I have read numerous books in this series and enjoyed every one. In the book before this, Hannah decided to marry Ross instead of either of the two young men who have been crazy about her all along. I was rooting for Norman, and thought she had made a huge mistake in not picking him. Do you ever get so caught up in a book, that you feel like you could offer advice to a character? That’s how I felt. The characters in this book are so familiar to me, I feel as if I know them.

While the books all have a mystery that is neatly tied up by the end, they do connect with each other. I’ve skipped a few in the series, so I believe you can read this as a stand alone; however, you will be stepping into the series in the middle of Hannah’s honeymoon, and there are references to previous books that are not fully explained, but if you don’t mind feeling a tiny bit in the dark, you’ll be ok. This particular book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, so I definitely think you would not want to miss the next one. I can’t wait to read it.

As always, the book is chock-full of recipes. I bookmarked the pages for Oven French toast, peach muffins and Pumpkin Scones With Sugared Cinnamon Glaze. The French Toast would be a fantastic weekend recipe and takes less than 15 minutes to bake. That’s definitely my kind of breakfast! There are plenty of recipes for cookies, and I noticed at least one for the crock pot. The recipes are scattered throughout the book.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this is definitely a good choice for your TBR (too be read) pile.

Hannah Swenson is returning from her honeymoon when her mother discovers a dead body... Hannah along with her mother, sister and various friends work together to solve the murder and along the way Hannah learns alot about herself, marriage and pleasing others.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For the past few years I have been reading the Hannah Swesen series by Joanna Fluke. I adore the light, cute, funny storylines that provide a lighthearted reading in between my more serious books. In this book, however, I did not find Hannah to be that lovable character I hold so dear. She always seemed like her own person, was independent, and did things her own way. Now that she is married it seems like she is having to tip toe around, and not be true to herself. It is almost as if the newlyweds do not seem to know each other as well as they should. I miss the Hannah who never needed anyone's seal of approval, and hope to find more of her in the next addition.

I loved this book so much, but it was just not my favorite. I was left slightly disappointed.

As usual Joanne Fluke hits it out of the park! I enjoy keeping up with the Swenson family and would love to visit the Cookie Jar. But since that's not possible I will just continue to read about how Hannah manages to get into and out of trouble. Banana Cream Pie Murder is just a bit different since Hannah is now married but she still manages to find trouble. Besides trying to find a murderer, Hannah is struggling to adjust to married life and where Mike and Norman fit into her new picture. Word of warning-this is not a book to read if you are dieting! And this isn't my favorite ending.....or should I say beginning.....

Banana Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke is book twenty-one in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. This book finds Hannah returning home from her honeymoon to solve the murder of her mother's friend. For me the series seems to be going downhill. Hannah spent more time developing new recipes than solving the murder. It was practically an afterthought in the last chapters. Hannah's marriage is just strange. I cannot imagine any actual married couple acting the way Hannah and her new husband do. Hannah seems to have lost the ability to function as a normal person. Even my mom, who hates her cell phone, knows how to see a missed call. The book did end with a major cliffhanger which means I will likely read the next book. Otherwise I feel sure I would be done with this series.

I was disappointed in this latest Hannah cozy. The writing wasn't as clear and the story not as entertaining as earlier books in the series. I did like the recipes, as always, and I liked the interaction between Hannah and Ross. I really don't think I'd hang around this woman if I knew her history (boy there's a lot of bad stuff going on in small towns.) Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I think Fluke might benefit from taking some time away from this series so that she can refresh herself. I'd be happy to read whatever she writes next.

