This fun new story from the Queen of Culinary Cozies is just the indulgence you need this winter! Cozy mystery fans know that a trip to The Cookie Jar—Hannah Swensen’s famous bakery—will always result in a delightfully page-turning whodunit… familiar cast of characters, all the while relishing the baking frame and the delicious-sounding recipes.”
—Booklist
“Another sweet-tempered outing filled with tempting sweets.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Spring has sprung in Lake Eden, Minnesota, but Hannah Swensen doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not with hot cross buns to make, treats to bake, and a sister to exonerate!
Hannah’s up to her ears with Easter orders rushing in at The Cookie Jar, plus a festive meal to prepare for a dinner party at her mother’s penthouse. But everything comes crashing to a halt when Hannah receives a panicked call from her sister Andrea—Mayor Richard Bascomb has been murdered . . . and Andrea is the prime suspect.
Even with his reputation for being a bully, Mayor Bascomb—or “Ricky Ticky,” as Hannah’s mother likes to call him—had been unusually testy in the days leading up to his death, leaving Hannah to wonder if he knew he was in danger. Meanwhile, folks with a motive for mayoral murder are popping up in Lake Eden. Was it a beleaguered colleague? A political rival? A jealous wife? Or a scorned mistress?
As orders pile up at The Cookie Jar—and children line up for Easter egg hunts—Hannah must spring into investigation mode and identify the real killer . . . before another murder happens!
Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!
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Very charming characters and cozy mystery. This was my first book by Joanne Fluke and I enjoyed it. There are a few recipes I’m going to try out too. WARNING: have plenty of sweet snacks and a full belly. I made chocolate chip cookies half way through.
This was a quick entertaining read. You can read this as a stand-alone mystery. However, I believe the characters can be better understood if you read some of the earlier books first. The mystery is enjoyable with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing whodunit. I liked this book and the series, however, Hannah’s needs to change negativity and doubts and become the confident person she was pre-Ross.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
This is my second Hannah Swenson book, my first being, well, the first one. To be honest, I did not enjoy the first one–I found Hannah extremely unlikable and the politically incorrect statements of 20 years ago didn’t sit well with me. However, I know people LOVE this series, and many fellow cozy mystery fans assured me it got better. Spoiler alert: it did not.
This book was decidedly more politically correct for 2021, but it was otherwise exactly the same as the first book. Hannah is still brash and people still magically tell her what she needs to hear to solve the crime. There’s just something that doesn’t sit right with me about the writing style–mostly the dialogue. It’s very stilted, almost as if all the characters are in their 80s, instead of their true ages. Everyone speaks in perfect full sentences and it just doesn’t feel REAL.
I do enjoy the structure of the mysteries in these books. Both this one and the first are structured the same, so I assume that’s how they all are. Where Hannah very methodically eliminates suspect after suspect until we’re left with the one who must have done it. This doesn’t make for much excitement, but I like that I can follow along and use the clues provided to predict who the killer will be. This isn’t a mystery where they keep the reader in the dark, and I like that!
Ultimately, I already own three or four other books in this serious, so I’ll probably read them, but I don’t think I’ll buy any more. The writing style is just not for me, and Hannah isn’t likable enough to make up for it. There’s enough books (and cozy mysteries) out there that I have plenty else to purchase!
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars – 5/10
As with the rest of the Hannah Swensen saga this 27th installment brings the customary zainy interactions between characters that at this point feel like family. But this one hits a little close to home when Andrea is the first in a long line of subjects. With the included recipes as a plus the only drawback I feel is that Hannah needs to figure out that the dentist is all in and would be a much better soulmate than the other turned out to be. Entertaining and enjoyable.
I love Hannah Swensen books! Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder did not dissapoint. Between all of the murder mysteries and delectable treats, I always look forward to a new release from Joanne Fluke. I love the humor and adventures that go on in Lake Eden. A very enjoyable read!
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the 29th and newest addition to the wonderful Hannah Swensen Mystery series. I have read every single book and novella that comprises this amazing cozy mystery series and it almost feels like going home when I get to join the family and friends that all are a apart of Lake Eden, Minnesota. I also love seeing what new antics and recipes are being played out and served up at Hannah’s successful business, The Cookie Jar. This newest book did not disappoint.
In this one, Hannah’s older sister Andrea gets added to the suspect list after Mayor Bascomb is found murdered in his office later on the same day she was seen arguing with him in attempts to help dissuade him from inappropriately trying to punish her husband, Bill the Sheriff, after he rightfully arrested the mayor’s spoiled and consistently drunk nephew Bruce with his newest DUI. Bill couldn’t turn a blind eye for a blatant illegal stop and the Mayor was taking it personal. The Mayor had many enemies, so Mike and Lonnie enlist Hannah and Norman to help weed through the ever-lengthening suspect list. Will they be able to find the culprit and also clear Andrea?
I loved this book. With its Easter theme, springtime deserts, and the wonderful team of Hannah and Norman, I felt this was perfect. Hannah and Norman fit so well together and it is clear he still has feelings for her, so now she just needs to realize it all herself! I enjoyed the murder/mystery plot and the uplifting ending as well. I need to see what happens next!
My favorite desert recipe that I am determined to try will be: the Tropical Vacation Bundt Cake. I might try one without the icing and one with…not sure which will be best.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/23/21.