Apple Turnover Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

I loved this book, I have just about ever book that Ms. Fluke has written. I really like the character of Hannah and can identify with her for certain things. Having receipes is a plus, I have tried some of them and they are really good. In my opinion this is a really good read for anyone who like mysteries and a lead character that is likeable, and has two great guys that like her.

Joanne Fluke as usual delivers in the "Apple Turnover Murder". There are twists and turns throughout the book. Even on the last page you can hardly wait until her next book. The recipes as usual are easy and great! A must read!

Despite others not liking Joanne Fluke's latest delectable mystery, Apple Turnover Murder, I loved it! I thought it was actually one of the best so far. It was definitely not predictable, I did not discover the murderer's identity until the last few pages. I also thought it was funny, intriguing, and very clever I would recommend this mystery to anyone who hasn't read a Hannah Swensen murder mystery, and if you have been keeping up with Hannah, you will love this new installment!

In Lake Eden, Minnesota, Hannah Swensen's business The Cookie Jar is booming with orders as June is busting out with weddings and other events. When Mayor Bascomb and his wife Stephanie order one thousand and one hundred apple turnovers to sell at the Lake Eden Combined Charities Drive, Hannah is elastic but wonders of there is time to make that amount in addition to their other orders. Her partner Lisa's enthusiasm plus other bakers all chip in to fulfill the order. The only real issue Hannah has with the gala is the emcee is community college professor Brad Ramsey; whom Hannah and her younger sister Michelle had relationships with at different times when the sisters were attending school. Ramsey has made a lot of enemies especially breaking the hearts of many coeds, but Hannah never expected someone to kill him when she finds his murdered body backstage holding a turnover. Hannah investigates hoping to identify the culprit without the police especially her other boyfriend deputy Mike Kingston, who leads the official inquiry, knowing that the Swensen siblings were part of Brad's conquests. She is also worried about her second boyfriend Norman acting peculiarly and out of character, as he left home warm and loving but has come back to the nest cold and aloof Although the Swenson brood seem to find murdered corpses all over Lake Eden (see Lemon Meringue Pie for instance)that should run them out of town as jinxes, fans will fully enjoy Apple Turnover Murder as this is probably the best baked amateur sleuth of the series. Hannah has two mysteries to solve; first the whodunit and second what is wrong with Norman. Thus the heroine is at her best as she works the homicide trying to conceal from the town knowing her and Michelle were on the professor of love's hot list. Besides an entertaining mystery and a dozen recipes, readers will learn much more about how the heroine feels re her two beaus and a look at the family. Harriet Klausner

Hannah hasn't known how to handle the fact that Bradford Ramsey is back in town. The man used her and then broke her heart several years before, and appears to be doing the same to Michelle. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to remember Hannah, so that helps. But Hannah doesn't have much time to dwell on this particular problem. It's the busy season at The Cookie Jar with wedding showers and other parties to cater. And that's before they agree to provide apple turnovers for a fundraiser and Hannah reprises her role as Herb's assistant in a magic act for a talent show. Backstage at the show, Hannah stumbles upon Bradford's body. The last thing she wants is her past with Bradford to surface. Can she solve the crime quickly before the entire town finds out? Those who are familiar with the series pretty much already know what to expect, and this book won't disappoint. The mystery is light but interesting. I figured it out earlier than I would have liked, but several sub-plots and the wonderful characters kept me engaged while I waited to see if I was right. There is no resolution to the love triangle in sight, and this book further muddies the waters. There is plenty of talk about baking with approximately 17 new recipes for humans and even one for a dog. If you haven't enjoyed the last few books, there will be nothing here to change your mind. But I continue to enjoy these trips to Lake Eden. This is another fun visit with old friends.