I had fallen behind on this series, but wanted to pick up Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder because I had fond memories of the earlier books!

I don't often read cozy mysteries, but occasionally, I like the change of pace. My biggest struggle with this book was that the mystery part was kind of a sidebar. The story is filled with yummy sounding treats (which is GREAT), but the mystery part fell flat. To me, this is more of a foodie fiction read than a mystery.

So, if I approach this as a foodie fiction read, there are some good things. The recipes all sound amazing! The story is an easy read that won't cause you any angst or worry. The characters are likable and engaging. So, as a cozy mystery I feel it missed the mark, but as a general fiction story about food, it is pretty solid.

Can Hannah find who killed the mayor before her sister is arrested for the crime? Read and see.
Another fun and interesting adventure with Hannah and crew.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

First of all I really love this series, I look forward to new books coming out. But this one was by far my least favorite. The mystery seemed to take a back seat and sort of felt like a rushed side story. The book, in my opinion, seemed to focus more on food and recipes more than anything else. I didn't dislike the book, but I was slightly disappointed as I guess I just expected more. That being said I will still be excited to read the next book in the series!

4.5 stars

This is the twenty-seventh book in the Hannah Swensen mystery series by Joanne Fluke.

I am a big fan of this series and read every book I can get my hands on. That being said, I was a little disappointed with the murder of Mayor Bascomb. It wasn’t front burner like most of the mysteries are. I did like seeing more of his backstory and getting to know him better.

Most of this story was focused on the food and what they were making. This is the first story I can think of where Hannah was catering an event.

That was’t the only new thing. Andrea wasn’t the normal Andrea and she was trying to channel Hannah’s baking abilities during the story. Lisa was just a backdrop, Bill didn’t even make an appearance and Mike showed up but not to the extent he normally does. This story mostly had Norman front and center and Hannah couldn’t fathom going back to her condo where Ross died. So she was staying with Norman at his newly built house. I wanted to see more of the community in this one but I think the story kept that from coming to fruition.

I loved the storyline and the setting but it is the people that keep me coming back. I wish there were less recipes and more story. The author likes to put the recipes inbetween chapters but that always seems to block the flow when reading. I would like to see them all at the end in a little appendix or something.

Loved so much about it. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

The latest in the Hannah Swensen book-ography has Hannah investigating when her sister Andrea discovers the body of one of Lake Eden’s most reputable citizens. Because Andrea also had a heated altercation with said citizen earlier in the day she is the prime suspect.

This book, more than any other in this series, seems to have a lot of using going on. Mike is the most prevalent example as almost every other character in almost every chapter says something about how Mike will want the extras of whatever they’re eating, even if he wasn’t invited to the meal! I found it very grating. Hannah is using Norman because she and Moishe are living with him still while Michelle and Lonnie are at the condo. And Hannah actually refers to Norman as her boyfriend. It’s clear that he isn’t really, though, and that Hannah is only staying with him out of necessity because she is clearly desperate to get back to the condo and is only staying away because Moishe is terrified of going back there.

I was surprised about the identity of the victim because I’d thought this person wasn’t so bad. Possibly my idea of them was clouded by their portrayal in the Hannah Hallmark movies?

All in all, though, a nice check back in on Lake Eden residents for fans of the series.

It’s almost Easter, and Hannah Swensen is busy getting ready to fulfill the many orders that have been received at her Lake Eden, Minnesota bakery. Hannah loves her business but nothing is more important to her than her close friends and family. Therefore, Hannah drops everything when her sister Andrea calls her in a panic. Andrea has returned to Mayor Bascomb’s office to apologize after a heated argument, but finds his dead body. Andrea becomes one of the top suspects in the case, so it’s up to Hannah to find out who really killed the cantankerous politician and prevent her sister from going to jail for a crime she didn’t commit.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I have such affection for this series. I like the setting and most of the main characters. The plot of this book is very interesting and when Hannah is questioning witnesses and potential suspects in the murder, I really enjoyed it. I also like that there are some scenes of Hannah working at The Cookie Jar instead of just saying she owns a bakery/coffee shop to add to the atmosphere of the book. However, there isn’t a lot of substance to the book. There are so many scenes of Hannah talking about recipes she’s going to try and then the recipes themselves, that there isn’t a lot of the book dedicated to the actual plot. There is so much filler in the book and the dialogue in this book is so stilted and unnatural especially between Hannah and her mom, sisters, and long-time friends, and it takes away from the story. It’s better when she’s gathering evidence or talking about the case. Another unfortunate device used in this book is Hannah’s internal dialogue between the rational and the suspicious parts of her mind. If this were done a couple of times to show that Hannah is starting to recognize what a great guy Norman is but is finding it hard to trust herself after the debacle with Ross. However, this happens over and over throughout the book on a variety of subjects and starts getting silly and distracting.

