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Hannah Swensen #8
Cherry Cheesecake Murder
Hannah Swensen and her bakery, The Cookie Jar, bask in the glow of Hollywood glamour when Main Street becomes a movie set. And although tensions simmer as the cameras roll, no one expects the action to turn deadly. . .until it's too late. . .
There's no such thing as privacy in Lake Eden, but Hannah never thought things would go this far. Everyone has been telling her what to do ever since she got not one but two marriage proposals. Movie mania soon shoves Hannah's marriage dilemma into the background and even gives her cat a shot at stardom. The Cookie Jar serves as snack central with Main Street rented out for the week. She stirs lots of fresh gossip, whipping up treats for cast and crew, including demanding director Dean Lawrence's favorite--cherry cheesecake.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2006
1051 people are currently reading
9942 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,589 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 989 reviews
August 23, 2017
With the eighth installment of the Hannah Swensen series, Cherry Cheesecake Murder delivers strong. I was very excited by the story, characters and forward motion in this book.
The introduction of Ross as a new suitor for Hannah could have gone the wrong direction, but Ross combines the great attributes of Mike and Norman into a single man. I'm rooting for Ross to win Hannah's love; and let's get real, she needs to make a choice soon.
I'm only saying so because the story dictates her to choose or abandon the current options. I love both Mike and Norman, but to keep dragging them along is painful and also holds Hannah back. I'd be fine if she was perfectly single the entire series, or stopped/started several relationships, but she can't linger and hold multiple all at the same time for the entire length of the series. I believe it would be too repetitive.
The characters really continue to grow as evidenced by the whole town starting to support Hannah's investigations -- especially her younger sister Michelle getting more involved.
I am excited to read the next installment!
The introduction of Ross as a new suitor for Hannah could have gone the wrong direction, but Ross combines the great attributes of Mike and Norman into a single man. I'm rooting for Ross to win Hannah's love; and let's get real, she needs to make a choice soon.
I'm only saying so because the story dictates her to choose or abandon the current options. I love both Mike and Norman, but to keep dragging them along is painful and also holds Hannah back. I'd be fine if she was perfectly single the entire series, or stopped/started several relationships, but she can't linger and hold multiple all at the same time for the entire length of the series. I believe it would be too repetitive.
The characters really continue to grow as evidenced by the whole town starting to support Hannah's investigations -- especially her younger sister Michelle getting more involved.
I am excited to read the next installment!
March 8, 2020
The structure of this book was interesting. The murder would happen halfway through, so a prologue showing the incident from the victim's view was written.
The book has some heart and it won me over gradually. I was prepared to rate it 3 stars. But the last few pages undid all that goodwill. I'm always a sucker for an unorthodox climax. However that Dolores character not only ruined the mood for me but reminded me of the insufferable antics of that cat that I'd forgotten.
I'm taking a hiatus from this series. Until next time. Some time in the far future.
The book has some heart and it won me over gradually. I was prepared to rate it 3 stars. But the last few pages undid all that goodwill. I'm always a sucker for an unorthodox climax. However that Dolores character not only ruined the mood for me but reminded me of the insufferable antics of that cat that I'd forgotten.
I'm taking a hiatus from this series. Until next time. Some time in the far future.
November 2, 2021
In this 8th book in the 'Hannah Swensen' series, the baker/amateur sleuth investigates when an actor is murdered with a 'prop gun.' The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
The star of this series is Hannah Swenson - amateur sleuth and entrepreneur - who owns a cookie bakery and loves to create new cookies for her shop and prepare treats for her friends and relatives. Luckily for readers who'd like to try the sweets, recipes are provided.
In this story some scenes for a Hollywood movie are slated to be shot in Hannah's home town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. The producer, director, actors and supporting staff flood into town, and - to the delight of the townsfolk - local citizens will be involved as advisors and bit players.
The murder in this book involves a character dying from a bullet wound from what was supposed to be a prop gun. This doesn't occur until about page 200, however, and until then we visit with the characters and follow Hannah's apparently eternal romantic triangle with Norman the dentist.....
.....and Mike the detective.
In fact, this book has an additional boyfriend - Hannah's attractive friend Ross - who's on the movie staff.
It's hard to believe Hannah's beaus would put up with her indecisiveness forever, but it's a book - not real life.
Once the murder occurs Hannah and her sisters are on the job - not "investigating" (which is frowned on by Mike the detective) but rather "snooping" to help find the killer. As usual with amateur detectives in these kinds of stories, they withhold information from the police, go where they shouldn't, etc.
This isn't a complex mystery but rather an entertaining cozy with fun characters that are staples of the series - and lots of good pastries.
*****
These are some of the recipes in the book.
Cocalattas
Peanut butter and jam cookies
Fruit pocket French toast
Cherry cheesecake
Mini cherry cheesecakes
Chocolate truffles
Cream cheese puffs
Lemon cream torte
Angel kisses
Ooey gooey chewy cookie bars
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
December 13, 2023
A film is being shot in Lake Eden. Stage mothers. Walk on roles for extras and 25-pound orange cats. Oy vey! Hannah is reeling after being proposed to by two men. There may be a third suitor waiting in the wings. And her cherry cheesecake may be the only thing that can keep an overly picky and at times creepy director under control.
CHERRY CHEESECAKE MURDER had at interesting format because it was one of those where the murder (I don't usually care of murder mysteries that choose this method, tbh.) Still there were lots of great scenes with familiar Lake Eden residents and Hannah’s personal life is always fun. Not sure I’m such a Ross fan. I think we’ve got enough men in Hannah’s life with just Mike and Norman. I’m having enough trouble deciding who to ship between the two of them… personally my money’s always been on Norman… hard to pass up a man who loves your cat! Bonus points for delicious recipes and the cow scene!
