Cherry Cheesecake Murder

I know everyone else seems to like this book. I normally finished the other books in 4-6 hours. I received this book in February. It is now August and I just finished it, that's how much of a drag this book was for me. Honestly, there were too many characters, most I did not care for. Too many descriptions and details that did nothing to move the story. I don't need 2-3 pages just on what Moishe is doing (sorry, Moishe). The actual action didn't start until 2/3 into the book. I never thought I would catch myself saying this, but I hated Hannah in this book. She read self-centered, selfish, and just playing annoying in her relationship with her two boyfriends. I also hated Mike and Norman for being pushovers. Just skip this one if you're a casual fan. It does nothing for the series as a whole. Edit: I actually got this book in OCTOBER.

I purchased the book because I enjoyed the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swenson Mysteries) and Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen Holiday Mysteries) by the same author. This book, like the other two I've read, is a delightful depiction of Minnesota as it's often viewed by others. The nurses I worked with in New York City knew exactly one thing about Minnesota, it's COLD!! The author perpetuates our snowy image and the Minnesota Nice character of the people in her little town of Lake Eden where the central characters are charming and enjoyable people with whom to spend time. Each has his or her strengths and weaknesses and each supplies something to the others and to the story that moves things right along. Furthermore, there is a growing history through the sequence of the stories that leaves one wanting to know more about where each character goes. In this book the murder occurs on main street in front of virtually every one in town. A movie company has chosen the town as its setting for an independent film--something that has actually occurred in Minnesota on several occasions--and many of the locals are recruited to play parts in it. The director is murdered, and it's anyone's guess "who dunnit." As usual the main characters pool their knowledge, skills and abilities to detect the culprit with enjoyable results. Of particular enjoyment, and a clear indication of her talent, is Ms Fluke's introduction of a plausible, serious, and very interesting film script that is developed throughout the main story. Exceptional. It's all about entertainment from beginning to end.

I love this author. She has a way of getting you hooked on the story and making you feel as if you are part of the story. One of the things that I like about her stories is I am able to read this story to my students at work. I can hardly wait for her next murder.

In the 8th installment of the Hannah Swensen mystery series, we find the residents of Lake Eden enraptured with the lure of Hollywood. The movies are coming to town, and as everyone jostles for a part in the film, Hannah hustles to bake goodies for the cast and crew. When the director, Dean Lawrence, is shot on set demonstrating a scene for a confused actor, Hannah once again leaps into the investigation. While juggling the affections of now three men, Hannah tries to figure out who amongst a long list of enemies wanted to kill the director. As was stated in previous reviews, longtime readers of the series should enjoy this latest offering. I like this series because it is a light, quick read with familiar characters in each book. However, I have become a bit tired of Hannah's constant waffling between Mike and Norman, and wonder how long the author can keep this scenario going. If you are a fan of the cozy mystery genre and like mysteries with recipes, give this one a try. The first book in this series is titled "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder". Enjoy!

There have been enough reviews that explain the plot of this book so I'm not going to rehash it. I'd rather rave about this and all of the other books in the Hannah series. My wife is an avid fan and kept urging me to read each book she bought. I'm not a big reader -- I'd rather putter around in the kitchen. She finally got my attention with the Sugar Cookie Murder. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, plus the expanded recipe section. While waiting for the next release, I started with the first book in the series (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) and worked my way forward. Personally I've grown very fond of Hannah's friends and family. Each mystery is different, but you have the hominess of core characters that are always present. And I think that the ongoing rivalry between Norman and Mike is great. In this latest story, one more possible suitor is introduced. Good for you Hannah. I think that the plot in this one is the best yet, but of course I say that about each one that I read. Don't pass this one up -- it's a real winner.

The last book was a cliff-hanger on Hannah and her two boyfriends...and this one does NOT answer that question. Hannah needs to make a decision...this is ridiulous! And she needs to choose Norman...yes, I definitely have an opinion on this matter! This book is actually mostly lead-up to the murder...it starts with the murder and then goes back and does all the lead-up to the murder. The actual murder doesn't really occur until about halfway through the book (maybe more) while Fluke's other books started with the murder. This gives you plenty of time to dislike the deceased, though. I managed to figure out the murderer a little early (quite proud of myself actually), by the same clues that Hannah notices later. The characters and plot are as fun and interesting as ever. If you are new to this series, though, you might want to go back and read a different first - if nothing else, so you understand the Norman/Mike tangle.