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hannah_the_home_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
Christmas has come to Lake Eden once again! This time, Hannah is investigating the murder of Larry Jaeger, the Christmas tree salesman at the Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot. Typically, I absolutely adore the holiday shenanigans of the Swensen clan and the resulting ensemble of characters such as Mike, Norman, Herb, Lisa, Carrie, etc., but I found that this book lost some of that Christmas charm that the Blueberry Muffin Murder and Sugar Cookie Murder books had.
Mike Kingston, for one is starting to slip further and further down my liked characters list, especially as he continues to "mansplain" things to Hannah in nearly every book. Why Hannah can't finally decide that Norman is 100% a better guy for her than Mike is unbeknownst to me, other than the fact that Mike is, as always, "classically handsome" whereas Norman is always basically described as 'not traditionally handsome, but not ugly'. His last-minute "save the day" attitude when Hannah is constantly involved in danger is also getting a bit repetitive. I wish that this time it had been Norman who saved Hannah since he was already present at the same venue when Hannah confronts the killer of Larry Jaeger. Furthermore, this book, unlike the others of the series, made it much more blatantly obvious which character had killed Larry, which took away some of the enjoyment for me because I like the usual twists and red herrings Joanne Fluke usually has in her stories to make the ending much more satisfying.
Of course, I still enjoyed the Hannah/Norman moments in the book, loved the small mentions of Lisa/Herb and their excitement to hopefully get a puppy, Hannah's interactions with Michelle, Andrea, and her two nieces, and the family Christmas Eve dinner held at the end! However, one of Hannah's former college lovers appearing at various points throughout the book read more like a slap across the face than an interesting plot point. I honestly have no idea why Bradford is even necessary in the plot and why Michelle would refer to him as a college "friend" when he is clearly one of her professors. Furthermore, the book simply ends upon Hannah realizing that is who Michelle brought to Christmas Eve dinner, so now we as readers most likely have to suffer through his inclusion in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed Plum Pudding Murder and will continue to read the series, but the up and down ratings for this series make me curious as to why the quality between the books in this series is so drastically different when they are written by just one author.
Mike Kingston, for one is starting to slip further and further down my liked characters list, especially as he continues to "mansplain" things to Hannah in nearly every book. Why Hannah can't finally decide that Norman is 100% a better guy for her than Mike is unbeknownst to me, other than the fact that Mike is, as always, "classically handsome" whereas Norman is always basically described as 'not traditionally handsome, but not ugly'. His last-minute "save the day" attitude when Hannah is constantly involved in danger is also getting a bit repetitive. I wish that this time it had been Norman who saved Hannah since he was already present at the same venue when Hannah confronts the killer of Larry Jaeger. Furthermore, this book, unlike the others of the series, made it much more blatantly obvious which character had killed Larry, which took away some of the enjoyment for me because I like the usual twists and red herrings Joanne Fluke usually has in her stories to make the ending much more satisfying.
Of course, I still enjoyed the Hannah/Norman moments in the book, loved the small mentions of Lisa/Herb and their excitement to hopefully get a puppy, Hannah's interactions with Michelle, Andrea, and her two nieces, and the family Christmas Eve dinner held at the end! However, one of Hannah's former college lovers appearing at various points throughout the book read more like a slap across the face than an interesting plot point. I honestly have no idea why Bradford is even necessary in the plot and why Michelle would refer to him as a college "friend" when he is clearly one of her professors. Furthermore, the book simply ends upon Hannah realizing that is who Michelle brought to Christmas Eve dinner, so now we as readers most likely have to suffer through his inclusion in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed Plum Pudding Murder and will continue to read the series, but the up and down ratings for this series make me curious as to why the quality between the books in this series is so drastically different when they are written by just one author.
jenniferdenslow's review against another edition
3.0
Hannah Swensen isn't busy enough with her bakery; she has to go around solving murders as well! This outing on the long-running series finds a shady businessman setting up in the small town to take advantage of everyone's Christmas spirit. But one elf is just not that jolly....
jazzrizz's review against another edition
4.0
I adore this series . . . but this book felt a little rushed for some reason. Lots of interaction, but not much character development in this book.
Lots of yummy receipes to try though :)
Lots of yummy receipes to try though :)
ewil6681's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
4.0
Another very cozy, holiday themed mystery by Joanne Fluke. There is not much to say about this series that hasn't been said except, I thought the murder suspect was pretty obvious from early on. And WHEN is Hannah going to choose Norman over Mike? Also what a cliff hanger at the end! Good job Ms Fluke, I am very intrigued now!
birdybookwormleslie's review against another edition
4.0
Delicious and deadly
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Plum Pudding Murder'! The author masterfully blends cozy mystery, intrigue, and humor, creating a delightful reading experience. The inclusion of recipes adds a charming touch, making it a treat for both mystery enthusiasts and foodies alike. Minus one star because the killer was easily predicted.
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Plum Pudding Murder'! The author masterfully blends cozy mystery, intrigue, and humor, creating a delightful reading experience. The inclusion of recipes adds a charming touch, making it a treat for both mystery enthusiasts and foodies alike. Minus one star because the killer was easily predicted.
kristins911's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
andreac713's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0