Cozy Review: Coconut Layer Cake Murder

* Book 25 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah's on a much needed vacation when her sister's boyfriend becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Because he's part of the police force, Michelle begs her to come home. The police need her help because many of the detectives have to recuse themselves from the case.

Hannah's ready to help; she knows Lonnie would never murder someone. She's more than happy to start bribing people with cookies for information. She never knows what someone might remember.

My Thoughts: I had to read this book based off the cliff-hanger from the last one. That part was mentioned and figured out in the first few pages. In this cozy series, the murder has become second place to the characters and their lives. I love reading about all the treats Hannah bakes for her cookie shop - it makes me want to bake. I did test out the mug cake recipe and it was pretty good!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for the collection where this cozy series is popular.

If you haven't seen the Hallmark movies based on this series - do check them out. They are pretty good. I hope they make more.

Holiday Book Review: Christmas Cake Murder

* A Hannah Swensen series *

Before Hannah had her bakery, she wasn't sure what to do with her life. After an incident sends her home, she's happy to be back in the small town. When her mother asks for her help - baking all the desserts for the Christmas Ball the town is throwing to honor an elderly woman.

While they're finding clothes to bring Essie in the hospital, they discover a journal of writing. With Essie's blessing, they take it home to read and discover a mystery about a woman fleeing her from past. The story's not finished but Hannah and her family begin to understand a bit more about Essie.

My Thoughts: While said to be the 23rd book in the series, it's actually a prequel. I loved learning about how Hannah opened the Cookie Jar. I liked seeing familiar characters in their younger years. I loved the preparations for the Christmas Ball, it sounds like a fantastic town event. As usual, this book made my mouth water and I wanted to bake cookies while reading this one.  Another fun chapter in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendations: This series is probably an auto-purchase for most public libraries - if not, it should be. 

Review: Raspberry Danish Murder

* Book 22 in the Hannah Swensen series *

After the cliff hanger in the last book, Hannah's still alone with no idea where her new husband could have vanished. With Thanksgiving drawing near, the cold is coming back to Minnesota. Hannah's trying to distract herself with work - and it's helping.

When her sister's friend and her husband's assistant dies on video, Hannah's more that interested in solving the murder. She also can't help but think the murder victim might have been her husband instead.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading one of these books always makes my mouth water and I want to bake something wonderful.  I felt terrible for Hannah, how she had to deal with her new husband's vanishing. I'm curious to see where that plot point goes given all the new discoveries this book and that cliff hanger ending making me want the next book immediately. I enjoyed seeing old favorite characters. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold, though the murderer wasn't a surprise to me. Another fun book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A Great series for public libraries.

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Caramel Murder

* Book 20 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah recounts the story of last Christmas, the chocolate caramels, and of course murder to her new husband. The death of Herb's high school sweetheart, who may or may not have been making a play for him creates havoc for Lisa. She's seen as the prime suspect after her suspicions and jealously. Of course Hannah digs into the murder to help out her friend.

My Thoughts: A cute short novel. I like how the Christmas Carol was woven into the story. I liked learning more about Hannah's father. I liked learning more about Lisa and Herb and their past together. Of  course the treats they bake at the shop always make my mouth water. I was a little disappointed not to get much of Ross, but the next book is out just around the corner at the end of February. This was a fun seasonal read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase where this series is popular

Mysterious Saturday Review: Wedding Cake Murder

 * Book 19 in the  Hannah Swensen series * 

Hannah's getting married and competing in a dessert food challenge on television. It's hard juggling both, especially when the dessert challenge reschedules for an earlier date.

Hannah and Michelle (her sous chef) come up with a plan for the competition. They fly to New York City for the first leg. Whoever wins the first competition, will have the competition moved to their town.

When one of the judges dies - murder, the heat is on to catch a killer and to finish the competition to the best of their abilities. With everything going on, it will be a miracle if everything works out.

My Thoughts: I really like this series (and the movies based on the series). I loved the food competition of this novel - seeing the other contestants interact, watching the food entries, and watching the judges reaction to their tastings. I loved the conversations revolving around Hannah's dessert entries. 

I wish we learned a little more about Ross. I hope that he comes up more in the next few books. I feel like we have limited knowledge of him and I'm not sure if I actually like him. The relationship between him and Hannah seems based in the past. They don't have the best communication moments...yet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another fun read in this series with small town charm and amazing baked goodies. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Double Fudge Brownie Murder

* Book 18 in the Hannah Swenson series *

Hannah's mother is getting the surprise of her life. Her fiance is whisking her and her daughters off to Vegas for a marriage ceremony. Then he's taking his new bride on a cruise. She knows nothing about it and couldn't be happier when she discovers the truth. Hannah is also surprised by the identity of the best man, who could be the man on her dreams.

