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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
Delicious fun, and I did not see the end coming.
Of course, I was also confused because my copy from the library also had the novella in it "Candy for Christmas." I had not noticed this, so I was not expecting the murder mystery to wrap up for another 100 pages or so! Ha!
Of course, I was also confused because my copy from the library also had the novella in it "Candy for Christmas." I had not noticed this, so I was not expecting the murder mystery to wrap up for another 100 pages or so! Ha!
Pretty fluffy stuff. Perfect for folks who prefer their mysteries 'comfy cozy'. Others should probably take a pass.
An average entry into the cozy mystery genre. Hannah runs a cookie store in a small town. She finds a murdered guy and tries to find out whodunit. The major problem is she does far too much without contacting her police officer brother-in-law, including B&E. After finding the second body, instead of immediately calling him, she decides to drive to where he is. Also, there are two over-the-top mothers, hers and Norm's. Far too annoying.
Still, it smoothly follows the genre's points with engaging writing and some nice characters.
Still, it smoothly follows the genre's points with engaging writing and some nice characters.
2.5⭐️
The only reason im even giving this an extra .5 is because I have to keep reminding myself when this book was written. It’s kinda dated and maybe this would have been my cup of year back then but currently, Lolz no.
All i can think about is how often i am being told that Hannah is different and not like other girlies. And how smart she is. All while being the most insensitive person to those around her!
The moment she made fun of the girl on the telephone for being happy and nice AND HELPING HER, i was done. Conclusion formed.
The other characters are carrying so hard. Honestly all of them are better than her, even Boyd. At least he has some purpose (no author would ever leave a character like this alive)! Hannah is just… insufferable and very unlikable.
Maybe there has been character growth since the first book in the series. Hopefully. 30 books in 24 years and no growth would be crazy!
It was an easy, fun book but Idk if i would recommend. Probably not. It just isn’t something that is worth getting mad about it.
Personally i will read book 2 simply because curiosity revived the cat or whatever.
The only reason im even giving this an extra .5 is because I have to keep reminding myself when this book was written. It’s kinda dated and maybe this would have been my cup of year back then but currently, Lolz no.
All i can think about is how often i am being told that Hannah is different and not like other girlies. And how smart she is. All while being the most insensitive person to those around her!
The moment she made fun of the girl on the telephone for being happy and nice AND HELPING HER, i was done. Conclusion formed.
The other characters are carrying so hard. Honestly all of them are better than her, even Boyd. At least he has some purpose (no author would ever leave a character like this alive)! Hannah is just… insufferable and very unlikable.
Maybe there has been character growth since the first book in the series. Hopefully. 30 books in 24 years and no growth would be crazy!
It was an easy, fun book but Idk if i would recommend. Probably not. It just isn’t something that is worth getting mad about it.
Personally i will read book 2 simply because curiosity revived the cat or whatever.
I think I would classify this as a “cozy” murder mystery. Growing up in a small town, reading this does resonate & scratch that itch for the small town gossip. I quite enjoyed the book once I adopted that look on it. However, I think the writing was a little long-winded, and I also think there was a lot of information dumping that didn’t stick and just served a purpose as a filler.
The resolution of the murder seemed very rushed, but again, I saw this book more of a Hallmark-movie, small-town gossip than anything. It was a nice read, but nothing shocking. I did go ahead and order the sequel!
It was written in 2000, and it shows. I truly hope Fluke still isn’t fat-shaming characters in the books she continues to write in this series… That would be my biggest point of contention.
The resolution of the murder seemed very rushed, but again, I saw this book more of a Hallmark-movie, small-town gossip than anything. It was a nice read, but nothing shocking. I did go ahead and order the sequel!
It was written in 2000, and it shows. I truly hope Fluke still isn’t fat-shaming characters in the books she continues to write in this series… That would be my biggest point of contention.
I’ve learned what “cozy mystery” books are and I love them!!!! There’s apparently 20+ more books? And a hallmark show? Bless. My inner grandma is so pleased.
I really enjoyed the characters - they seem so complex and Fluke revealed their backstories so gracefully! I love Hannah, she seems like someone I'd get along easily with and I love that she has a cookie shop :)
I cannot wait to try out all the recipes and read the rest of the books! Absolutely loved it.
The short story: Candy for Christmas, was pretty neat too.
I cannot wait to try out all the recipes and read the rest of the books! Absolutely loved it.
The short story: Candy for Christmas, was pretty neat too.
A cozy read, but it started a little slow. For those who care - the language is 'clean'. There is no swearing and no 'adult content'.
I've read every Hannah Swensen book but don't plan on reviewing all of them. They all rank fairly high with me as I enjoy them and find them to be a good escape (not overly thought provoking, nice characters you'll enjoy learning more about as the series goes on). I love all of the recipes that are included in each book and have actually made several. In fact, my go-to sugar cookie recipe is one of Fluke's. If you enjoy a murder mystery that's not really gory or overly edgy, you'll enjoy these books.