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I read this book and the next couple in the series when I was younger, and I thought they were peak literature lol. Now, reading them, I can love and accept them for what they are: cute, cozy mysteries. The writing felt weird in some places, and with stories like this you always have to suspend disbelief to a certain extent, but I love the story and the characters (and the recipes).
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I've been going to begin this series for awhile since it's all over the place for cozies. This one is definitely not for me though. While I was listening to this book I kept thinking that this was written a lot later than it was. It was written in 2000 I guess but it felt a lot older.
Some cozy mysteries have issues with female weights. It bothers me but most the time I can overlook it. However, there was one character that was talked about being she was a bigger lady and wore stripes. She was called a circus tent. A CIRCUS TENT! This had me saying "what the fuck" out loud.
I feel like this story was really long as well. A lot longer than it needs to be. The audiobook was decent though. I like the womans voice who reads it.
I won't be continuing this series. A shame though since there's so many books in it. Would've been good to have another longer series to immerse myself in.
Some cozy mysteries have issues with female weights. It bothers me but most the time I can overlook it. However, there was one character that was talked about being she was a bigger lady and wore stripes. She was called a circus tent. A CIRCUS TENT! This had me saying "what the fuck" out loud.
I feel like this story was really long as well. A lot longer than it needs to be. The audiobook was decent though. I like the womans voice who reads it.
I won't be continuing this series. A shame though since there's so many books in it. Would've been good to have another longer series to immerse myself in.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
To be frank, I was attracted to this book initially because of it colorful cover and its distinct title (they say to not judge a book by its cover, but here we are). I mainly picked up this book because at the time I couldn't find any other books to read in the library, but I'm glad I did! I enjoyed the combination of managing a baked goods business, family and friend relations, and a murder case, as well as how it was not super graphic, but still kept me on my toes (personally). I like the protagonist and I grew to like Andrea more as time went along (I was shaking with her when she and Hannah were investigating the dairy). Also, #justicefordanielle! One issue I had was that I could not help but question Judith (yes, she is the murderer); like would a real murderer really sit there and reveal all of her intentions to someone who is actively trying to turn her in? Maybe it's just me. Either way, it's a fun read and I am excited to read the next book!
I would rate this 3.5 stars but I rounded up to 4. I recommend!
My rating
I would rate this 3.5 stars but I rounded up to 4. I recommend!
My rating
mysterious
medium-paced
A decent cozy mystery, but man does its age show in the writing!
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I was in the mood for a cozy mystery, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke came highly recommended. I remembered seeing the covers for the movies on one of the streaming platforms and decided to give it a try. Given that it was written nearly a quarter of a century ago, I thought that might explain some of the cringe-worthy language I encountered. Or maybe I'm just too politically correct, as our main character Hannah Swensen mockingly suggests when she comments on how people today prefer the term "Native Americans" over "Indians." She even notes that the local pharmacist, who is part Native American, did some research and concluded they were from Siberia.
Hannah's constant weight comments about herself, along with remarks about Betty, who is described as "large" and wearing unattractive vertical stripes, were jarring. It felt like listening (since I was alternating between the audiobook and the paperback) to an annoying, bitter, holier-than-thou woman who claims not to care about appearances, yet continuously judges others based on their looks. This hypocrisy extends to her judgments of people who don't fit conventional attractiveness, as well as her condescension towards those who do, like her sisters and mother.
Despite the promising setup—a cozy bakery in a small town and a murder mystery—I found Hannah to be an incredibly frustrating protagonist. Her self-righteousness, coupled with her disparaging comments about others, made her an unsympathetic character. While some readers might appreciate her straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor, I found it grating and off-putting.
Hannah Swensen's character embodies many traits of a "pick me girl," constantly seeking validation by putting others down and striving to appear different from other women. Throughout the book, Hannah frequently distances herself from other women by criticizing their appearances and lifestyle choices, as if to elevate her own status. She prides herself on not caring about looks, yet she constantly makes snide remarks about those who do. This is evident in her disdainful comments about her sisters' and mother's conventional attractiveness and fashion choices. Additionally, her need to emphasize her disinterest in dieting while simultaneously obsessing over her weight comes off as an attempt to garner sympathy and set herself apart as more "real" or "authentic" than those around her. This behavior not only makes her an unappealing protagonist but also reinforces patriarchal stereotypes that pit women against each other based on superficial qualities. By buying into this divisive mentality, Hannah perpetuates a cycle where women are judged and valued primarily on their looks, further alienating readers who might be looking for a more supportive and inclusive narrative.