I don’t want to give up on this series since I’ve been following it for a long time. It is a quick, clean, cozy mystery with some touching moments and interesting amateur sleuthing. However, I would recommend readers new to the series start with the books earlier in the series that had more content with stories that flowed better. I have hopes that the quality of these books goes back to what it used to be with more detailed stories and less filler. I also hope Hannah is able to quickly heal from her past heartache and find happiness in the romance department.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

This is one of my favorite series and I've read every book. Fluke does an amazing job of writing a bok that pulls you right into the story line. Her characters are superbly developed. I enjoy reading these books just to see what hi-jinks Hannah gets herself into. If you want a book to get yourself absorbed into this is it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Hannah is at it again. Spring may have sprung with Easter on the way but when her sister calls to tell her Mayor Bascomb is dead, Hannah must juggle everything to find the true murderer and clear her sister. Ricky Ticky may not have been the nicest person but even he didn't deserve to die. With Andrea the number one suspect, Hannah must find out who done it from the list of suspects piling up. Hannah finds herself wading through a long list in order to discover why he was killed. Can she do it before another murder happens? I look forward to the next installment. A received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is the twenty-seventh book in Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mystery series and is a quick and easy read, with well-developed characters that can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, a large portion of the book is taken up by recipes, food descriptions, and making or drinking coffee. Most of the conversations between the characters are overly formal yet sickeningly sweet. The characters and their actions often come across as unrealistic.

This series is set in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and features the Cookie Jar’s owner, Hannah Swensen. In this installment, Hannah’s sister, Andrea, has a confrontation with Mayor Bascomb over his treatment of her husband, Bill, where she slaps the mayor and effectively knocking him out of his office chair. Later that same evening, Andrea delivers a piece of Hannah’s cheesecake as a peace offering to the mayor, finds him dead in his office, and becomes a prime suspect.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Book 27 for the doyenne of Cozy Culinary Mysteries. Finally the Eden Lake least liked and truly slimy Mayor is the victim; a fist pump for killing off this guy. Unfortunately Andrea is in the wrong place and at the wrong time becoming the lead suspect. Hannah willingly steps in to help find the real culprit, and this time Mike agrees to help her. Mike is rapidly turning into the short end of the love triangle between Norman, Mike and Hannah. Our girl, along with Moishe, is still suffering from PTSD, and still is living with Norman (!) All is above board, she is in the guest bedroom, and Moishe is not talking about his relationship with Cuddles. The story is filled with the usual descriptions of Hannah's day, from the making of copious cups of coffee to the creation of new recipes. A diabetic might have to check their blood glucose after reading the recipes, they sound that rich and possibly delicious. This reads much better than the books that featured Hannah's misadventures with Ross. I have always been on Team Norman, and now believes it will be Norman for the win. Wouldn't it be grand if Fluke would continue adapting the series to a Nick and Nora style series featuring the cats and kids.

Recommended for Hannah Swensen fans, and those with a sweet tooth.

Full disclosure: I received the ARC from netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Easter is on its way to Lake Eden, Minnesota which means baker extraordinaire, Hannah Swensen, is busy creating delicious new recipes for The Cookie Jar while keeping her customers happy with much-loved favorites. Hannah is still reeling from the deception and loss of her late husband, Ross, and has vacated her condo. She has decided to stay with her long-time friend Norman until she can muster up the courage to live in her beloved home again. Dealing with all of that is enough for Hannah, but a phone call from her sister Andrea brings Hannah back to reality. Andrea has discovered Mayor Bascomb dead in his office, hours after a fight ensued between the two of them. Hannah knows her sister is innocent, but now she must take it upon herself to prove it. Mayor Bascomb wasn’t the most loved politician, so the list is long with the people whom he could have betrayed. Working with Mike and Lonnie, this team of detectives must sift out a murderer amongst them before they strike again....

You can see my full review at www.freshfiction.com.

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I don’t know why, but I just love these books! The characters are so familiar but each story is so different. A perfect light mystery with some delicious recipes mixed in! I can’t wait to see what in store for Hannah with the next installment!

Another murder mystery involving Hannah from The Cookie Jar. This time the police is asking for her help since they are short handed, being that one of their own wife is a murder suspect. Andrea also happens not only to be a suspect, but Hannah’s sister.
Pretty typical of all Joanne Fluke books, fast read, great recipes, on the corny side and lots of coffee! A fun read.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke is book 27 in the Hannah Swenson Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
This time it's Hannah's sister that is the suspect in the latest murder in Lake Eden. The mayor has been found slumped on his desk with his head bashed in and Andrea was one of the last to see him alive and unfortunately, the one to find him. Though Hannah is baking for Easter, she also is helping Mike with the investigation knowing Andrea couldn't have done it.
There are plenty of plot twists, likeable characters, humor, family and plenty if yummy sounding recipes. I will say, I have read all in the series and this one was a tad disappointing. There seemed to be a lot of coffee drinking as a fill in.
I was given an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke is a Hannah Swensen cozy mystery and as much recipes as mystery. I remember loving this series, for many years, but it has gotten so simplistic. Is it just me? Andrea's husband, Bill, is the sheriff and he had stopped the mayor's nephew for drunk driving. Instead of letting him off, as he had in the past, he arrested him because there was a highway patrolman present and he had no choice. The mayor tried to fire him. Andrea, Hannah's sister, was having none of it and was in speaking to the mayor right now. He voice was low and controlled. How long would that last Hannah, who was in the outer office, wondered. Well, she soon had her answer, with a resounding smack and a crash. Andrea had slapped his face so hard that she had knocked his chair over. Time to leave, so Andrea, Hannah, and Terry, the mayor's secretary, rushed out the door. Hannah and Andrea were joining everyone at her mother's for dinner. Hannah had brought three Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes with her so there would be plenty for everyone. Mike was coming, and he always ate A LOT. Andrea didn't feel like staying so he left. After she got home she realized she needed to apologize to the mayor, so cutting a big slab of the cheesecake she'd brought home for Bill, she went to his office, where she discovered his body. She was paralyzed.

