to be Mayor Bascomb's older sister. Of course when Hannah gets home she's determined to investigate like usual but Mike doesn't seem to mind as much as he did when they first met.
Meanwhile Hannah's sister Michelle is now directing the Lake Eden Players' play that will come out around Thanksgiving and staying with Ross and Hannah. Hopefully Hannah can figure out what happened to her mom's friend and it's going to take some checking around in Tori's apartment which ends up being kind of a fun scene with Hannah, Michelle and Norman doing the snooping.
I had only read the fairly early books but I knew what was coming in this book since I heard that Hannah had gotten married previously. One thing that bugged me a little bit was that Hannah couldn't figure out how to retrieve her voice mail which seems a little weird for the Hannah I knew in the earlier books. It honestly didn't detract from the story from me though. I did enjoy the investigation. I always liked the chemistry between Hannah and Mike so I do plan to read the rest to see what happened to drive them apart (obviously Ross but apparently that happened quickly) if they'd ever gotten together to begin with (like they have in the TV movies which I realize have to be different from the books for various reasons).
I always get such a kick out of Delores and now even moreso that she is married to the local doctor. Andrea and Bill have two little girls now, Tracy and Bethie. Bethie is pretty adorable.
The mystery surrounding Tori's death was really good and Hannah worked her usual magic in finding the killer. I hadn't guessed who it was until a couple of clues were given towards the end.
Just about every chapter has one or two recipes at the end and boy do they sound scrumptious, especially the one for the banana cream pie. At the end of this book, there is also the first chapter of the next book that you can read.
February 9, 2022
Chapter 1: body found
Chapters 2-24: completely irrelevant
Chapter 25: murderer revealed
Chapter 26: smart - must read next book
Chapters 2-24: completely irrelevant
Chapter 25: murderer revealed
Chapter 26: smart - must read next book
December 26, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Hannah and Ross are back from their honeymoon cruise just in the nick of time. Her mother is caught up in a murder investigation when she finds her downstairs neighbor dead after hearing a ruckus below. Victoria Bascomb had been very active in the local theater community after her own acting career fizzled. The problem was that she really wasn’t well-liked in Lake Eden and may have had some other enemies before arriving in town. The police believe her death was a random act but Hannah nor her mother believe that is not the case. With a little help from her friends and family, Hannah starts to peel away at the clues and suspects but she may slip up and this could be the last we hear from Hannah Swenson.
I am still adjusting to Hannah choosing Ross over Mike or Norman. The decision has really changed the Hannah I have come to love over the course of this series. The relationship just doesn’t feel comfortable and seems to have zapped a lot of her confidence. At times, she just doesn’t seem happy. She also appears to have become technologically inept. Please, Hannah is a smart woman and would know how to use a smart phone. There are a few other instances where Hannah just comes off as a shell of the woman I have come to love. I hope we get the old Hannah back in future books.
I did like that Hannah’s sister Michelle is back in town. In fact, she is the one that does most of the baking in this book. Dishing up new ideas for breakfast for Hannah and Ross. She is their houseguest while she is visiting. Mike and Norman are also thankfully still around, dropping by to eat mostly but Norman does spend a little sleuthing time with the sisters. Dolores and Doc redecorated most of Ross and Hannah’s home while they were away on their honeymoon cruise. Another thing I don’t think the old Hannah would have been on board with. Dolores finding the body this time allowed her to be in the limelight for a lot of the book.
The mystery itself didn’t take shape until way past the halfway point and for me, it was an easy solve even with the variety of suspects. Hannah did find herself in some dicey situations, and the reveal was very entertaining. The ending of the book was the biggest surprise. A surprise that sets up a cliffhanger. A surprise that may be an answer to my prayers. The next book, Raspberry Danish Murder, is on my To-Be-Read Shelf and I hope to be reading it soon.
Banana Cream Pie is one of my favorites. I can wait to try Hannah’s recipe. There are also about 20 more recipes to try. The recipes are interspersed throughout the book, so my taste buds were tempted the entire way.
Banana Cream Pie Murder was a fun, lighthearted read with plenty of humor. I do enjoy catching up with these characters and am looking forward to another trip to Lake Eden.
