I love Hannah Swensen and the Cookie Jar Mysteries so I was super excited to read this book. Overall, I enjoyed the book...just thought the recipes overshadowed the storyline a bit. The ending was a bit of a surprise and sets up the next book...maybe. We'll see. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery & it’s collection of recipes. The storyline moves at a nice pace & with enough twists & turns to keep you interested. The characters are well written & relatable. Each story in this series is self contained & have the same base of characters. This is a wonderful series & very enjoyable to read.

Definitely an improvement from the last couple of books in the series. Still some silliness, but I’m glad I hung in there.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

This is Book 25 of the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. For those who have not read all the books, especially the last two or three, please note there are spoilers in this review. Proceed with caution!

This story finds Hannah, a recent widow, totally exhausted and drained from current events. Trying to put her life back together she and her mom fly to Los Angeles so she can assist a friend who is moving to Lake Eden.
While soaking up the sun she receives a frantic call from her sister. Michelle’s boyfriend Detective Lonnie Murphy has been accused of a crime. In a town as small as Lake Eden where everybody knows everybody, and their police force being a small group, they all needed to recuse themselves from the case because they know Lonnie. So in steps Hannah and her investigating skills to save they day!

Lonnie has been accused of murdering a woman in her home. He wakes up on her couch after spending the night prior at a bar drinking with some of his friends. The only problem is Lonnie can’t remember what happened the night before. He only remembers waking up and discovering her lifeless body in her bedroom, (with a coconut layer cake on the kitchen table).

It’s all up to Hannah to try and piece the puzzle together alone (but with helpful clues and assistance from her friends). In the meantime, its seems the mystery of Ross, her late husband, continues to haunt her as she finds strange objects he owned and he kept hidden prior to his murder.

The Hannah Swensen Mysteries are like visiting with an old friend you’ve known for a while but only see maybe once or twice a year. Always happy to see and hear from them, always greatful to catch up and see what’s been going on, always enjoyable, and they always come with delicious food suggestions you want to try.

Thank you #NetGalley #KennsingtonBooks #JoanneFluke #CoconutLayerCakeMurder.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Joanne Fluke for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Coconut Layer Cake Murder. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Hannah is back with a whole new slew of recipes that she dreams up on the spot. But this time the town really needs her help. Instead of her “meddling”, they need her to solve the murder. There is a dead woman and Lonnie, one of the local police, has been accused of the murder. Mike has to take a back seat because of personal conflicts and there is no one else in the department to solve the murder. So Hannah flies back from her California vacation to gather the facts. All of the characters are part of the story like Norm, her sisters, and her mother. The coconut layer cake is at the center of the murder.

Nothing new in the story. The same characters, the same saccharine-sweet banter along with the consumption of a lot of cookies. I am surprised everyone in that town isn’t 300 pounds with cholesterol problems! These characters are super supportive, super sweet and super into everyone’s business! Look, when you read this series you know what you’re getting. I just wish there was more mystery, even in the light-as-air genre, something would be nice. Hannah talks to everyone, creating recipes as she goes and then in the last ten pages boom, it is solved. I haven’t given up on the series yet, so there’s that. Sometimes you want the comfort of what you know and can enjoy it for what it is!

I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this series!! Can't wait for the next book in the series to release!! Love this author's books!! Received this book from Kensington books from netgally!!

A Hannah Swensen Mystery

1 Simple Cozy Mystery
25 Assorted Tasty Recipes
5-6 Good Friends

Mix together for about 5-1/2 hours until 350 pages in length. Be sure to skip at least two nights of good sleep till done. When completed, you will have one fun book, ready to recommend eagerly to other readers.

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That is how it seemed this Joanne Fluke book was put together. The cozy mystery centers on a young man who takes a friend home after dinner; but when the morning arrives, she is dead and he is charged with murder. The police have found their suspect; Hannah Swensen and her friends are not so sure. They will spend the next week searching for clues and putting together a puzzle that will lead to the guilty party.

The mystery is not as involved as most cozy mysteries that cross my desk, but it is fun. And when it is wrapped with two dozen appetizing recipes (appetizers, soups, entrees, and a lot of deserts) the reader has a great book. My favorite recipes included Meaty Minestrone Soup, Lemon Glazed Chicken Breasts, and Peach Cake (though my favorite dessert was hard to choose - though my doctor would not me touch any of them).

A gentle read - full of fun food. Enjoy your evening.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Coconut Layer Cake Murder is the twenty-fifth novel to feature Bakery owner Hannah Swensen, set in wintry Minnesota and following on from 'Chocolate Cream Pie Murder', which was released in 2019. I have to say I was completely and thoroughly hooked right from the start.

