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Hannah Swensen #14
Devil's Food Cake Murder
These days, everyone in Lake Eden, Minnesota, is buzzing with activity, and Hannah Swensen is no exception. But no matter how busy she may be, Hannah can always find time to help a friend in need--especially when he's been murdered. . .
Hannah Swensen has to admit that her life is pretty sweet. Things are going well in the romance department, and her bakery's delectable confections are selling almost as fast as she can bake them. Even her good friend Claire is on Cloud Nine, head over heels with her new husband, Reverend Bob Knudson. If only they could find time to take their honeymoon!
When Bob's childhood friend, Matthew Walters, comes to town, it seems like divine intervention. Matthew, like Bob, is a Lutheran minister with a stubborn sweet tooth. Since he's on sabbatical, Matthew is happy to fill in for Bob while he and Claire take that long-awaited honeymoon. It sounds like the perfect plan--until Hannah finds Matthew in the rectory, face-down in a plate full of Devil's Food Cake, a single bullet in his head.
Determined to find out who killed Matthew, Hannah starts asking questions--and discovers that the good Reverend wasn't quite the saintly fellow he appeared to be. But could the gold Sacagawea coins in Sunday's collection plate hold the key to solving the crime? Or is the murder connected to that big jewel heist out in Minneapolis? Is it possible that Matthew's love of chocolate somehow led to his downfall? It will take some more digging to find out, but Hannah is sure of one thing: even the most half-baked murder plot can be oh so deadly. . .
322 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
1353 people are currently reading
8321 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,549 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 1,025 reviews
July 31, 2022
I am just over half way through the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series with #14, Devil's Food Cake Murder, written in 2011 by Joanne Fluke. When I flipped through the Acknowledgments section in the paperback, it noted that Hannah was voted as the most liked non-detective crime solver that year... how interesting! I love the series and think she's quite fun, but each book seems to get a little lighter on plot and heavier on recipes. I preferred the balance in the earlier novels, yet they are still always a great read... even if I'm now down to about an hour to push through them despite being over 300 pages. When I flip 10 pages to skip the recipe, it breezes by quickly.
In this caper, Hannah finds the dead body of Reverend Bob's temporary sit-in while he's on his honeymoon with Claire. Hannah's mom is watching Claire's fashion shop all the while trying not to insult the customers when they pick the wrong outfits for their body type. But the biggest change in this Lake Eden puzzle is Hannah's dating life. She's waffled between Mike and Norman for 13 books, beginning to see them both wane at her indecision and start seeing other people... well, now there's a massive decision that will change the events in future books. In one way, I'm glad, as she was stringing them on for far too long. I agree with taking time to play the field, and maybe it's only been 2 to 3 years in story time, but it feels like a decade!
As for the mystery, nothing extraordinary, and it didn't really involve many characters we've met before except one adorable octogenarian, so it was not my favorite. I still enjoyed all the side interactions in the town, the developing relationships between Hannah and her family, and the set-up for the next book in terms of Hannah's love life. I'm sticking with it, but I hope there's more mystery coming soon! 3.5 stars...
In this caper, Hannah finds the dead body of Reverend Bob's temporary sit-in while he's on his honeymoon with Claire. Hannah's mom is watching Claire's fashion shop all the while trying not to insult the customers when they pick the wrong outfits for their body type. But the biggest change in this Lake Eden puzzle is Hannah's dating life. She's waffled between Mike and Norman for 13 books, beginning to see them both wane at her indecision and start seeing other people... well, now there's a massive decision that will change the events in future books. In one way, I'm glad, as she was stringing them on for far too long. I agree with taking time to play the field, and maybe it's only been 2 to 3 years in story time, but it feels like a decade!
As for the mystery, nothing extraordinary, and it didn't really involve many characters we've met before except one adorable octogenarian, so it was not my favorite. I still enjoyed all the side interactions in the town, the developing relationships between Hannah and her family, and the set-up for the next book in terms of Hannah's love life. I'm sticking with it, but I hope there's more mystery coming soon! 3.5 stars...
November 19, 2012
This book may be one of the worst I've ever read. Here are some general problems I had with it:
1. The fact that I was able to figure out the ending, several pages in. It was so completely obvious, that it just made the annoyingly folksy characters seem especially moronic for not cluing in faster.
2. The fact that 60% of the non-recipe text, still consists of people a) eating food that the narration simply MUST describe because OF COURSE we need to know the details of practically every single meal these characters eat b) discussing food they are about to eat, or just ate c) talking about recipes and who gave them to our ridiculously bland heroine Hannah Swensen d) making cookies, discussing cookies, naming off cookies, praising cookies, planning cookies, ad nauseam. Seriously, the fact that more text was devoted to food, and in particular cookies, rather than the mystery is ridiculous. I suppose I should have expected that though, when I picked up a book with the title "Devi's Food Cake Murder".
3. The fact that even when IMPORTANT PLOT TWISTS (and I use the term "plot twist" loosely, because Stevie Wonder could have seen these coming a mile away) occur, the characters STILL don't stop talking about cookies or recipes. No, the "earth shattering" news get a throwaway sentence or two, because we must have the characters talking about what's REALLY important, aka the cookies or chocolate.
4. The ridiculous cast of folksy characters. Hannah, the 30 year old who has two men in love with her despite being completely bland and who goes on chaste dates that include dinner, a one kiss maximum and baking bread. The evil slut, Doctor Bev, who is SKINNY! and has a NICE HAIRCUT! how dare the harlot! The ridiculous mother, who thinks A BAR, the horror!, is too dangerous for her daughters to go to together, even though said daughters are in their 20s and 30s. Grandma Knudson, enough said.
5. The stilted, unnatural dialogue.
6. The unnecessary trick of having one character say a moderately "uncommon" word or phrase, to be followed by another character explaining what that means to the audience. Is the intended audience of these books grade school children, who need to learn their vocabulary for the spelling bee? Seriously, adults do not need to be pandered to like that, they can pick up a dictionary if they really need it that bad.
7. The somewhat related to no. 6, trick of having one character say something, and have a second character spell out exactly what that meant, even though the readers have to be practically brain dead not to understand. For example when talking about a dress that a woman (Bonnie) wanted to buy, but that would be unflattering to her figure:
"For one thing, it has a darling draped look over the hips" Andrea told her. "And Bonnie has her own draped look over her hips."
Hannah began to smile "I get it. The little black dress would have accentuated one of Bonnie's figure flaws"
Do you get it Hannah?? DO YOU?? Was it really, that difficult to understand what Andrea was saying? Did you really need to spell it out for the audience?? I'm pretty sure everyone "GOT IT" the first time around.
Really, there is not a single redeeming thing about this book. And it is a New York Times bestseller (the reason I picked it up in the first place, since that must mean it's good, right??)? JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL.
1. The fact that I was able to figure out the ending, several pages in. It was so completely obvious, that it just made the annoyingly folksy characters seem especially moronic for not cluing in faster.