Hannah and Ross are back from their honeymoon cruise just in the nick of time. Her mother is caught up in a murder investigation when she finds her downstairs neighbor dead after hearing a ruckus below. Victoria Bascomb had been very active in the local theater community after her own acting career fizzled. The problem was that she really wasn’t well-liked in Lake Eden and may have had some other enemies before arriving in town. The police believe her death was a random act but Hannah nor her mother believe that is not the case. With a little help from her friends and family, Hannah starts to peel away at the clues and suspects but she may slip up and this could be the last we hear from Hannah Swenson.
I am still adjusting to Hannah choosing Ross over Mike or Norman. The decision has really changed the Hannah I have come to love over the course of this series. The relationship just doesn’t feel comfortable and seems to have zapped a lot of her confidence. At times, she just doesn’t seem happy. She also appears to have become technologically inept. Please, Hannah is a smart woman and would know how to use a smart phone. There are a few other instances where Hannah just comes off as a shell of the woman I have come to love. I hope we get the old Hannah back in future books.
I did like that Hannah’s sister Michelle is back in town. In fact, she is the one that does most of the baking in this book. Dishing up new ideas for breakfast for Hannah and Ross. She is their houseguest while she is visiting. Mike and Norman are also thankfully still around, dropping by to eat mostly but Norman does spend a little sleuthing time with the sisters. Dolores and Doc redecorated most of Ross and Hannah’s home while they were away on their honeymoon cruise. Another thing I don’t think the old Hannah would have been on board with. Dolores finding the body this time allowed her to be in the limelight for a lot of the book.
The mystery itself didn’t take shape until way past the halfway point and for me, it was an easy solve even with the variety of suspects. Hannah did find herself in some dicey situations, and the reveal was very entertaining. The ending of the book was the biggest surprise. A surprise that sets up a cliffhanger. A surprise that may be an answer to my prayers. The next book, Raspberry Danish Murder, is on my To-Be-Read Shelf and I hope to be reading it soon.
Banana Cream Pie is one of my favorites. I can wait to try Hannah’s recipe. There are also about 20 more recipes to try. The recipes are interspersed throughout the book, so my taste buds were tempted the entire way.
Banana Cream Pie Murder was a fun, lighthearted read with plenty of humor. I do enjoy catching up with these characters and am looking forward to another trip to Lake Eden.
February 27, 2017
BANANA CREAM PIE MURDER is the twenty-first book in the Hannah Swensen series but it’s the first book I’ve tried by this author. I’m not so worried about being lost in a series like this simply because most of the mysteries will standalone very well. I found it very easy to get into this series because one, the writing is very simple and two, there’s actually not too much going on in terms on the heroine’s personal life that is confusing. Hannah and Ross are on the last leg of their honeymoon cruise, but when Hannah’s mother discovers the dead body of her neighbor, she is quick to return and investigate. I liked Hannah and Ross and I think I would probably like them better if I started from the beginning. I don’t mind the pacing at all. Fluke doesn’t waste any time and gets straight into the mystery in the opening scene. I like that we get other POVs in addition to Hannah.
For me, I went back and forth between liking the writing style and not liking it. I feel like there are some scenes that are better than others. And then there are scenes that fall into the he said, she said category and I’m not so keen on that. Sometimes I feel like the author delivers the action so straight that it doesn’t give readers a chance to really put their on swing on it so that’s something to consider. I also didn’t like the recipes that are included between the chapters. I’ve read other books that do this as well and although there are notes from Hannah within in that gives it a more personal touch, I am still not a fan of it. It takes the reader out of the story too much. I much prefer the cozies that just have the recipes included at the end.
So while there were some things that I didn’t like in this book, I may try another one before I decide on whether or not I’ll continue reading this series.
July 1, 2017
Banana Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke is the 23rd book in the Hannah Swensen Cookie Shop Mystery series. Hannah's mother Delorus overhears her neighbour, renowned actress Victoria Bascombe being killed and asks Hannah to investigate. A nice mystery with the recipes taking centre stage. It was good to catch up with everybody although it seems strange having Ross around with him having just made an appearance in the last few books. The recipes sound delicious and easy to make and I love all the notes scattered throughout them. Really it is more like reading a cookbook loosely tied together with a murder mystery. The audible version has an excerpt from the next book and a bonus recipe which does not appear in the hardback book.
