Red Velvet Cupcake Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 16)

The Hannah Swenson books are always enjoyable and fun reads. The characters are likeable and the plot lines continue from one book to the next--obviously Ms. Fluke does her homework, which is nice considering some books I have read where the author can't seem to remember story lines or character traits (or names!) from one chapter to the next. Some readers may find the inclusion of recipes a plus. too. They are down-home; not very complicated (being a cook, I have to chuckle whenever I see her instruction for preparing an egg for cookie batter: "Just whip it up in a glass with a fork.") For some reason this always makes me laugh.

I've read several of these books......... they are comfortable, nice people, lots of cookies and coffee, and I like Hannah's cat. But, the mystery was rather lame, and the denoument was sort of predictable, and then dragged out. But I will probably read another....... have used some the recipes and they have been good.

The Hannah Swenson books are always enjoyable and fun reads. The characters are likeable and the plot lines continue from one book to the next--obviously Ms. Fluke does her homework, which is nice considering some books I have read where the author can't seem to remember story lines or character traits (or names!) from one chapter to the next. Some readers may find the inclusion of recipes a plus. too. They are down-home; not very complicated (being a cook, I have to chuckle whenever I see her instruction for preparing an egg for cookie batter: "Just whip it up in a glass with a fork.") For some reason this always makes me laugh.

I've read several of these books......... they are comfortable, nice people, lots of cookies and coffee, and I like Hannah's cat. But, the mystery was rather lame, and the denoument was sort of predictable, and then dragged out. But I will probably read another....... have used some the recipes and they have been good.

Another entry in this long running series. It was ok, but nothing great. As another reviewer has said, Hannah is stuck in a rut and needs to get out of it. She also needs to get a life besides investigating crimes and baking. She dresses and acts older then her own mother. In this one, Dr. Bev, Norman's ex fiancee is murdered..the question is not why, she was a low life dressed in Armani, but who? Too many people who didn't like her makes it hard to narrow down suspects. The usual cast of characters help Hannah out. Mike is still a jerk, Norman is still too nice, Andrea has become a novice baker, and Hannah's mom is more involved with Doc.
Some nice recipes included.

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode in Hanna's on-going adventures. It was a welcome "adventure" into the lives of the Lake Eden population. Was not at all sad at the loss of one of the characters. Totally taken off-guard by the ending. Didn't suspect that individual at all. Good writing Joanne.

Also eager to try some of the recipes.

I love all the Joanne Fluke/Hannah Swensen books. They are entertaining; they are funny and positive. I have read all of them and I highly recommend them all -- including the Red Velvet Cupcake Murder -- to anyone wanting a light but entertaining read.