2. The fact that 60% of the non-recipe text, still consists of people a) eating food that the narration simply MUST describe because OF COURSE we need to know the details of practically every single meal these characters eat b) discussing food they are about to eat, or just ate c) talking about recipes and who gave them to our ridiculously bland heroine Hannah Swensen d) making cookies, discussing cookies, naming off cookies, praising cookies, planning cookies, ad nauseam. Seriously, the fact that more text was devoted to food, and in particular cookies, rather than the mystery is ridiculous. I suppose I should have expected that though, when I picked up a book with the title "Devi's Food Cake Murder".
3. The fact that even when IMPORTANT PLOT TWISTS (and I use the term "plot twist" loosely, because Stevie Wonder could have seen these coming a mile away) occur, the characters STILL don't stop talking about cookies or recipes. No, the "earth shattering" news get a throwaway sentence or two, because we must have the characters talking about what's REALLY important, aka the cookies or chocolate.
4. The ridiculous cast of folksy characters. Hannah, the 30 year old who has two men in love with her despite being completely bland and who goes on chaste dates that include dinner, a one kiss maximum and baking bread. The evil slut, Doctor Bev, who is SKINNY! and has a NICE HAIRCUT! how dare the harlot! The ridiculous mother, who thinks A BAR, the horror!, is too dangerous for her daughters to go to together, even though said daughters are in their 20s and 30s. Grandma Knudson, enough said.
5. The stilted, unnatural dialogue.
6. The unnecessary trick of having one character say a moderately "uncommon" word or phrase, to be followed by another character explaining what that means to the audience. Is the intended audience of these books grade school children, who need to learn their vocabulary for the spelling bee? Seriously, adults do not need to be pandered to like that, they can pick up a dictionary if they really need it that bad.
7. The somewhat related to no. 6, trick of having one character say something, and have a second character spell out exactly what that meant, even though the readers have to be practically brain dead not to understand. For example when talking about a dress that a woman (Bonnie) wanted to buy, but that would be unflattering to her figure:
"For one thing, it has a darling draped look over the hips" Andrea told her. "And Bonnie has her own draped look over her hips."
Hannah began to smile "I get it. The little black dress would have accentuated one of Bonnie's figure flaws"
Do you get it Hannah?? DO YOU?? Was it really, that difficult to understand what Andrea was saying? Did you really need to spell it out for the audience?? I'm pretty sure everyone "GOT IT" the first time around.
Really, there is not a single redeeming thing about this book. And it is a New York Times bestseller (the reason I picked it up in the first place, since that must mean it's good, right??)? JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL.
April 29, 2011
Sometimes I wonder why I like these so much. I don't make the recipes (which are increasing in number with every book, it seems, taking up a lot of space). I get annoyed by Hannah, who is 30 but acts kind of like a grandma (she doesn't know how to use email and cell phones and is shocked at any implication of sex?) and I frequently feel like the author has not been back to Minnesota in a while (referring to MN's basketball team as the "Minnesota Wild" is unforgivable). The mysteries aren't even the focus of the book anymore, it's more about revealing recipes and character development.
But they are a fun, fast read, and I do like the characters. Will she ever choose between Mike and Norman? What will Moishe get into next? Who is Delores flirting with now? Will anyone ever mention that serving only cookies at a catered function is ridiculous?
I loved the cliffhanger ending. After so many books where Hannah's love affairs were left right where they started, this was refreshing and I'm looking forward to the next installment (when I will not make the recipes and will chafe at Hannah's elderly behavior). Hopefully Hannah's new nemesis will be the next one to turn up baked in a pie or something.
But they are a fun, fast read, and I do like the characters. Will she ever choose between Mike and Norman? What will Moishe get into next? Who is Delores flirting with now? Will anyone ever mention that serving only cookies at a catered function is ridiculous?
I loved the cliffhanger ending. After so many books where Hannah's love affairs were left right where they started, this was refreshing and I'm looking forward to the next installment (when I will not make the recipes and will chafe at Hannah's elderly behavior). Hopefully Hannah's new nemesis will be the next one to turn up baked in a pie or something.
September 14, 2024
Exciting times in Lake Eden, Minnesota. Hannah is facing competition in her love triangle between dentist Norman and police officer Mike in the form of Norman’s new partner at the dental clinic and Hannah is none too pleased when she is asked to bake a trifle for a surprise birthday party in her competition’s honor.
Hannah’s mother Dolores is also having her book launch and Hannah has been called upon to bake a special orange and lemon-flavored cookie from England which sounded scrumptious. This book centered on a murder of a character who came back to town after a long absence and a murder plot that may have had roots in old town history.
Hannah’s mother Dolores is also having her book launch and Hannah has been called upon to bake a special orange and lemon-flavored cookie from England which sounded scrumptious. This book centered on a murder of a character who came back to town after a long absence and a murder plot that may have had roots in old town history.
September 25, 2019
Poor grammar. Boringly predictable plot. Unbelievable and annoying characters. Tedious detail with no imagination. Unnatural, repetitive dialogue. An unfinished ending in order to get you to read the next book in the series, which I will never do. Poor writing and story construction. Since this is on NY Times Bestseller list I'm really concerned about my fellow American readers. The book is a bust, but there are some good recipes.
February 24, 2021
Oh no, Hannah! You found another corpse but, as always, that is the least of your problems!
Our favourite baker gets involved again - unwillingly, of course *cough cough* - in a murder mystery! Will she be able to find the culprit while she juggles one or two cats, a mysterious sock drawer, a nosy mom, and a couple of men who - outrageous! - don't like anymore her dating both of them for another ten years??
I say, what kind of world do we live in if a woman cannot find 14 corpses without people exploiting her shenanigans to improve cookie sales! Really, Hannah, a less trusting person would think that you do this on purpose so your business partner can tell stories to entertain your customers...
It almost feels like - but that would be absurd - you enjoy the thrill? No, I mean, that is crazy but I was just wondering... what would you do if, one day, let's say - you stop finding corpses? Would you - ahah this is just a crazy thought ahahah - maybe try to make one yourself? I mean... you are so used to the sight of brutally murdered people, it doesn't even bother you anymore... you just gobble up a couple of chocolate cookies, wash them down with a steamy cup of coffee and you are good to go!
You would even - but this is just me joking around, obviously - be very good at hiding your traces, since you have been involved in so many investigations and one of your boyfriends is a policeman... You could really get away with it if you wanted too... I mean this is just a hypothesis of course... everyone would just say "aw, good ol' Hannah Swensen, finding yet another corpse... isn't she unlucky? Poor dear... here, here... take this hot steaming mug... I promise you will feel better soon...."
August 31, 2019
I see this series around a lot but had never tried one before. Why did I sample book 14 first? Because the cover was pink of course. ( I am a challenge junky).
Apparently from checking the reviews I started with a dud. I must admit I thought there was an oversupply of recipes but I just skipped past them and they did not bother me. I was a bit startled when the main character went on a date which ended with her and her male friend baking bread. Seriously - baking loaves of bread. And I solved the murder somewhere around page 10 so the story held very few surprises for me.
Nevertheless it all slid past quite nicely. The characters were definitely on the odd side of quirky but they were entertaining. The story was okay and I did not have to be concerned about Norman or Mike because as a new to the series reader I was not invested in either of them.
There is a chance I might try the series again but if I do it will be from book one. Like most long running series I am sure its readers have developed an attachment to the characters which counteracts any weaknesses in individual books.
