Member Reviews
This was another great mystery filled with good characters, an intriguing plot and... cookies and cheesecake, what more could you want? I loved reading about the characters. Since I read all of the previous books they seem like old friends. I did not understand why I heard Hannah's internal arguments. I felt that it was a little jarring, and it made Hannah's character look confused about everything. The plot had some mild action, but this is a light-hearted story, and I always feel good at the end. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder ( Hannah Swensen #27) by Joanne Fluke
As a long time fan of Hannah's, I have read all 27 books and as a fan of this series, I’m always anxious to read the next one. That being said the series went off course about the time Ross showed up and seems to be floundering. I will keep reading them, hoping they will get back on course and will be very sad when they end yet I'm disappointed that they never seem to go any where. Hannah should have married Norman somewhere around book 7 when they designed a house together, instead after 27 books, he's being written like her gay best friend. Mike, who I have always found obnoxious has now turned into a slacker, who is also a pig. In the last 2 books he's done no police work, he eats 5 times as much as everyone else and it's always someone else feeding him, he never picks up the bill.
I found Hannah's good self, bad self conversations plain stupid, it reads like a mental disorder and seemed to be written to take up space. Also, since when do people call each other by name in every sentence?
These books are so far from where they started that there is no way they are being written by the same person. I understand once you are established you can hire ghost writers but at least hire good ones that have read the first books and will be true to the characters. And don't even get me started on 50% of these books are now recipes.
I could keep going but I think you get my drift by now, all that being said I will keep reading the books, hoping Hannah's like turns into the fairy tale I've been looking for since book one!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this book.
Hannah Swenson Mysteries are the gold standard of cozy mysteries. I was so excited to see that another one is coming out and to have the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder. Starting with the cover, I love the contrast between the cheesecake and the bold background. This one will look cute in stores and definitely made me want a slice of Hannah's cheesecake or several like mike!
Let's get to the murder: when Mayor Bascomb dies after a very public fight with Hannah's sister, Andrea, who later discovers the body Hannah has to get involved. This mystery actually had me stumped until about two thirds of the way through. I enjoyed the usual Hannah sleuthing, murder book writing and interviewing suspects. This book was filled with meals with family and friends which just felt so cozy. Definitely worth a read, if you're new to the series I would suggest starting at the beginning or at least an earlier book so can enjoy the backstory that brings you to this point in the series.
I like these cozy mysteries by this author. No big surprises, just plain fun. Cuddle up under a warm blanket with delicious hot chocolate and enjoy another Story about likeable characters. Try it.
This is another excellent installment in the Hannah Swenson Mystery series. As usual, the characters and setting are realistic. I’ve read all the books in the series, and it feels like coming back to visit old friends every time I start the next book. I’d love to be able to taste all those goodies Hannah makes. The recipes for most of the food talked about in the book are included. If you like short mysteries, don’t miss this book or series. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!
Hannah and her family are back at it again! Bill just recently got in an altercation with the Mayor of their town and he now has it out for him. Hannah's sister Andrea goes to soften the blow and try to talk some sense into Mayor Bascomb, but it doesn't go well...at all. As a form of apology Andrea brings over some of Hannah's amazing triple chocolate cheesecake, sure to make anyone feel better. However, Andrea finds the mayor dead, face down in his desk. Now as one of the prime suspects, Hannah must find a way to clear Andrea's name and figure out who did in the Mayor of their town.
I have read every Hannah mystery book out there and will continue to do so solely because I have already put so much time into reading all 27 of the books. However, this is probably the worst one to date. These books are NOTHING like they were in the beginning. I'm not sure who is writing them anymore (I highly doubt the author is still cranking these books out), but the formalities between the characters is AWFUL. Norman and Hannah literally had two fights about how nice the other person is. Also, what is up with that relationship, how many books are they going to draw out her love triangle? Then you have Andrea and the only cookie she knows how to make, which will probably end up fizzing out as soon as she's used every cake box mix known to man. Andrea also clings onto Hannah like she's five years old. She's a grown woman with two kids, she can figure out how to make a damn meal herself. Lastly, Hannah has developed an inner monologue as of late. She seems to have a good and bad angel on her shoulder and we have to hear about every conversation they have. I'm sorry about complaining but this book is too much.
ps. how is everyone not 400lbs? all they do is eat and drink coffee, and Hannah abuses Lisa and never goes into work. Ok I'm done.
Rate: 1/5
Fiction
Author: Joanne Fluke
When the Mayor is found dead in his office by Andrea, who had a fight with him and slapped him earlier in the day, Hannah is on the case. This time, since Andrea’s husband is the sheriff the team welcomes Hannah’s help since they are down a man on the case. With plenty of suspects who hated the man, Hanna and the team have a lot of ground to cover in finding the culprit.
I’m starting to wonder if the author is using ghost writers, this one, in a long standing series, read much like I wrote it…in my youth. The descriptions of some things border on inane and who keeps saying each others names when there are only two people talking to each other? That said, I’ll try the next one and see where that leaves me.
Love this series and author. If you haven't read this book and series yet. I highly recommend doing so. The first few books are movies.
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.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is the 27th book in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. I know what you're thinking... 27 books in the same series? But wait... 4 or 5 have been made into TV movies, several short stories with other authors have also been included in anthologies, and there are tons of products and services associated with this collection. It's quite huge, and I am a fan, even if the mysteries are on the lighter side. It's all about the town of Lake Eden and what Minnesota brings to the table.