Trigger Warnings:
CHERRY CHEESECAKE MURDER had at interesting format because it was one of those where the murder (I don't usually care of murder mysteries that choose this method, tbh.) Still there were lots of great scenes with familiar Lake Eden residents and Hannah’s personal life is always fun. Not sure I’m such a Ross fan. I think we’ve got enough men in Hannah’s life with just Mike and Norman. I’m having enough trouble deciding who to ship between the two of them… personally my money’s always been on Norman… hard to pass up a man who loves your cat! Bonus points for delicious recipes and the cow scene!
Trigger Warnings:
April 29, 2019
“Why were you smiling like that?” “Smiling like what?” “Like the cat that got into the cream pot.”
Lake Eden, a small cozy town in Minnesota, has been chosen by a famous director to be the set for a movie, and of course everyone is head over heels and trying their best to be chosen for a small part. Everything is going as smooth as a cheesecake, until the fake revolver used in a suicide scene turns out to be not so fake after all... the director gets killed on the spot and, guess what? Hannah Swensen, owner of the local cookie shop and amateur investigator, is around and will stick around... till the end.
Hannah is either very lucky or very unlucky. I mean, after all she met seven killers and she's still alive. On the other end, if you are not a cop nor a mortician, being in contact with so many dead bodies must certainly be a case of very bad luck. Unless, of course, you enjoy it...
But it looks like it's never enough for Hannah: seven investigations and almost double the bodies, seven murderers and, oh yes, two men to date at the same time can't possibly satisfy her greed... 😈 She needs yet another body, another killer... and another potential husband 😈 😈 it's never enough for cunning, manipulative, back-stabber Hannah Swensen.
Lake Eden, a small cozy town in Minnesota, has been chosen by a famous director to be the set for a movie, and of course everyone is head over heels and trying their best to be chosen for a small part. Everything is going as smooth as a cheesecake, until the fake revolver used in a suicide scene turns out to be not so fake after all... the director gets killed on the spot and, guess what? Hannah Swensen, owner of the local cookie shop and amateur investigator, is around and will stick around... till the end.
Hannah is either very lucky or very unlucky. I mean, after all she met seven killers and she's still alive. On the other end, if you are not a cop nor a mortician, being in contact with so many dead bodies must certainly be a case of very bad luck. Unless, of course, you enjoy it...
But it looks like it's never enough for Hannah: seven investigations and almost double the bodies, seven murderers and, oh yes, two men to date at the same time can't possibly satisfy her greed... 😈 She needs yet another body, another killer... and another potential husband 😈 😈 it's never enough for cunning, manipulative, back-stabber Hannah Swensen.
October 15, 2012
This book really makes me dislike Hannah. She's a pompous ass. There is apparently nothing she can't cook and even though she is constantly described as being plump with frizzy red hair, she is the femme fatale of her sleepy little Minnesotan town.
This book, Hannah decides which marriage proposal she will accept. Being the condescending twit that she is, she is put out that someone had the audacity to propose to her and actually expect a response. Sheesh - seriously? In the ultimate 'fence-sitting' move, Hannah turns down both guys with the statement that she will decide where, when and whom she marries but hey guys, please keep taking me out, spending money on me and showering me with attention even though I just made a public spectacle out of you and shown that I could care less about your feelings.
Seriously? Unfortunately yes. What guy puts up with that? Hannah gets put out every time Norman or Mike show interest in another woman but she thinks that she can date a whole football team and it's okay.
The real question is - why do I keep reading these?
This book, Hannah decides which marriage proposal she will accept. Being the condescending twit that she is, she is put out that someone had the audacity to propose to her and actually expect a response. Sheesh - seriously? In the ultimate 'fence-sitting' move, Hannah turns down both guys with the statement that she will decide where, when and whom she marries but hey guys, please keep taking me out, spending money on me and showering me with attention even though I just made a public spectacle out of you and shown that I could care less about your feelings.
Seriously? Unfortunately yes. What guy puts up with that? Hannah gets put out every time Norman or Mike show interest in another woman but she thinks that she can date a whole football team and it's okay.
The real question is - why do I keep reading these?
January 2, 2013
Come on, Joanne! Mike is a slut, Norman is everything a woman could possibly want, and this is what you do? Sigh. I give up. You make Hannah look like some kind of nasty tease. Norman needs to go find a woman who won't lead him around by the nose and then go chasing off after some pretty boy who has told her more than once that his job is more important than her! No more, Joanne - I didn't finish this one - - and I am really disappointed. Not only is Hannah such a screw-up that she not only teases two men, but then decides that maybe she wants to try someone new? What? You were afraid if you put her in a stable, loving relationship, we wouldn't read any more? BUZZZZZ! Wrong.....
I give up here. And it is a shame, I was really enjoying seeing Hannah as a strong, thoughtful, considerate and loving woman, well able to make her decisions knowing that she could rely on her own heart. Point me at Norman - I will take him if she doesn't want him!
I give up here. And it is a shame, I was really enjoying seeing Hannah as a strong, thoughtful, considerate and loving woman, well able to make her decisions knowing that she could rely on her own heart. Point me at Norman - I will take him if she doesn't want him!
February 21, 2020
It was all I could do to get through this poorly written, men’s rights advocating dumpster fire of a book.
Joanne Fluke and her Mary Sue are sanctimonious, woman hating twits, and I’m done gritting my teeth over this.