Apparently from checking the reviews I started with a dud. I must admit I thought there was an oversupply of recipes but I just skipped past them and they did not bother me. I was a bit startled when the main character went on a date which ended with her and her male friend baking bread. Seriously - baking loaves of bread. And I solved the murder somewhere around page 10 so the story held very few surprises for me.
Nevertheless it all slid past quite nicely. The characters were definitely on the odd side of quirky but they were entertaining. The story was okay and I did not have to be concerned about Norman or Mike because as a new to the series reader I was not invested in either of them.
There is a chance I might try the series again but if I do it will be from book one. Like most long running series I am sure its readers have developed an attachment to the characters which counteracts any weaknesses in individual books.
June 1, 2011
I can't quit you, Hannah Swenson, even when you drive me crazy.
In this latest installment, Hannah and 92 year old Grandma Knudson are solving the mystery of the replacement Reverend in Lake Eden. And the only thing wrong in Hannah's love life is that Norman seems to be very involved with his new dentistry partner Dr. Bev, a woman Hannah describes as 1/3 her dress size. This one was on the goofy side, with Dolores going undercover (again) at the Eagle Bar. Moishe's up to his old tricks again too.
The editing in this one was a little sloppy since instead of identifying Minnesota's basketball team as the Timberwolves, she calls the basketball team the Minnesota Wild, which is instead the hockey team.
And Hannah is now providing recipes for cat food. Gack! The Butterscotch Bonanza Bars were a major disaster, but the Nutmeg snaps were a hit.
Emily P - I'm willing to give up on most series if they're not working for me but I have to find out what happens next.
In this latest installment, Hannah and 92 year old Grandma Knudson are solving the mystery of the replacement Reverend in Lake Eden. And the only thing wrong in Hannah's love life is that Norman seems to be very involved with his new dentistry partner Dr. Bev, a woman Hannah describes as 1/3 her dress size. This one was on the goofy side, with Dolores going undercover (again) at the Eagle Bar. Moishe's up to his old tricks again too.
The editing in this one was a little sloppy since instead of identifying Minnesota's basketball team as the Timberwolves, she calls the basketball team the Minnesota Wild, which is instead the hockey team.
And Hannah is now providing recipes for cat food. Gack! The Butterscotch Bonanza Bars were a major disaster, but the Nutmeg snaps were a hit.
Emily P - I'm willing to give up on most series if they're not working for me but I have to find out what happens next.
March 26, 2013
I read these in order so yes, I have read the previous books and this was as delicious as expected, maybe a little predictable because after all these years I do get conditioned to the formula used but never the less, when I’m in the mood for a Fluke, nothing else will do! Best part was the ending of course, It actually made me speak out loud, shouting something like “no way!” which only made waiting to read the next book harder, perhaps that’s why I didn’t…
We get the usual baking, sleuthing, Moishe troubles set in a cozy setting, but the most important and juiciest part was Hannah and Norman and the third wheel. I know she will probably never settle down ( cant force yourself to be attracted to Norman) but reading about it is sure fun, besides the woman is in her twenties ( although she sounds more mature) and who says she needs to settle down like an ancient piece of furniture, bogus hogwash… anyways, there were a few parts that annoyed me ( Hannah suggesting that certain someone marries someone else because of a certain thing) which brought the book back to 10000 BC to me.. Other than that I loved it, the mystery was a little cleverer this time but I was still able to nudge most of the truth myself and the food, yumm…. I like how she includes savory and sweet things, I have tried a few over the years and they were very tasty, cozy home style things…
- Kasia S.
We get the usual baking, sleuthing, Moishe troubles set in a cozy setting, but the most important and juiciest part was Hannah and Norman and the third wheel. I know she will probably never settle down ( cant force yourself to be attracted to Norman) but reading about it is sure fun, besides the woman is in her twenties ( although she sounds more mature) and who says she needs to settle down like an ancient piece of furniture, bogus hogwash… anyways, there were a few parts that annoyed me ( Hannah suggesting that certain someone marries someone else because of a certain thing) which brought the book back to 10000 BC to me.. Other than that I loved it, the mystery was a little cleverer this time but I was still able to nudge most of the truth myself and the food, yumm…. I like how she includes savory and sweet things, I have tried a few over the years and they were very tasty, cozy home style things…
- Kasia S.
April 20, 2011
Devil's Food Cake Murder has a twisty sort of murder. Just when you think you've guessed the twist, it zigs where you thought you thought it would zag.
But really, at this point I'm reading to find out what's going on with the usual cast of characters. As we inch closer to resolving the whole Norman/Mike/Hannah triangle, something else is thrown in the mix.
Norman's odd behavior at the end of the last book is explained, as is his habit of running off and lying to Hannah about his "dental emergencies." I can't say I saw that twist coming, but it's really cruel to have that as the cliffhanger. Next book now please!
Also: While Mike is still doing stupid things (he's dating Bev, too and doesn't say a single word about it to Hannah for the entire book) he isn't as obnoxious this go round. Maybe I just had enough Moishe to distract me or the fact that Hannah is finally realizing that Mike will never be the right choice for her.
Now, if only Doctor Bev would get herself knocked off...
But really, at this point I'm reading to find out what's going on with the usual cast of characters. As we inch closer to resolving the whole Norman/Mike/Hannah triangle, something else is thrown in the mix.
Norman's odd behavior at the end of the last book is explained, as is his habit of running off and lying to Hannah about his "dental emergencies." I can't say I saw that twist coming, but it's really cruel to have that as the cliffhanger. Next book now please!
Also: While Mike is still doing stupid things (he's dating Bev, too and doesn't say a single word about it to Hannah for the entire book) he isn't as obnoxious this go round. Maybe I just had enough Moishe to distract me or the fact that Hannah is finally realizing that Mike will never be the right choice for her.
Now, if only Doctor Bev would get herself knocked off...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
Book #14 of the Hannah Swensen Series
This series can be pretty predictable, but this one had a few new characters as part of the main storyline and some character development in older characters…and it ended in a cliffhanger! So I’d say this one wasn’t as predictable as usual and was quite enjoyable!
Book #14 of the Hannah Swensen Series
This series can be pretty predictable, but this one had a few new characters as part of the main storyline and some character development in older characters…and it ended in a cliffhanger! So I’d say this one wasn’t as predictable as usual and was quite enjoyable!
August 4, 2011
As a rule, I enjoy these books. I visit each new installment in the series with the same inexplicable fascination of a family spending a few days in Disney World: glad to be there; taking in the faux scenery; but ever-so-glad to return home to more comfortable shores, devoid of excess. The "bad guy" always gets caught. The setting is familiar and cozy (albeit snowy and cold). And aside from drinking far, far, too much coffee, the characters are quirky, fun, and fairly predictable. Plus, every time I read one of the Hannah Swensen books, I'm reminded strongly of eighth grade and reading Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder secretly with a flashlight under the covers (like I did with The Notebook) - maybe because they're all basically the same.
