I don't know why I keep reading this series, except for the fact that maybe I just have to know what's going on with the annoying Hannah Swensen. Seems like she does less work at her shop and more time dilly dallying around trying to be a detective. A better detective than the entire police force apparently, since they all want her to solve the latest murder after they've been removed from the case. And she gives more and more responsibility for the shop over to her partner, Lisa, so I'm not sure why she ever even bothers showing up there.. oh yeah, that's the "go to" place for everyone to give her all the clues so that she can say she solved the murder in the end. Having said all that, I'm sure I will be reading the next one to come along, just so I can be reassured that she is still annoying as ever.
Helpful Score: 2
I have spent 3 months waiting to receive this book. I wish I could say that I wasn't at all disappointed, but I can't. Maybe it was my own fault because I read the book so fast but I don't think so.
Before I begin let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of the Hannah Swensen series. I have read them all several times each. And this book was no different in the fact that I couldn't reach chapter 3 before heading into the kitchen to bake some cookies to eat while reading.
The story gave up the murderer way too easily this time. I like a story that keeps me guessing longer. Unfortunately this book did not.
I grew tired of listening to Hannah complain about her diet. She works at a cookie shop she is suppose to be round and fluffy. That is what makes her lovable.
Hannah did not spend much time at all working this time. One day she blew off work completely and it didn't seem to haze her at all like normal.
Joanne Fluke seem to gloss over the support characters like we didn't care to hear about them. We barely heard at all about Lisa and the Mothers. Being from the Midwest myself keeping up with the characters in the series is like hearing the local gossip about neighbors.
I was glad to see that Hannah may finally be making a decision between her men. I mean come on already how long was she suppose to date 2 men before people started comparing her to Ronnie Ward.
Read the book if you like the series but please do not start the series with this book. I fear that you will be disappointed. Fans, like me, will be awaiting the next book with higher expectations.
Before I begin let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of the Hannah Swensen series. I have read them all several times each. And this book was no different in the fact that I couldn't reach chapter 3 before heading into the kitchen to bake some cookies to eat while reading.
The story gave up the murderer way too easily this time. I like a story that keeps me guessing longer. Unfortunately this book did not.
I grew tired of listening to Hannah complain about her diet. She works at a cookie shop she is suppose to be round and fluffy. That is what makes her lovable.
Hannah did not spend much time at all working this time. One day she blew off work completely and it didn't seem to haze her at all like normal.
Joanne Fluke seem to gloss over the support characters like we didn't care to hear about them. We barely heard at all about Lisa and the Mothers. Being from the Midwest myself keeping up with the characters in the series is like hearing the local gossip about neighbors.
I was glad to see that Hannah may finally be making a decision between her men. I mean come on already how long was she suppose to date 2 men before people started comparing her to Ronnie Ward.
Read the book if you like the series but please do not start the series with this book. I fear that you will be disappointed. Fans, like me, will be awaiting the next book with higher expectations.
Helpful Score: 1
A great addition to the Hannah Swensen series.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the story as well as the recipes. I tried one of the recipes and it was a hit just like her book!
Helpful Score: 1
It was very entertaining.
Helpful Score: 1
The negatives: I didn't like the murder mystery in this book as well as some of the other Hannah Swenson books. The plot just went too far beyond being unrealistic. Not only does every officer on the police force decide to have Hannah assist them in the murder investigation when they are all suspended, but the dectective from out of town also asks Hannah for help. It was odd and a bit distracting. In addition, at times Hannah sounds more like a senior citizen in this book than a 30 year-old woman. This is a direct quote from this novel: "(Hannah) wasn't sure what offended her more, the fact that all Jordan High kids were sending text messages with improper spelling and no punctuation, or the fact that texting was fast becoming accepted as a word." Fluke needs to remember how old Hannah is!
The positives: I loved the Moishe mystery in this novel. It was a lot of fun to read. I was also happy to see SOME movement in the Mike/Norman/Hannah love triangle. It became clear (to me at least) who Hannah should choose.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to big Hannah Swenson fans. This is not a book to read without reading all of the other Hannah Swenson mysteries. It would be too confusing without knowing all of the background info.
The positives: I loved the Moishe mystery in this novel. It was a lot of fun to read. I was also happy to see SOME movement in the Mike/Norman/Hannah love triangle. It became clear (to me at least) who Hannah should choose.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to big Hannah Swenson fans. This is not a book to read without reading all of the other Hannah Swenson mysteries. It would be too confusing without knowing all of the background info.
Perhaps the dumbest in a long, pathetic line of dumb cozy mysteries.
Each Hannah Swenson book is more ridiculous than the last ....
Hannah is asked by 4 different cops to investigate a murder??? Get real!! Hannah's boyfriend (who loves her dearly and has proposed to her) admits to tomcatting with another woman, and Hannah doesn't chuck him out the nearest window? REALLY?!?!
How is it that everything Hannah touches turns immediately "perfect"?? Every recipe. Every friend's problem she resolves. Every outfit she tries on.
In this installment, Hannah goes on a diet. Anyone who's ever had any success at losing weight will throw this book across the room after listening to Hannah whine about how horrible it is, and how she can't/won't be able to do it ..
I solemnly swear that this is THE LAST Lake Eden-UTOPIA, MN book I will EVER read. They are getting THAT BAD. :-(
Each Hannah Swenson book is more ridiculous than the last ....
Hannah is asked by 4 different cops to investigate a murder??? Get real!! Hannah's boyfriend (who loves her dearly and has proposed to her) admits to tomcatting with another woman, and Hannah doesn't chuck him out the nearest window? REALLY?!?!
How is it that everything Hannah touches turns immediately "perfect"?? Every recipe. Every friend's problem she resolves. Every outfit she tries on.
In this installment, Hannah goes on a diet. Anyone who's ever had any success at losing weight will throw this book across the room after listening to Hannah whine about how horrible it is, and how she can't/won't be able to do it ..
I solemnly swear that this is THE LAST Lake Eden-UTOPIA, MN book I will EVER read. They are getting THAT BAD. :-(
I really like Janne Fluke books. Can't wait to get the next one!
I really like the auhor's sense of humor. The recipes look simple but I have yet to try any of them.
Just finished this one and am getting frustrated with Hannah for NOT picking Norman.... MIKE is bad news. RUN!!!!
Besides that the book is FANTASTIC
Besides that the book is FANTASTIC
Michelle C. (Shellaree) -
#11 in the Hannah Swensen series.
A fun book full of quirky characters, cookie recipes and a main character who can't make up her mind between two men.
A fun book full of quirky characters, cookie recipes and a main character who can't make up her mind between two men.
loved this book
Shirley D. (bookattic) -
All of Joanne Fluke's books are good. If you want to sit down with a light-hearted good time book this is your author. I love her books. They are quick and easy to read and best of all, entertaining.
This is another typical Hannah Swenson murder mystery mixed with lots of great recipes. Hannah mixes her love of cooking with her love of helping others. I wish she would make up her mind between her two men but besides that I enjoy the series.
Darilee P. (cozysleuth) reviewed Cream Puff Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 11) on + 153 more book reviews
Another great mystery and cooking story. Good hints on diet and exercise too. Mike and Norman plus Moishe and his hunger.
