Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
I received a copy of Caramel Pecan Roll Murder through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke is the twenty-ninth mystery in the Hannah Swensen series. In this installation, Hannah finds herself investigating the murder at a Lake Eden fishing contest.
I have read every Hannah Swensen mystery and this used to be my favorite series. I love the setting and the characters and the recipes are great! I still enjoy all of that, but the last few mysteries have fallen short for me, this one included. This is an interesting mystery, but it didn’t have the usually Hannah Swensen spark that I love. This mystery did seem like it was setting up for something so I’m hoping the next mystery in the series reveals what that is. I recommend this series, especially the beginning books, and I’m hoping the next mystery gets back to the usual Hannah Swensen mysteries I love.
Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke is the twenty-ninth mystery in the Hannah Swensen series. In this installation, Hannah finds herself investigating the murder at a Lake Eden fishing contest.
I have read every Hannah Swensen mystery and this used to be my favorite series. I love the setting and the characters and the recipes are great! I still enjoy all of that, but the last few mysteries have fallen short for me, this one included. This is an interesting mystery, but it didn’t have the usually Hannah Swensen spark that I love. This mystery did seem like it was setting up for something so I’m hoping the next mystery in the series reveals what that is. I recommend this series, especially the beginning books, and I’m hoping the next mystery gets back to the usual Hannah Swensen mysteries I love.
How in the hell can they spell the main character’s name wrong (in chapter 8 they call her “Hanna”).
I think I’ve finally cracked the code about why these are so poorly and predictably written. Does anyone else think these are being written by AI? Like they programmed a bot to read all the other books in the series and so it’s just recycling near nonsense? They probably only have a person look at it to throw in the recipes and squeeze those into the awkward AF dialogue. That’s the only thing that makes sense at this point, I’m convinced.
I think I’ve finally cracked the code about why these are so poorly and predictably written. Does anyone else think these are being written by AI? Like they programmed a bot to read all the other books in the series and so it’s just recycling near nonsense? They probably only have a person look at it to throw in the recipes and squeeze those into the awkward AF dialogue. That’s the only thing that makes sense at this point, I’m convinced.
The repetitive use of names in almost every sentence just got to me and made it hard to read.
It had a cute premise, and was a good cozy mystery, but the writing style was just one I found uncomfortable
It had a cute premise, and was a good cozy mystery, but the writing style was just one I found uncomfortable
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the first book in the series that I had to give a “bad” review. While the plot matched the other books and I was still interested, I knew immediately who was the killer and for some reason, things that were written did not match each other. I kept getting so confused about the timeline because at one point, something was supposed to already have happened but then they talked about it again like it hadn’t. I’ll go more in depth on the spoilers part. I was frustrated most of the time reading because of the contradicting statements.
At one point, Bill is giving a keynote speech and they all talk about setting up to record. Then, when it’s the morning after, Hannah tells Andrea not to tell bill about the murder because he won’t be able to give his keynote speech, even though he was supposed to already have given it.
This is #28 in the Hannah Swensen mystery series (I think I counted right) and, like the others in the series, comes with the required murder that Hannah has to solve and delicious recipes like the caramel pecan roll and lots of cookies. I think I gain weight just reading these books. I usually really love these books, but this one was a little slow for me. It’s almost as if the author is getting tired of the series and wants to stop. And maybe she should – but before she does, Hannah needs let Mike and Norman get lives without her. She keeps stringing Norman along, even after she married Ross (and then got dumped). Hannah’s character has changed, but not for the better. Even Andrea seems to be more of a sleuth in this one than Hannah.
Then there are the recipes. Normally, I love them. They are scrumptious. But… I’m noticing that Hannah—a professional baker and pastry chef—uses a lot of “store bought” ingredients, like the canned Pillsbury rolls to make the caramel rolls. She can’t make her own? And she gives out dozens of cookies to friends and relatives. How does she stay in business? Plus, I’m sorry, but throw out mushroom stems? That’s rather wasteful.
Hannah and her sister Andrea are helping Sally out at the inn as pastry chefs during a big fishing contest. And it seems like everyone else is staying there too (Rosa, Craig, Doc, Norman (why?), etc.) when the inn was full-up with people there for the contest. So where did Sally get all the extra rooms? And if Hannah and Andrea are the pastry chefs, who made the croissants that get delivered to their room in the morning? Dick, Sally’s husband and the bartender, comes up with a tiny martini with olives made to look like fish eyes and olive juice to make it murky green like the lake. Yeah, that sounds really appetizing.