This truly is a cozy. We know all the characters and they get together daily in a kitchen to bake. The reader is comfortable with everyone. We know what to expect. We all know Andrea didn't kill the mayor. Even the police knew that. But who did? Hannah has her famous "murder book" started almost immediately but there are so many suspects. The mayor was not a popular man. Even Mike suggested they share information. That was new. He was normally warning her to stay out of it. It was a simplistic story. I could see the end a mile away. Everybody loved happily ever after. But isn't that what's supposed to happen in a cozy?

I was invited to read a free ARC of Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #triplechocolatecheesecakemurder

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke is another wonderful Hannah story!! I love visiting Hannah and the gang and seeing what they are up to. While the series is best read in order I think if you wanted you could jump right on into this book. Highly recommended and delicious recipes incorporated also!!

It’s almost Easter, and Hannah Swensen is busy getting ready to fulfill the many orders that have been received at her Lake Eden, Minnesota bakery. Hannah loves her business but nothing is more important to her than her close friends and family. Therefore, Hannah drops everything when her sister Andrea calls her in a panic. Andrea has returned to Mayor Bascomb’s office to apologize after a heated argument, but finds his dead body. Andrea becomes one of the top suspects in the case, so it’s up to Hannah to find out who really killed the cantankerous politician and prevent her sister from going to jail for a crime she didn’t commit.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I have such affection for this series. I like the setting and most of the main characters. The plot of this book is very interesting and when Hannah is questioning witnesses and potential suspects in the murder, I really enjoyed it. I also like that there are some scenes of Hannah working at The Cookie Jar instead of just saying she owns a bakery/coffee shop to add to the atmosphere of the book. However, there isn’t a lot of substance to the book. There are so many scenes of Hannah talking about recipes she’s going to try and then the recipes themselves, that there isn’t a lot of the book dedicated to the actual plot. There is so much filler in the book and the dialogue in this book is so stilted and unnatural especially between Hannah and her mom, sisters, and long-time friends. It’s better when she’s gathering evidence or talking about the case. The dialogue between Hannah and her friends and family members is so stilted and unnatural, it takes away from the story. Another unfortunate device used in this book is Hannah’s internal dialogue between the rational and the suspicious parts of her mind. If this were done a couple of times to show that Hannah is starting to recognize what a great guy Norman is but is finding it hard to trust herself after the debacle with Ross. However, this happens over and over throughout the book on a variety of subjects and starts getting silly and distracting.

I don’t want to give up on this series since I’ve been following it for a long time. It is a quick, clean, cozy mystery with some touching moments and interesting amateur sleuthing. However, I would recommend readers new to the series start with the books earlier in the series that had more content with stories that flowed better. I have hopes that the quality of these books goes back to what it used to be with more detailed stories and less filler. I also hope Hannah is able to quickly heal from her past heartache and find happiness in the romance department.

~ Christine

In the latest Hannah Swensen book we find that the town Mayor has been killed. And none other than Andrea, Hannah's sister, is the lead suspect. The two of them had gotten into an argument shortly before his death and later on in the evening Andrea went back to his office and found his dead body. The Mayor has been in numerous books throughout the series and he is a known jerk and cheater. I honestly do not know how it took this many books for him to meet his fate. This was a great addition to the series and had all the different recipes we love to hear about. I always wonder though, if this is such a small, safe little town, how many murders have to happen for it to not be so small and safe? The usual gang is all here, and for me, this is a series that I can ignore the silliness and just enjoy the ride. This may sound horrible, but the Mayor is not someone I am going to miss. I love this series, characters, and all that goes along with it. No, this is not The Next Great American Novel, but it is a perfect cozy mystery.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the wonderful opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fun read by Joanne Fluke! I enjoy reading more of Hannah, her family and friends. Because we KNOW her sister, we know she couldn't have been the murderer. But otherwise, it was interesting and I always love the new recipes too!

Triple Chocolate Cheescake Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery .
Hannah tries to help solve the mystery of who killed the mayor . The mayor had many enemies and it takes awhile to try and figure it all out . Norman adores Hannah anc helps make her life as easy as possible while she runs the Cookie Jar and tries to help solve the case.
While this is an easy read it was enjoyable . The recipes add another fun element .
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy for my honest opinion.