Not even Lake Eden’s nosiest residents suspected Hannah Swensen would go from idealistic newlywed to betrayed wife in a matter of weeks. But as a deadly mystery unfolds in town, the proof is in the pudding . . . When The Cookie Jar becomes the setting of a star-studded TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes to shine the spotlight on her bakery—not the unsavory scandal … unsavory scandal swirling around her personal life. But that’s practically impossible with a disturbing visit from the shifty character she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, swapping the crime scene in her condo for her mother Delores’s penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case that’s messier than an upended chocolate cream pie. As suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must serve a hefty helping of justice to an unnamed killer prowling around Lake Eden . . . before someone takes a slice out of her!
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As usual she wrote a good book
Easy light read.
I enjoy Joann Fluke’s writing.
My family loves the imperfect Hannah, the G rated romances, and the cats. The recipes and the fun mystery help too!
Very slow build up, a typical conclusion to the mystery, ending in a bit of a shocking cliffhanger. Not really one of Fluke’s best in this series but was still entertaining.
Valentine’s Day is coming, and The Cookie Jar is getting ready to cater various Valentine’s Parties with new treats. Hannah Swensen is throwing herself into this baking in order to not think about the news she’s gotten that Ross was already married, so their wedding was all a lie. She has told the town of Lake Eden in an effort to curb gossip, and all of her friends are with her. Which is why Ross sneaks back into town in the early hours of the morning demanding something from Hannah – something she might not be able to give him. What will happen if she can’t?
As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve been expecting this book for several books now. The murder itself takes place late in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There were some other plot elements I was enjoying, so I wasn’t bored, however, I wish things hadn’t been left dangling quite so much until the next book in the series. We get plenty of talk about food as always, with twenty-eight new recipes by my count. It is always nice to catch up with these characters, at least for this fan of the series. If you have been a fan, you’ll want the next chapter in Hannah’s saga, but if you are new, don’t jump in here.
Hannah is back and this time life has pushed her to the ULTIMATE limit. Hannah is trying so hard to move on after Ross’s betrayal but she wants answers that only he can give her. Hannah gets the chance when Ross shows up at the Cookie Jar, but Ross has plans of his own. Terrorizing Hannah into getting him what he wants proves deadly for Ross. Mike and Hannah team up to investigate the murder and finally bring closer to the Ross nightmare. Meanwhile Hannah leaves us with a most shocking question…
I have read all of this series. This one was very different but I enjoyed it.
Well written.
Live the series
As always Hannah Swensen and the gang are terrific. I could hardly put this book down!! Great book!
Titular murder occurs three quarters of the way through. By then, you know the victim and you are ACTIVELY cheering for the event. Oh, and giant reset much. I wasn’t fond of the last few story lines but this is basically “Bobby was in the shower the whole time and it was just Pam’s fever dream.” Yeah, I’m done.
Enjoyed as usual. However the ending left you hanging.
Disappointed! Confusing plot!
I love all of Joanna Fluke books. Easy to read and entertaining.
Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke is the latest in the Hannah Swenson series.
Hannah is back and so is her husband who had went missing in the previous book.
I enjoyed this segment though, it seems more “catch up with the Minnesota gang” then a murder mystery.
Once you are about half way in the mysteries start and will keep you guessing until the end.
It is an easy read and has some tasty sounding recipes.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Kensington books for an honest review.
Newlywed Hannah is just beginning to deal with the fact that her missing husband, Ross, has another wife when he reappears. It immediately becomes clear that he is even more dangerous than she could have ever imagined and her friends and family all come to her aid. The question is will they be able to protect her from his threats?
There is a lot of dialogue about food throughout the story and I would have liked a little more focus on the mystery. Nonetheless my favorite part of the book was all the great recipes that come at the end of each chapter.