I love this whole series by Joanne Fluke, and this is the last title written by Joanne, to date. The books in this series all make these small-town Minnesota characters come to life; you feel as if you know them by the time you finish with even the first one! You expect to drive or fly out to Lake Eden, Minnesota (a town which I am not sure even exists) and actually find these people, with Hannah as the star sleuth/baker, living out there, and get to meet them! The murder mysteries in the books are intriguing, so that you cannot put them down. Plus, an added bonus are the recipes featured in each book for Hannah's famous cookies (all kinds, & ones you never heard of!) & other Minnesota dishes, with at least 9-12 if them in each. I would recommend this book and all the others that preceed it. Whether or not you choose to try the numerous delicious recipes, you will experience a pleasant escape into the close-knit community of Lake Eden, and into the intriguing life of Hannah Swensen.Read full review
It is summertime in Lake Eden, Minnesota and Hannah Swenson is looking forward to baking goodies for Lisa, and her family at their reunion. All the baking will be done at The Cookie Jar, Hannah's shop. Long lost uncle Gus shows up out of the blue, with big money and big stories. Not everyone is happy to see Gus return to lake Eden. 25 years before, he left town owing people a lot of money. During a photography session on the 2nd day of the reunion at the lake, Gus is missing, so Hannah is asked to find him. He is in the lake pavillion lying dead with a stab wound in his chest and pieces of Hannah's carrot cake next to his body. With her sister, Norman and even her mother jumping in to help solve the crime, she finds that Gus was living a lie and very much in debt. The suspect list includes Jack, Lisa's dad, so Hannah has to hurry and catch the real killer before he can catch her first! Lots of twist and turns and some false leads. Hannah seemed closer to Norman and she even tells him she loves him. Hannah cools on Mike a bit because Ronnie Ward is back in town and he is seen with her. Ms. Fluke's 10th book is full of wonderful recipes, as usual, but I think I was shocked at the end chapter when Hannah gets a call from Ross...an old BF featured in an earlier book.....and she rushes off to meet him at the airport! Norman has gone the extra mile in this book for her.....what is she thinking?Read full review
I have just about every book that Joanne Fluke has written. I jumped at the chance to get her latest book. By now the characters are my friends and I look forward to finding out what they are getting into in the next book. The writing is excellent, the characters come to life and you can almost see the area they live in. Joanne Fluke has an excellent formula for writing a mystery with flair and believable characters. Whether you identify with Hannah, and her store, The Cookie Jar, her sisters, Andrea and Michelle, her meddling mother, Delores, or either of her two possible boyfriends, Norman, the dentist or Mike, the policeman, you will enjoy all the goings on in Lake Eden, Minnesota. If you are a cook, and enjoy making desserts you will have added pleasure with the receipes that are included in every book. The murder mysteries are well thought out with lots of twists and turns and some humor, just to lighten things up. Like potato chips, once you start, you just can't stop at one!Read full review
Joanne Fluke, is by far, one of my most favorite authors. I have read just about every book (at least I would like to believe I have) concerning Hannah Swensen, the main character. This latest book seemed a bit unfocused. Hannah solves the murder in the end, of course, but the close-knit family and friends that I have come to know and love in the stories seemed disconnected. Norman, one of Hannah's male love interests didn't get the recognition that I felt he deserved- especially after everything he does for Hannah's benefit in the book. The last chapter left me feeling a little disturbed at Hannah's surprise turn around to go meet an old boyfriend, who was mentioned in a few books back. I was also surprised that Moishe, Hannah's faithful feline, was pretty much neglected during the whole storyline. Poor kittie!!! I love the characters in Joanne Fluke's books. Every time I pick up one of her books about Hannah, I can't wait to see what transpires. This book was awesome for recipes. My favorite was the Black Forest Brownies. Very moist and a family favorite, as well. I got this book from an auction here at ebay. I am glad that I didn't pay full retail price, as I was disappointed in the story line. But love it or hate it- Joanne Fluke continues to be one of my very faves.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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