Carrot Cake Murder (Hannah Swensen)

I absolutely look forward to setting down to a great read with Joanne Fluke.
Wonderful way to relax and enjoy a great story with a chance to play detective along the way.
Thanks for the great read. Keep it up!!!

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a light hearted mystery. Though I too would have liked to seen the Mike/Norman issue resolved. It is getting a little old at this point. I purchased this book on Kindle as my original copy had gotten wet when a kid spilled a drink. I was disappointed in the fact that all the recipes were not included in the back as I purchased it again solely for the salmon cakes recipe. The only recipe included at the end was one for the carrot cake.

Joann Fluke is one of my favorites,and carrot cake is one of her best to date.I absolutely love the recipes in her books and try alot of them,i am always looking for new stuff from her and will continue to do so!

Another hit in the Hanna Swensen series- a highly enjoyable coz mystery that revolves around baked sweets and murder! Once again, Hannah is back on the case- trying to find a killer while juggling her culinary career and prospects of love. Some may say that Hanna is quite intuitive and I would agree! However, I wish she would do something about her two love interests. While the author and Hannah make it very clear that Hannah won’t jump into something without being absolutely sure, it seems about time that she either let Mike and Norman go or choose one to marry. Other than her uncertainty when it comes to love, Hannah is as smart as ever! She grabs clues and races against time to find out what happened to Gus the night of the reunion and will stop at nothing until she finds the killer!

Overall, this is a clever and fun series to get lost in. I always look forward to reading a Hannah Swensen novel and being back with the gang as they hunt down clues and killers. While at some points is exasperating that a sleuth can find the killer faster than the detectives working the case, It understand it’s all in good fun and exactly what this fictional world is supposed to be about!

Fans of cozy mysteries, this entire series is a must have for your bookshelf! Hannah is my very favorite sleuth (I own every book in the series) and her recipes are divine (yes, I have made a few).

Carrot cake murder by Joanne Fluke
A reunion of Lisas relatives and when the whole clan gets together for the photo one uncle is missing. Hannah puts the clues together with help from her family and friends as they question everybody as to where they were at the time of the murder and discovering who and why they'd want the uncle dead.
Love the recipes during the chapters but she has to be careful as others might want her dead also.
Love this series and the dentist Norman and cop Mike wanting her to be their girlfriend.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The Hannah Swensen mystery series is set in Lake Eden, Minnesota; a tiny, close-knit town. Hannah owns a bakery-coffee shop called the Cookie Jar which is a popular gathering place in town. Her favorite recipes are scattered throughout the book. Hannah has two boyfriends that she can't choose between; one is a dentist who is dependable and caring and loves her unconditionally. The other is a detective on the police force; he is strikingly handsome and exciting but his eye strays sometimes. Someday she has to decide between the two, but it won't happen in this story which is set in the middle of a hot, steamy summer in rural Minnesota. A local family is holding a huge family reunion at the lake and most of the town is either attending or helping pull off the week long event. Unexpectedly, Uncle Gus shows up. Uncle Gus had mysteriously left town twenty-five years ago as a young man and no one had heard from him until now. He is obviously out to impress, wearing expensive suits, driving a fancy car, and telling stories about his successful nightclub. But not everyone is happy to see him. He was quite a playboy in his youth and left a number of jilted women behind and some personal debts. Shortly after he arrives he is murdered. Hannah has made it her business to figure out who did it. She has gotten quite good at solving murders, of which there is an extraordinary number of in such a little town, and her sisters, mother, and dentist boyfriend are willing assistants. So, was Gus really who he said he was? There are so many people who had a grudge against him, but were any angry enough to kill him? And can Hannah figure out who it is and at what cost to herself?

I enjoy this Joanne Fluke series most of all because it provides a rather detailed view of life in Minnesota. It does include the usual stereotypical characters but that is not a detriment. It gives one a sense of comfort. This series is much like the "Cat Who" series by the late Lillian Jackson Braun. The added benefit of these books is the number of interesting recipes included in each book. This one was no exception. The author has created characters in which one can take an interest and it's not really about the mystery. Who did it was fairly obvious early on in "Carrot Cake Murder." Reading the story of how Hannah figures it out is what is fun. Hannah putting herself at risk is getting to be a tired scenario. It really adds nothing to the story. It's like a continuing TV series. One knows that she will be rescued/get out of trouble as the alternative is that the series would end if she didn't. My summary is that it is an entertaining albeit not challenging mystery.

I am working my way through this series. They are lots of fun, and are fast reading. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters, and almost feel as though I know them. I have yet to try the recipes, however, that are interspersed in the book.

