I can't tell you how nice it was to read a book where the detectives weren't "clearing someone's name!" I didn't realize it until I finished this one, but the relief was palpable.

Hannah and friends are in fine form in this episode, where a fishing tournament gathers a fishing/sporting goods mogul and philanthropist, his tv show fellows, and an inn full of strangers and locals looking to catch the biggest walleye for big prizes!

Meanwhile, Hannah needs time away from her daily life. She's having trouble dealing with the feelings and violence (in the previous book) that took place in her condo--that left her cat too traumatized to go back to the place.

When Sally & Dick (owners of the Lake Eden Inn), ask Hannah to fill in for their dessert chef, she is delighted to return a favor for Sally's past help.

Fishing tips are not included, but there are some good recipes (peach cake, blueberry coffee cake, and pineapple bar, especially) that should distract you for a couple of hours.

I would like to see Hannah make some choices about her life instead of waiting for things to happen (or people to come along and offer solutions). Other than that, this book was like a quick vacation. No conspiracies, no secret stalkers.

I personally LOVE being on the kitchen/serving side of buffets and party foods, and I would jump at the chance to work in such a well appointed and stocked kitchen! Getting up early would be my only difficulty, but I could do it for a limited time!

While reading, I caught typos, and made some notes or suggestions based purely on my opinion; not intended as criticism. Those notes will be sent to the publisher and will not be available to the public until after publication.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery more than most recent books I've read, and I recommend it as a relaxing read with good familiar characters. The secondary topic about relationships is handled with appropriate care.

5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#CaramelPecanRollMurder #NetGalley

I quickly became confused as I began reading this cozy mystery. Was I reading a cozy mystery loaded with recipes or was I reading a cookbook with a side of cozy mystery. I first stumbled on a couple of recipes in the last few pages of the book - they sounded good and there were not too many. But as I began to read the mystery from the beginning of the book, I found myself inundated with more and more recipes. Some chapters (note: not every chapter has recipes) seemed to have more pages with recipes than mystery. What made this discovery even more discouraging was that a vast majority of the recipes would not be allowed to be a part of my diet by my physician - they looked good, but they would not be allowed . There were exceptions - Reuben Omelets, Baked Scotch Eggs, and Wild Rice Soup, would all pass muster, but the vast majority of recipes were sweet treats and/or desserts.

The mystery itself was well written. The Walleye fishing tournament brought some of the best fisherman out for the week as well as many of the locals. Hannah Swensen was a local pastry chef (and source for many of the recipes) and a helpful amatuer detective. The story held my interest as I wandered through the recipe collection. I really thought I had figured out the guilty party early on, but I was caught off guard. Despite misreading the clues, I still found the culmination of the mystery to be satisfying.

The mystery will receive 4-½ stars; the book as a whole will receive only three stars.
_____________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Hannah Swenson returns in Caramel Pecan Roll Murder, Joanne Fluke’s latest installment in the Hannah Swenson mystery series. I have to admit that, for the most part, I enjoyed it. I always like revisiting the characters who have mellowed through the years. This book is also a stronger entry than most of the recent ones—and I have read all of them. I did feel that a couple of plot points didn’t make too much sense, such as why is Hannah still living with Norman because of her cat? And there was a character who had the longest stay in rehab that I’ve ever heard about. The book also ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Still I give this book three stars and a half stars and recommend it to those who love the series or cozy mysteries. It was fun, if predictable.  I would like to add that I recently went back and started reading the series from the very first book and there is definitely a difference. I recommend others do the same. 

I was given a free copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review and the opinions stated are solely my own.

Hannah and the gang are all back. This time the setting isn’t set around the Cookie Jar, but at the Lake Eden Inn. Hannah is helping out Sally for the week of a fishing tournament. There are a few new twists, but overall basically the same scenario. The Who done it to me was obvious. I think I only read the series for the recipes. They sound great and definitely will try a few. Make it’s time for and cookbook?
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #CaramelPecanRollMurder

This is a new-to-me author, so I really don’t have anything to compare this story with. I’ve heard a lot of talk about the book, was eager to read it, and wanted to like it.

The constant use of formal names throughout drove me crazy. Even when Hannah and Andrea are talking to each other with no one else around, they’re constantly using their formal names in the conversation.

Sonny’s murder was supposed to be revealed but, instead, everyone is told that he’s in the hospital and it’s serious. There were people who had been told Sonny had been murdered, though, and some of them told others, but word didn’t spread too far. When Sonny’s fiancé, Lily, was told about his death, she just didn’t react the way you would expect someone to react when told the love of their life was dead. I figured out who the murderer was long before anyone in the story did, and I hadn’t kept a detailed notebook of suspects or clues. Local law enforcement is made to seem inept at doing their job and the amateur sleuths are the stars.

There are a lot of recipes and many sound interesting. I may try a few. But with all the dessert eating going on throughout the book, I’m surprised everyone wasn’t complaining about weight gain.