April 19, 2021
So for once, I am actually very intrigued about where this current plot will end up! However, & the books have pretty much always been like this, I feel like the characters' dialogues & interactions are weird & unnatural. Also why is everyone so demure? Like no one can say anything with even a hint of sexual nature without being embarrassed or someone being shocked. It's just odd. But with that being said, I do look forward to starting the next one to figure out what's going on with you-know-who!
May 5, 2021
Mini Review: This series never gets stale for me. I think the fact that I don't read them back to back helps me love it even more. Hannah is such a wonderful character and I always look forward to "catching up" with her and the gang. I think my only dislike about this one though is the ending. I guess we'll see what happens in the next one!
August 10, 2017
Well I don't much care for Ross so
June 26, 2020
WOW! I didn't see that ending coming! I am shook!
August 6, 2017
First, let me say I DESPISE cliffhangers. 100%
It was odd having the book start out with Delores instead of Hannah, but with Hannah on her honeymoon, it made sense. And it was a decent opening.
The honeymoon on the other hand, was very eye-rolling. Is Hannah REALLY that selfish? Apparently, that answer is yes. I think I sprained my eyes in just the first 6 chapters alone.
I knew who the murderer was based on one thing that is supposed to be under the radar and I figured out why, so that was very anticlimactic for me; what I DID NOT see coming was the end and the bloody cliffhanger. I was really ready to let this be the last Hannah Swensen book I was going to read, because truly the last few ones [the current one included] have been so meh and below average, that I have been ready to give up on the series. I WAS hoping that now she was married she would be less annoying, but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Sigh. And now I may just have to read the next one to see what happens. It isn't released until February, so I have time to think about it.
Really disappointed in how this series has declined.
It was odd having the book start out with Delores instead of Hannah, but with Hannah on her honeymoon, it made sense. And it was a decent opening.
The honeymoon on the other hand, was very eye-rolling. Is Hannah REALLY that selfish? Apparently, that answer is yes. I think I sprained my eyes in just the first 6 chapters alone.
I knew who the murderer was based on one thing that is supposed to be under the radar and I figured out why, so that was very anticlimactic for me; what I DID NOT see coming was the end and the bloody cliffhanger. I was really ready to let this be the last Hannah Swensen book I was going to read, because truly the last few ones [the current one included] have been so meh and below average, that I have been ready to give up on the series. I WAS hoping that now she was married she would be less annoying, but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Sigh. And now I may just have to read the next one to see what happens. It isn't released until February, so I have time to think about it.
Really disappointed in how this series has declined.
April 20, 2021
For the first time, I find Hannah unlikeable in this book. Always a strong, independent woman in the past and I can understand needing to compromise in certain areas now that she is married, but it seems like she is walking on eggshells around a husband that does not even know her very well, waiting for him to throw her a bone once in awhile. There is too much of an emphasis around Ross' approval in this book by Hannah, Michelle, and even Dolores. For once, I am actually hoping things do not work out in the end for her and Ross and she ends up with Norman who she knows will always be there for her in her time of need.
February 7, 2017
I could've finished this book way more quickly than I did, but I kept getting bored and distracted. The mystery that pops up at the very end as a cliffhanger was so much more interesting than the actual murder that was the basis of the book. I also found the writing to be fairly stilted, which took me out of the story. Overall I found this to be a much weaker book than earlier books in the series.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for review.
Received from NetGalley in exchange for review.
January 1, 2018
I loved the normal gang and the plot development, BUT there is something off with H and Rs relationship. I can’t put my finger on it but something just seems....off. Everything else was fantastic and I’ve grown to love Delores.
