This summer has been warmer than usual in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen is trying to beat the heat both in and out of her bakery kitchen. But she’s about to find out the hard way that nothing cools off a hot summer day like cold-blooded murder… refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah’s famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel’s new Red Velvet lounge, she can’t bring herself to back out.
The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev’s splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel’s rooftop garden.
The victim is the sheriff’s secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall–or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn’t preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She’s too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who’s reunited with Hannah.
Just as Hannah’s patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller’s Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died — and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone’s shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation–and she’s feeling the heat in a way she never has before…
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In the 16th book in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series,Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, written in 2012 by Joanne Fluke, Hannah’s under suspicion for killing the competition for her love-interest. Could she have done it? Did she finally go bonkers and make a decision between Norman and Mike? Nah… she just looks guilty. But you’ll have to read more …
Joanne Fluke is a wonderful writer. All her books are light and entertaining. The recipes she includes are great!!!!!!!!
Read 7.29.2015
Meh.
I am not even sure this deserves 3 stars. I knew who “dunnit” by the third chapter [but not the why until close to the end of the book], could NOT believe the stupidity surrounding Barbara’s inability to remember her “dad’s” name but not her “father’s” and why ALL the stupid people of Lake Eden weren’t smart enough to figure …
Another in a great series! After getting into this series, you feel like the characters are people you know!
Hannah was up against the wall with this one. Dr. Bev is BACK and if that isn’t bad enough Hannah is the prime suspect in her murder! Norman isn’t acting like himself, Mike is heading up the investigation and actually takes Hannah in for questioning ! As if that isn’t enough Delores steals the spotlight at the end with a announcement we …
Just love this series. An easy read. It’s a good series to read when you just want a fast read and a warm feeling from it.
I wouldn’t say I typically struggle to solve the cases presented in a cozy mystery series, but it usually takes me a little while to decide where my suspicions lie, and I rarely have any idea on a motive until it is finally revealed. That was *not* the case for this book. In fact, the first incident had barely occurred when I had already correctly …
Her books are always good
You’ve got to try some of the recipes. They’re delicious!
Great book. Great series. Read them all. Funny.Great recipes.
Love this series
Hannah’s back and this time baking cupcakes to celebrate the grand reopening of a local hotel turned condos. But when a woman falls from the penthouse during the party, Hannah begins to investigate. Those who love the series will enjoy the latest entry. It’s the usual mix of baking and murder and even wraps up some loose ends from the last book.