The story revolves around a fishing competition that’s mentioned several times, prizes are mentioned, and then suddenly the book ends without a completion of the event. Did the competition get canceled due to the murder? Would it be rescheduled? We aren’t told the answer to that.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Kensington Books, I was provided an ARC of Carmel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

******Coming out Feb 22, 2022*****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love a good Cozy Murder Mystery, Joanne Fluke writes these fun and entertaining books that are centered around The Cookie Jar and it’s owner Hannah Swenson.

Hannah Swenson is the proud owner of The Cookie Jar who always seems to get wrapped up in a murder when she caters her goodies at events. The police always tell her to mind her own business, but she always finds a way to get involved with the investigation. Hannah can’t risk the murder ruining her reputation.

In the Carmel Pecan Roll Murder, Hannah is visited by Sally, who is in charge of the local Inn where the annual fishing tournament is taking place. Sally explains to Hannah her predicament of losing her pastry chef right before the tournament because he has had to leave to take care of his sick mother. Hannah agrees to help out at the Inn.

When famed tv host and future son in law to the host of the tournament, Sonny, ends up dead, will Hannah be blamed since Sonny loved her Carmel Pecan Rolls, which he requested she make extra for him.? Will Hanna figure out who killed him, so that she isn’t blamed? A fun quick read that will keep you entertained though all the unexpected twists and turns.

I love Hannah’s predicaments and how she always finds a way out of them! Also, I love how the author included the recipes!

Even though this is book #29 in the series, it could be read as a stand alone.

I'm really hoping that there was some significant editing work done between the release of e-galleys for this book and final publication, because the continuity in this one was a mess. I give this series a lot of grace- almost 30 books in, I'm fully aware of what I'm getting into when I pick up one of these books, and I know that I'm going to get some repetitiveness and that this isn't a series that is going to show exceptional character growth. And all of that is fine, but this one really needed a few more passes. The best part of this one is the recipes, which are reliable and plentiful.

I keep meaning to catch up on the earlier books of this wonderful series. First I adore the titles , second I love Hannah’s character, she’s grown so much. Not surprising that this was yet another page turner, so satisfying . oh and the recipes ! Hannah is baking deserts for a fish tournament when someone is found dead. Let the investigation begin!

I received a copy of Caramel Pecan Roll Murder through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke is the twenty-ninth mystery in the Hannah Swensen series. In this installation, Hannah finds herself investigating the murder at a Lake Eden fishing contest.

I have read every Hannah Swensen mystery and this used to be my favorite series. I love the setting and the characters and the recipes are great! I still enjoy all of that, but the last few mysteries have fallen short for me, this one included. This is an interesting mystery, but it didn’t have the usually Hannah Swensen spark that I love. This mystery did seem like it was setting up for something so I’m hoping the next mystery in the series reveals what that is. I recommend this series, especially the beginning books, and I’m hoping the next mystery gets back to the usual Hannah Swensen mysteries I love.

Joanne Fluke delivers another deliciously cozy mystery with “Caramel Pecan Roll Murder.”

Baker extraordinaire Hannah Swensen is helping out at the local walleye fishing tournament when tragedy hits … something that happens around Hannah a lot.

Trying to help her police friend Mike, Hannah and her sister Andrea dig in to try to determine who had it out for the murder victim … all while also helping out by creating mouth watering concoctions in the tournament’s kitchen.

As always, Fluke delivers a fun murder mystery with delightful characters. She also fills her books with yummy recipes, while creating fun plots that keep the readers guessing.

Fans of cozy mysteries and delectable delights will love “Caramel Pecan Roll Murder,” which is due out Feb. 22. Even though it is part of a series, this book could be read as a standalone.

Five stars out of five.

Kensington provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Hannah Swenson is escaping her usual routine at The Cookie Jar to help bake pastries at the local inn for a fishing competition. But the fun stops when she spots a runaway boat on the water and, on board, the lifeless body of the event’s celebrity spokesperson. Who would kill Sonny Bowman? Was it his overworked sidekick? Or a jealous husband out for blood?
This was a great story in a series that I’ve read from the start. To me, it was refreshing because we didn’t have the love triangle thing between Hannah and Mike and Norman. They were in the story, but everyone seemed to be just friends. It gave more emphasis on the mystery. I was able to figure out whodunnit by the big reveal in the end. I was proud of myself because most of the time the culprit eludes me. But there is another surprise at the end which makes me wonder what will happen next. I can’t wait until the next installment of this series. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.

Read this in one day! Love all of this series. As usual there are lots of great sounding recipes in this one. Surprise ending to this book.

I've always liked this series for the mysteries, for Hannah, and for the recipes but this latest installment... Hannah has been baking treats for a fishing competition but then the celebrity host is murdered and she. along with her sister Andrea, find themselves investigating. And cooking. I'm hoping this had another edit before publication- I read an advance copy- because there are multiple inconsistencies. The mystery is classic coy trope-y, which isn't a problem but I was disappointed by the rest. The recipes were better than the narrative. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For hardcore fans of the series.