Banana Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke is the twenty-first book in A Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Hannah Swensen is enjoying a honeymoon cruise with her new husband, Ross Barton. It is the last night of the voyage when they receive a message from Delores Swensen, Hannah’s mother. Delores found the body of her downstairs neighbor, Victoria “Tori” Bascomb and she wants Hannah to return home right away (to investigate). Tori Bascomb is the sister of Lake Eden’s mayor, Richard Bascomb. Tori was a retired actress who settled in Lake Eden and provides private acting lessons. Tori also directs the Lake Eden Players and teaches drama at Jordan High School. Hannah and Ross return home the next day and find the whole family waiting for them at Hannah’s condo. As a wedding gift, Hannah’s condo has been completely redecorated (except the kitchen for which Hannah is very grateful). The following day Hannah is ready to get updated on the case and to start sleuthing. Tori was not a well-liked woman which leads to a long suspect list. Hannah is busy questioning suspects and looking into Tori’s movements on the day of her death. Hannah also has to adjust to having a husband. Hannah is used to making her own decisions, but now she must consider Ross (and consult him). When Hannah gets a little too close, the killer strikes back. Join Hannah along with her family and friends in her latest adventure in Banana Cream Pie Murder.

I thought that Banana Cream Pie Murder had a good pace which makes it an easy and quick novel to read. Hannah is not her usual confident, independent self in this book. Hannah is used to making her own decisions and living independently. She now has another person to consider. Hannah and Ross rushed into marriage and they never discussed what happens after they are married (like does Ross want children or does he mind Michelle staying in the guest room). Mike and Norman know more about Hannah than Ross (like how Hannah dislikes sweeping). I did not feel any chemistry between Ross and Hannah. I did not like how Hannah is portrayed as technologically incompetent. She cannot figure out how to use her phone (change ringer, get her messages, etc.). Another un-Hannah moment is when Hannah is shopping for pale ale for a beer muffin recipe. Hannah has never purchased lager previously. I would expect Hannah to figure it out on her own (that she just needs to look at the labels) or ask someone in the store. Instead, she is blindly picking out different beers. Hannah has never been helpless or a dimwit. Hannah does little cooking or baking in Banana Cream Pie Murder. Michelle, Hannah’s sister, is in town and has taken over breakfast (and the majority of the baking in this book). Michelle is the more self-possessed sister in this story (especially since Andrea is MIA). I give Banana Cream Pie Murder 3 out of 5 stars (I am being a little generous with the rating). Banana Cream Pie Murder was more cozy than mystery. Every chapter revolved around the baking, making, or eating of food with recipes at the end of the chapter (which interrupts the flow). There are twenty-one recipes in Banana Cream Pie Murder. The murder investigation does not ramp up until a reader is about 70% of the way through the novel. That is when the author starts introducing the suspects. It does not take much brain power to identify the guilty party. I kept hoping for a nice twist that would pin the murder on the mayor’s wife (this is not a spoiler). One thing that really bugged me was Ross calling Hannah--Cookie. I do not believe that Ross ever called Hannah by her given name. It is cute that he gave her a nickname in college, but does he have to use it all the time. I can see using it when they are alone, but not out in public (I found it annoying). Banana Cream Pie Murder seemed to be written by someone other than Joanne Fluke. Banana Cream Pie Murder is nothing like the earlier books in the series. I did not appreciate the cliffhanger ending. I am hoping, though, that the person involved (spoiler) will get bumped off (a girl can dream). Because of the cliffhanger, I will be reading the next book in A Hannah Swensen Mystery series.

This is a great book; this is the twenty-first book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series written by Joanne Fluke. After an extravagant honeymoon, Hannah’s eager to settle down in Lake Eden and turn domestic daydreams into reality. But when her mother’s neighbor is discovered murdered in the condo downstairs, reality becomes a nightmarish investigation. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

I loved this book! I have read all of her books about Hannah Swensen and enjoyed each one of them! I cannot wait for the next one!

I like the addition of Ross. Thrilled that neither Norman or Mike ended up with Hannah. If one can't choose between them, then neither is the right one. Too much yada, yada, yada to keep my interest flowing. Slowed down the story and wasn't interesting enough as filler. The mystery was intriguing and there were clues provided. Spoiler alert: So glad no one was kill with a banana cream pie as it is one of my favorites. Hated the ending cliff hanger. Oh no! I did read the prologue for the next book to see if there were any clues, but not the case. That one does sound interesting and I do look forward to reading it.

