Reading a Joanne Fluke mystery is like visiting an old friend. Her characters are a delight to be around. Hannah Swensen is the owner of a bakery called The Cookie Jar and oh how I long to be able to walk into the establishment and sit down and sample some of Hannah’s baked goods.
The stories are based in the fictional town of Lake Eden, Minnesota and the Minnesota affect is very authentic. My wife is from Minnesota and Hannah’s world reflects the world in which she lived when she was there down to the gallons and gallons of coffee consumed and always a sweet treat with coffee.
This story opens with Hannah’s sister Andrea slapping the mayor after she’s gotten into an argument with him. Later Andrea returns to apologize to the mayor and bring him some of Hannah’s baked goods and discovers him dead.
Hannah immediately starts one of her famous “Murder Books” as she and Andrea and others work diligently to find the murderer.
One thing I like about this series of books is that Hannah (and her friends) work in harmony with the police not at odds with them.
Hannah and her minions pursue many lines of enquiry and suspects. It is at times frustrating for them when they seem not to be making progress. Even the police are confounded. But they do take some comfort in Hannah’s baked goods as they plod along.
Ultimately it is Hannah who puts together the clues and solves the mystery.
I wouldn’t dream of giving away the murderer or the ending but suffice it to say that it is well done and most unexpected.

I have read most of the Hannah Swenson books by Joanne Fluke and enjoyed the series…until this one. I suppose I would have liked it if I had not read the previous books. As I read the book, I kept thinking…did all these characters develop personality disorders or are all of them on Prozac. Where is the Hannah we have known and loved? Where is her spunk, the snarky interactions with her mother, that quick mind that puts information together to reveal the culprit? Norman gets more and more like an Eddie Haskell (if you remember the old television series Leave it to Beaver), Mike no longer treats Hannah as a romantic partner just drops in for meal regularly. Andrea, the successful non-baking career woman, starts showing up at the bakery and learning to BAKE. Where are the nieces? Everyone is just too nice and goody goody. Even the (previously) obnoxious mayor’s wife has turned into a paragon of virtue. Maybe Ms. Fluke was kidnapped by aliens or captured by the Christmas spirit, or hired a ghost writer. I will read the next one, in the hopes that Lake Eden crew will be back in their right minds.

i have been a devoted fan of this series and was thrilled to read #27 in series . The cover is wonderfully drawn to the story and I love returning to all our favorite charcters. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley,

This was not my favorite of the series and the writing seemed off course from the early books in series. As if someone else is writing these books now as Hannah is different and everything seemed rushed and not quite the same with the charcters. The dialogue with the supporting characters is disconnected. Our Hannah is still living platonic with Norman due to her stress of the murder of her husband but she is dragging that out and not taking control of her life dependent on Norman for everything as if she cannot function on her own to the extreme. Their relationship is one of dependency and its not the Hannah we knew and loved. Her only contribution to their relationship seems to be cooking as she took over his house , his bedroom and his entire life and makes him drive her about and show up for all her family meals. Norman remains devoted so much so that he spends most days with Hannah and has hired someone else to run his practice which is far from normal. What dentist would forgo clients to bake cookies? Its just so far off the mark from the earlier books. My feeling is this series will end soon as its going in the same circle as the last few books. Since Hannah married the criminal Russ the series seems to have taken a turn away from the independent happy Hannah that built her bakery and her happy life. We see a Hannah here that is dissolving into a mental illness with constant dialogue in her head that is not healthy or Hannah like. Its sad to read Hannah listening to her voices in her head rather then be reasonable and recognize what is happening to her. I hope the author will give Hannah her happy ending with Norman before the series ends and get Hannah back to her happy life.

Ms. Fluke your readers need a happy ending for the long suffering Norman ! This has gone on so long reading it has become redundant.

The mystery was light and easy to solve with clues throughout. Andrea was involved more in this book and it was fun to read about the sisters baking together. The food as always is enjoyable and fun to read about but I cannot imagine anyone actually eats that much sugar in one day ! Everyone gathers at the Bakery to solve clues , drink endless cups of coffee and enjoy cookies, No one seems to work except Mike who pops in here to eat and leave true to his nature. Hannah has finally recognized Mike is not for her.

If your looking for new receipes with lots of butter, salt and sugar they are here for all foodies to delight over. The cheesecake receipes is truly amazing. There are endless cookie receipes many for holiday baking and a great Easter cookie recipe.

I look forward to closure of this long time beloved series soon.. Our Hannah and Norman deserve their happy ending and I hope the next books will move in that direction and reconnect Hannah with her life again and with reality. As always these books are a fun easy fast paced read with the receipes at the end of the chapters.

This was another great mystery filled with good characters, an intriguing plot and... cookies and cheesecake, what more could you want? I loved reading about the characters. Since I read all of the previous books they seem like old friends. I did not understand why I heard Hannah's internal arguments. I felt that it was a little jarring, and it made Hannah's character look confused about everything. The plot had some mild action, but this is a light-hearted story, and I always feel good at the end. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder ( Hannah Swensen #27) by Joanne Fluke

As a long time fan of Hannah's, I have read all 27 books and as a fan of this series, I’m always anxious to read the next one. That being said the series went off course about the time Ross showed up and seems to be floundering. I will keep reading them, hoping they will get back on course and will be very sad when they end yet I'm disappointed that they never seem to go any where. Hannah should have married Norman somewhere around book 7 when they designed a house together, instead after 27 books, he's being written like her gay best friend. Mike, who I have always found obnoxious has now turned into a slacker, who is also a pig. In the last 2 books he's done no police work, he eats 5 times as much as everyone else and it's always someone else feeding him, he never picks up the bill.
I found Hannah's good self, bad self conversations plain stupid, it reads like a mental disorder and seemed to be written to take up space. Also, since when do people call each other by name in every sentence?
These books are so far from where they started that there is no way they are being written by the same person. I understand once you are established you can hire ghost writers but at least hire good ones that have read the first books and will be true to the characters. And don't even get me started on 50% of these books are now recipes.
I could keep going but I think you get my drift by now, all that being said I will keep reading the books, hoping Hannah's like turns into the fairy tale I've been looking for since book one!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this book.