I’m convinced that Fluke is writing exclusively for an audience of midwestern, socially conservative housewives, with a healthy heap of misogynists “mixed in”
This series is reliably sexist; there’s lots of female murder victim-blaming, slut shaming, biological essentialism, and sneering at “working mothers,” but Cherry Cheesecake Murder is the worst of the lot.
To digress for a bit, I suspect that Hannah's treatment and oppinion of Andrea stems from a bone deep jealousy. After all, Andrea is younger and better looking, dresses better, and has two beautiful children. She has a husband and, unlike Hannah, didn't strike out in the romance department like Hannah did with the professor she was sleeping with in college.
Hannah is butthurt because she tanked her academic career to come home and parent her mother.
Meanwhile, Andrea gets to be a mostly unfettered professional woman instead of being chained to the crib and stove.
And you can just bet that Hannah has heard the "why can't you be more like Andrea" speech all her life, but I digress.
Fluke, through her female characters, articulates the following about girls, women, and sexual predators:
1. If a grown man interacts inappropriately with a 15-year-old girl, the child on the wrong end of the power balance is a “Lolita in training” and a “burgeoning sex-kitten” (Fluke).
2. If you have a child out of wedlock, you are especially, understandably inviting to sexual predators because you’ve clearly let a man have the milk for free.
3. If you are married and have children, you are a terrible mother if you decide against a paternal, economically dependent relationship with your husband.
4. Women in Hollywood are morally bankrupt whores who, unlike the virtuous women of (insert Podunk bastion of American conservatism here), invite the attentions of sexual predators.
I know that most books involving female protagonists and killers are inherently sexist in that authors almost always write in a male love interest; he usually takes on the role of high-handed protector and serves to reassure a certain segment of readers that for all the heroine’s skill and intrepidity, she is still a physically and emotionally vulnerable female who wants strong arms, marriage, and children.
Thing is, though, that that genre convention is tolerable for most people because the likability, relatability, mental agility, and backbone of the protagonist and the investigation to biological essentialism ratio serve to counteract the sexism and romance.
For example, whereas James Patterson and his team of ghostwriters do an excellent job of balancing the detective/police work with Lindsay Boxer’s personality and personal life, Joanne Fluke, often to the exclusion of the murder and mystery, focuses on her protagonist’s romantic entanglements, antifeminist precepts, political leanings, and moral judgments.
One of the biggest problems I have with the Hannah Swenson series is the ham-fisted way in which Fluke tries to make a case for “traditional values.” Fluke litters her books with alienating, poorly disguised political screeds and dog-whistles.
The female characters spend more time worshiping, conceding to, cooking for, and accommodating men than they do on investigating murder.
They moralize and judge and twist themselves into knots trying to be ladylike, right down to the language they use.
I can understand trying to accurately represent the attitudes and behaviors specific to a region, but Fluke beats us over the head with the social conservatism, something that distracts as much as it offends.
Again, if there were more to recommend the books, I could grit my teeth and deal; I do this with JD Robb’s In Death series, even as Eve Dallas’s husband gets increasingly more controlling.
Thing is, Eve isn’t a sanctimonious, incompetent, feckless jellyfish, Robb rarely, if ever, employs the damsel in distress trope, the stories are tight and mostly coherent and cohesive, the investigating figures prominently in the books and, most importantly, Eve isn’t an inauthentic, mean-spirited, judgmental Mary Sue who fancies herself to be better and smarter than everyone else.
Joanne Fluke and her Mary Sue are sanctimonious, woman hating twits, and I’m done gritting my teeth over this.
I’m convinced that Fluke is writing exclusively for an audience of midwestern, socially conservative housewives, with a healthy heap of misogynists “mixed in”
This series is reliably sexist; there’s lots of female murder victim-blaming, slut shaming, biological essentialism, and sneering at “working mothers,” but Cherry Cheesecake Murder is the worst of the lot.
To digress for a bit, I suspect that Hannah's treatment and oppinion of Andrea stems from a bone deep jealousy. After all, Andrea is younger and better looking, dresses better, and has two beautiful children. She has a husband and, unlike Hannah, didn't strike out in the romance department like Hannah did with the professor she was sleeping with in college.
Hannah is butthurt because she tanked her academic career to come home and parent her mother.
Meanwhile, Andrea gets to be a mostly unfettered professional woman instead of being chained to the crib and stove.
And you can just bet that Hannah has heard the "why can't you be more like Andrea" speech all her life, but I digress.
Fluke, through her female characters, articulates the following about girls, women, and sexual predators:
1. If a grown man interacts inappropriately with a 15-year-old girl, the child on the wrong end of the power balance is a “Lolita in training” and a “burgeoning sex-kitten” (Fluke).
2. If you have a child out of wedlock, you are especially, understandably inviting to sexual predators because you’ve clearly let a man have the milk for free.
3. If you are married and have children, you are a terrible mother if you decide against a paternal, economically dependent relationship with your husband.
4. Women in Hollywood are morally bankrupt whores who, unlike the virtuous women of (insert Podunk bastion of American conservatism here), invite the attentions of sexual predators.
I know that most books involving female protagonists and killers are inherently sexist in that authors almost always write in a male love interest; he usually takes on the role of high-handed protector and serves to reassure a certain segment of readers that for all the heroine’s skill and intrepidity, she is still a physically and emotionally vulnerable female who wants strong arms, marriage, and children.
Thing is, though, that that genre convention is tolerable for most people because the likability, relatability, mental agility, and backbone of the protagonist and the investigation to biological essentialism ratio serve to counteract the sexism and romance.
For example, whereas James Patterson and his team of ghostwriters do an excellent job of balancing the detective/police work with Lindsay Boxer’s personality and personal life, Joanne Fluke, often to the exclusion of the murder and mystery, focuses on her protagonist’s romantic entanglements, antifeminist precepts, political leanings, and moral judgments.