This book follows a familiar formula: Hannah makes something delicious, Hannah finds a body (usually with her creation somewhere close at hand), Hannah interferes in the murder investigation being done by one of her erstwhile swai8ns, and Hannah solves the mystery, with the murderer almost always being someone out of left field.

Another interesting story about Hannah and her family and friends! This story was very good, although, I'm beginning to wish that Hannah would choose one of the men in her life and move forward on that front. I also wish the author would allow her characters to experience a few setbacks or failures. Making mistakes and dealing with problems (not just crimes) build character in people and, though these people are fictional, it might help them become more complex.

I've been continuing to read this series because of the yummy food. But I give up. The whole Norman-Mike situation is ridiculous. The incredibly gullible and/or ignorant citizens of Lake Eden are getting ridiculous. The amazingly angelic children and hard-working teens of Lake Eden are ridiculous (I apologize in advance-maybe it's just the part of the US that I live in where such dears are nearly impossible to find. I mean, my daughter can be adorable, but 50% of the time she can be stubborn, non-cooperative, etc. Could the vapid Andrea really be a way better parent than me??).

The clincher for me was the editing of this last book. The typographical and grammatical errors that made it past her editor drove me crazy. It's like the editor completely gave up on this series and decided it was no longer worth even editing. Typos sneak past the best of us, but I felt like this entire novel was a lackadaisical effort. The author is even mixing up the names of her own characters. I thought at first that maybe I was confused and misread. For kicks I checked back in the book. Yup. She can't keep the multitudes straight.

So I give up in frustration, with my last parting shot. If I were Hannah I would have ditched that Mike guy ages ago. I would have probably kicked him in the backside on his way out, too. But that's just me.

What's with the never-ending love triangle between Hannah, Norman, and Mike? It should have concluded by the third book. There's nothing entertaining about it. Why is Hannah confused? Norman has a doctorate, runs his own business, and is kind, considerate and faithful. Mike is self-centered, thoughtless and as dumb as a fence post. I keep reading the books in the series because the mysteries are OK, but the people in them, especially Andrea and Hannah's mother, are getting more and more annoying as the series continues. Ms. Fluke, why have you turned Hannah into someone so unattractive? It's more than a little creepy and sad that Hannah needs to encourage the affections of three men to feel good about herself. Andrea, the younger sister, comes off just as shallow and as bad. Strong, self-assured women are much more interesting, don't you think? The first few books in the series were a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon, but there has been no growth or maturity in the characters or the series. What a shame.

Another tasty treat from Ms. Fluke. Her Hannah Swenson series is a winner, and I know I really enjoy it. This is a particularly strong book this time. And we have all that we have come to expect from Ms. Fluke-great characterization, a killer plot and a neat little mystery to solve. As well as lots of quite delicious recipes. I read this series because I love Hannah and her friends and family so much, but I truly enjoy the stories too. I am sad because I am caught up now in this series, and now have to wait for the next book which is to come out sometime early next year. This book is set at the Lake Eden resort and Hannah is involved with her business partner Lisa's family reunion, when a long-lost family member returns to the family fold, and then is found dead. Hannah must figure out what has happened, and she does so with the help of her sisters and Norman. This is a great cozy series!

I just don't have the patience anymore. Initially the series was tight and fun, with recipes thrown in as an added bonus. Now Hannah is getting unlikeable and full of herself and, if she is so concerned with being an old maid, why doesn't she do something about it? It's tiresome and I think an earlier reviewer put it best when likening it to having a high-school crush on two boys at the same time. This isn't high school and it is a bit insulting to "small-town" living in that it's ridiculous to believe that Hannah and only Hannah has this amazing ability to solve crimes whilst her little cult of personality grows by leaps and bounds. Soon there won't be anyone left who hasn't had a family member killed and had to deal with Hannah's crime-solving prowess. Yikes. I get the impression that the author is getting a bit lazy and personally doesn't feel like bringing the triangle to a resolution for fear of alienating either the "Normans" or the "Mikes". Unfortunately, this leads to cringe-inducing moments that just make these books almost intolerable anymore. Perhaps Fluke should take a break from the series, compile a nice cookbook, then just be brutal and be done with it. It's just not fun anymore.

I truly enjoyed this book. While all the Hannah Swenson stories are similar they each have an identity of it's own. I usually know who the villain is before the end but I do enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with Hannah. My only complaint is the relationship static between Hannah, Mike and Norman. When is the author going to let Hannah and Norman become exclusive? If you enjoy a nice cozy read you will enjoy this one.