With all of that in mind, however, I found this book a little less palatable than the rest of them, mostly because there was one thing I deemed an unforgiveable transgression on the part of the author. And it wasn't the stitled, unnatural dialogue that borders on the sickeningly cheerful. It wasn't the fact that watching Bambi is deemed a "rite of passage" for a six-year-old (I had two reactions to this: one, " WTF? If it's that sad it makes the girls cry for days, don't watch it, rite of passage or not!"; and two, "Well, I've never seen it, and I turned out fine."). Or the overkill of the details (because, in some cases, that's cool, like in The Scarlet Letter). Or the predictability of the ending. Or the writing which, at best, can be described as mediocre. Or the gag-inducing descriptions of Mike's kisses (yes, I said that). It wasn't even the horrific descriptions of some of the recipes (Chocolate Euphoria Cookie Bars, for example, are "six-layer cookie bars with chocolate cookie crumbs on the bottom, semi-sweet chocolate chips next, miniature marshmallows on top of that, white chocolate chips sprinkled on the marshmallows, chocolate cereal layered on top with some milk chocolate chips over everything" - and a dentist eats them with fervour!). Or the excessive use of hyperbolic language, making everything "devastating" or "horribly wrong." Or the self-righteous attitudes of every. Single. Character. Or even Hannah's incessant and unnecessary correction of grammar (yes, I said that, too).
No. I overlooked all of that and managed to find the storyline more than vaguely interesting. What I found unforgiveable, especially in an author like Fluke who researches her books impeccably, down to the cut on a diamond described on page eleven or so and unmentioned since, was this passage:
The Minnesota Wild, Ms. Fluke, are a hockey team. A professional, NHL hockey team. Not basketball. That's the Minnesota Timberwolves. You're telling me no one in the editor's office noticed this?
With all of that in mind, however, I found this book a little less palatable than the rest of them, mostly because there was one thing I deemed an unforgiveable transgression on the part of the author. And it wasn't the stitled, unnatural dialogue that borders on the sickeningly cheerful. It wasn't the fact that watching Bambi is deemed a "rite of passage" for a six-year-old (I had two reactions to this: one, " WTF? If it's that sad it makes the girls cry for days, don't watch it, rite of passage or not!"; and two, "Well, I've never seen it, and I turned out fine."). Or the overkill of the details (because, in some cases, that's cool, like in The Scarlet Letter). Or the predictability of the ending. Or the writing which, at best, can be described as mediocre. Or the gag-inducing descriptions of Mike's kisses (yes, I said that). It wasn't even the horrific descriptions of some of the recipes (Chocolate Euphoria Cookie Bars, for example, are "six-layer cookie bars with chocolate cookie crumbs on the bottom, semi-sweet chocolate chips next, miniature marshmallows on top of that, white chocolate chips sprinkled on the marshmallows, chocolate cereal layered on top with some milk chocolate chips over everything" - and a dentist eats them with fervour!). Or the excessive use of hyperbolic language, making everything "devastating" or "horribly wrong." Or the self-righteous attitudes of every. Single. Character. Or even Hannah's incessant and unnecessary correction of grammar (yes, I said that, too).
No. I overlooked all of that and managed to find the storyline more than vaguely interesting. What I found unforgiveable, especially in an author like Fluke who researches her books impeccably, down to the cut on a diamond described on page eleven or so and unmentioned since, was this passage:
"...I think it's a slam dunk."
"Slam dunk?" Hannah repeated. "Don't tell me you're watching basketball on television!"
"It's true. I am. It's all Bev's doing. She likes to watch the Minnesota Wild on my big screen. She says it's the patriotic thing to do when you make your home in Minnesota."
The Minnesota Wild, Ms. Fluke, are a hockey team. A professional, NHL hockey team. Not basketball. That's the Minnesota Timberwolves. You're telling me no one in the editor's office noticed this?
June 5, 2019
What a great installment in the Hannah Swensen series. In this story, Hannah finds Reverend Matthew dead in the church office. But there is confusion on whether it is Matthew or his cousin Paul. Also, Hannah has to deal with Doctor Bev, Norman's new partner and the person who is dating both Norman and Mike. And the ending is great!
March 31, 2011
I am getting a little tired of these books. I find it hard to believe that every where Hannah goes in the town people feed her and give her recipes handy for her. I also find it hard to believe that everywhere she goes she brings cookies with her and the amount of people that come in her back door and eat cookies for free. This is her livelihood.
I also am getting tired of the love triangle. I like that she realizes that Mike isn't for her, but find it weird that she still keeps going out with him and seems to loose her mind when he kisses her. Norman was weird in this book, so very unNorman like. We do find out why, but that reason makes me think less of him. He has paths that he can choose that would allow him to do what he wants in both ways. I did like that he was honest with her in one regard, something that Mike never has been.
One other aspect that I found odd was that all of Hannah's family surrounded her right away to help her figure out the murder. In the past she had to drag them into things, now it seems like they are waiting for Hannah to find the next body.
I will keep reading these books (I love the recipes!), but sure won't run right out for the book.
I also am getting tired of the love triangle. I like that she realizes that Mike isn't for her, but find it weird that she still keeps going out with him and seems to loose her mind when he kisses her. Norman was weird in this book, so very unNorman like. We do find out why, but that reason makes me think less of him. He has paths that he can choose that would allow him to do what he wants in both ways. I did like that he was honest with her in one regard, something that Mike never has been.
One other aspect that I found odd was that all of Hannah's family surrounded her right away to help her figure out the murder. In the past she had to drag them into things, now it seems like they are waiting for Hannah to find the next body.
I will keep reading these books (I love the recipes!), but sure won't run right out for the book.
August 4, 2011
I've read all the Hannah Swensen books, and I think this one was probably the weakest. Figured out the "who done it" pretty early on, and got bored with the details of Hannah making cookies at the shop and at home. The recipes were too many, and the directions for the ones I did skim were bordering on "baking for dummies" level. If I hadn't been reading this on my kindle, I would have skipped the recipes entirely and probably hopped to the end to see what the cliffhanger was this time. Both of her love interests were out of character, and her emotional angst over what Norman was doing with Doctor Bev got old quickly. Cheap shot ending with the cliffhanger - Norman is doing what we would expect him to do given the information revealed at the end, but it's an antiquated response and not the only solution to the situation. Sorry, his fiancee left him and didn't tell him something that important and NOW is trying to mess with his life? I also find after 14 books, Hannah's indecision on who she should end up with annoying. Pick one and stop stringing these guys along already!! I'd like to find out more about what's going on with Delores and Doc Knight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2019
It was interesting seeing an emphasis on background characters that have more of a part to play in this book. It was done just right as not too much was given away about them since they’ll probably go back to being background characters. Speaking of one which, Go Grandma Knudson! I can only hope to be as quick witted, healthy, and amazing as her. It would be such a great feat to live to 90 years old too.
There is a new bad girl in town and her name is Doctor Bev. I didn’t like her as an addition and I can see I wasn’t meant to. Can’t believe she’d blackball her ex-fiancé who she’s supposed to love and want back romantically. Most people don’t like being given ultimatums.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t like this book as much as the others. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the mysteries in this book and how things were handled in the end. The two main mysteries couldn’t be fully connected clearly as most police work isn’t always easy to connect in real-life. Things weren’t really connected throughout the book like I would have liked. This is still a great series that serves as a palette cleanser but the writing wasn’t up to the standards I expect.