One of the biggest problems I have with the Hannah Swenson series is the ham-fisted way in which Fluke tries to make a case for “traditional values.” Fluke litters her books with alienating, poorly disguised political screeds and dog-whistles.
The female characters spend more time worshiping, conceding to, cooking for, and accommodating men than they do on investigating murder.
They moralize and judge and twist themselves into knots trying to be ladylike, right down to the language they use.
I can understand trying to accurately represent the attitudes and behaviors specific to a region, but Fluke beats us over the head with the social conservatism, something that distracts as much as it offends.
Again, if there were more to recommend the books, I could grit my teeth and deal; I do this with JD Robb’s In Death series, even as Eve Dallas’s husband gets increasingly more controlling.
Thing is, Eve isn’t a sanctimonious, incompetent, feckless jellyfish, Robb rarely, if ever, employs the damsel in distress trope, the stories are tight and mostly coherent and cohesive, the investigating figures prominently in the books and, most importantly, Eve isn’t an inauthentic, mean-spirited, judgmental Mary Sue who fancies herself to be better and smarter than everyone else.
September 8, 2017
I love the Hannah Swensen series and all the recipes in the books. Another great installment!
July 20, 2017
Such a fantastic series! It never gets old for me. Whenever I am in a book slump I dive into a Hanna Swensen novel because she always seems to save the day! Now, I may be way behind in the series but I am going to try and finish them up within the next year! Fingers crossed.
Highly recommended cozy series. Just make sure to read them in order of publication.
Highly recommended cozy series. Just make sure to read them in order of publication.
February 7, 2017
Hannah Swensen, professional baker and amateur detective, is on the case again in the 8th book in this fun culinary cozy series. This is my favorite cozy series, so when snow was in the forecast here in NC, I went right to my best cozy pal to help me weather the storm. Fuzzy socks. Hot tea. And Hannah Swensen. Perfect snowy weather combination for me.
In Cherry Cheesecake Murder a movie is being filmed in Lake Eden. The entire town is excited about the production. Hannah is hired to provide special desserts for the director and snacks for the production crew. She quickly learns that director Dean Lawrence is a letch and an all-around jerk. She tries hard to put up with his condescending and inappropriate behavior since the movie is important to others in Lake Eden. Things are going really well, right up until the point that Dean acts out a suicide scene during a dress rehearsal. His acting is perfect, right up until he pulls the trigger of the prop gun -- and shoots himself in the head. Who switched the prop gun for a real one? What motive is there to kill Dean? Sure, he's a jerk.....but is that a reason to make him shoot himself?
As usual, Hannah promises not to investigate......and then promptly investigates anyway. This is an enjoyable visit to Lake Eden, but most of the book is about the filming and background subplots because the murder doesn't happen until page 223. The book kept my interest pretty well despite Dean not kicking the bucket til the last third of the book. Hannah's little love triangle is still going on......Norman and Mike are still hanging around hoping Hannah will choose between then. Plus an old college friend, Ross Barton, is part of the film crew. Add him into the mix because he starts hanging around Hannah too. Geez, Hannah.....make up your mind already! At one point, all 3 men were at her house when she came home.....and she said she was tired and went to bed. LOL. Kinda rude? I hope she makes up her mind soon.....or that the constantly mopey males are shuffled to a less-more minor subplot. With the new book, Banana Creme Pie Murder, coming out in March, there are now 21 books in this series. Having just finished book 8, I am trying my best to avoid spoilers so I don't find out what her choice is, or if the guys just get sick of it and walk off, until I get to that particular book. It's rough avoiding reviews and comments that might tell me too much! :) I have most of the rest of the books on my shelf.....so I'm reading like a wild woman to get caught up so I know how her love life turns out. I am sort of hoping that both Norman and Mike grow a set and start dating someone else -- hopefully NOT the same woman this time. Hannah either needs to reel someone in or cut bait. After 8 books....either pick.....or cut 'em loose. No real man would ever put up with this......why should book boyfriends be expected to??
Personally if I was in her shoes, I would have a rough time picking too. Nice dentist. Good looking cop. Hmmmm. I think I would go for the nice dentist who really loves me. The handsome cop would work really long hours, his job is dangerous, and Mike seems to have a bit of a wandering eye. While Norman is totally in love with Hannah and is more stable. He is a bit of a momma's boy, however. Best choice might be to just pass on both of them, and see what else comes along. More fish in the sea and all that. Maybe the reason why Hannah can't pick is she really doesn't love either of them.
Oh well.....she will do what she does. I'm just along for the ride. On to Book 9 -- Key Lime Pie Murder! My favorite desssert!!
For those who haven't read any of the Hannah Swensen series, it really isn't necessary to read the series in order. Enough background is given in each book for a reader to just jump in and enjoy. But if you want the whole story on how she got the dentist and cop following her like a couple of puppies, better start at the beginning. The books are about 250-300 pages long.....but quick reads. There are lots of recipes and cooking tips included. All in all, fun reads!!
On to Key Lime pie!! mmmmm.
In Cherry Cheesecake Murder a movie is being filmed in Lake Eden. The entire town is excited about the production. Hannah is hired to provide special desserts for the director and snacks for the production crew. She quickly learns that director Dean Lawrence is a letch and an all-around jerk. She tries hard to put up with his condescending and inappropriate behavior since the movie is important to others in Lake Eden. Things are going really well, right up until the point that Dean acts out a suicide scene during a dress rehearsal. His acting is perfect, right up until he pulls the trigger of the prop gun -- and shoots himself in the head. Who switched the prop gun for a real one? What motive is there to kill Dean? Sure, he's a jerk.....but is that a reason to make him shoot himself?