When she returns to town, she begins to focus on her trial. Unfortunately, she's called in to court. As she's waiting, she hears a thud. When she goes to investigate, she finds the judge presiding over her case murdered in his chamber.  Now she's suspected of murder and must clear her name - twice over.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading about the characters are like visiting with old friends. I loved the surprise Doc cooked up for his bride to be; it was a wonderful trip. Reading about sitting poolside while in the winter made me envious. I liked learning more about Hannah's case and the eventual outcome. 

As usual, I loved the baking moments in the book. They always make me crave something sweet and I long to experiment with a recipe from my Pinterest board. 

I'm also happy that the love triangle could be at an end - especially since one of the men has been bothering me for a few books now. 

A fun mystery with old friends and yummy treats!

Cover Thoughts: Cute and goes along with the brand.
Source: My Library

Final  Thoughts: If you like mysteries in small towns and conversation about baked goods - then this series is perfect for you!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Blackberry Pie Murder

* Book 17 in the Hannah Swensen series* 

On a rainy day, Hannah and Lisa are having trouble seeing the road. Due to lightning, Hannah wants to make it around the bend where there is some cover before pulling off the road until visibility improves. A branch in the road makes her lose control. She swerves and accidentally hits a man.

Devastated, Hannah knows that while it was an accidents, she's still responsible. With no ID on the man, she's curious to his identity and why he was in town. Can Hannah uncover more about this past to understand his injuries that don't match up with those made by her cookie truck?

My Thoughts: I love this series - but in no way did I expect this turn of events. I love how everyone rallies around Hannah. What an awful thing that could happen to anyone. I felt horrible for Hannah - for her heartache and all that guilt. I love the baking scenes, the Moishe scenes (especially with him and the treadmill), and the conversations about the wedding. I can't wait to read the next book to see how it all turns out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

(Hannah Swensen Series #16) 

Half the town's attending the grand opening for a new condo building with six condos plus a penthouse for sale. The penthouse, while impressive, is not entirely finished. During the party, a guest jumps off the roof, putting a damper on the evening.

In the middle of the night, Hannah receives a call from the hospital. Barbara doesn't say much, but she's convinced that someone tried to murder her. She begs Hannah to come to the hospital. Unfortunately, because of her injuries, Barbara's mind isn't clear. Hannah still promises that she'll look into it. 

Hannah doesn't really want to relive the party -as it's the reason Doctor Bev's back in town. Hannah knows that she's up to something; she really hopes she's not trying to win Norman back. After a nasty run in between the two, Doctor Bev turns up dead. While at first the police think she's drowned, but it's later discovered that Bev ate a cupcake before she died that might have been laced with tranquilizers. Now the police have brought Hannah in for questioning for murder.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - it's a quick read, full of twists and turns, and thoroughly entertaining. I admit that I loved the murder victim in this installment, especially after the candid moment she had with Hannah. It's pure karma at work. I even liked that Hannah was a strong suspect in the murder. 

As always, I love the baking moments and anytime spent in the Cookie Jar. I love the interaction between the customers and Lisa while she tells the stories of the deaths. 

I love the surprise at the ending - very nice touch. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the frosting

Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cinnamon Roll Murder

*15th in the series*

A Jazz band comes into town during wintry weather.  As
Hannah and her sister drive to the inn to deliver the cinnamon rolls for the festivities, they come across an accident along the road.

They call for help, but they know the ambulances will have a hard time getting to the vehicles. So they decide to help out. They climb inside a van, which belongs to the band playing over the weekend. They discover the driver is dead, but everyone else only has minor injuries.

They travel to the hospital with the band to be useful. There, they find one the musicians dead - with scissors sticking out of his chest.

Hannah's glad to focus on a case instead of Norman's upcoming wedding.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love the parts within the bakery and reading about all the goodies they have available. I love Lisa's big moment after a death. I just love the characters in this series.  I didn't' know that Mike and Norman were best friends. I just thought they were friendly.  I love the romance subplot - it's perfect. These books end similarly to the Stephanie Plum series - where you always want the next book immediately because of the romance cliff hangers.  A delicious addition to this wonderful series.


Cover Thoughts: Yummy!


Source: My Library