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A review by mrs_galaxywanderer091825
Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke
4.0
4.25 stars
Boy did it feel good to be back in Hannah Swensen’s world. I really enjoyed this book for it being a fun cozy mystery with recipes. There were 2 cases being worked on in this book: 1st is the murder mystery of the book and the 2nd is why is Carrie, Norman’s mom, distancing herself from those closest to her (her son and Hannah’s mother). I enjoyed the fun story mixed with serious story as it balanced the more serious murder mystery and dangers involved in hunting a killer, but I can see why some readers were upset with the back and forth. If you don’t know who a previous character was then the need to make sure that Carrie was okay might not make much sense.
I appreciated the different writing style choices that Ms. Fluke did with the 12th Hannah Swensen book. The first chapter started off showing us how the murder happened and who the character was as a person. Right off, you know nobody will really miss this man and some maybe glad he’s dead. He wasn’t a sympathetic victim like others in past but still had his killer found. (Even jerks deserve justice.) This book was darker than the past ones and I appreciated it. Fraud and embezzlement are major issues that sadly many people face. This book was released in 2009 when the economy in the U.S. (and world) wasn’t in a good place. Losing any amount of money is difficult and can lead people to drastic decisions. It changes people to be harder and less trusting because nobody wants to be taken advantage of again. The plot sheds light on this serious topic while still being a cozy mystery.
I loved all the Moishe the Cat scenes. As a cat owner I understood Hannah’s fears about having a Christmas tree and the struggle of wrapping presents with one around. (It was a nightmare when I had 3!) I nearly had a heart attack when antique AND glass ornaments were brought out... I kept wondering if a harmony would be reached between Moishe and the tree with its decorations.
Not going to lie, I really enjoyed that Mike was hardly in this book. Norman was a constant presence and it showed just how wonderful a husband he’d be. Mike was nice but also a manly jerk when he showed up. Who the heck would say they’re taking you to a hospital so you’ll be okay enough to cook a Christmas meal for them AFTER you saved that person from certain peril!?!? It’s moments like this where people develop PTSD so saying something nice to them is okay. Especially if you’re in a relationship with the person you saved. Honestly, I’m more certain on my stance that Norman is the right choice for Hannah. That being said it was odd that he was barely around Hannah except when he wanted food. Kind of wish it was acknowledged that he was distancing himself from her more than “he’s been busy at work all day.”
We got introduced to the ONLY man who has had a sexual encounter with Hannah and we know nothing about him but a few facts. 1) He’s a man whore, 2) doesn’t remember Hannah (but she sure remembers him), and 3) he’s in town (yet still can never find her in a small town). I wonder why he was even introduced in this book. There was no big confrontation but maybe he’ll be a bigger part in the series later on. He was pointlessly around but not really around, so it felt off that he was in this book. Maybe later on my rating will change once I find out why he was brought back into Hannah’s life. For now a solid 4.25 stars for me.
Boy did it feel good to be back in Hannah Swensen’s world. I really enjoyed this book for it being a fun cozy mystery with recipes. There were 2 cases being worked on in this book: 1st is the murder mystery of the book and the 2nd is why is Carrie, Norman’s mom, distancing herself from those closest to her (her son and Hannah’s mother). I enjoyed the fun story mixed with serious story as it balanced the more serious murder mystery and dangers involved in hunting a killer, but I can see why some readers were upset with the back and forth. If you don’t know who a previous character was then the need to make sure that Carrie was okay might not make much sense.
I appreciated the different writing style choices that Ms. Fluke did with the 12th Hannah Swensen book. The first chapter started off showing us how the murder happened and who the character was as a person. Right off, you know nobody will really miss this man and some maybe glad he’s dead. He wasn’t a sympathetic victim like others in past but still had his killer found. (Even jerks deserve justice.) This book was darker than the past ones and I appreciated it. Fraud and embezzlement are major issues that sadly many people face. This book was released in 2009 when the economy in the U.S. (and world) wasn’t in a good place. Losing any amount of money is difficult and can lead people to drastic decisions. It changes people to be harder and less trusting because nobody wants to be taken advantage of again. The plot sheds light on this serious topic while still being a cozy mystery.
I loved all the Moishe the Cat scenes. As a cat owner I understood Hannah’s fears about having a Christmas tree and the struggle of wrapping presents with one around. (It was a nightmare when I had 3!) I nearly had a heart attack when antique AND glass ornaments were brought out... I kept wondering if a harmony would be reached between Moishe and the tree with its decorations.
Not going to lie, I really enjoyed that Mike was hardly in this book. Norman was a constant presence and it showed just how wonderful a husband he’d be. Mike was nice but also a manly jerk when he showed up. Who the heck would say they’re taking you to a hospital so you’ll be okay enough to cook a Christmas meal for them AFTER you saved that person from certain peril!?!? It’s moments like this where people develop PTSD so saying something nice to them is okay. Especially if you’re in a relationship with the person you saved. Honestly, I’m more certain on my stance that Norman is the right choice for Hannah. That being said it was odd that he was barely around Hannah except when he wanted food. Kind of wish it was acknowledged that he was distancing himself from her more than “he’s been busy at work all day.”
We got introduced to the ONLY man who has had a sexual encounter with Hannah and we know nothing about him but a few facts. 1) He’s a man whore, 2) doesn’t remember Hannah (but she sure remembers him), and 3) he’s in town (yet still can never find her in a small town). I wonder why he was even introduced in this book. There was no big confrontation but maybe he’ll be a bigger part in the series later on. He was pointlessly around but not really around, so it felt off that he was in this book. Maybe later on my rating will change once I find out why he was brought back into Hannah’s life. For now a solid 4.25 stars for me.