In this instalment, Hannah and Delores (her mother) are leaving Lake Eden to help a friend in Los Angeles, sunny California. They are going to assist Hannah's friend, Lynne to move back to Minnesota, and Hannah herself needs a well-earned break after going through "stuff" with her husband Ross. But their trip is cut short when her Hannah's sister, Michelle frantically calls her to advise that Michelle's boyfriend, Lake Eden police officer, Lonnie Murphy is the prime suspect in a murder. With a shortage of detectives to investigate the murder due to a conflict of interest, Hannah's investigation along with her family and friends, becomes Lonnie’s best chance of clearing his name...

Coconut Layer Cake Murder kicks off where 'Chocolate Cream Pie Murder' finished, although it is still possible to enjoy this mystery as an individual read. Unraveling what really happened during Darcy's (the murder victim's) last day is aided by Norman whose love for Hannah has remained strong in spite of Hannah's life choices. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and Joanne Fluke threw a few curve balls into the mixture with the result that I struggled to be certain of the perpetrator until the very end. I enjoyed the comfortable pace and the icing on the cake for me was the marvellous subplots. A lot of cookie eating takes place and family and friends regularly get together for meals with numerous comedic scenes. It was also very pleasing to see that Hannah is moving on with her life. A highly recommended five star read and an exciting story that will be of interest to many cozy readers.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

I have to say that I enjoyed this fun read! Even thought this book is one of many in a series that Joanne Fluke has written, I picked this one up and could follow along no problem. I did not have to have read the previous books. I love when you can pick up a book in a series and not be lost.

Hannah is the local baker for Lake Eden and has been super busy lately. Her doctor has asked her to come to his office to discuss some test results with her and Hannah is worried about what he is going to tell her. Hannah's doctor tells her that she needs to get away and rest for a few days. That is the only thing that is wrong with her and he has just the plan for her. She is to go with her mom to help their friend Lynne move back to Lake Eden.

After being in California for a few days, Michelle, Hannah's sister, calls frantic saying that Hannah has to come back to Lake Eden immediately. Lonnie, Michelle's boyfriend. is being accused of a murder and he has no idea how he ended up in the situation he is in now. With all the other Lake Eden police being assigned to other cases, Hannah is asked to come in with her detective skills once again. With Lonnie being on the force as well, there are certain people that can not be on the case for conflict of interest.

Hannah is on the case by herself and does her best to interview everyone that she can think of that might have a connection to the case. Hannah is eventually running out of potions when one thing just doesn't seem right about a certain person that has recently gone through a rough situation. (Not going to give it away)

You will be surprised who the murderer is. I did not expect it to be them whatsoever, but it did put a good twist on the whole story. I have to say some of the recipes sounded delicious in this book! I just might have to try some of them! I would have rather had them all together in the back though instead of after each chapter. I enjoyed this quick read. Joanne Fluke always keeps me wanting to read to find out who dune it in her books. Lol

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

Loved this book so much!! Anything Joanne Fluke writes instantly becomes my favorite. She gives me a "Book Hangover" every time!

Not my favorite Hannah Swensen novel - the recipes looked great however. The story was choppy, the character development was incomplete and for me, the ending was ho hum. One bad egg doesn't spoil the dozen, so I'll look forward to continuing to read more Joanne Fluke novels. Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to preview #coconutlayercakemurder

Honestly, the mystery in this one is pretty cool (so far as murder mysteries can be cool?) - we have sleeping tablets, frame-ups, love triangles, a spurned lover...and recipes.

The Hannah Swensen series will always be one of my favourite cozy mystery series because of the number and the quality of the recipes involved. As in, I have in fact tried several of the recipes out of previous books in the series and have been soundly and extensively applauded for my obvious baking genius when I have done so. Sadly, I haven't got (and haven't yet read) the entire series, but like hell was that going to stop me when I saw this had been released. It is genuinely one of my goals to eventually have the entire series in physical format, not least because I have every intention of starting a bookish baking series wherein I plan to trial some of the recipes I find in my cozy mysteries, and Hannah's recipes are going to be front and centre.

One thing I will say (and it is entirely due to my being a complete ninny and reading the books out of order) about this series is that there are certain elements to the story that are really not going to make sense if you haven't read the previous books (who in the heck is Ross??), but there are also the permanent characters that make every new story feel comfortable to slip into anyway. And honestly...I really think I am developing a preference for Norman, and I did not think I would ever say that.

In the meantime, this was a lovely way to pass a few hours and I can't wait to trial the new recipes.

Well worth a read, people.

Wow - I cannot believe we are on book #25 of this series. I still remember reading book #1 and how much fun it was. I will admit to enjoying some of the stories better than others, but that is pretty typical for a series that has been around this long.

As someone who has been on team Norman from the very beginning, I do wish the author would do something with this part of the storyline. The murder solving aspect has always been entertaining and is part of why I continue to read these books. It just feels like it is time to move on from the Norman versus Mike aspect, as this has been an integral part of the series for so long.