I have always been a fan of the Hannah Swensen murder series. Hannah is a small town baker who solves the many murders which take place in her small town. However, I was disappointed in this book. Hannah has returned from her honeymoon but things do not appear to be as they should be. It makes me wonder if the pairing of Hannah with Ross was a decision which the author is regretting. I am definitely not a fan of Ross and find it difficult to follow the storyline with him involved. The newlyweds seem a bit distant to one another.

Aside from this unusual situation, I did enjoy the aspects of Banana Cream Pie Murder. Hannah's mother finds the body this time of her downstairs neighbor. Tori has taken over the theater group in Lake Eden. Did someone kill her for her harsh reviews of the actors? Or did someone from her past want her dead? This is the mystery Hannah must solve before the play can go on. I love all of the characters that return. I especially like her sister Michelle who is a talented baker in her own right. I love the recipes in this book. As with other books in the series, the recipes are presented with notes that help when preparing them.
I received a copy through Netgalley. I wrote my review on my own.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am providing a review voluntarily.

This book is good as another installment in the Hannah Swensen series and long-time fans will likely enjoy it as a chance to reconnect with lots of the Lake Edenites we've missed over the past year. (Though there was a surprising lack of Andrea in this story. I mean, she was there, but not as involved in the main storyline/investigation as much as in previous cases.)

I enjoy all the Hannah books but this one felt slightly off to me. Maybe because Hannah's married now, I don't know but the dynamic seemed off. And she was so unsure of herself and her feelings in this book and wondering whether she should express those feelings or not. The Hannah I've come to love is not shy about expressing her feelings so she felt very OOC (out-of-character) to me. Also, although this book is a self-contained story (in that the titular murder is solved and the killer brought to justice) there is a cliffhanger twist at the end, meaning we'll need to read the next book (at least) to find out what happened. I know I'd still read it anyway but just reminds me how much I'm not a fan of cliffhangers.

All in all, fans of Hannah will probably want this book on their shelves.

In the newest mystery in the Hannah Swensen series, Hannah comes home from her honeymoon cruise to discover that her mother's neighbor has been murdered. She begins to investigate along with the help of her friends and family. Fun mystery series with recipes!

Another fun and lively book in the adventurous live of Lake Eden's Hannah. Love the mystery, the romance, and the baking recipes. If you have read others in the series you will not be disappointed. If you are new to the series you will be caught up and want to read the rest afterwards. Highly recommend this book and author, a fun cozy mystery series that is hard to put down.

I'm still not overly impressed by the recent books, but this was definitely an improvement over Christmas Caramel Murder. The mystery itself was really good, and it took me a while to figure out whodunit. My problems with it are that Hannah is way too much of a tech failure to be believable, and a lot of the conversations seem like filler than meaningful conversations. Seriously, they were talking about how to make a sandwich for over a page, in enough detail that you don't even need a recipe to make it, and at the end of the chapter was a recipe for that exact sandwich. But that cliffhanger ending was shocking and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Holy cliffhanger Batman! But, let's start at the beginning... Hannah Swensen Barton can’t even make it back from her honeymoon before her mother Deloris finds her downstairs neighbor (stage actress, now acting coach, leader of the Lake Eden Players and sister of the mayor), Victoria (Tori) Bascomb, dead. And wouldn’t you know it, Tori happened to be eating one of Hannah’s delicious banana cream pies right before she was shot down in cold blood.

As soon as the Bartons are welcomed back to their newly updated and redesigned condo, Hannah jumps into detective mode. Thankfully, Michelle returns to play her Dr. Watson, while also taking over the directing duties for the Lake Eden players. During her short time in town, Tori seems to have made more than a few enemies and it seems like the contrary to the police’s belief that her death was the result of a robbery gone wrong, there might be more to the story.

While a visit with the Lake Eden crew is like a visit with an old friend, I just can’t get my mind around Hannah marrying Ross. She’s awkward around him and lacks all resemblance to the confident, clear-headed baker, who also happens to solve a few murders a year, that I have grown to know and enjoy. Ross and Hannah just don’t fit and the cliffhanger at the end gives a very clear picture that there might be more than a little trouble in paradise.

