On one hand, I liked this book more than the past few because Ross wasn't around. If you've read my reviews you know I don't like him. He was a poser and I kept thinking/waiting/hoping he was going to die. Admit it, non-recurring people in Hannah's life tend to die. But he hung on. In this story, someone tries to kill him and his assistant dies instead. Can't we ever get rid of Ross? Oh, but wait, Ross has disappeared and without a single note to Hannah. Does that seem right after all the falling over himself to push himself into her life? But the oddest part of the whole book is how Hannah doesn't seem worried about the actual fact that Ross is missing but more about why he left her. Can we please have back Hannah? I'm sorry I ever complained about her not picking between Norman and Mike.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I was very happy with the story, I was drawn out of my reading slump! I just wish I had more time to read it, I would've been done much sooner.
I was just as lost as Hannah and Mike to find the killer in this story. but I did start piecing it together, about the time Hannah did.
I do enjoy the recipes printed at the end of each (almost) chapter. I bookmarked quite a few!

*I received my copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

Joanne Fluke is back once again with another edition of her Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Raspberry Danish Murder is the twenty-fourth book in this series. Hannah Swensen Barton is still trying to make sense of the disappearance of her husband, Ross Barton, two weeks ago. Taking with him only the keys to their condo and no explanation as to why or where he was going, Hannah is worried, confused, heart-broken, and is looking for answers with the help from her friends, Mike and Norman. It’s close to the Thanksgiving/Christmas season and Hannah is questioning herself if she will have the energy to deal with the orders being received. The regular characters are back from Moishe – Hannah’s cat to Lisa – Hannah’s partner in The Cookie Jar. With their help Hannah knows she will push through. P.K. who was Ross’s assistant at KCow – TV, is assisting Hannah’s sister Michelle with community advertisements on the television about the two plays that Michelle is directing. When P.K. stops at The Cookie Jar to talk to Michelle, he borrows Ross’s car while his car is in the garage. Little did Hannah or Michelle know that P.K. would die in that car. Of course Hannah will pull out her notebook and attempt to discover who would want P.K. out of the picture, or was it meant for someone else, like Ross.

Hannah Swensen is back. Only she's been abandoned by her husband, she's overwhelmed by the holiday rush of orders for her cookies, and another murder needs to be solved.

After 22 books, Fluke's formula for storytelling is pretty predictable. But if you're a fan that's not really a bad thing. You're surrounded by well developed, well established characters and a collection of recipes to try your hand at. It's like returning to visit one of your favorite hometowns and catching up on all the drama, gossip, and, in the case of Lake Eden, murder. My only complaint is I figured out the killer a bit too quickly this time.

I wouldn't say this was close to the best of the bunch in the seires but I did enjoy the cliffhanger ending.

Raspberry Danish Murder is the twenty second installment in the A Hannah Swensen mystery series set in the small town of Lake Eden, Minnesota featuring The Cookie Jar owner, Hannah Swensen. Hannah is still reeling from the disappearance of her husband, Ross, and is relying heavily on Mike and Norman to help her find him.

When Ross' assistant P.K. drops dead from eating candy that was left on Ross' desk, Hannah is left to wonder if someone was really trying to kill P.K. or if the poisonous treat had been meant for her missing husband. With her sister, Michelle, by her side Hannah sets out to find an answer.

I usually enjoy this series, the books are quick, easy reads with a blend of recurring characters, furry companions and recipes, but something about this one was completely off. The writing was so disjointed and completely outside of the norm that I was left to wonder if someone else was actually penning the story line. The overuse of each character's name in every sentence drove me to distraction and I found myself skimming through the pages, often thinking that reading this book would make for a good drinking game - take a shot every time someone says Hannah. There was virtually no mention of Hannah's mother Delores or sister Andrea and the girls, both who have been featured prominently in the past, and while I am a coffee drinker there is no way that someone could possibly drink as much coffee as these characters. The twist at the end is the only thing that will get me to pick up the next in the series, and then only if the book is gifted to me.

I received an advanced copy of Raspberry Danish Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

This may just have been one of my favorites. I love every one of Joanne's books, and never come away disappointed. Hannah and the gang are back again, with mouthwatering recipes, mystery and of course, Moishe! With a busy shop, a cookie booth to man and a murder to solve, Hannah has her hands full.. I don't want to give it away, but this book has a great twist to it! #RaspberryDanishMurder #NetGalley

Hannah Barton has been sleeping alone since her new husband of two weeks, Ross Barton left for parts unknown. Ross works at a TV station so everyone is thinking he is on some location and will be back soon. P. K. is his camera man, and is also helping Michelle with some 'public service announcements' for the upcoming winter play. Michelle and Hannah are sisters and work at The Cookie Jar. Then P.K. takes Ross' car and crashes it, killing him. But it wasn't the crash that killed P.K. , he was poisoned! Now Hannah and Michelle are in investigator mode to find out who would kill P. K. and why. Then there is the strange things Hannah finds out that Ross left her. Isn't he coming back? Is he dead also? Can they find the answers? You will need to read the book to find out, the ending will surprise you. It left me with my mouth agape, shaking my head! I voluntarily reviews a copy of this book from Net Galley. The review is my own opinion. Oh! Don't forget all those wonderful recipes throughout the book!!!

