I enjoyed this mystery, but got behind on my reading because I was so busy copying the recipes. This is her 5th Hannah Swenson novel and the first that I have read. It was enjoyable, but I think that I will go back to the beginning novel because I need the background. Not a series to be read out of order. ( )

Sitting down with a Joanne Fluke novel is like visiting old friends. Anyone who has followed this series from the beginning has by this fifth novel, invested plenty of money and time, (not to mention emotion) into these characters. As far as this goes, Fudge Cupcake Murder does not disappoint. It is always a treat to catch up with our friends in Lake Eden and to literally see whats cooking. The book opens with Hannah finding yet another body. This time it is the sheriff. Complicating matters, Hannah's brother in law is up against the sheriff in the local election. Could he have murdered the sheriff in an effort to get rid of his competition? My gripes include a mystery that pretty much disappears for the middle portion of the book. Day-to-day going ons seem to trump the storyline. When the mystery does kick into high gear at the end of the novel, all the answers come a little to easily. The romance trianagle between Hannah, Norman, and Mike is really getting tired as well. Something needs to be resolved. I think all the readers can see how this is meant to turn out. All Fluke needs to do is make it happen on the page. This book is recommended to the die-hard Hannah Swenson fans who won't care if the book contains more frosting than cake. ( )

Hannah once again needs to solve a murder mystery, this time as the sheriff is murdered in a dumpster.

Hannah also needs to figure out a secret ingredent in the fudge cupcake recipe (which are good, by the way).

A very nice read. ( )

Hannah once again finds herself hip-deep in trouble with nothing to fall back on but good instincts and wonderful cookies. The local sheriff is found in the school dumpster, and the main suspect is her brother-in-law Bill. The mysteries in this series may not be mind-benders, but they are fun, not too obvious, and well-written.

The side story involves two perfectly nice men who both seem to be in love with Hannah, and her dilemma concerning this embarrassment of riches. ( )

Not memorable. ( )