There is a new bad girl in town and her name is Doctor Bev. I didn’t like her as an addition and I can see I wasn’t meant to. Can’t believe she’d blackball her ex-fiancé who she’s supposed to love and want back romantically. Most people don’t like being given ultimatums.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t like this book as much as the others. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the mysteries in this book and how things were handled in the end. The two main mysteries couldn’t be fully connected clearly as most police work isn’t always easy to connect in real-life. Things weren’t really connected throughout the book like I would have liked. This is still a great series that serves as a palette cleanser but the writing wasn’t up to the standards I expect.
November 11, 2011
Ugh! Why do I continue to read these?! There's no action, barely enough suspense to even be considered a mystery! The characters are all so proper, they sound like they should be in one of Delores' regency romance novels instead. And I find it hard to believe so many people eat cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner! If these people are eating all those desserts and drinking all that coffee, the whole town would be obese and completely wired! And chocolate does not cure all cases of stress! I wish that part were true, but the whole book is just ridiculous! Even the recipes are starting to get formulaic! And if Hannah can't figure out her man situation yet, she's not as smart as she thinks she is!!
April 14, 2012
Based on other reviews, I have to assume I'm not the demographic that these books are aimed at. I picked this one up as filler and since I like cozy mysteries, especially ones involving food, I thought it'd be interesting to compare it to other books in the same genre. Personally, I was not impressed. The writing is at a young adult level, the characters a bit too folksy for my taste and not a lot happens except for baking cookies (using friends/relatives recipes), delivering cookies to others and going on G-rated dates. Who really goes out to dinner and then follows that up by baking bread (and no that's not a euphemism). If I hadn't been told Hannah was in her 30's, I would easily have thought she was in her 70's.
There also seemed to be very similar characteristics between Hannah and Goldy (of the Diane Mott Davidson series) - baker/cook, check; drinks copious amounts of coffee, check; dates/married to a cop, check; eats tons of chocolate, check; unruly curly hair, check; member of Lutheran church, check. The main difference between Hannah and Goldy is that Hannah at least seems like a rational, friendly person.
I think I'll stick to Kerry Greenwood's series. Those books are well written, intelligent and a bit edgy, if not a bit nutty.
There also seemed to be very similar characteristics between Hannah and Goldy (of the Diane Mott Davidson series) - baker/cook, check; drinks copious amounts of coffee, check; dates/married to a cop, check; eats tons of chocolate, check; unruly curly hair, check; member of Lutheran church, check. The main difference between Hannah and Goldy is that Hannah at least seems like a rational, friendly person.
I think I'll stick to Kerry Greenwood's series. Those books are well written, intelligent and a bit edgy, if not a bit nutty.
May 2, 2011
Ugh.
So. done. with. these. books.
Setting aside the preposterous plot and unbelievable cliffhanger ending of this one, the most annoying thing about these books are the recipes. They sound yummy, sure, but they seem to be written for Martians just arriving on Earth who have never set foot in a kitchen before! I think the majority of people who enjoy these books for the recipes have some familiarity with baking and don't need to be told how to beat an egg or require 4 different measurements for butter EVERY SINGLE TIME.
When the next one comes out, I will read reviews to see if Norman can somehow extract himself from the nineteenth century, but if not...forget it.
So. done. with. these. books.
Setting aside the preposterous plot and unbelievable cliffhanger ending of this one, the most annoying thing about these books are the recipes. They sound yummy, sure, but they seem to be written for Martians just arriving on Earth who have never set foot in a kitchen before! I think the majority of people who enjoy these books for the recipes have some familiarity with baking and don't need to be told how to beat an egg or require 4 different measurements for butter EVERY SINGLE TIME.
When the next one comes out, I will read reviews to see if Norman can somehow extract himself from the nineteenth century, but if not...forget it.
May 8, 2020
Dear Joanne Fluke,
I'll thank you to quit beating readers over the head with your right-wing talking points and Fox News issue strawmen.
Hannah's argument against feminism (21st century women shouldn’t complain about gender and sex discrimination because women of regency England had it much worse), Lisa's angry NRA speech (Waaaaa!! They want to take our guns, pillows, bowling balls, and knives), and the low key but equally annoying moralizing (Casual sex, drinking, and partying, oh my!) yanked me out of the story, hard.
You are not Philip Sidney, and your medicine of cherries isn't quite sweet enough to go down.
I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but part of being a good writer is keeping one's rhetorical situation in mind. In your case, a careful contemplation of genre, purpose, and audience is critical. You appear to be writing cozy mysteries for the purpose of entertaining a wide audience, yet you insist on littering your work with dog whistles and Randian (Well, they’re Randian in style if not in tone or message) political screeds, all of which indicate that you are writing specifically for those who agree with your political viewpoints.
I happen to find your Hannah Swenson books to be marginally enjoyable reads, hence the extra star in this review. You’ve managed to create characters (oddly enough, these are characters who’ve kept silent on their politics) with whom I can identify, our cultural differences notwithstanding.
That said, these books are becoming increasingly political, a complaint I would be lodging even if I were in agreement with your views. You and your fictional characters have a right to free speech, the same right I am currently exercising. However, you might want to consider more carefully the myriad consequences that accompany the exercising of this right, such as a declining readership and a string of one-star reviews.
ETA: As to Lisa's pro-gun screed, I suspect that she’d either be rationalizing or pontificating in the opposite direction if one of the trillion killers they’ve got in that town decided to work out his frustrations over at Kiddie Corner one fine Minnesota morning. Think Janice Cox should pack a gun when she goes into work?
For that matter, what would she tell Andrea and Bill if one of said trillion killers decided to annihilate Tracy’s entire class?
I mean, we all know that they live in a crime-free zone. /sarcasm.
Keep your politics out of my recreational reading, Joanne Fluke!
I'll thank you to quit beating readers over the head with your right-wing talking points and Fox News issue strawmen.
Hannah's argument against feminism (21st century women shouldn’t complain about gender and sex discrimination because women of regency England had it much worse), Lisa's angry NRA speech (Waaaaa!! They want to take our guns, pillows, bowling balls, and knives), and the low key but equally annoying moralizing (Casual sex, drinking, and partying, oh my!) yanked me out of the story, hard.
You are not Philip Sidney, and your medicine of cherries isn't quite sweet enough to go down.
I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but part of being a good writer is keeping one's rhetorical situation in mind. In your case, a careful contemplation of genre, purpose, and audience is critical. You appear to be writing cozy mysteries for the purpose of entertaining a wide audience, yet you insist on littering your work with dog whistles and Randian (Well, they’re Randian in style if not in tone or message) political screeds, all of which indicate that you are writing specifically for those who agree with your political viewpoints.
I happen to find your Hannah Swenson books to be marginally enjoyable reads, hence the extra star in this review. You’ve managed to create characters (oddly enough, these are characters who’ve kept silent on their politics) with whom I can identify, our cultural differences notwithstanding.
That said, these books are becoming increasingly political, a complaint I would be lodging even if I were in agreement with your views. You and your fictional characters have a right to free speech, the same right I am currently exercising. However, you might want to consider more carefully the myriad consequences that accompany the exercising of this right, such as a declining readership and a string of one-star reviews.
