Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is the 27th addition to the Hannah Swensen mystery series. Each one works well as a standalone, so you can jump in at any point.

While I’ve read a lot of these, and I do enjoy them, sometimes the conversations between the characters seem a little stilted. It often puts me off a bit until I immerse myself more into the story. Overall, I like the main character, Hannah, and her friends, family and acquaintances. They are a very considerate group of people who get along well together. Hannah’s sisters and mom play a role in every book.

The addition of Hannah’s suspicious and rational minds, labeled like that, seems new to me; I’m not sure if it is or not. The wording is a little grating because the rational mind replies in ways like: “Hannah keeps her promises.” That’s the way children speak about themselves. Maybe the author could find a better way of putting Hannah’s thoughts in the book.


This is another neatly wrapped up story. I like that these cozy mysteries are free of cursing and sex, and they are enjoyable books to read.

Joanne Fluke and her cast of amazing characters have done it again! I am constantly thrilled that with the many adventures of Hannah, her family and friends, that this author can continue to come up with stories that still draw readers in and are not close to previous plot lines. It takes an amazing writer to keep up a series for that long and leave her readers waiting for Hannah’s next adventure.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I absolutely adored this book. Joanne never disappoints. I would think that I knew for a fact who did it, but I am always wrong. I love the relationships in her books. The family and friend dynamics are always so heartwarming. I enjoy the sisterly bond that Hannah and her sisters have, and Hannah helping to build her sisters confidence. I also love the good natured teasing that Mike receives. I can not wait to see what Hannah and friends do next.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is the 27th title in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. This book delivers all that you expect and love from a Hannah Swensen mystery - lots of talk of food and coffee, cozy Lake Eden, and a cast of slightly crazy but certainly loveable townsfolk. There is a mystery of course but in some books the mysteries have been rather light. I found this book to be a great addition to the series and the mystery was enjoyable. A major townsperson is murdered and Hannah has to clear her sister's name. We aren't propelled too far in Hannah's mourning for her deceased, liar of a husband but we do move forward.

This is an excellent addition to the series and I actually found myself gasping at part of the ending. Love when an author can surprise you, especially after the 27th book!

No one likes Mayor Bascomb and everyone has a reason to see him dead from his wife to the women he has affairs with to Hannah’s sister, who was last seen slapping the mayor out of his chair during an argument. She was also the person who found the body… Now Hannah has to exonerate her sister and find Mayor Bascomb’s real killer with what might be her longest list of suspects yet.

--


According to my kindle it only took 3.5 hours for me to finish this book. But in that time I managed to bake a cheesecake, cookie bars, and some amazing crockpot stroganoff. And that’s really the measure of how good a Fluke mystery is, how much I’ve managed to eat by the time I reach the end of it.


Long time fans of Hannah Swensen will enjoy this book because it delivers exactly what you expect. Recipes, delicious desserts, homecooked dinners, and the cozy Minnesota town of Lake Eden you wish was your hometown (except maybe in the winter, because who has time for a Minnesota winter?).

Compared to the other books in this series, I found this mystery a bit more simplistic than others, and the pieces all fit together a little too quickly for me to feel like I really had to work to solve who the killer was. I would’ve loved a few more clues and a few more twists.

But it was still an enjoyable read, easily finished in one sitting over a large slice of cheesecake and mug of strong coffee.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the ARC to read and review.

I am a total lover of Joanne Fluke's mystery series and this latest volume was not on the top of my list of favorites I'm afraid to say. Getting to check in with Hannah and the gang always makes me smile but this one seemed lacking in some way. I'm not sure if it was the inner dialogue or the repetition of things that got to me the most but it definitely didn't seem like the same writing I've come to expect from Ms. Fluke. While this one was not a "hit" for me, it won't keep me from continuing to read the series and I look forward to the next one which will hopefully leave a better "taste" in my mouth...

Another installment in the Hannah Swenson series. This book finally moves on from the aftermath of Hannah's disastrous marriage to Ross. This one is all about family as Hannah tries to help her sister Andrea figure out who killed the mayor, because Andrea had a fight with him just before he died. The pleasure of these books has always been the cozy settings and interactions of the characters, with the mystery being almost a side story. But a lot of that has been gone from the last few books. The characters haven't really progressed and it seems like the author has just phoned it in for the last few books. I do love these books and will read every new one that comes out, but I would love a return to the charm of the earlier books.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder
By Joanne Fluke

There is nothing like reading a culinary cozy mystery by Joanne Fluke! All I need is a bit of pastry, a nice cup of tea, and off I go immersing myself in this fun murder mystery. In this installment, I am in the midst of springtime in Lake Eden, Minnesota in the very busy Easter season at the aptly named The Cookie Jar, The last thing Hannah needs is a frantic call from her sister Andrea who finds herself to be the main suspect to mayor Richard Bascomb's sister.