Hannah is mid-30s, single (and dating 3 different men, depending on the book), and runs a bakery and coffee shop. She's smart, headstrong, and independent. Innocent too... no canoodling before marriage, support your neighbors, never lie! She's also very simple and easy-going, and the context of the series is truly more like the 1950s. Some might find this problematic. I do not (only because I get what's happening and focus on different aspects). The author very clearly is commenting on a different time and style, and the behavior of many of the men in the book, even some of the women, is not meant to say how things should be or to help promote something that isn't equal and fair.
Sure, it grates on my nerves when Hannah talks about losing weight to be more attractive. Sure, I can't stand when Mike treats her like his personal cook or maid. When you look past that, you have a truly remarkable set of characters and imagination that a woman has built over three decades.
I feel like home in this series because I know exactly how Hannah will react in every situation. I learn new desserts to make. And I have a relaxing 90-minute read. This series is not for everyone. And in the middle it wandered too far. It's back, and stronger than the last few books.
Half the content is still recipes and conversations that take 5 pages when it's really just "How are you today?" and "Good, thanks. Now, about that murder..." But it sets the tone, so I enjoy it. In this one, the mayor is killed. He's been around for 20+ books. We've heard about his affairs. We've seen his rudeness. We've wanted to clobber him ourselves. Now, some one did. Was it Andrea, Hannah's sister who had a public right with him hours earlier? Or his own family who tired of his ways? Or someone else we haven't heard about yet?
If you enjoy the series, this will give you some closure on a few areas. I can't imagine the author will write too many more, but I will keep reading them and will be very sad when they end. Ah, Hannah, the perfect best friend, I suspect.
Another great entry into the Hannah Swenson mystery series. This time the mayor is killed and Hannah sister is a suspect. Can hannah catch the killer in time? My favorite series!
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!
Thank you Kensington Publishers and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.. However, I did not care much for it. In any of these books about Hannah and her friends that I read, it seems that all they do is sit around, eat cookies or dinner and drink coffee, 24/7. Every other paragraph states that someone will put the coffee on. And do these people even have jobs? How are they able to just drop by the Cookie Jar constantly? In this book, I also did not like the converstations between Hannah's "rational" brain and her "suspicious" brain. I hate to sound complaining, but I also prefer that all recipes be in the back of the book instead of between chapters. It seems like too much of the story is filled with recipes.
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Hannah is busy as Easter approaches with baking for her bakery customers and planning her festive Easter meal at her mom’s place. She has no time to enjoy the spring weather for a moment.
Things soon come to a halt when she receives a panic phone call from her sister stating that the mayor been murder and she is prime suspect. Once again Hannah will use her abilities to save her sister from being sent to jail.
Lots of yummy recipes are once again included to enjoy with the story.
I have to say, I was a smidge disappointed by this latest installment in the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. Hannah has to solve her most difficult case yet, and her own sister is a suspect. The plot fell flat for me. I surmised the solution about halfway through, and that is NOT normally something I can do for a Swensen book. I also did not like this new writing style that Fluke added haphazardly, Hannah's various sides arguing in her head. It has never been like that, and it was irritating and completely unhelpful in the story.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke was an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Hannah Swenson owns The Cookie Jar, a bakery and coffee shop. She goes with her sister, Andrea, to the mayor's office. Andrea is trying to talk to the mayor, who is mad at her husband Bill, a cop. Bill had to arrest the mayor's nephew for drunk driving. Andrea calls from city hall, the mayor is dead and she is in his office. Hannah is at her mother's penthouse. She rushes to City Hall with Mike, Lonnie and Doc. Now Andrea is a suspect in Mayor Bascomb's murder.
I always forget how many recipes Joanne Fluke shares in her stories. After reading so many of her books over the years, I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The triple chocolate cheesecake recipe really sounded tasty. A lot of cookies and cake recipes plus more. I love books that you have to struggle to put down, yet you can't wait to get to the end.
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 she's the prime suspect. Like all the books in this series it's a very quick read with the added bonus of some great recipes included. The story is true to form...a bit familiar but I still love these characters, this small town and they way the author tells a story. I do wish the romance angle between Norman and Hannah would get wrapped up. The will-they-won't-they has gone on too long and now part of me doesn't really care what they do. Just make them do something. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE MYSTERY (Book 27 of the Hannah Swensen Mysteries) by Joanne Fluke in exchange for an honest review. Easter is upon us, and Hannah Swensen is focused on keeping Lake Eden stocked with Easter treats. The holiday festivities are dimmed when Hannah’s sister Andrea becomes a murder suspect. Mayor Richard Bascomb; habitual adulterer, bully, and all-around offensive blowhard; finally received his just desserts. There’ll be no resurrection for him this Easter. This time, the Lake Eden Police welcome Hannah’s assistance in narrowing down suspect since the Mayor’s despicable behavior means almost everyone in or associated with town had motive for the murder.
The good: I enjoyed the story and like the series. Overall, I’m a fan. The not-so-good: At this point, it seems like the recipes take up more of the books than the actual mystery. It may not be true, but it seems like it. I’m sure the recipes are wonderful, but since I’m diabetic, I really don’t want to read or listen to a hundred pages of dessert recipes. Since I listen to most books through Kindle’s text-to-speech, I have to stop what I’m doing, find my tablet, and fiddle with it for awhile before I can flip past all of the recipes and continue on to the actual story. As such, I would prefer a format where all of the recipes were relegated to the back of the book instead of inserted between the chapters. I recommend this book to fans of the series, and I recommend the series to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, recipes, bakeries, small towns, holidays, special events, family, law enforcement, desserts, and so-much-food.
#TripleChocolateCheesecakeMurder #NetGalley
This offering from the world of Hannah Swensen is nothing new-it's for long-time readers of this long-running series. It is a must for collectors of this series and libraries with a strong demand for cozy mystery series.
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.