ETA: As to Lisa's pro-gun screed, I suspect that she’d either be rationalizing or pontificating in the opposite direction if one of the trillion killers they’ve got in that town decided to work out his frustrations over at Kiddie Corner one fine Minnesota morning. Think Janice Cox should pack a gun when she goes into work?
For that matter, what would she tell Andrea and Bill if one of said trillion killers decided to annihilate Tracy’s entire class?
I mean, we all know that they live in a crime-free zone. /sarcasm.
Keep your politics out of my recreational reading, Joanne Fluke!
September 7, 2016
Cozy mystery with a strong emphasis on baking. Hannah Swensen is the owner of the Cookie Jar bakery in Lake Eden, MN and an amateur sleuth. In this book in the series, she solves the murder of a visiting pastor found dead in the church office with a piece of devil's food cake.
I found this to be a poorly written book with unrealistic, inane characters. The protagonist, Hannah, was a mix of a 12 year old girl and 85 year old woman despite being in her early 30s. She is both naive and prudish with a strange obsession with correcting people's vocabulary. Hannah dates two men at the same time and can't seem to make up her mind if she prefers the cop or the dentist. Both relationships are chaste--a dinner date is followed by a bread baking session (and that is not a euphemism). Hannah can't seem to master technology (she forgets to charge her cellphone) and is close friends with Grandma Knudsen. Most of the focus in the book is on baking and eating. If Hannah isn't baking something, she is either serving what she just baked, or planning on what to bake tomorrow. Everyone in town is in love with food as much as Hannah (especially her chocolate loving mother) and is constantly talking about food or eating food. It is a wonder that there isn't a diabetes epidemic in Lake Eden.
Apart from Hannah, the rest of the cast of characters is equally improbable. Lisa, her partner at the bakery, has a bizarre rant about gun owners rights and how she hopes the murder (by gun)doesn't lead to stronger gun laws. Lisa also has "storytimes" at the bakery where she describes how Hannah found the body of the latest murder victim (something that would be in incredibly poor taste in real life). People in town have no problems with letting unqualified Hannah investigate the murder and answer her questions willingly.
The murder mystery is easily solved and there is little or no suspense in the resolution. The main point of the book is not to solve a crime and restore order but to share recipes. The serial nature of the lives of the characters is similar to children's books. I fail to see the appeal of this very popular series; it is so much easier to read a cookbook if you want recipes.
I found this to be a poorly written book with unrealistic, inane characters. The protagonist, Hannah, was a mix of a 12 year old girl and 85 year old woman despite being in her early 30s. She is both naive and prudish with a strange obsession with correcting people's vocabulary. Hannah dates two men at the same time and can't seem to make up her mind if she prefers the cop or the dentist. Both relationships are chaste--a dinner date is followed by a bread baking session (and that is not a euphemism). Hannah can't seem to master technology (she forgets to charge her cellphone) and is close friends with Grandma Knudsen. Most of the focus in the book is on baking and eating. If Hannah isn't baking something, she is either serving what she just baked, or planning on what to bake tomorrow. Everyone in town is in love with food as much as Hannah (especially her chocolate loving mother) and is constantly talking about food or eating food. It is a wonder that there isn't a diabetes epidemic in Lake Eden.
Apart from Hannah, the rest of the cast of characters is equally improbable. Lisa, her partner at the bakery, has a bizarre rant about gun owners rights and how she hopes the murder (by gun)doesn't lead to stronger gun laws. Lisa also has "storytimes" at the bakery where she describes how Hannah found the body of the latest murder victim (something that would be in incredibly poor taste in real life). People in town have no problems with letting unqualified Hannah investigate the murder and answer her questions willingly.
The murder mystery is easily solved and there is little or no suspense in the resolution. The main point of the book is not to solve a crime and restore order but to share recipes. The serial nature of the lives of the characters is similar to children's books. I fail to see the appeal of this very popular series; it is so much easier to read a cookbook if you want recipes.
July 30, 2020
I'm very torn about this series and author, to be honest. I love the campy, silly tone of the book that lends perfectly for easy reading between more stimulating novels. I love that the books are light and quick - easily read in a day! The stories have so much potential to be fun and addicting.. and really do lend themselves to some serious Hallmark Movie vibes. I think I keep reading them because I've started the series and I want to finish it, and because I keep hoping Hannah will become a strong and independent woman. I really want Hannah and her sisters to step away from their Mother. That woman is horrid at best!! Hannah has so much potential but her poor self-esteem really hurt her character in my opinion. That being said, Hannah is relatable for some and I find myself really rooting for her to get some gusto and be strong.
The whole thing with Norman is predictable and it was only a matter of time.. She can't string all these men along.. she claims innocence and purity, is appalled by anything remotely normal in the dating world, and then is furious when they go astray. I mean, duh.. what do you expect?! This part of the story is exhausting and Fluke really should have had Hannah be dumped several books ago. So, I was completely rooting for Norman to pick someone else and MOVE ON. Mike - eh, typical lame guy who thinks he is pretty and deserves more than he does. He was clearly a play thing from the beginning.. I think I would feel WAY different about this part of the story if Hannah had been written as a 20-something.. but since she's in her 30's.. she needs to get her act together FOR SURE.
However -- the characters continue to disappoint and the books are quickly turning into just a cookbook with text to talk up the recipes.. perhaps Joanne Fluke really wanted to be a cookbook author?? I tend to skip all the dialogue that talks up the recipes or painstakingly describes how to stir ingredients.. I mean - painfully... I wish the characters were stronger women and not so dim witted and simple.. and I honestly wish that Fluke would have written about a town she loves rather than one she seems to hate. She makes the town and everyone in it seems completely out of touch with reality, dim, and very close minded. I was also shocked at how much of Fluke's own agenda is in this novel and takes away from what could have been a great story. The pro-gun stuff is ridiculous at best.. I mean, come on. Overall - this installment in the series was awful. I will read the next book only because some reviews have said that it gets better and Hannah becomes more tolerable in the next installment.. so, we will see! This is definitely a love to hate it series for me.. haha!
The whole thing with Norman is predictable and it was only a matter of time.. She can't string all these men along.. she claims innocence and purity, is appalled by anything remotely normal in the dating world, and then is furious when they go astray. I mean, duh.. what do you expect?! This part of the story is exhausting and Fluke really should have had Hannah be dumped several books ago. So, I was completely rooting for Norman to pick someone else and MOVE ON. Mike - eh, typical lame guy who thinks he is pretty and deserves more than he does. He was clearly a play thing from the beginning.. I think I would feel WAY different about this part of the story if Hannah had been written as a 20-something.. but since she's in her 30's.. she needs to get her act together FOR SURE.