That being said, I know I will continue to look forward to each new installment. I am just not able to stay away from finding out what Hannah is up to next.

My thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC.

I don't usually read this kind of books but I do love the movie series so I decided to give this one a try.
I am happy to say that I very much enjoyed this book. It is well written and entertaining.

I am late in the game since this is book number 25!! I do want to start reading from the very beginning in the future so maybe sometime soon you will be seeing more of these books on my blog.

I’m a fan of the Hannah Swensen series and was excited to read the next instalment, especially after being left hanging about Hannah’s possible pregnancy at the end of the last book. Felt like the mystery was wrapped up too soon, but still a great read. There is also several tasty recipes I can’t wait to try!

very good.
quite a few deep moments.
Even I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was this time.
Jealousy is not good

Several books ago I thought I was going to throw in the towel. Hannah was getting annoying and getting on my nerves. But I kept reading them with the hope that they would somehow recapture their early spark. Sadly, for this reader, they have not. Having said that I will still feel the urge to stay "in touch" with Hannah just so I can, someday soon, I hope, find out if it's Mike or Norman.
Getting past the question of why on earth the local police would ask her to investigate the latest murder, one with the prime suspect being her sister Michelle's boyfriend really took me out of the story. Sure, the police force is small and almost everyone was connected to the suspect, Lonnie so, of course, they had to recuse themselves, but still....? Then her family forces her to take a vacation to LA but she needs advice on what to pack. How can a grown woman who runs her own successful business be unable to pack for a trip? To a major city that does have places to buy anything she may want and didn't pack? The other nit pick? What's with the fixation on butter? Please, enough already.
Aside from all of the bits that annoyed me, I did enjoy the mystery segment of the book. I guessed wrong as to who dunnit and that's always a good thing. I just wish the mystery would take up more of the book. I hope some of my questions are answered on September 29, 2020 when book #26 Christmas Cupcake Murder comes out.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the latest in the Hannah Swenson mystery series. Having her vacation interrupted, Hannah, a baker and owner of The Cookie Jar (a bake shop) doesn't bat an eye and dives in trying to help her sister's boyfriend when he's the prime suspect in a local woman's murder. These are nice character driven novels, they are light, but not especially humorous. My biggest complaint is the patronizing way the author explains simple concepts. If these were specifically aimed at Young Adults or children, I'd be more understanding. My second complaint is the on going love triangle between Mike, Norman, and Hannah. It's not realistic and it's getting quite repetitive. Though part of the attraction to the books is the recipes, they seem to be taking over and the stories are shorter and shorter.
#netgalley #coconutlayercakemurder

At the end of the last book we learned that Hannah suspects she may be pregnant with Ross's child. After Ross's duplicity and subsequent death, could this be a burden or a blessing in disguise? We learn the answer in this book but then, this book comes with a lot more questions as Lonnie, a local policeman & her sister's boyfriend, is a suspect in a puzzling murder. Departmental complications due to one of their own being a suspect and limited numbers of officers, Hannah is called in to help out and of course Hannah figures it out although not without putting herself in way of danger if only briefly. In the prologue, Hannah has an interesting dream which leaves us yet again questioning her future. Is Norman possibly back in the picture?

Hannah is stressed in the Coconut Layer Cake Murder. Her doctor, and stepfather, arranges for Hannah and her mother, Delores, to fly to Los Angeles. They are there to help Hannah’s college friend, Lynn, move back to her hometown, Lake Eden Minnesota. While in California, Hannah’s sister’s boyfriend, Lonnie, is named the primary suspect in a murder. So, of course, Hannah must find the real killer.

There are some yummy recipes including in this book. Here is the list.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Toffee
• Minestrone Soup
• Chocolate Cake in a Mug
• Confetti Blizzard Whippersnapper Cookies
• Corned Beef and Pepper Jack Quiche (which sounds delicious)
• Butterscotch and Pretzel Cookies
• Cinnamon and Raisin Snap Cookies
• Chocolate Salami
• Lemon-glazed Chicken Breasts
• Mushroomy Rice
• Mandarin Orange Bundt
• Eggs Benedict
• Chips Off the Old Block Cookies
• Snowflakes and Ice Cookies
• Pear and Apple Pie
• Strawberries and Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies
• Chocolate Cashew Marshmallow Bar Cookies
• Coconut Layer Cake with its Coconut Lemon Frosting from the title

With eighteen lengthy recipes, there isn’t much room for the actual mystery. Unfortunately, the lack of complexity shows. It is sad when a mystery series that you have enjoyed for literally years fizzles out. I’m sure I will read the next one anyway on the hopes that it will be better. Still, skipping the Coconut Layer Cake Murder won’t cause any readers to miss out and is probably a good idea unless one of the recipes listed above sound tasty. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.