Its so lovely to revisit Hannah and her family in another cozy mystery that is simply a delight to read. I love picking up on the red herrings and immersing myself into the story, the intrigues of the small town, and getting to know some new characters into the mix. Another lovely and solid read from Joanne Fluke.

This is the first book that I have read of the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. Having seen her name appear again and again as a cozy mystery writer, I was really anxious to read it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The plot seemed to get lost somewhere in the cooking and eating of food which happened constantly. Having never read any of this series before I am aware that reading one out of the series order may make it hard to understand, but I just could not get into this one. I also found annoying that the recipes were listed after every chapter. I will try to read another at some point in the future on this series but I just don't think it was for me. I do want to thank Net Galley and Kensington for giving me an e-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

It's always great to get back to Lake Eden and characters I've come to think of as old friends. This time, the most unlikely person was the suspect in the mayor's death...Andrea! And of course, that made Bill have to step away from it leaving Mike and Lonnie to investigate with their now-asked-for help from Hannah. Michelle sometimes stepped in to help, since she's involved with Lonnie.

I loved that this book started with some real interest and action too. Usually (and I adore that silly Moishe kitty, don't get me wrong) it's Moishe waking Hannah and Hannah thinking it's someone in her dream. It started off with a stronger than usual story and kept it all the way through. You have to be used to this series to realize that along with a little mystery, you get a heaping helping of neighbor talk and some of the yummiest-sounding recipes you'll ever come across. It's all part of the charm though, and this book had the feel of the earlier books that I came to love so much.

There was a really good twist that I had started suspecting at one point. As always, it was well-explained by everyone with a wrap up at the end. The showdown was rather peaceful although it could have taken a bad turn. I'm sure Bill and Andrea were two of the most relieved people when the mystery was solved.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

One of my fav characters of all time, another great mystery , murder and mischief with a dose of yummy treats , Hannah is making some yummy new recipes while trying to find out who killed the mayor esp since her sister is at the top of the suspect list!

← Blog Tour Review: SUBMISSION IMPOSSIBLE by Lexi BlakeReview: Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle by Sarah Graves →
Review: Triple Chocolate Murder by JoAnne Fluke
FEB 23

Posted by coffeebookslifeblog
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

JoAnne Fluke

Hannah Swensen Mysteries Series, Book 27

Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: February 23rd 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation




In the newest installment of the New York Times bestselling Hannah Swensen Mystery series by Joanne Fluke, spring has sprung in Lake Eden, Minnesota, but Hannah doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses–not with hot cross buns to make, treats to bake, and a sister to exonerate!

Hannah’s up to her ears with Easter orders rushing in at The Cookie Jar, plus a festive meal to prepare for a dinner party at her mother’s penthouse. But everything comes crashing to a halt when Hannah receives a panicked call from her sister Andrea–Mayor Richard Bascomb has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect.

Even with his reputation for being a bully, Mayor Bascomb–or Ricky Ticky, as Hannah’s mother likes to call him–had been unusually testy in the days leading up to his death, leaving Hannah to wonder if he knew he was in danger. Meanwhile, folks with a motive for mayoral murder are popping up in Lake Eden. Was it a beleaguered colleague? A political rival? A jealous wife? Or a scorned mistress?

As orders pile up at The Cookie Jar–and children line up for Easter egg hunts–Hannah must spring into investigation mode and identify the real killer…before another murder happens!













3 Stars

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is the latest edition of the long running Hannah Swensen series. Although I have not read every book in the series I always feel like each time I come to Lake Eden it’s like a visit with old friends.

It’s Easter time and The Cookie Jar is hopping. Hannah is crunching her time trying to get through her long list of orders while planning a dinner party with her mom. Hannah’s sister gets put in the hot seat after a few words with the mayor about the treatment of her husband. When a family member becomes a suspect on know Hannah can’t help but to involved. Hannah even strikes to deal with Mike to share evidence and interviews. With Hannah on case and Norman by her side, we are only guess at what could happen.

All in all, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is a easy and simple read. The mystery is very easy but the enjoyment of the story is how Hannah gets herself tangled up in all the excitement of what’s going on. As always Hannah will make you laugh and making are you extremely hungry with all the delectable goodness that is described within the pages. Anyone who is a foodie and loves recipes along with an easy story this is definitely a book that you will enjoy.