In Carrot Cake Murder, Hannah's Cookie Jar partner, Lisa, is in the midst of a huge family reunion. Things heat up during the summertime get together when a long-lost relative reappears briefly before being killed during the festivities. Can Hannah discover the murderer or will the next family get together be her funeral?

Despite the familiar characters and the yummy recipes, Carrot Cake Murder stinks. The original cozy cleverness initially found in the series has swiftly evaporated. More thought is given to the recipes than to the plot. It's a shame.

Heroine Hannah Swensen has become highly annoying. Her know-it-all attitude contributes to just a portion of my utter disbelief and disenchantment with this book. Another cloying component is the fatigued love triangle between Hannah and her two suitors. Readers have suffered through this unrealistic and unappetizing story line for far too long. Then a third possible love interest is tossed into the mix from an earlier book. Ross (a script writer) is also enamored with her. Harlot Hannah toys with the usual two boys than heads off for a rendezvous with Ross.

Hannah's personality and actions are increasingly distasteful. Overall, the stories have fizzled. I fear that without changes and enhancements, the Hannah Swensen Series will die the same painfully slow death that the Lilian Jackson Braun books did.

I cannot believe I actually made it through to the end of this book. I justified checking it out from the library by telling myself this newest installment should finally wrap up the Norman/Mike triangle. But no such luck. Except for the victim, the scenario is the same in each book - a new dessert, a person found dead with the new dessert nearby, Hannah solving the murder, Hannah in danger, Hannah being rescued by Mike & Norman...DESSERT, MURDER, RESCUE, OH MY, (sing along with me now). The only good thing about this one is that Hannah is less condescending to the people not quite as intelligent as she.

I think the Hannah character is quickly becoming unlikeable. Is she really that much smarter than the entire Lake Eden Police Department? So much so that people beg her to investigate?! She's always just one step ahead of Mike. Another thing I find totally unrealistic (in this book & the previous ones) is that Norman & Mike seem to be fine with Hannah dating both of them at the same time - sitting between them at dinners, having them both walk her to the van. Seriously, are they going to take turns kissing her goodnight? I am also getting tired of the way recipe talk is thrown in so awkwardly (pg 105 & 106 Sunny Vegetable Salad), especially when Hannah is talking to her sisters who don't cook.

I think the author needs to re-evaluate where she is going with this series & wind it up fast before she loses all her fans. If she decides to keep it going, she needs to shake it up a bit.

In a cozy little town in Minnesota, three dynamic sisters dwell. Hannah, the oldest, has the cooking talent of a French gourmet chef. Andrea, the middle sister, has striking and dazzling beauty. Michelle, the youngest, also has the beauty that Andrea inherited from their stunning mother. All three sisters are savvy and lively.

Lake Eden, Minnesota is a cozy little town that I would love to live in. Characterization in this book is so vivid that you feel you personally know these people. There are characters that I feel I know and love. For example, Jack Herman is an example of a man that all men could look up to - a wonderful husband/father/person. Lisa Herman, his daughter, is a talented partner in "The Cookie Jar" coffee shop, a loving wife, an immaculate housekeeper, and has the best dad in the world. Luanne Hanks is a wonderful person that I highly admire - an honest hard worker, a loving and dedicated mother, and just an extremely noble person all around; she will one day make some lucky man a superb wife. Two winners who are after Hannah's heart: Mike, the so-gorgeous-words-can't-describe police and Norman, the cuddly and sweet dentist. These are just random examples of citizens in this town that I want to live in! But I got to know these characters over the whole series. Each book does stand alone, so it is okay to read them out of sequence, but I prefer to read them in order.

In this particular book, there is a family reunion for a week at Eden Lake. Lots of people are there, playing games, having activities, eating, socializing, etc. One of the family members ends up murdered. Hannah is determined to find the killer. She and her sisters are dynamic as usual. Norman is his usual cuddly self. Hannah's adventures are fun and the book flows smoothly. I absolutely loved it!

Joanne Fluke has more writing talent than Hannah has cooking skills; than Andrea, Michelle, and their mother Delores have beauty; than Mike is breathtakingly gorgeous . . . I think you get the point. I cannot describe how good this book is (along with the entire series). This book is so cozy and so superb, it is hard to put down. It is over 300 pages, but it goes by very quickly because it is so good. I have 2 favorite cozy mystery series that tie for my number 1 spot: this particular series and Kate Borden's Peggy Jean Turner series. This book, "Carrot Cake Murder", is fantastic and magnificent, as is the entire series. I will sing their praises all day long. If you haven't read any of the books in this series, you don't know what you are missing.