The backbone of the story is supposed to be about a fishing contest run by Wally (owner of the fishing show and multiple outdoor shops). And yet, we never see him. If this contest is so important, why isn’t here there?
And why shouldn’t Andrea tell her husband, the sheriff, about the murder? I would think it would come up in conversation even if Mike does tell him. And Andrea is working as a server, then says it’s not tiring? Has the author never worked as a waitress? It’s exhausting!
There were a few other glitches too that had me wondering if the author is tired of the series. It feels that way. It might be time for Hannah to close down her sleuthing and learn to bake from scratch.
Recommendation: If you love the Hannah Swensen mysteries, pick this one up. The twist in the last sentence makes the reading worth it—as well as some of the recipes. Just be aware that there are quite a few questionable moments in this one. But some of Hannah’s onion soup sounds good right now.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
Then there are the recipes. Normally, I love them. They are scrumptious. But… I’m noticing that Hannah—a professional baker and pastry chef—uses a lot of “store bought” ingredients, like the canned Pillsbury rolls to make the caramel rolls. She can’t make her own? And she gives out dozens of cookies to friends and relatives. How does she stay in business? Plus, I’m sorry, but throw out mushroom stems? That’s rather wasteful.
Hannah and her sister Andrea are helping Sally out at the inn as pastry chefs during a big fishing contest. And it seems like everyone else is staying there too (Rosa, Craig, Doc, Norman (why?), etc.) when the inn was full-up with people there for the contest. So where did Sally get all the extra rooms? And if Hannah and Andrea are the pastry chefs, who made the croissants that get delivered to their room in the morning? Dick, Sally’s husband and the bartender, comes up with a tiny martini with olives made to look like fish eyes and olive juice to make it murky green like the lake. Yeah, that sounds really appetizing.
The backbone of the story is supposed to be about a fishing contest run by Wally (owner of the fishing show and multiple outdoor shops). And yet, we never see him. If this contest is so important, why isn’t here there?
And why shouldn’t Andrea tell her husband, the sheriff, about the murder? I would think it would come up in conversation even if Mike does tell him. And Andrea is working as a server, then says it’s not tiring? Has the author never worked as a waitress? It’s exhausting!
There were a few other glitches too that had me wondering if the author is tired of the series. It feels that way. It might be time for Hannah to close down her sleuthing and learn to bake from scratch.
Recommendation: If you love the Hannah Swensen mysteries, pick this one up. The twist in the last sentence makes the reading worth it—as well as some of the recipes. Just be aware that there are quite a few questionable moments in this one. But some of Hannah’s onion soup sounds good right now.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
Hannah finds herself in a bit of limbo. She's staying with Norman while her condo is repaired from events in the last book. Moisha does not want to go back to the condo, and Hannah is determined to wait until he's ready to move back in. She's got her own reservations about it herself.
However, she's feeling the tug to leave Norman's house, and Sally needing help at the Inn during the Walleye Fishing Tournament is just the distraction she needs. Bill's out of town, and G'ma is watching the kids ... so Andrea decides to stay at the Inn with Hannah and help out also.
In true Hannah fashion, she manages to spy the next victim, and is neck deep in the investigation. Mike is off his game, and Hannah has her hands full trying to juggle all the things once again.
However, she's feeling the tug to leave Norman's house, and Sally needing help at the Inn during the Walleye Fishing Tournament is just the distraction she needs. Bill's out of town, and G'ma is watching the kids ... so Andrea decides to stay at the Inn with Hannah and help out also.
In true Hannah fashion, she manages to spy the next victim, and is neck deep in the investigation. Mike is off his game, and Hannah has her hands full trying to juggle all the things once again.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There was more “filler language” and recipes than actual storytelling. I’ve started skipping the recipes. 6-8 minutes of an audiobook chapter in recipes is a bit much in my opinion.
I’ve read every book in the Hannah Swenson series (this is #28)….. the last few were a struggle to get through. This one was honestly the hardest to finish. It kinda seemed like a drama with recipes and a little murder sprinkled in.
I’ve read every book in the Hannah Swenson series (this is #28)….. the last few were a struggle to get through. This one was honestly the hardest to finish. It kinda seemed like a drama with recipes and a little murder sprinkled in.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
relaxing