The latest in the A Hannah Swenson Mystery series provided a departure from previous books. Not only was Hannah NOT warned to keep out of the investigation of the murder, but she was actually expected to help. Unfortunately the interactions between Hannah and her sister Andrea concerning all things baking returned to the formulaic and sophomoric language that has plagued some of the earlier books. It is as if Andrea (and by association we the readers) is a child and needs to be talked down to. I am also tired of Hannah's lack of progress in the relationship department. I am hoping the bombshell announcement at the end of the book will help Hannah realize what she might be missing. For that resolution alone I am looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke takes us back to Lake Eden, where Hannah and Andrea are helping out at the Lake Eden Inn during the fishing tournament. In the land of 1,000 Lakes, Hannah is just as likely to come across a dead body on the water as she is on land. She and Andrea investigate to find out who murdered the TV fishing star with help from Norman.

This book provided a nice change of scenery, away from the Cookie Jar and several recipes that sound like they will hit the spot, especially the Breakfast Enchiladas.

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A cozy little mystery, this should have just the right recipe(s) for something good as we visit Hannah Swenson in Lake Eden (again) as she uncovers another murder. Hannah and her sister Andrea are helping out at the local inn during the annual fishing tournament where Hannah discovers the body of Sonny, the celebrity fishing expert, dead in a boat. Truth be told, I found this “cozy mystery” a bit ho-hum and not full of any surprises. Why is the local police made to look inept in their investigation that they need to rely on a local woman to solve them for them? This follows the same recipe. Hannah just happens to find the body, everyone is a suspect, she casually has conversations where they tell her everything, she puts herself in danger with the murderer, and then she is saved and the murder is solved. Sorry, but Hannah Swenson is no Ms. Marple. The whole reaction by the townspeople of a murderer in their midst was very bland as if it was just an everyday occurrence. Not a lot of suspense. Not a lot of development of the characters as they are pretty simplistic and one-dimensional. The interspersing of plentiful recipes after every other chapter breaks any momentum that the story was taking. Is this a recipe book or a mystery story? I found it distracting. Last, I was confused on the ending with a big announcement by Mike that left the reader hanging. I turned the page, waiting for the follow up. It was as if there were pages missing that got left out in the printing.

Many thanks to #netgalley #joannefluke #caramelpecanrollmurder for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Hannah Swensen and her sister Andrea are helping a friend who has an inn that is sponsoring a fishing tournament. Hannah's not there long when she finds the celebrity spokesperson dead in a boat on the lake. Now to find out who did the murder. Could it be the assistant who actually did all the work, the fiance who was cheated on, one of the husbands of the wives he cheated with, or someone else. Can Hannah figure it out without getting harmed herself....

I've been reading the Hannah Swenson mystery series for more than 20 years now. I eagerly look forward to each new book! And I will continue reading this series until it ends. :) Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is the 29th book in the series...so I'm nothing if not a loyal reader!

This time around Lake Eden is hosting a fishing contest at the lake, sponsored by the owner of chain of famous sportsman's shops. A well-known television personality is there to host the event. Sonny is a looker, but pretty much a jerk...and a fake. Hannah takes a bit of a break from The Cookie Jar to help the local Inn during the competition. Things are going swimmingly at the event until Hannah and Norman spot a dead body. Suddenly Hannah is not just cooking desserts for the Inn.....she's also fishing for clues!

Another great story in this long-running series. I always look forward to revisiting my favorite characters from Lake Eden, MN! Loved every word of this new book! And, as always, I'm looking forward to the next book!

Yummy recipes in this newest book! The recipes are a varied mix of sweet and savory dishes. There are definitely a few I'm going to try! Yum!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this new book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Hannah Swensen returns in her latest mystery in the Caramel Pecan Roll Murder! When the host of a fishing tournament dies during the tournament, Hannah is on the case.

It took a lot longer to get to the murder in this book than it has in previous ones. Because of that, I think there was less "snooping" as Hannah is known for but essentially less clue finding and solving. I missed that here. That is usually one of my favorite parts of these mysteries. The recipes as always look delicious! We're almost guaranteed another Hannah Swensen book too since this one ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger!

Back in Lake Eden once again! There's a big fishing tournament in town and Hannah and Andrea are helping out with catering at the Inn. Things turn deadly when one of the hosts of the tournament ends up murdered.

The mystery was not too complex, but it kept me entertained. The change of setting and Mike's issues throughout helped to bring some interest. Once again Joanne Fluke dropped a cliff hanger to keep her loyal readers wanting to know what happens in the next book.

It's those loyal readers that are invested in Hannah that keep this series going when it probably should have ended long ago. It does feel like the passion in writing this series has gone, it's has a ton of filler - so much detail about getting coffee and baking, over explaining actions, too many recipes. We want Hannah to be happy and evolve, but I suppose when that happens the series will be over.

There are a lot better cozies out there, but die hard Hannah fans should still enjoy it.