Do not read this book on an empty stomach, or you may find yourself up, and in the kitchen making cookies! This mystery hits closer to home, with Hannah's sister the last person to see the Mayor, in a huge fit of anger, and with her husband's job on the line, she has a motive for his death. But as Hannah and her mom start sniffing out clues, they realize the line up of people with motives is very lengthy, and very close to home for the mayor. But like all things involving the team at the Cookie Jar, the truth will be found out, just like all the YUMMY Easter recipes in this book!

Reading this series is like going home and visiting old friends, and I love the recipes. Hannah must investigate the murder of the mayor so she can clear her sisters name. This was a light, cozy read and was a good afternoon escape.

This long running culinary cozy series is heavy on the family and friends relationships and lots of food. It's a nice escape to the small Minnesota town of Lake Eden. The mystery is overshadowed by the character interactions but, after 27 books I expect that and it works. Yes, it's predictable and that's comforting. Thinking I will ever try all of the recipes - that hasn't changed and it's probably a good thing thing that I don't cook. Too many calories.
Hannah has heard her sister go toe to toe with the obnoxious mayor. Even through the mayor's thick office door the loud voices come through clear as a bell and it isn't pretty. The mayor has gone after Andrea's husband for arresting his precious nephew and has made threats. Andrea isn't going to let it go and she makes her point very, very clear....and very loud. Too bad somebody else has had enough of the man and bumps him off. The list of suspects is long and Andrea tops the list. Not only did she have that ugly confrontation but she is the one to find his corpse. Hannah is now on the case as nobody messes with her family and gets away with it.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed this series through the years, but the writing has definitely gone downhill. The conversations between the characters was so lightweight and choppy. And Hannah’s internal debate conversation is right irritating.

While those are the negatives, I did at least enjoy the mystery. And it was a nice change of pace for who was guilty. Even though the recipes take up a good number of the pages in the book, I do enjoy having those and the ability to bake the delicious creations. I hope the series improves back to the delightful books that were written earlier. It would make me sad to miss out on Hannah’s adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Like all the previous Cookie Jar Mysteries, Hannah and her friends make me smile! Reading a Hannah Swenson mystery is like stepping into a coffee shop with your favorite friends! I enjoyed the mystery and the recipes are drool worthy!

Hannah and the gang are back and when one of their own townspeople is murdered and Andrea is a prime suspect, the police are happy to work with Hannah to get to the bottom of it.

Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series is one of my go-to cozy mystery series when I'm not sure what I want to read. You know you are going to get a fun mystery and a few great recipes.

I was really looking forward to Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me. The dialog felt repetitive and often immature. I think the characters are in their 30s, if not 40s, yet their actions and words are often that of teenagers.

I always expect these books to be a bit of a cookie-cutter story (no pun intended) and I'm fine with it. It is partly why I read them - they are pure escapism reading that can kind of do mindlessly. But I could anticipate responses and such which just made for a boring read. We didn't really learn anything new about the characters and the only growth any of the characters had was that Andrea is becoming a better cook.

What really bugged me about this book though was the internal dialog that Hannah had with her "rational mind" and her "suspicious mind". I don't remember her having this kind of internal dialog before. Perhaps it is a result of her relationship with Ross and it is supposed to show the lasting trama. Whatever the reason, I felt it was just there for word stuffing and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at some of it.

A lot of the story felt like it was just there to make the book longer and not actually to add anything to the plot or character development. I was reading an advance copy so perhaps more editing occurred and the story was streamlined and the writing tightened a bit. Maybe it is just time for the series to come to an end.

I did like that it looks like the Mike and Norman triangle is over. Now if Hannah would just stop toying with Norman, though maybe he doesn't care that his may always be an unrequited love.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday, March 5 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/03/triple-chocolate-cheesecake-murder-by.html

I used to love this series and eagerly looked forward to the newest one but the last several books have left me disappointed. This book especially felt as if someone else wrote it and though I finished it I was left feeling disappointed.

I had fallen behind on this series, but wanted to pick up Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder because I had fond memories of the earlier books!

I don't often read cozy mysteries, but occasionally, I like the change of pace. My biggest struggle with this book was that the mystery part was kind of a sidebar. The story is filled with yummy sounding treats (which is GREAT), but the mystery part fell flat. To me, this is more of a foodie fiction read than a mystery.

So, if I approach this as a foodie fiction read, there are some good things. The recipes all sound amazing! The story is an easy read that won't cause you any angst or worry. The characters are likable and engaging. So, as a cozy mystery I feel it missed the mark, but as a general fiction story about food, it is pretty solid.