Diana's Super Sleuth Challenge

[Diana S]

Super Sleuth Challenge 2014
Duration: January 1 thru December 31
Goal: Read 13 - 20 Books
Books Read: 16/20
Updated: 4/2/14

[Diana S]

1. Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke (1/3/14)

I give this book 3.5 ★★★

[Diana S]

2. A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley
(1/19/14) ★★★★

So far this is my favorite of the series.

[Diana S]

3. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke (2/5/14)

Once again another murder case solved with the help of Hannah and her family and friends. I really do enjoy reading this series. It's fun and witty. I just love the relationship that Hannah has with her sisters and how they work together to figure out the mystery at hand. Again, the love triangle that Hannah has with Mike and Norman is quite amusing (Hee Hee!). Looking forward to another book in this series.:D I give this one 3.5 ★★★

[Diana S]

4. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Movie Tie-in Edition): A No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel by Alexander McCall Smith (2/7/14) ★★★★

[Diana S]

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke (2/15/14)

I'm such a fan of Hannah Swensen,The Cook Jar, Lake Eden, etc.... After reading several other books in this series. It was nice to finally read the first one and learn how it all began. Looking forward to reading the others and to keep adding new recipes to my own Cookie Jar. :)
I give this book 3.5 ★★★.

[Diana S]

6. The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
(2/16/14) ★★★

[Diana S]

7. Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke (2/19/14)

There's a Jazz Festival in Lake Eden. Ahhhh.... Jazz, new recipes, a couple of mysteries to be solved. Three of my favorites! But what a name to give a Jazz band, The Cinnamon Roll Six! Strange? I've realized I really shouldn't skip around in this series. To my surprise, Norman is engaged to Doc Bev. What happened? I definitely need to back track. ;) As usual Hannah and her group of family and friends are there to solve the case. Quick read and Funny as ever. :) I give this book 3.5 stars ★★★.

[Diana S]

8. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke (2/22/14)

Hollywood came to Lake Eden! Main Street became the movie set of a film produced and starred by some old college friends of Hannah, Ross(producer) and Lynne aka...Linda (starring actress). Many of the town folks got parts in the film including Hannah's cat, Moishe. The Cookie Jar began the hang-out for the cast and crew. Which kept Hannah and Lisa pretty busy baking treats for everyone including special cherry cheesecakes for the doomed director, Dean Lawrence. What was different in this book is that the murder didn't happened until halfway through.
As for the love triangle between Norman and Mike, it's at a stand still. Hannah has turned down both of their marriage proposals. I don't blame her, she's just not ready to get marriage. Now there's Ross, who has always had a crush on Hannah. Is this triangle going to get bigger?
I give this book 3.5 ★★★

[Diana S]

9. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern by Lilian Jackson Braun (3/7/14)

I give this book 3.5 ★★★

[Diana S]

10. Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke (3/8/14) ★★★★

I just love this book series. This time Hannah has to figure out who killed Reverend Matthew Walters or is he dead? He's a childhood friend of Reverend Bob, who came to town to take over the services, so Bob and his wife Claire could go on their long-awaited honeymoon.
There's also a new dentist in town, Dr. Beverly, an old girlfriend from Norman's past and Hannah's jealous. Is Hannah's lovelife in trouble or is Dr. Beverly trouble? Dr. Beverly not only seeing Norman again but Mike too. What's up with those too dating the same girls?
As usual, the ends and outs at the Cookie Jar are amusing ,the recipes are delicious and the end had a great cliff-hanger.

[Diana S]

11. I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley (3/12/14) ★★★★

Delightful! It's Christmas time and a film crew showed up at Buckshaw. What trouble will Flavia find this time? Let's see: A trap for Father Christmas (Flavia's very own Superglue), A Blizard, fireworks, and murder, to name some. And what's going on with Flavia's sisters, their actually nice in this book (well,kinda). I loved that we got to know a little more about Flavia's mother, Dad, and Dogger. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series! :)

[Diana S]

12. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
(3/15/14) ★★★★

In this fun and heart-warming story. Mma Ramotswe must investigates a boy's past from the Orphan Farm for Mma Potakwani. She and Mma Makutsi also helped find a girl with beauty and integrity for the local beauty pageant. Go Girl Power! I just love the characters of this series. Looking forward to reading the next book. :D

[Diana S]

13. The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith (3/19/14) ★★★★

I get warm fuzzies each time I read a book from this series. I love getting to know more tidbits about the lives of the characters, especially Mma Ramotswe, Mr. JLB Matekoni, and Mma Makutsi. The descriptions of Botswana are wonderful. Its feels like I'm right there drinking Bush Tea. :D

[Diana S]

14. Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke (3/21/14)

I give this book 3.5 ★★★! :D

[Diana S]

15. Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen (3/22/14)

This book is a Hoot!
JoLayne Lucks won the Florida State Lottery of $28 million. She's not the only winner, Chub and Bode (two bigoted, redneck, felons) are also winners and they don't want to share.
We met up with an array of characters that thickens the plot: such as a new reporter, (with plenty of drama of his own), a store clerk (trying to find place in this world), a jealous judge, an ex-girlfriend, a Hooter's waitress (later kidnapped victim), and a jilted wife (refusing to give her husband a divorce/good for her), too name a few. They kept the story funny and amazing. :D - I give this book 3.5 ★★★!

[Diana S]

16. The Cat Who Brought Down the House by Lilian Jackson Braun
(3/23/14) ★★★

[Yvonne]

Welcome Diana! Lots of good books on your list!