Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the 26th A Hannah Swensen Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Christmas Cupcake Murder takes readers back in time to Hannah's first holiday season at The Cookie Jar. She is coming up with new creations each day to offer her customers. Cooking, baking, eating, chatting, and holiday cheer are in abundance. Delores, Mike, Carrie, Norman, Andrea, Bill, Doc Knight, and Moishe are all in present along with other regulars. Christmas Cupcake Murder is easy to read and puts you in the mood for the holiday season. The mystery portion is light. Hannah, Carrie, and Delores find a man collapsed in a vacant storefront. Joe Smith has amnesia and a bad blow to the head. He can remember bits and pieces which Hannah uses to help her reunite Joe with his family before the holidays. I do wish the mystery was a bit meatier. But I did enjoy my visit to Lake Eden. It is such a cozy town with friendly residents. It is cold, but there is plenty of holiday cheer. It was nice checking in with our favorite characters and learning more about them. We get to learn more about Lars Swensen, Hannah's father as well as how Delores came to open an antique shop. There is humor sprinkled throughout the story. Moishe's antics will have you smiling. There are over a dozen recipes including one for German Chocolate Cupcakes and Sugar Plum Cupcakes. Christmas Cupcake Murder is a lighthearted tale with scrummy cupcakes, a curious cat, and a mysterious man with memory matters plus family, friends, fine food, and festive fun.

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