I just reviewed Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke. #RaspberryDanishMurder #NetGalley and I was extremely disappointed. I love Hannah Swenson and all of the kooky characters in Eden Lake, but this installment was just a bunch of filler and not a whole lot of substance. Too much of the book was devoted to the interaction between the characters that had little or nothing to do with the mysteries to be solved. There were several recipes as well that took away from the natural flow of the story. Towards the end of the book, one of the mysteries was solved hastily and the main mystery was partially solved leaving a cliffhanger for the next book in the series. I was easily able to put this book down, unlike her previous books that I had to finish in one sitting.

Another fun mystery with the lovable Hannah (and Moishe)! The last book left off with a cliffhanger and this one is no different! A well crafted mystery and tempting recipes round out this cozy. You won't be able to resist reading this sweet confection in one sitting!

Wow! I did not expect this ending! It totally surprised me! Ms. Fluke has given her main character, Hannah, a very meaty bone to chew.

I received a free copy of the Raspberry Danish Murder by Joanne Fluke in exchange for an honest review. This book begins with Hannah recovering from the shock that occurred at the end of the last book. Her friends and family have all pulled closely around her to lend their support. The murder of a friend gets Hannah out of her head and focused on finding the perpetrator.

I enjoyed both the story and the recipes. The story was entertaining; the conclusion also provided some closure to the cliffhanger at the end of the previous book while pointing to a potential direction for the next. The recipes look delicious!

This series jumped the shark awhile back and I just haven't been able to cut the cord though I was seriously going to stop after the last book and the surprise ending. However, curiosity got the best of me. Raspberry begins where #21 left off, but any active investigation by Hannah doesn't really begin until about the half way mark...way too late for a mystery. Prior (and after) we get WAY too much cookie and food talk. Take that away and the book would be a good 60% shorter.

Hannah has completely devolved into an idiot, both professionally and personally. How can a store that just sells cookies pay a staff of 6 and it's expenses, especially when Hannah keeps giving the stuff to everyone? Later we do find out that one of the staff doesn't get paid, so how the heck can she afford to live?!? We saw in the last book that Hannah seems to have lost any self confidence in herself and it's just plain weird. Why? She questions that her husband left her with no word because she snores??? She needs Cher to give her a good slap and a "Snap out of it!" Hannah also comes to the conclusion she may not have known Ross very well at all. Really? You think so when you can't answer basic questions about your husband??? She's also very passive as an investigator until about the 50% mark as I mentioned. She used to be much more proactive.

We, the readers, are also treated like we're brainless. We have to be told that the fact the telephone is showing the number 5 that there were 5 callers while Hannah was gone? (Actually, that 5 messages were left, could have been more callers.) The characters have to constantly call each other by name so we don't have to keep track of their minimal interaction.

The actual murder, who did it and why was weak. It was surprising and Hannah did investigate to get the answers, but it made no sense. Given what little we find out about the person who is the reason for the murder (trying not to give spoilers) what that person does makes no sense. We're not given any reason for that person's actions, therefore the murderer's decision to do what he/she does makes no sense. Less than half a page of additional information to flesh it out would have helped.

What really frosted my cookie is that we and Hannah are informed of at the very end. Without giving any spoilers all I can say is WTF?!? You have to be kidding me. It just doesn't make sense so no spoiler here, I think it's a fake out.

Chances are I will read the next book only to find out if I'm right (or to see if the series continues on it's insane trajectory into the dumpster) and only if I get the book free again from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review or if I get it from the library.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion from Netgalley.

This is the 22nd book in the Hannah Swenson baking mysteries. I hadn't read any of the previous books, but really besides a little bit of catching up on characters and back story, it was easy to follow.. In this book, Hannah's husband Ross is missing, and then his work colleague ends up murdered. Hannah is, of course, investigating to see if the two mysteries are related. I loved the story of Hannah's bakery and there are many recipes interspersed throughout the book. Hannah's tips are even in the recipes, which is a fun touch. This story keeps you guessing until the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery and a few great recipes!