As usual, Hannah promises not to investigate......and then promptly investigates anyway. This is an enjoyable visit to Lake Eden, but most of the book is about the filming and background subplots because the murder doesn't happen until page 223. The book kept my interest pretty well despite Dean not kicking the bucket til the last third of the book. Hannah's little love triangle is still going on......Norman and Mike are still hanging around hoping Hannah will choose between then. Plus an old college friend, Ross Barton, is part of the film crew. Add him into the mix because he starts hanging around Hannah too. Geez, Hannah.....make up your mind already! At one point, all 3 men were at her house when she came home.....and she said she was tired and went to bed. LOL. Kinda rude? I hope she makes up her mind soon.....or that the constantly mopey males are shuffled to a less-more minor subplot. With the new book, Banana Creme Pie Murder, coming out in March, there are now 21 books in this series. Having just finished book 8, I am trying my best to avoid spoilers so I don't find out what her choice is, or if the guys just get sick of it and walk off, until I get to that particular book. It's rough avoiding reviews and comments that might tell me too much! :) I have most of the rest of the books on my shelf.....so I'm reading like a wild woman to get caught up so I know how her love life turns out. I am sort of hoping that both Norman and Mike grow a set and start dating someone else -- hopefully NOT the same woman this time. Hannah either needs to reel someone in or cut bait. After 8 books....either pick.....or cut 'em loose. No real man would ever put up with this......why should book boyfriends be expected to??
Personally if I was in her shoes, I would have a rough time picking too. Nice dentist. Good looking cop. Hmmmm. I think I would go for the nice dentist who really loves me. The handsome cop would work really long hours, his job is dangerous, and Mike seems to have a bit of a wandering eye. While Norman is totally in love with Hannah and is more stable. He is a bit of a momma's boy, however. Best choice might be to just pass on both of them, and see what else comes along. More fish in the sea and all that. Maybe the reason why Hannah can't pick is she really doesn't love either of them.
Oh well.....she will do what she does. I'm just along for the ride. On to Book 9 -- Key Lime Pie Murder! My favorite desssert!!
For those who haven't read any of the Hannah Swensen series, it really isn't necessary to read the series in order. Enough background is given in each book for a reader to just jump in and enjoy. But if you want the whole story on how she got the dentist and cop following her like a couple of puppies, better start at the beginning. The books are about 250-300 pages long.....but quick reads. There are lots of recipes and cooking tips included. All in all, fun reads!!
On to Key Lime pie!! mmmmm.
May 26, 2008
This book was okay. Not the same charm as the previous ones. I'm really staring to tire of the Mike/Hannah/Norman triangle and was really incensed she added Ross to the mix. I really dislike love triangles and this one is really ridiculous. It's far-fetched the two men would get along so well and be okay with the woman they love dating others.
The love triangle seriously detracts from the mystery (which was again somewhat predictable).
Hannah is also very much becoming a Mary Sue character. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue
She's perfect in everything she does (and she's smarter than the police!). Her only flaw is eating too many of her incredibly perfect cookies. (Though I have to admit the recipes do look good with all of that butter she uses).
This also detracts from the series.
And honestly? Until this point Hannah had never encountered mini-cherry cheesecakes before?
The love triangle seriously detracts from the mystery (which was again somewhat predictable).
Hannah is also very much becoming a Mary Sue character. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue
She's perfect in everything she does (and she's smarter than the police!). Her only flaw is eating too many of her incredibly perfect cookies. (Though I have to admit the recipes do look good with all of that butter she uses).
This also detracts from the series.
And honestly? Until this point Hannah had never encountered mini-cherry cheesecakes before?
July 30, 2015
Another great Hannah Swensen murder mystery! As usual I enjoyed the characters and the plot. This murder made a lot of sense in the end and I enjoyed reading it :)
September 17, 2023
3 stars | 4/5 audio
Here we are again, back in the town of Lake Eden, Minnesota with this cozy mystery series. Hannah Swensen, bakery owner and apparently the town's cadaver-sniffing dog (because she literally finds every single dead body in town) not only finds a body BUT WITNESSED THE CRIME.
This time we start out with the first chapter hearing about the crime - then going back in time before it happened. That was odd vibes for me personally, but I guess we needed the leadup and information on new characters to be able to see where the investigation would go. A movie is being made in town so we get introduced to several new characters and (for once!) it is a town outsider who gets killed (suicide? or was he murdered?).
Also we are back into the drama of Hannah's boyfriend situation - because homegirl is engaged to not one, but TWO men and they BOTH KNOW ABOUT IT. Which is wild because this is like old lady cozy mystery 😂😂 (she's not sleeping with them though so it's apparently fine to date multiple men as long as you don't go past kissing). SO, she's just like "oh you boys have to wait - I will only choose when I know which one of you I love more". SHE OPENLY ADMITS LOVING BOTH. You think it can't get worse butttttt enter ROSS. Old friend from college working on this movie that apparently had a crush on her in college and she liked him too. Well now she's dating a THIRD MAN. This is getting ridiculous - I need her to just pick one (preferably Mike).
Back to the murder, I called who the killer actually was pretty quickly so there was no surprises there. But it still was a solid 3-star read. These are cozy, fun, and have plenty of town drama to keep me entertained - but they aren't amazing. Basically, these are my filler audiobooks to listen to while I am working. If you need a cozy mystery series filled with foods and recipes, check this one out!
Here we are again, back in the town of Lake Eden, Minnesota with this cozy mystery series. Hannah Swensen, bakery owner and apparently the town's cadaver-sniffing dog (because she literally finds every single dead body in town) not only finds a body BUT WITNESSED THE CRIME.