However -- the characters continue to disappoint and the books are quickly turning into just a cookbook with text to talk up the recipes.. perhaps Joanne Fluke really wanted to be a cookbook author?? I tend to skip all the dialogue that talks up the recipes or painstakingly describes how to stir ingredients.. I mean - painfully... I wish the characters were stronger women and not so dim witted and simple.. and I honestly wish that Fluke would have written about a town she loves rather than one she seems to hate. She makes the town and everyone in it seems completely out of touch with reality, dim, and very close minded. I was also shocked at how much of Fluke's own agenda is in this novel and takes away from what could have been a great story. The pro-gun stuff is ridiculous at best.. I mean, come on. Overall - this installment in the series was awful. I will read the next book only because some reviews have said that it gets better and Hannah becomes more tolerable in the next installment.. so, we will see! This is definitely a love to hate it series for me.. haha!
October 29, 2011
Sigh. Four stars because I love the recipes and because I wish I had my own cookie shop.
BUT...
I don't even know where to start. It has been a LOT of books. A LOT of "cases". A LOT of dead bodies. Hannah is supposed to be really smart. Why is it that she insists on trapping herself one on one with the murdered EVERY SINGLE TIME she is involved in a case.
And, I am about tired of the whole Norm/Mike thing. They are both dating Bev....for convenience?!?!?! because they can't have Hannah every night to themselves!?!?!? Seriously? I think it may be time they give it up and start dating each other. And, that brings me to...Diana. Sigh. In fact, double sigh. Norm has a child he never knew about?? Fine, I can maybe buy that. But, he HAS to marry Bev or he will never see her again. This is a grown man, an educated dentist living in 2011 and he is under some kind of impression that this is the only way he can see his child??
Perhaps something in the cookies is making them all stupid.
BUT...
I don't even know where to start. It has been a LOT of books. A LOT of "cases". A LOT of dead bodies. Hannah is supposed to be really smart. Why is it that she insists on trapping herself one on one with the murdered EVERY SINGLE TIME she is involved in a case.
And, I am about tired of the whole Norm/Mike thing. They are both dating Bev....for convenience?!?!?! because they can't have Hannah every night to themselves!?!?!? Seriously? I think it may be time they give it up and start dating each other. And, that brings me to...Diana. Sigh. In fact, double sigh. Norm has a child he never knew about?? Fine, I can maybe buy that. But, he HAS to marry Bev or he will never see her again. This is a grown man, an educated dentist living in 2011 and he is under some kind of impression that this is the only way he can see his child??
Perhaps something in the cookies is making them all stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2017
As much as I enjoy the desert stories this one sounded so familiar that I had to check www.goodreads.com where I keep track of the books I’ve read to see if I’d previously read this one, and no, I hadn’t.
November 22, 2020
A minister comes to cover the church while the misister goes on his Honey Moon. The Minister Matthew is found in the church office shot, now Hannah and her gang work together to try to put the pieces together to find out who killed Matthew. Looking into the past and the present to figure out what happened to the minister along with baking soo many goodies! I absolutely adore all the recipes in the books!!!
February 7, 2017
Devil's Food Cake Murder is the 14th novel in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. The books are quick, light reads with lots of recipes included. Hannah, the main character, owns a bakery specializing in cookies and other desserts. Each book is named after a dessert. At least one recipe that ties into the storyline appears at the end of most chapters.
I like this series. The characters are fun and a bit quirky. The mystery plotlines are not that in-depth, but still fun to read. These are cozy mysteries, meaning that there is no graphic sex, no spurting blood, no cussing....it's pretty light fare. It makes for a great read at the beach, a light story for the waiting room at the doctor's office or for recreational reading. I love to read this series while curled up on the sofa with a mug of hot tea, my chihuahua sidekick and a fuzzy blanket. :) Perfect winter's evening reading.
In Devil's Food Cake Murder, Hannah's friend Claire is preparing to go on her honeymoon with her new husband, Reverend Bob Knudson. A replacement minister is coming in to take over services at the church while they are on their trip. Matthew Walters is a childhood friend of Bob's and he's happy to fill in while the couple is gone. But, plans go astray. Hannah finds Matthew slumped over the desk in the rectory office. He's been shot in the head.
Hannah seems to have a knack for finding dead bodies. I always smile when one of the other characters jokes with her about her "slay-dar.'' In reality, I think that she would end up under investigation. If I went around finding dead bodies every month or two, the local police would have a field day. I'd be in big trouble. Especially if a couple of the dead bodies were women who tried to steal my boyfriend. But, then again, cozy mysteries are not meant to be realistic. They are meant to be fun, light, mysteries with cute subplots and minimal blood and guts. So, I suspend reality and just enjoy the books.
I think the love triangle subplot might be approaching its climax finally. No spoilers from me. But I do see some light at the end of the tunnel of Hannah's love life. I don't think it's going to be the ending I expected....but really...isn't that the way life usually goes? We expect one thing.....and something else happens. Que sera, sera.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was well paced and there was a twist I didn't really see coming. There was a little bit more substance to this book than the last two. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending....that was a nice touch. Luckily I have the next book sitting on my shelf and I don't have to stew about it for long!
This cozy series is perfect for light reading. I've tried many of the recipes.....never had one that wasn't an instant hit with my family. Devil's Food Cake Murder has a recipe for welsh rarebit. I've always wanted to try that! I think it might be a great experiment for Sunday breakfast this week!
There are 20 books in the Hannah Swensen series so far. The 21st book, Banana Cream Pie Murder, is coming out February 28th. I'm doing my best to catch up. I don't want to accidentally read a spoiler about how Hannah's lovelife comes out.....so I'm spending every evening with Hannah until I catch up! :) Getting closer!
I like this series. The characters are fun and a bit quirky. The mystery plotlines are not that in-depth, but still fun to read. These are cozy mysteries, meaning that there is no graphic sex, no spurting blood, no cussing....it's pretty light fare. It makes for a great read at the beach, a light story for the waiting room at the doctor's office or for recreational reading. I love to read this series while curled up on the sofa with a mug of hot tea, my chihuahua sidekick and a fuzzy blanket. :) Perfect winter's evening reading.
In Devil's Food Cake Murder, Hannah's friend Claire is preparing to go on her honeymoon with her new husband, Reverend Bob Knudson. A replacement minister is coming in to take over services at the church while they are on their trip. Matthew Walters is a childhood friend of Bob's and he's happy to fill in while the couple is gone. But, plans go astray. Hannah finds Matthew slumped over the desk in the rectory office. He's been shot in the head.
Hannah seems to have a knack for finding dead bodies. I always smile when one of the other characters jokes with her about her "slay-dar.'' In reality, I think that she would end up under investigation. If I went around finding dead bodies every month or two, the local police would have a field day. I'd be in big trouble. Especially if a couple of the dead bodies were women who tried to steal my boyfriend. But, then again, cozy mysteries are not meant to be realistic. They are meant to be fun, light, mysteries with cute subplots and minimal blood and guts. So, I suspend reality and just enjoy the books.
I think the love triangle subplot might be approaching its climax finally. No spoilers from me. But I do see some light at the end of the tunnel of Hannah's love life. I don't think it's going to be the ending I expected....but really...isn't that the way life usually goes? We expect one thing.....and something else happens. Que sera, sera.
I enjoyed this book. The mystery was well paced and there was a twist I didn't really see coming. There was a little bit more substance to this book than the last two. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending....that was a nice touch. Luckily I have the next book sitting on my shelf and I don't have to stew about it for long!