#RaspberryDanishMurder by Joanne Fluke

I received this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. I will take my mother’s advice: if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything! I suppose that if you are really into baking this would be a fantastic story but you also have to love cozy “mysteries” where the whole police force are rambling idiots and therefore have to rely on the local baker to solve murders. This same baker should join the police force as she is so inept that after taking picture of the evidence she forgets to send it. If you have absolutely nothing to do this will keep you occupied for awhile. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Ross Barton, Hannah Swensen’s husband has disappeared without a trace and has left no explanation. Ross' former assistant at KCOW-TV, P.K. Alesworth, dies after eating poisoned candy that was sent to Ross and left at Ross’ desk. Was P.K. The intended voctim or Ross? Lake Eden police and Hannah and her crew investigate.
There are a lot of discrepancies in the things Ross told Hannah about his past and his family. Will they find P.K.’s killer and Ross? You’ll have to read to find out.
What I liked about the book was the story line, the humor, and the humanity. I also had to look up a few things. I did not know about adding egg to coffee while preparing it. Turns out it’s called Swedish coffee. I also am enticed by the recipes. I’ll probably try most of them. The reason behind the cats being tired had me ROTFLOL.
I don’t like Hannah and Ross together. I don’t like that this and the previous book took away some of Hannah’s independence and backbone. She’s not a school girl. She’s a mature woman. I am disappointed in Ross but couldn’t like Mike and Norman any more than I do by the end of the story. Also, the writing style did not seem the same as the other books. I can’t put my finger on it but it was just off.
This can be read as a standalone but I enjoy the series. I have read all 22 of them.

A pleasant cozy with many recipes. This has been an enjoyable series. I was thrilled when Hannah chose Ross over Norman and Mike. I liked both of the men, but if she couldn't make a decision, there wasn't enough passion and love to be right for a marriage with either of them. Now Ross is missing. I did skip the most recent book, as I didn't care for the one prior to it and gave up on the series. I am glad I gave the series another chance. This certainly isn't the best in the series, but it is a pleasant diversion. Lots of food and cookie conversations.

Raspberry Danish Murder has brought back the Hannah we've all come to love.
Still trying to come to terms with the disappearance of her husband Ross, Hannah leaves no stone unturned as she continues to search for answers.
With the sudden death of her husband's assistant, Hannah has the feeling that something just isn't right.

Of course Hannah has the help of her best friends Mike and Norman, and her sister Michelle is back as well.

It was nice having Hannah back as her usual self even though she was worried about Ross.

The end startled me, I was not prepared for what Mike had found out.

I don't want to reveal to much but for all the devoted Hannah fans, you won't be disappointed.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Hannah, owner of The Cookie Jar, has thrown herself into her work baking treats to try to stop thinking about her missing husband, Ross. One of the people who love to sample anything she makes is her husband’s assistant, P.K. But, things go awry when P.K. eats a piece of poisoned candy found on Ross’ desk and dies. Now, Hannah needs to know whether that candy was meant for P.K. or her husband. Hannah investigates and will stop at nothing to find the truth.
This was a great cozy mystery that answered all of the questions I had and whet my appetite for the next installment. The plot was a puzzle with enough suspects and red herrings that I couldn’t figure out the solution until the answer was revealed. I will continue to read this series because it feels like visiting with old friends. An advanced reader’s copy was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

I have long been aware of this popular series, but this is the first title I've read -- not a good idea to start a series so late in the game! The author does provide some backstory, but it is not really enough. I did enjoy it, because I love cozy mysteries with female protagonists, and I enjoyed it enough so that I want to go back and start with the first book. It's a treat, because I know there are so many good books ahead if this title is any example.

It has been awhile since I read one of the Hannah Swensen mysteries, but I’ve read so many in this series that it was easy to pick up where I had left off. All the recurring people in the story were just as I remembered them. I did, however, especially enjoy the enhanced role of Hannah’s sister, Michelle, in this story.

This book follows a similar pattern as Ms. Fluke’s previous stories in the series, but I think that is one reason I enjoy these stories. It is light, entertaining, and comfortable reading – with a few surprises thrown in to keep you on your toes.

The ending caught me off guard, but it also seemed to wrap up too quickly. I felt left thinking that surely there could be a little more explanation. I won’t go into details as I don’t want to spoil the story for you. I will say that it was not a serious enough of an issue for me to say I’m not reading any more of this series, because I’m pretty sure that I will be going back to read the books I missed (I think I have an unread paperback by Joanne Fluke on my bookcase right now!).

A side note: Joanne Fluke always includes some fabulous looking recipes. I’ve never tried them since I’m not much of a cook, but they do look good.

I received my copy of this book from NetGalley. However, the opinion expressed here is entirely my own.