Joanne Fluke Reviews

Page One

Updated! April 17, 2006

Strawberry Shortcake Murder

A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: February 2002
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $6.50
ISBN: 1-5756-6721-5
Author Email/Website: www.murdershebaked.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Hannah Swensen, owner of the popular Cookie Jar bakery, is one of the judges at the first annual Hartland Flour Company Dessert Bake-Off. Not only does it provide good publicity, it gives her a chance to taste some incredibly delectable desserts.

A perfect job, well, almost perfect. When one of the judges is forced to withdraw due to a dental emergency, Coach Boyd Watson is chosen as the replacement. While admitting he is a good coach, Hannah finds it hard to respect him. After all, what kind of man beats his wife?

The first round of competitive bake-off goes well with the exception of Coach Watson's untactful criticisms. After pointing out that tact is a good thing, Hannah returns home, hoping to sleep. She is startled by a call from Danielle, Coach Watson's wife. Danielle had found her husband's lifeless body in their garage and needed someone to be with her.

All evidence seems to implicate Danielle. She had plenty of motive and opportunity. Knowing that in an election year, the sheriff would want this case wrapped up quickly, Hannah decides to prove Danielle's evidence. Instead of making it easy, her search brings up more suspects. From the bake-off contestants to athletes and their parents, it appeared plenty of people disliked the deceased. Time is running out for Danielle. Will she find the killer before it's too late?

Another winner from the talented Joanne Fluke. The suspense in this novel is superb, keeping the reader guessing until the end. Throw in Hannah, her matchmaking mother, two jealous sort-of boyfriends, and mouth-watering recipes. Voila! A book sure to please even the most die-hard mystery fan.

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Updated! April 17, 2006

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: March 2006 - Reissue
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $6.99
ISBN: 0758215053
Author Email/Website: www.murdershebaked.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Fans of Diane Mott Davidson will enjoy Joanne Fluke's debut creation. Hannah Swensen's days consist of baking cookies and fending off her matchmaking mother. The owner of the Cookie Jar, a specialty shop selling her cookies, she's content. Her life is perfect, for the moment.

Her punctual dairy deliveryman, Ron is found dead in his van behind her shop. Even more horrifying is that at first glance, it appears her cookies killed him. Who in Lake Eden would want to kill Ron, a local football hero and all-around nice guy? Recruited by her detective brother-in-law Bill to help find the killer, Hannah has her hands full. Will she unravel all of Ron's secrets in time to catch a killer?

While a fan of mysteries, I rarely try new authors without reading every review available. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder caught my eyes and I enjoyed every moment of it. A tasty morsel of a mystery, this is a fun-filled read. Ms. Fluke's writing is superb; the characters sparkle and you can actually smell the baking cookies. In addition to the wonderful story, there are also seven cookie recipes included.

Reviewer Note: I highly recommend the recipe for the Black and Whites. They're amazingly wonderful cookies.

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