This cozy series is perfect for light reading. I've tried many of the recipes.....never had one that wasn't an instant hit with my family. Devil's Food Cake Murder has a recipe for welsh rarebit. I've always wanted to try that! I think it might be a great experiment for Sunday breakfast this week!
There are 20 books in the Hannah Swensen series so far. The 21st book, Banana Cream Pie Murder, is coming out February 28th. I'm doing my best to catch up. I don't want to accidentally read a spoiler about how Hannah's lovelife comes out.....so I'm spending every evening with Hannah until I catch up! :) Getting closer!
May 24, 2011
I was writing this review and then it disappeared. I wish I knew which key I hit that made that happen and could undo it.
Well I as I was saying ... This book was rather disappointing to me. First about the plot. I figured out the "who dunit" as soon as the murderer was introduced.
It just seemed to take Hannah a while to find it. I'm not surprised because she probably was too busy writing out all those recipes. For the first time I found that there were too many recipes here! I am a dessert junkie so when I get tired of reading dessert recipes it's bad. As a dessert junkie, I like things super sweet and normally am someone who would like to add chocolate chips to almost any dessert but these recipes were all way too rich and instead of making me hungry they made me feel overwhelmed. That never happens with me and dessert recipes. But the main problem with the recipes is that the author included just too many of them. It interfered with the flow of the story. (By the way, does everyone understand the beating an egg in a glass?) I am assuming this is an expression used in Hannah's area because I keep picturing drinking glasses. About 3/4 of the way through the book I got to skipping the recipes.
As I said I found the plot rather unbelievable. I'll leave it there so as not to giveaway any spoilers.
I am getting tired of Joanne's characters not changing. Hannah is always either writing down recipes or baking cookies at home or the shop and delivering cookies to everyone she visits. (It's a wonder to me that her shop makes a profit with all that she gives away.) Lisa telling the stories of Hannah's crime solving is getting a little stale to me.
Maybe the character of "lenny" was supposed to be a red herring but to me it was useless information.
Hannah's romantic woes are becoming tedious as well. I like the way Norman treats her but his attention and care to not match his actions at the very end of th story. He's usually a pretty strong character and in this book I thought his feelings for Hannah were even more intense than previous ones. Mike on the other hand, seems to appear attractive, but that's it. I don't see his enjoying Hannah's company.
It was good to have Michelle back. I like when the three sisters work together with their mother.
Maybe it's time for the author to think of a new series.
Is it just me, or do most of the stories take place in the winter? This book describes how beautiful it can be in the summer, but I don't think I've read one that takes place in the summer. That must mean that Hannah is getting pretty old!
Luckily the book I started this evening is not a cozy, not even fiction.
Well I as I was saying ... This book was rather disappointing to me. First about the plot. I figured out the "who dunit" as soon as the murderer was introduced.
It just seemed to take Hannah a while to find it. I'm not surprised because she probably was too busy writing out all those recipes. For the first time I found that there were too many recipes here! I am a dessert junkie so when I get tired of reading dessert recipes it's bad. As a dessert junkie, I like things super sweet and normally am someone who would like to add chocolate chips to almost any dessert but these recipes were all way too rich and instead of making me hungry they made me feel overwhelmed. That never happens with me and dessert recipes. But the main problem with the recipes is that the author included just too many of them. It interfered with the flow of the story. (By the way, does everyone understand the beating an egg in a glass?) I am assuming this is an expression used in Hannah's area because I keep picturing drinking glasses. About 3/4 of the way through the book I got to skipping the recipes.
As I said I found the plot rather unbelievable. I'll leave it there so as not to giveaway any spoilers.
I am getting tired of Joanne's characters not changing. Hannah is always either writing down recipes or baking cookies at home or the shop and delivering cookies to everyone she visits. (It's a wonder to me that her shop makes a profit with all that she gives away.) Lisa telling the stories of Hannah's crime solving is getting a little stale to me.
Maybe the character of "lenny" was supposed to be a red herring but to me it was useless information.
Hannah's romantic woes are becoming tedious as well. I like the way Norman treats her but his attention and care to not match his actions at the very end of th story. He's usually a pretty strong character and in this book I thought his feelings for Hannah were even more intense than previous ones. Mike on the other hand, seems to appear attractive, but that's it. I don't see his enjoying Hannah's company.
It was good to have Michelle back. I like when the three sisters work together with their mother.
Maybe it's time for the author to think of a new series.
Is it just me, or do most of the stories take place in the winter? This book describes how beautiful it can be in the summer, but I don't think I've read one that takes place in the summer. That must mean that Hannah is getting pretty old!
Luckily the book I started this evening is not a cozy, not even fiction.
March 9, 2011
Oh the injustice of it all! This is probably one of the best Hannah Swensen mysteries in a while. The story was good, I hadn't fingered the murderer right away, and of the twenty recipes included, I've just got to make fifteen of them! If that isn't high praise, I don't know what is. But, and I won't give anything away, the frustrating love triangle that makes me think I won't bother reading anymore of these mysteries came to quite a dramatic head and the story ends with a cliffhanger! Seeing as this book just came out last week, I'm probably several months away from seeing any resolutions. I guess I'll console myself with some tasty treats like Mocha Trifle or Pear Crunch Pie or Raspberry Vinegar Cookies or Chocolate Euphoria Cookie Bars! I may even have to buy this book since it will cost me a fortune to copy all those recipes anyway!
April 21, 2021
2.5**
Book # 14 in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series and she STILL hasn’t made up her mind on which suitor – dentist Norman or lawman Mike – to accept. Looks like the boys may be making the decision for her.
Oh, and there is a murder that Hannah simply MUST investigate, because … well, it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery without an amateur detective. And, of course, as part of her snooping, Hannah has to make batch after batch of cookies and even invent a couple of new recipes (all to entice the various suspects into giving her information, of course).
I read this mostly because I needed a pink cover for a couple of challenges and the books in this series are great for those cover-color challenges. It’s a fast read and I do like some of the recurring supporting characters, though Hannah drives me crazy. Also, the recipes are always tempting.
Book # 14 in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series and she STILL hasn’t made up her mind on which suitor – dentist Norman or lawman Mike – to accept. Looks like the boys may be making the decision for her.
Oh, and there is a murder that Hannah simply MUST investigate, because … well, it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery without an amateur detective. And, of course, as part of her snooping, Hannah has to make batch after batch of cookies and even invent a couple of new recipes (all to entice the various suspects into giving her information, of course).
I read this mostly because I needed a pink cover for a couple of challenges and the books in this series are great for those cover-color challenges. It’s a fast read and I do like some of the recurring supporting characters, though Hannah drives me crazy. Also, the recipes are always tempting.
March 7, 2011
You know how there are some books that you're glad you got from the library, and didn't buy it? This book is one of them. Not that I didn't enjoy it - I did, but it was such a quick read that I am glad I didn't spend $24.00 on it. _Devil's Food Cake Murder_ allows us to see a different side of Hannah Swenson - she shows emotion! Yes, Hannah is jealous, and I have to admit I am glad to see this development. The recipes, as always, are to die for, and the mystery is not as important to the plot as the character development. Fluke does set up the reader with a few surprises, so I am curious to see what will happenin the next book in the series.
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