February 6, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I look forward to every February so I can read a new Hannah Swenson mystery – Its been my habit for about the last 15 years or so, but I’ve got some concerns about the series so my review will be a little different than my “normal” ones. Let me rant for a moment…
Over the years I think Hannah has gotten dumber . She used to be a lot smarter and now she can’t even work a cell phone? Where was Andrea in this book ? She had such a secondary role in this installment - it was like she wasn’t even in the book at all? How is Bill going to be able to be elected Sheriff again if Hannah seems to be doing all the murder-solving in this small town? Maybe Lisa and Michelle should run The Cookie Jar (especially since Michelle is doing much more of the cooking lately that Hannah) and Hannah needs to be Sheriff. Ross is creepy. Having your family purchase furniture without your input (and multi-colored patterned carpet? Ewww) is doubly creepy.
The murder in this book was a stretch. I get that you’re beginning to run out of characters to kill off but this was one of the weakest murder plots with execution, motive, and ending. If Mike was any kind of half-way decent homicide detective, he should have gathered all of the facts and would have had this wrapped up in a day or two.
My favorite parts of the book? The recipes are always welcome. Perhaps one of these days I’ll actually make something from the book – the peanut butter cheesecake with chocolate sauce sounds rather dreamy. But my absolute favorite part of the book was the ending. As I fist pumped through the final chapters, happy in the news that I was right, I also shot up a quick prayer thanking the Powers that Be that Ms. Fluke has seen the light.
Now I’m really looking forward to next February!
Overall Grade: B
www.FluffSmutandMurder.com
February 12, 2023
4.5-5 stars
I was not expecting “Banana Cream Pie Murder” to be a highly rated book since the last one “was the lowest rating I’ve given in this series. In truth, I wasn’t exactly eager to start this book for that very reason. It seems that Ms. Fluke listened to the feedback readers gave her and threw all she could into making this book a much better experience. There is just one thing I would have changed though…
She should have married Norman!!
Now that I got that statement off my chest. I really liked this book. Hannah as the new bride in love is sweet, and her scenes with Ross are even romantic. I just don’t think he’s true blue. He’s obviously hiding something and I suspect it has to do with where he got his money from. Thankfully we have plenty of the other characters coming around to make everything fun and light.
I noticed two inconsistencies though. First the minor one, Hannah was supposed to ask Sally to bake a peanut butter cheesecake with chocolate sauce for the bake sale during their lunch. This never happens even though there is a perfect opportunity for this scene to be included. It’s minor so I can live without it. The big inconsistency that bugs me though involves the cats. Norman noticed Cuddles had been sleeping a lot lately and planned to take her to the vet she liked to make sure she was okay. Now I’m not necessarily fishing to get all the updates from her annual checkup but since Moishe stayed 2 weeks with his favorite female cat unchaperoned while Norman was at work… I was interested in finding out what the vet said about this annual visit and hoped it would include Norman and Hannah being grandparents to furry grand kittens.
I was not expecting “Banana Cream Pie Murder” to be a highly rated book since the last one “was the lowest rating I’ve given in this series. In truth, I wasn’t exactly eager to start this book for that very reason. It seems that Ms. Fluke listened to the feedback readers gave her and threw all she could into making this book a much better experience. There is just one thing I would have changed though…
She should have married Norman!!
Now that I got that statement off my chest. I really liked this book. Hannah as the new bride in love is sweet, and her scenes with Ross are even romantic. I just don’t think he’s true blue. He’s obviously hiding something and I suspect it has to do with where he got his money from. Thankfully we have plenty of the other characters coming around to make everything fun and light.
I noticed two inconsistencies though. First the minor one, Hannah was supposed to ask Sally to bake a peanut butter cheesecake with chocolate sauce for the bake sale during their lunch. This never happens even though there is a perfect opportunity for this scene to be included. It’s minor so I can live without it. The big inconsistency that bugs me though involves the cats. Norman noticed Cuddles had been sleeping a lot lately and planned to take her to the vet she liked to make sure she was okay. Now I’m not necessarily fishing to get all the updates from her annual checkup but since Moishe stayed 2 weeks with his favorite female cat unchaperoned while Norman was at work… I was interested in finding out what the vet said about this annual visit and hoped it would include Norman and Hannah being grandparents to furry grand kittens.
May 23, 2017
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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