The plot itself is fairly standard for the genre. Hannah discovers the dead body of Ron LaSalle, the town's delivery man, behind her bakery with her famous chocolate chip cookies scattered around. The local sheriff seems inept, prompting Hannah to take matters into her own hands. As she investigates, she uncovers secrets and hidden connections within the town. This should have been engaging, but the uneven pacing and Hannah's personal musings bogged it down. Her brother in law is also inept. He was okay with her basically taking the lead on investigating, yet, was somehow able to figure out where she was and save her from a crazy socialite who had her at gunpoint?
The book's treatment of cultural sensitivity is also problematic. Hannah's dismissive attitude towards the term "Native American" and the pharmacist's dubious claim about their origins are insensitive and outdated. These elements, along with the constant focus on physical appearance, make the book feel out of touch with contemporary values.
On the positive side, Joanne Fluke's writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making for a quick read. However, the narrative's charm is overshadowed by the protagonist's flaws and the dated social commentary. The cozy mystery genre thrives on likable, relatable characters, and a warm, inviting atmosphere—elements that this book struggles to deliver.
I finished the first book and wanted to give the second a try, but after a few chapters, I couldn't stand Hannah any longer. I had to stop and write this review. For those looking for a cozy mystery with more modern sensibilities and a less grating protagonist, I recommend seeking out more recently written works in the genre. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder might hold nostalgic value for longtime fans, but for new readers, its shortcomings are hard to overlook.
Hannah's constant weight comments about herself, along with remarks about Betty, who is described as "large" and wearing unattractive vertical stripes, were jarring. It felt like listening (since I was alternating between the audiobook and the paperback) to an annoying, bitter, holier-than-thou woman who claims not to care about appearances, yet continuously judges others based on their looks. This hypocrisy extends to her judgments of people who don't fit conventional attractiveness, as well as her condescension towards those who do, like her sisters and mother.
Despite the promising setup—a cozy bakery in a small town and a murder mystery—I found Hannah to be an incredibly frustrating protagonist. Her self-righteousness, coupled with her disparaging comments about others, made her an unsympathetic character. While some readers might appreciate her straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor, I found it grating and off-putting.
Hannah Swensen's character embodies many traits of a "pick me girl," constantly seeking validation by putting others down and striving to appear different from other women. Throughout the book, Hannah frequently distances herself from other women by criticizing their appearances and lifestyle choices, as if to elevate her own status. She prides herself on not caring about looks, yet she constantly makes snide remarks about those who do. This is evident in her disdainful comments about her sisters' and mother's conventional attractiveness and fashion choices. Additionally, her need to emphasize her disinterest in dieting while simultaneously obsessing over her weight comes off as an attempt to garner sympathy and set herself apart as more "real" or "authentic" than those around her. This behavior not only makes her an unappealing protagonist but also reinforces patriarchal stereotypes that pit women against each other based on superficial qualities. By buying into this divisive mentality, Hannah perpetuates a cycle where women are judged and valued primarily on their looks, further alienating readers who might be looking for a more supportive and inclusive narrative.
The plot itself is fairly standard for the genre. Hannah discovers the dead body of Ron LaSalle, the town's delivery man, behind her bakery with her famous chocolate chip cookies scattered around. The local sheriff seems inept, prompting Hannah to take matters into her own hands. As she investigates, she uncovers secrets and hidden connections within the town. This should have been engaging, but the uneven pacing and Hannah's personal musings bogged it down. Her brother in law is also inept. He was okay with her basically taking the lead on investigating, yet, was somehow able to figure out where she was and save her from a crazy socialite who had her at gunpoint?
The book's treatment of cultural sensitivity is also problematic. Hannah's dismissive attitude towards the term "Native American" and the pharmacist's dubious claim about their origins are insensitive and outdated. These elements, along with the constant focus on physical appearance, make the book feel out of touch with contemporary values.
On the positive side, Joanne Fluke's writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making for a quick read. However, the narrative's charm is overshadowed by the protagonist's flaws and the dated social commentary. The cozy mystery genre thrives on likable, relatable characters, and a warm, inviting atmosphere—elements that this book struggles to deliver.
I finished the first book and wanted to give the second a try, but after a few chapters, I couldn't stand Hannah any longer. I had to stop and write this review. For those looking for a cozy mystery with more modern sensibilities and a less grating protagonist, I recommend seeking out more recently written works in the genre. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder might hold nostalgic value for longtime fans, but for new readers, its shortcomings are hard to overlook.