Thanksgiving has a way of thawing the frostiest hearts in Lake Eden. But that won’t be happening for newlywed Hannah Swensen Barton—not after her husband suddenly disappears . . . Hannah has felt as bitter as November in Minnesota since Ross vanished without a trace and left their marriage in limbo. Still, she throws herself into a baking frenzy for the sake of pumpkin pie and … Thanksgiving-themed treats while endless holiday orders pour into The Cookie Jar. Hannah even introduces a raspberry Danish pastry to the menu, and P.K., her husband’s assistant at KCOW-TV, will be one of the first to sample it. But instead of taking a bite, P.K., who is driving Ross’s car and using his desk at work, is murdered. Was someone plotting against P.K. all along or did Ross dodge a deadly dose of sweet revenge? Hannah will have to quickly sift through a cornucopia of clues and suspects to stop a killer from bringing another murder to the table.
Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
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Couldn’t put the book down. Shocking ending. Characters all intertwined. There for each other. Twists and turns. Excellent read.
“Raspberry Danish Murder” earns 4/5 Berry Treats…Deliciously Clever!
Anything with the word “raspberry” in it gets me interest, but add “murder” and I’m very interested…probably shouldn’t say that out loud. This is book twenty-two in the series, so the ongoing storyline and development of characters have been well established, and I have nothing for comparison. However, I know the basic details from watching the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel’s version, reading a few synopses and reviews, talking to fans of the series, and with this story revisiting key information about background and character connections, I was totally engaged.
The immediate problem is Hannah’s husband has disappeared without a trace leaving Hannah to question their relationship and herself. It’s a bit worse when she discovers things about him and his past she was previously unaware. It gets even “worser” when a man with whom her husband worked is found dead. It was a clever mystery supported by an engaging third-person narrative, delightful banter, realistic characters, and did I mention all the marvelous recipes following up each chapter? I didn’t like some of the incidents where explanations of clues and evidence seemed repetitive, but I quickly read over those parts. Although there are similarities to the Hallmark movies I love, I greatly enjoyed the differences.
This story moved so slowly I didn’t think it would ever end. All they do is eat and drink coffee. The recipes sound good, but how many recipes can one read in the course of a novel. I could not waste my time to finish.
Was very disappointed by the end that left you hanging again. No resolution from previous book. Found out you have to wait til next February when the second new book comes out. The very next new book in series is done in flashback.
For newlywed Hannah Swensen Barton, the month of November is supposed to be creating memories with her new husband and enjoying the holidays. Instead, Ross has vanished without a trace and left Hannah bitter and confused.
As Hannah tries to occupy herself with a baking frenzy for the holidays, she is thrown into a new mystery when PK (her husband’s assistant) is murdered while driving Ross’s car. Was Ross the intended victim and poor PK caught in the crossfires? Or was someone plotting against PK?
Hannah with the help of her sister Michelle, Norman, Mike, and Lonnie work to uncover the mystery and along the way discover that no one really knew Ross.
Joanne has a way of making you identify and care for all the characters in her mysteries. She keeps you guessing and weaves a very enjoyable tale. And who can forget all the yummy recipes that follow each chapter?!
I’ve loved all of the Hannah Swenson books. This did not disappoint.
This is one of her best. It’s a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next book. All of Joanne’s books are great. I’ve read ALL of them.
I have read almost the whole series revolving around Hannah Sweeten. Joann Fluke’s books are easy to read, quick moving and they make me look forward to reading the next book . I also love the recipes *an added bonus !
I have been such a fan of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries. They’re good, clean, entertaining fun. Well, you know, with murder. But I have to say, I’ve not been overly thrilled with the last few books in the series. As with a good percentage of Hannah fans, I do not like her husband, Ross. I cheered when he disappeared. So, the fact that this book would maybe be Ross free made me excited to read it. But for reasons other than Ross, RASPBERRY DANISH MURDER was not the best book in this series.
The concept of the mystery in RASPBERRY DANISH MURDER is a good one. I didn’t guess the killer, but I think it’s because I was so distracted by things in the book, the murderer just got past me.
Distraction 1) Hannah has solved countless murders. She’s a good sleuth. But she can’t find her husband? Nothing? Distraction 2) Author Joanne Fluke’s writing was just not up to her normal standard. This series has always been an easy read, but this one felt like it was written for a younger demographic. I would read the name Hannah, but just kept envisioning Nancy Drew. Maybe Fluke is using all her adult level writing in her thrillers? Distraction 3) I love recipes in my cozies. And the Hannah Swenson books always serves up great ones. But there were so many recipes in this book, it was more like reading the Hannah Swensen cookbook. There is one at the end of just about every chapter.
Even with the above being said, I love Hannah and all the residents of Lake Eden. They have all come to feel like close friends. Reading a Hannah Swensen mystery has always felt like going on a much anticipated vacation. I’m thrilled to get there, and sad when I have to leave. I will return again for another visit. But it will be with the hopes that the series is back to the same standards that were set in the very first book.
I love the characters. They are like an extended family. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I love all of Joanne Fluke’s books.
wonderful characters, unpredictable and great recipes
Not up to the usual standard of this series, but did leave a cliffhanger ending
I HAVE LIKED EVERY BOOK WITH THIS SERIES. I COULD HARDLY GET THROUGH THIS ONE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I WAITED SO LONG FOR THE NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT. RECIPES ARE GREAT!!!!
I really enjoy this series. A good read
I’ve read every book in this series, and they do not disappoint (unlike the made-for-TV movies)!
I love ALL her books!
One of my fav writers!
Hannah is trying to deal with her new husband, Ross, having vanished while still getting her cookie shop ready for Thanksgiving. Then P.K., Ross’s assistant at the station, dies in a car accident. The police quickly determine that P.K. crashed because of poisoned candies he ate that were sent to the station. Was he the intended target? Or was Ross? Who sent the poisoned candies? Is this why Ross disappeared?
As you can see, there is plenty here for a good mystery. Instead, we get an average mystery. Much of the book is taken up with talking about food and baking, used to introduce the almost 30 recipes spread out over the story. There are some good twists in the mystery and the story of Hannah’s life, but the mystery especially is short changed and the ending feels rushed. The characters are fun as always. Longtime fans will still want to visit Hannah, but this is not going to draw new readers to the series.
I’ve always enjoyed these books, the characters are homey, the stories are continuations but they can be read as stand alone books, and the recipes are always a treat.
Luv it!
I always enjoy these books