Christmas Cupcake Murder

As a long time lover of this Hannah Swansen series, and after close to thirty books, one would think I would have gotten tired of these stories. But in fact, Fluke's midwestern mysteries still entertain me as much as they ever did. I look forward to the next book in the series!

What a sweet kind story - perfect for the holiday season. And with recipes to die for, I can't decide which to make first!

Christmas came early for me this year! Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Christmas Cupcake Murder to review. Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen series is the gold standard of cozy mysteries and Christmas Cupcake Murder is an instant Christmas classic! Hannah Swensen and her pals are at it again solving a case around Christmas time. This mystery takes us back in time to before Hannah started solving crimes. The cookies and story are as sweet as ever, Hannah helps a John Doe figure out who he is while whipping up some delicious recipes along the way. I loved getting to see my favorite midwestern bunch at an earlier, simpler time in the series. From Blue Apple Pie to Vegas Cookies there’s a recipe for everyone in this book! Pick this one up today and pair with your favorite hot drink and cozy seat!

Christmas Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the 26th book in the Hannah Swenson series.

I always get so excited when I know a new book is coming out from Ms. Fluke. I have read every single one, including the novellas, and have loved every minute of it. I have been around Hannah and the Lake Eden gang for so long, I feel as of they are part of my family.

This book actually takes place before many other books, when Hannah’s Mom and Carrie had yet to have their own antique store, and before Hannah really got into solving mysteries.

This book did not disappoint. I loved the Christmas theme, festivities, and of course the cupcake and cookie recipes!!!

My favorite recipe (which I have successfully already made once) was the Cinful Sugar Cookies. They were so easy, and divine. I next want to try the cocktail chex mix recipe.

There was more of a mystery plot this time vs the traditional murder/mystery, however it was a nice change from murder and mayhem. It seemed a little more uplifting, too.

I enjoyed my time with Hannah and the gang and I look forward to the next book in this series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

Christmas Cupcake Murder is a deliciously fun Chrtismastime cozy mystery. It has a holiday spirit, wonderful recipes, interesting characters, and a really good mystery. I really can't say anything bad about it. It was just a fun read. The recipes after each chapter were so cool, and I can't wait to try some of them this holiday season. This is my first Joanne Fluke book and it will definitely not be my last, I really enjoyed her writing.

Joanne Fluke brings us back to the small town in Minnesota with Hannah and her family and friends. This is life before Hannah starts finding dead bodies and solving cases. A knock on her back kitchen door brings a new man into her life. Hannah, her mom and Carrie scope out a new storefront to place all the antiques they have been collecting throughout the years. Inside, they find her mystery man unconscious. Hannah finds herself trying to help this man who is suffering from amnesia and recruits all the usual suspects to rally with her.

It is nice to visit Hannah and the gang at Lake Eden to see where it all began. We get to see what everyone is up to and see how it all began. With the bits of information John Doe gives Hannah and the hospital staff, will she be able to solve this mystery? Is it a case of simple amnesia from a fall, or did something more sinister happen before he got to Lake Eden? If anyone can get to the truth, we know that we can always count on Hannah to figure it out all while helping out her friends and family and serving delicious treats.

Joanne Fluke has given us another chapter in the life of Hannah Swenson and those she holds dear. We get to visit Lake Eden and enjoy our time visiting with everyone. As always, my visit with Hannah and everyone is always short. But, I look forward to our next adventure together. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this privilege.

Another great addition to the Hannah Swensen series. This one covers the first time Hannah solves a missing persons case. It happens fairly early in the series, before her mom and Norman's mom open their antiques shop.

The recipes sound good too, and I want to make one of them soon because I think my husband will really like it!

I get really excited when the annual Christmas Hannah Swenson story comes out....or a new book in the series! I have been visiting Hannah & the crew in Lake Eden, MN since the first book in this series was published in 2000! While not the first culinary cozy series, this one is definitely my favorite....and one of the first!

A couple of the most recent books in the series were disappointing (changes in writing quality, bizarre plot choices....things just seemed off), but I am happy to say that things in Lake Eden appear to be coming back to their usual feel and quality. Although certain side plots (long time fans of this series know which side plot I am referring to) still has yet to be resolved. Hannah will make a decision someday. I hope....it's been 20 years...get on with it already, Hannah! lol And none of that stupid R-like stuff again!

This story is sweet and fun to read! Hannah bakes holiday cookies and cupcakes....and the gang discovers a homeless man who has lost his memory and needs help. So, while Hannah does not find a dead body laying about this time, there is still an enjoyable mystery. Who is Joe? And why can't he remember who he is or how he came to Lake Eden?

This story is the usual Christmas holiday filler story.....Joanne Fluke publishes a Christmas Hannah story each year. It's a shorter read than the novels in this series, but a very enjoyable holiday treat! The recipes included between chapters are varied.....everything from colorful pickles to cherry frosted cupcakes! Mmmmmmmm! And the recipes include cute little comments from Hannah and the gang.

I was VERY happy to see that the next novel -- Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder -- is coming out in February 2021!!!! (I think I gained 3 lbs just reading the title though!) I wonder if The Decision will be made? or hinted at? Or discussed? Or.....anything???? I have a few months to ponder on that.....

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Even this one: Hannah, make up your mind already!**