This time we start out with the first chapter hearing about the crime - then going back in time before it happened. That was odd vibes for me personally, but I guess we needed the leadup and information on new characters to be able to see where the investigation would go. A movie is being made in town so we get introduced to several new characters and (for once!) it is a town outsider who gets killed (suicide? or was he murdered?).
Also we are back into the drama of Hannah's boyfriend situation - because homegirl is engaged to not one, but TWO men and they BOTH KNOW ABOUT IT. Which is wild because this is like old lady cozy mystery 😂😂 (she's not sleeping with them though so it's apparently fine to date multiple men as long as you don't go past kissing). SO, she's just like "oh you boys have to wait - I will only choose when I know which one of you I love more". SHE OPENLY ADMITS LOVING BOTH. You think it can't get worse butttttt enter ROSS. Old friend from college working on this movie that apparently had a crush on her in college and she liked him too. Well now she's dating a THIRD MAN. This is getting ridiculous - I need her to just pick one (preferably Mike).
Back to the murder, I called who the killer actually was pretty quickly so there was no surprises there. But it still was a solid 3-star read. These are cozy, fun, and have plenty of town drama to keep me entertained - but they aren't amazing. Basically, these are my filler audiobooks to listen to while I am working. If you need a cozy mystery series filled with foods and recipes, check this one out!
October 28, 2020
Digital audiobook read by Suzanne Toren
1.5*
Book Number Eight in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series, featuring the Cookie Shop proprietor, her two sisters, and their mother, along with a regular cast of town residents. A movie is being shot in Lake Eden, and many of the townspeople get roles in the production. But a terrible accident on the set of the climactic scene results in a death, that is ruled a homicide.
This is bad on so many levels. I read it only to fulfill a challenge, because I had stopped reading this series a while back. I am completely over Hannah’s dithering over her two suitors, her mother’s constant interference, her sister Andrea’s histrionics, and Hannah’s penchant for correcting everyone’s grammar.
On the other hand, the cookie recipes are very good. Frankly, I’d rather that Fluke just published a cookie cookbook and forget about the tortured plots.
Suzanne Toren overacts every scene and character on the audiobook, making a bad thing worse. Unless, perhaps, she was purposely trying to make it campier than it already was.
1.5*
Book Number Eight in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series, featuring the Cookie Shop proprietor, her two sisters, and their mother, along with a regular cast of town residents. A movie is being shot in Lake Eden, and many of the townspeople get roles in the production. But a terrible accident on the set of the climactic scene results in a death, that is ruled a homicide.
This is bad on so many levels. I read it only to fulfill a challenge, because I had stopped reading this series a while back. I am completely over Hannah’s dithering over her two suitors, her mother’s constant interference, her sister Andrea’s histrionics, and Hannah’s penchant for correcting everyone’s grammar.
On the other hand, the cookie recipes are very good. Frankly, I’d rather that Fluke just published a cookie cookbook and forget about the tortured plots.
Suzanne Toren overacts every scene and character on the audiobook, making a bad thing worse. Unless, perhaps, she was purposely trying to make it campier than it already was.
August 6, 2020
I'm done with this series.
Both Norman, the dentist and Mike, the cop have proposed to Hannah so she debates with herself all night trying to decide who to marry. First of all, if you've been dating them both for so long and can't decide, it's because you really don't love either one. There is nothing spectacular about either guy.
Secondly, Hannah finally comes up with Mike was handsome and exciting while Norman was dependable and endearing. Seriously that's her impression of both guys? Obviously she loves them both but isn't in love with either one of them.
And in this installment, an old friend comes to town and she's dating him too. Really? Obviously neither Mike nor Norman are marriage material. UGH. I can't take any more of this wishy washy behavior never mind adding her mother into the mix.
Both Norman, the dentist and Mike, the cop have proposed to Hannah so she debates with herself all night trying to decide who to marry. First of all, if you've been dating them both for so long and can't decide, it's because you really don't love either one. There is nothing spectacular about either guy.
Secondly, Hannah finally comes up with Mike was handsome and exciting while Norman was dependable and endearing. Seriously that's her impression of both guys? Obviously she loves them both but isn't in love with either one of them.
And in this installment, an old friend comes to town and she's dating him too. Really? Obviously neither Mike nor Norman are marriage material. UGH. I can't take any more of this wishy washy behavior never mind adding her mother into the mix.
September 26, 2021
Hannah Swensen, please stop grammar policing people. And make up your mind with this love triangle. This has gone on too long! These men are far more patient than anyone I’ve ever known.
March 8, 2012
Although I am only a quarter way through the book, I am not sure I will finish it. I have to say that the writer obviously either got lazy with this book or just tired of writing the series, because it is not on the same level as the previous ones. That said, At the end of the last book, Hannah was proposed to by both of her suitors. The way she was acting, I fully expected her to accept Mike's proposal, since she apparently has been head-over-ears about this guy since the first book. I must say that I was always confused at the idea that even though Mike (cop) was supposedly in love with her, he saw no problem with her dating Norman (dentist) at the same time. In real life? Not feasible. BUT, since they were, and the author chose to write it this way, I was enjoying the series, so I just went with it. UNTIL this book. At the beginning of the book (so I am not truly giving anything away), both men are sitting in a cafe together and she confronts them both, tells them she doesn't want to marry either of them but still wants to date both of them, and they're like 'Hey! That's cool! We have no problem with that!" Huh? Are you serious? BOTH men sitting together, she rejects them both, and they accept it? Let's do a real scenario: She rejects them both, and without a word, they glare at each other and storm off in different directions. THAT would probably be the way it would go. (I hope the author reads this review and figures it out).