While I’m not shipping Hannah and Ross, there’s no way I’m giving up the series. That being said, Banana Cream Pie Murder is not written nearly as well as the earlier books in the series. The mystery is weak and to be honest, I expect more from a Joanne Fluke book. The good news is, there are still parts of the book that feel true to form. Especially, the recipes! The Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff and Noodles with Cheesy Beer Muffins has already entered my weeknight rotation and it is an absolutely delicious meal.

Banana Cream Pie Murder

by Joanne Fluke

I went into this book with the assumption that there would be a recipe for Banana Cream Pie and there was--plus 24 more recipes. Folks in the little Minnesota town of Lake Eden like their food! Most of the recipes sound delicious, and they are highly detailed with helpful tips so that even a novice cook could successfully make each dish. Banana Cream Pie Murder has been described as a “culinary cozy.” I agree but have to add that the emphasis is on food with the mystery playing a supporting role.

I am confused about the reputation of the book and the author. Joanne Fluke is the pen name of a New York Times best selling author. Based on this book, I am not sure why. Banana Cream Pie Murder is the latest in the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series which has 23 books. Obviously it has appeal for a certain group of readers. I appreciate a book with no sex or profanity, but this was just too sweet, too gentle. The simplistic dialogue was a model for how kindly we wish people would talk to each other and even think of each other. Unfortunately the civility I long for in today’s society was unrealistically portrayed here.

Banana Cream Pie Murder doesn’t work well as a standalone. Several important characters are a part of this story with the assumption that the reader should know who they are. Looking back in the text, I confirmed that they were never introduced; you just had to have read the previous books. If the author feels that by the twenty-fourth book it is just too redundant to remind the reader of the various characters, then I would suggest a simple listing of recurring characters with name, occupation, and relationship with other characters.

I really am not a fan of this book nor would I have considered reading a sequel to it, but then I got caught. At the very end of the book a new unsolved mystery is introduced, a hook to drag me into the next book. All through this book, I felt little impetus to get to the next chapter to see what would happen. Now I really am anxiously anticipating the development of this new mystery.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3/5

Category: Mystery

Notes:
1. Joanne Fluke has published additional novels, sometimes under other pseudonyms: 11 suspense, 7 romance novels, and 7 young adult/teen horror.
The reading level of the Hannah Swensen books is low making it a good fit for an adult or teen who struggles with reading.
Four Hallmark movies have been made from the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series.

Publication: February 28, 2017--Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:
You’d do what you had to do. Everyone’s stronger than they think they are.

Mother thinks chocolate is a food group.

If you weren’t in a hurry, and you stood in an aisle long enough and listened to the conversations that were all around you, you might overhear an important clue. She would call this phenomenon the “unseen shopper trick.” It was almost as good as the invisible waitress trick, when Hannah and Lisa walked around The Cookie Jar, refilling coffee cups, and their customers didn’t seem to notice that they were there and went right on talking about private matters.

So this is the 21st book in a series. In the previous book Hannah finally decided whom to marry but it wasn’t either of her forever beaus, Norman or Mike. Instead she marries Ross, a man she knew in high school who has swept back into her life. This book picks up as they are finishing their honeymoon. As I mentioned in my review of the previous book, I don’t get the relationship between Hannah and Ross. She seems uncomfortable with him and his attentions to her, she knows very little about the grownup adult Ross, and is always second guessing both her own actions and his. I was surprised he wasn’t killed before the wedding and remain in a state of anticipation. But, back to this particular story. As Hannah and Ross are finishing up their honeymoon, Delores finds the dead body of her downstairs neighbor. Of course she has to immediately summon Hannah home from her trip, right? Luckily, they were headed home the next day anyway and since Ross seems to have unlimited money and contacts, the whole return home flew by seamlessly and Hannah is quickly back to her old amateur detecting. With her busy second guessing every step with Ross, the fun banter between her family and the characters of Lake Eden is toned down and the story is just a little less bright. I hope this is temporary while Ross and Hannah find their place as a couple and we can get back to what we know and love from Ms. Fluke’s series.