Carrot Cake Murder (Hannah Swenson Mysteries With Recipes) (original 2008; edition 2009)

Always a fun and easy read. ( )

The book cover says it’s a bestseller, but I don’t know why. It’s an average mystery novel. Not too bad, not too good. Hannah, the protagonist, is an amateur sleuth and an owner of a cookie shop, and the only memorable pages in the novel are pages with recipes. I haven’t tried them yet but I will. Each chapter ends with a recipe, and some of them read like a scrumptious meal. There are cookie recipes, cake recipes, and casserole recipes. M-m-m-m, delicious! My mouth watered just from reading some of the ingredients lists. As for the murder mystery itself – well, all the heroes are two dimensional, including Hannah, and the plot is rather flat. Only Hannah’s cat Moishe seems real. Almost. It's my first Fluke's novel. It would probably be my last. ( )

This book was enjoyable. I have come to really like the characters. This book is a fun read. It is not a heavy murder mystery, a good one to read when you don't have time for a heavier book. I like the lightness of the mystery and of course the recipes are very appetizing. Hannah of course can not figure out who she loves more which keep me wanting to read more of Joanne's books just to find out if she will choose between the two of the guys she currently cares for or will she completely find another man who she can be completely devoted to? Will Moishe and Hannah's mother ever get along? I guess I will keep reading to find out. ( )

Who doesn't love a good murder mystery and delicious sounding recipes to boot? Joanne fluke gets me every time - in both ways! ( )

I really like the Hannah Swenson cozy mysteries. I love the recipes(although I haven't tried any of them yet they all sound delicious). I love Hannah and her relationship with her sisters. I love how the little town Lake Eden is always celebrating something it seems.

This time it is a fmaily reunion for the families of Lisa and Herb. Guess who shows up? Long lost Gus, who left town years ago without a word to anyone and oweing several people money and getting into a fight with Lisa's dad. Gus is rich now and is flashing around his money, clothes and car.

Hannah is helping out by cooking and baking like she always does. She especially made a carrot cake for Gus at the request of his sister.

It's Family Picture time and no one can find Gus so Hannah is sent to find him and find him she does. He is in the pavilion dead in the middle of her carrot cake.

Who would kill Gus? There is a long suspect list. Seems Gus made alot of enemies.

Mike makes a deal to share his info with Hannah if she will share her's with him. But will He?

And why is Moishe the cat acting out?

As usual I had no idea who did it till the very end. ( )