I really wish I could give these books a higher rating but I just can't. They're simplistic but that doesn't bother me because an easy, simple read can be just what a reader needs - but I sometimes the author comes across as patronizing, like her readers wouldn't "get it" without a superfluous explanation. In one of the books the author refers to Hannah's parka as her parka coat. Helllllooooo, maybe this is a regional thing but I think most readers would know what a parka is; it isn't something you wear on your feet. Also, the characters keep telling each other "You're right" when they come up with something. Okay, maybe they ARE right but couldn't the author say it in a different way. It's these silly little things that drive me nuts. I wish I was anal enough to have written down examples. However, I *was* anal enough to count recipe pages to see how many of the total pages were recipe-related. I'm happy to report in KEY LIME PIE MURDER they made up about 10% of the page count. All I could think of that many recipe pages would get me to the last page that much faster.

If you're wondering why I'm torturing myself this way: I'm determined to finish the series by the end of the year so I can say I read one whole series (in whatever genre) in one year. For someone who reads book1 or maybe books 1 & 2 in a series then skips to something else this is an accomplishment. Two more to go and I'll be finished. It's good to have goals. ( )

Hannah is up to her knees in murder gain as she discovers another dead body and as with the other books in this series, she is up to her knees in cookies, coffee, other baked goods, two guys competing for her affections and the regular cast of Lake Eden.
This is one of those series that is simply fun to read. I will be honest here and admit to you that I do not take the mysteries in these books by Joanne Fluke all that serious, and I have the distinct feeling that the author does not either. I really don’t feel they are set up as traditional “who done its,” but rather pleasing little vehicles to describe the life in a small Minnesota town. As with the other books in this series, Hannah, et al are kind of caught in a time warp, especially Hannah who is thirty something, is not married, has rejected cell phones, computers and many of the techie stuff we are all surrounded with on a daily basis. Her attitude toward sex, excitement, game playing is right out of the 1950s. This in a strong way is quite refreshing. I rather admire the author for sticking to her guns.

In this story, Hannah is the baking judge at the annual town get-together, her younger sister is in the beauty contest, her mother is still trying to get Hanna married off and our heroine is still baking up a storm at her cookie shop and home while consuming mass quantities of coffee. I do not that in this offering that our young Miss in mentioned to have put on about twenty extra pounds…hmmm, I wonder why. Anyway, one of the ladies connected with the pageant is murdered, in a rather brutal way and guess what? Yup, Hannah finds the body. Furthermore, our nosey redhead immediately sets about the task of solving the murder.

These are simply written books and are quite predictable. If you are looking for something that will challenge your mind, leave you gasping in awe over the twisting turning plot, or are looking for some torrid love scenes, then you probably should look else where. These, as I stated, are simply fun books to read; good ones to kill (no pun intended) a rainy Saturday with. The author has again been kind enough to share in great detail, many of the recipes included in the book. I have, like in the past, tried some of these edible delights and the author has come up with some winners here.

For a good enjoyable read, one that will not tax you all that much, you could do worse. Now if you are looking for great literature, Greek tragedies, complex Victorian syntax, complicated plots or jaded romance, then there are literally thousand upon thousands of those lining your library shelves…go read them.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks ( )

And that is the setting for this eighth entry in the Hannah Swenson series. Hannah is involved in a big way in the Tri-County summer fair, and she and her friends also get involved in a murder. One of her fellow judges in the Baked Goods section is murdered right at the fair, and Hannah stumbles on the body. These people (Hannah and her family and friends) are starting to really feel like friends of mine. I love the interplay between the characters, and the various personalities. And the stories are quite funny too. Hannah's ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl at the end of the book is hilarious! Sometimes the mysteries are a little easy to figure out, like this one is, but that does not detract from the sheer fun of reading these books. It is a delight, and I'm sorry that I'm almost up-to-date on this series, and will be left waiting each year for the next one. ( )

Excellent mystery and great recipes ( )

OK. Mystery this time involves the country fair and a couple stereotypical cowboys. Lots of recipes, especially one for deep fried candy bars. The jockeying between Mike and Norman is amusing. ( )