August 4, 2016
This is the first book of the series that I have read.
I found the mystery to be plodding and predictable. It starts on page one with the murder, then you have to read 2/3 of the book in flashback to get back to where you started.
I also really disliked the main character Hannah. Who really lets 2 guys that proposed to you wait 2 weeks (or more. This happened in a previous book so it could be even longer) while you decide who you want to marry. And then, even though it is a small town, she publicly humiliates both of them by turning both down in the diner. But yet we are supposed to believe that both still want to be with her? Why?!
Hannah also makes bad decisions that infuriated me. When the acting sheriff asks you who you think is the murderer and you answer without having proof, that contradicts your later decision to not tell him your suspicions because "I need proof first".
Finally I found the recipes strange. The same recipe which lists "sifted flour" which assumes you have some baking experience, then goes on to explain how you have to cool and cut the cookie bars. Huh. Never would have figured that out.
I found the mystery to be plodding and predictable. It starts on page one with the murder, then you have to read 2/3 of the book in flashback to get back to where you started.
I also really disliked the main character Hannah. Who really lets 2 guys that proposed to you wait 2 weeks (or more. This happened in a previous book so it could be even longer) while you decide who you want to marry. And then, even though it is a small town, she publicly humiliates both of them by turning both down in the diner. But yet we are supposed to believe that both still want to be with her? Why?!
Hannah also makes bad decisions that infuriated me. When the acting sheriff asks you who you think is the murderer and you answer without having proof, that contradicts your later decision to not tell him your suspicions because "I need proof first".
Finally I found the recipes strange. The same recipe which lists "sifted flour" which assumes you have some baking experience, then goes on to explain how you have to cool and cut the cookie bars. Huh. Never would have figured that out.
January 24, 2019
Hannah investigates the murder of a director from the movie that's being made in Lake Eden.
And here is where I part ways with this series. It's a little sad, actually. Food, cozy mystery, small town, nice people, lots of dessert descriptions. It should have stayed better. I've read eight books in this series and given them three's and four's. This one was slowwwwwwww and awkwardly written (as was the last one). The murder didn't happen until half way through the book. Hannah is starting to show signs of being too 'let me demonstrate how smart I am and how non-smart you are'. But it's the love triangle that's forcing me to cut the cord. Hannah's been indecisive about two men in her life, both of whom proposed the last book. She's being cruel by continuing to dangle them both as possibilities. I read through reviews of the remaining books, and in book 18 (18, people!) she finally makes a decision. And, without spoilers, it's a dumb decision.
So I'm going on a Hannah Swensen-free diet. Because I can't deal with ten more books of will she or won't she. Sadly, I'm out.
And here is where I part ways with this series. It's a little sad, actually. Food, cozy mystery, small town, nice people, lots of dessert descriptions. It should have stayed better. I've read eight books in this series and given them three's and four's. This one was slowwwwwwww and awkwardly written (as was the last one). The murder didn't happen until half way through the book. Hannah is starting to show signs of being too 'let me demonstrate how smart I am and how non-smart you are'. But it's the love triangle that's forcing me to cut the cord. Hannah's been indecisive about two men in her life, both of whom proposed the last book. She's being cruel by continuing to dangle them both as possibilities. I read through reviews of the remaining books, and in book 18 (18, people!) she finally makes a decision. And, without spoilers, it's a dumb decision.
So I'm going on a Hannah Swensen-free diet. Because I can't deal with ten more books of will she or won't she. Sadly, I'm out.
April 9, 2016
So, I don't know if I was wiped out from reading the last book, or if this book was just really bad, but I could not get into it. I've liked some of other stuff by this author, but actually, I think her work is getting worse as time goes by. The mystery in this one doesn't even start until about 200 pages into the book. I forgot I was even reading a mystery until some action finally happened. And the main character has 3 guys who are smitten with her. Two of which asked her to marry him. Does that really happen in real life? They only guy smitten with me is my slightly creepy married friend who just doesn't understand the word NO. Maybe I should learn to cook. Seems to work for Hannah.
October 3, 2015
This is another book that started slow but as you continue reading it starts to get better.
After the end of the last book, Lake Eden Resident Hannah Swensen, has a big pridicment on her hands. She has two proposals and she doesn't know which one to pick. The town are both equal divided on which one she should choose. After getting three phone calls telling her to make a decision, she goes to the place where Mike and Norman are tells me that she is is declining both and wants to continue dating them both. They both agree.
With the production of a movie in Lake Eden, all the residents are excited to be extras in the film. The film director isn't the nicest person. But everyone working around agrees he is genius causing them to look the away. Including his wife, who he has been cheating on. But when a mishap with the gun with is suppose to be a prop actually kills Dean, Hannah knows something isn't right.
While this book was interesting it took me a while because it seems slow in pacing to me, and I didn't like the love box to much. With the film crew there, Hannah bumps into her former college friends, who are working in the film. Ross who is the assistant. and Lynne is playing one the leads. Ross admits that he use to have a crush in college, though he dating Lynne, so it never went anywhere. Lynne is currently married to the man who is funding the film. They are able to work together and still be friends, understanding that they wanted two different in life.
The admission causes a stir in Hannah who had feelings for him too. But she is dating Mike and Norman, though she doesn't really tell Ross. It just feels to me, that she loves both men, but she isn't in love with either of them. Which was why I didn't like her character all that much in this one, but I am excited to read the next one. Maybe the relationships will get back to normal in some type of way.
The mystery was really engaging though it took over 100 pages before the murder to happen. I had suspected the murderer, but because they had an albi, I didnt think of them again. Turns out I was right the first time.
After the end of the last book, Lake Eden Resident Hannah Swensen, has a big pridicment on her hands. She has two proposals and she doesn't know which one to pick. The town are both equal divided on which one she should choose. After getting three phone calls telling her to make a decision, she goes to the place where Mike and Norman are tells me that she is is declining both and wants to continue dating them both. They both agree.
With the production of a movie in Lake Eden, all the residents are excited to be extras in the film. The film director isn't the nicest person. But everyone working around agrees he is genius causing them to look the away. Including his wife, who he has been cheating on. But when a mishap with the gun with is suppose to be a prop actually kills Dean, Hannah knows something isn't right.
While this book was interesting it took me a while because it seems slow in pacing to me, and I didn't like the love box to much. With the film crew there, Hannah bumps into her former college friends, who are working in the film. Ross who is the assistant. and Lynne is playing one the leads. Ross admits that he use to have a crush in college, though he dating Lynne, so it never went anywhere. Lynne is currently married to the man who is funding the film. They are able to work together and still be friends, understanding that they wanted two different in life.
The admission causes a stir in Hannah who had feelings for him too. But she is dating Mike and Norman, though she doesn't really tell Ross. It just feels to me, that she loves both men, but she isn't in love with either of them. Which was why I didn't like her character all that much in this one, but I am excited to read the next one. Maybe the relationships will get back to normal in some type of way.
The mystery was really engaging though it took over 100 pages before the murder to happen. I had suspected the murderer, but because they had an albi, I didnt think of them again. Turns out I was right the first time.
June 22, 2022
I wasn't sure if I was going to be continuing on with this, but I had been in the mood to read another Hannah Swensen mystery. I found the mystery to be just okay. I didn't like how it was until over halfway into the book that the murder occurred. I was going to give this book 3 stars, but I had some issues that lead me to giving it 2 stars. I felt like there was too much relationship drama. I don't like that Hannah can't make up her mind on who to date. The author also added another guy who is interested in Hannah. I am glad that the third guy is only in this book though. I also didn't like the diet talk. I don't know if I will be continuing on with this series. I think I might just pick them up when I feel like reading another Hannah Swensen mystery, but I am not going to seriously commit to reading the entire series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2016
The start of this book was like the ending of "The Bachelorette" as Hannah decides who to vote off!
Then as if 2 men weren't enough, now we have Ross! This is getting ridiculous!
Maybe that dunking booth at the end of the book will make Hannah come to her senses and decide!
Then as if 2 men weren't enough, now we have Ross! This is getting ridiculous!
Maybe that dunking booth at the end of the book will make Hannah come to her senses and decide!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2017
Long on cats, food, and a Mary Sue main character, short on plot and mystery. Decent beac blanket read, but I'd probably only revisit this series for the recipes.
July 30, 2021
In Cherry Cheesecake Murder the 8th book in the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke, Hollywood comes to town and Hannah is knee deep in temperamental actors, directors and extras. But when the director is found dead Hannah will have to once again put on her detective hat and figure out who isn't a fan of movie making.
Now that I've finished book 8 I'm able to compare books and this one is one of the better ones. I enjoyed the whole movie making in a small town story and how the whole town wants to be involved. I'm a big city girl, so I find it so enchanting to think of a whole community of people getting to together for a common purpose no matter what that may be. It's charming to me and something I don't see here in the city much. The recurring characters are now friends and I love Hannah's cat with his very cat like personality! These are just great fun and such a joy to read. They're quick reads and the whodunnit is always a surprise! Happy Reading!
Now that I've finished book 8 I'm able to compare books and this one is one of the better ones. I enjoyed the whole movie making in a small town story and how the whole town wants to be involved. I'm a big city girl, so I find it so enchanting to think of a whole community of people getting to together for a common purpose no matter what that may be. It's charming to me and something I don't see here in the city much. The recurring characters are now friends and I love Hannah's cat with his very cat like personality! These are just great fun and such a joy to read. They're quick reads and the whodunnit is always a surprise! Happy Reading!
April 6, 2025
Cherry Cheesecake Murder
Hannah Swensen, Book 8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/2/25 - 4/4/25
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Suzanne Toren
The Characters:
Hannah Swensen:
Andrea Todd: Hannah’s sister and sidekick
Lisa (Hannah’s business partner), Mike (Cop and love interest), Norman (love interest number 2), Moishe, Other town residents
The Story:
These books make excellent travel companions.
Hannah Swensen, Book 8
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/2/25 - 4/4/25
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Suzanne Toren
The Characters:
Hannah Swensen:
Andrea Todd: Hannah’s sister and sidekick
Lisa (Hannah’s business partner), Mike (Cop and love interest), Norman (love interest number 2), Moishe, Other town residents
The Story:
These books make excellent travel companions.
January 15, 2024
Back to Lake Eden! Hannah in a love triangle - love square.
I really enjoyed this one a lot better than some of the previous ones. A lot of fun and a very good mystery. I really should have figured it out earlier, especially after the big plot point. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I really enjoyed this one a lot better than some of the previous ones. A lot of fun and a very good mystery. I really should have figured it out earlier, especially after the big plot point. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 15, 2022
Super cute, with a bit more going on than usual. ☠️🍒🍰
November 24, 2025
This was a good entry in the series. I enjoyed the movie filming in town plot line. It was fun having both of Hannah's sisters there to help her snoop. I've heard spoilers about this series so I was kind of surprised to see a character pop up earlier in the series than I was expecting. Now I'm interested in seeing how many books it takes for things to play out. One of these days I'm going to make a cookie recipe in one of these books.
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