Hannah Swenson Mysteries are the gold standard of cozy mysteries. I was so excited to see that another one is coming out and to have the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder. Starting with the cover, I love the contrast between the cheesecake and the bold background. This one will look cute in stores and definitely made me want a slice of Hannah's cheesecake or several like mike!

Let's get to the murder: when Mayor Bascomb dies after a very public fight with Hannah's sister, Andrea, who later discovers the body Hannah has to get involved. This mystery actually had me stumped until about two thirds of the way through. I enjoyed the usual Hannah sleuthing, murder book writing and interviewing suspects. This book was filled with meals with family and friends which just felt so cozy. Definitely worth a read, if you're new to the series I would suggest starting at the beginning or at least an earlier book so can enjoy the backstory that brings you to this point in the series.

I like these cozy mysteries by this author. No big surprises, just plain fun. Cuddle up under a warm blanket with delicious hot chocolate and enjoy another Story about likeable characters. Try it.

This is another excellent installment in the Hannah Swenson Mystery series. As usual, the characters and setting are realistic. I’ve read all the books in the series, and it feels like coming back to visit old friends every time I start the next book. I’d love to be able to taste all those goodies Hannah makes. The recipes for most of the food talked about in the book are included. If you like short mysteries, don’t miss this book or series. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!

Hannah and her family are back at it again! Bill just recently got in an altercation with the Mayor of their town and he now has it out for him. Hannah's sister Andrea goes to soften the blow and try to talk some sense into Mayor Bascomb, but it doesn't go well...at all. As a form of apology Andrea brings over some of Hannah's amazing triple chocolate cheesecake, sure to make anyone feel better. However, Andrea finds the mayor dead, face down in his desk. Now as one of the prime suspects, Hannah must find a way to clear Andrea's name and figure out who did in the Mayor of their town.



I have read every Hannah mystery book out there and will continue to do so solely because I have already put so much time into reading all 27 of the books. However, this is probably the worst one to date. These books are NOTHING like they were in the beginning. I'm not sure who is writing them anymore (I highly doubt the author is still cranking these books out), but the formalities between the characters is AWFUL. Norman and Hannah literally had two fights about how nice the other person is. Also, what is up with that relationship, how many books are they going to draw out her love triangle? Then you have Andrea and the only cookie she knows how to make, which will probably end up fizzing out as soon as she's used every cake box mix known to man. Andrea also clings onto Hannah like she's five years old. She's a grown woman with two kids, she can figure out how to make a damn meal herself. Lastly, Hannah has developed an inner monologue as of late. She seems to have a good and bad angel on her shoulder and we have to hear about every conversation they have. I'm sorry about complaining but this book is too much.

ps. how is everyone not 400lbs? all they do is eat and drink coffee, and Hannah abuses Lisa and never goes into work. Ok I'm done.

Rate: 1/5

Fiction

Author: Joanne Fluke

When the Mayor is found dead in his office by Andrea, who had a fight with him and slapped him earlier in the day, Hannah is on the case. This time, since Andrea’s husband is the sheriff the team welcomes Hannah’s help since they are down a man on the case. With plenty of suspects who hated the man, Hanna and the team have a lot of ground to cover in finding the culprit.

I’m starting to wonder if the author is using ghost writers, this one, in a long standing series, read much like I wrote it…in my youth. The descriptions of some things border on inane and who keeps saying each others names when there are only two people talking to each other? That said, I’ll try the next one and see where that leaves me.

Love this series and author. If you haven't read this book and series yet. I highly recommend doing so. The first few books are movies.

As with the rest of the Hannah Swensen saga this 27th installment brings the customary zainy interactions between characters that at this point feel like family. But this one hits a little close to home when Andrea is the first in a long line of subjects. With the included recipes as a plus the only drawback I feel is that Hannah needs to figure out that the dentist is all in and would be a much better soulmate than the other turned out to be. Entertaining and enjoyable.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is the 27th book in the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. I know what you're thinking... 27 books in the same series? But wait... 4 or 5 have been made into TV movies, several short stories with other authors have also been included in anthologies, and there are tons of products and services associated with this collection. It's quite huge, and I am a fan, even if the mysteries are on the lighter side. It's all about the town of Lake Eden and what Minnesota brings to the table.

Hannah is mid-30s, single (and dating 3 different men, depending on the book), and runs a bakery and coffee shop. She's smart, headstrong, and independent. Innocent too... no canoodling before marriage, support your neighbors, never lie! She's also very simple and easy-going, and the context of the series is truly more like the 1950s. Some might find this problematic. I do not (only because I get what's happening and focus on different aspects). The author very clearly is commenting on a different time and style, and the behavior of many of the men in the book, even some of the women, is not meant to say how things should be or to help promote something that isn't equal and fair.

Sure, it grates on my nerves when Hannah talks about losing weight to be more attractive. Sure, I can't stand when Mike treats her like his personal cook or maid. When you look past that, you have a truly remarkable set of characters and imagination that a woman has built over three decades.
I feel like home in this series because I know exactly how Hannah will react in every situation. I learn new desserts to make. And I have a relaxing 90-minute read. This series is not for everyone. And in the middle it wandered too far. It's back, and stronger than the last few books.

Half the content is still recipes and conversations that take 5 pages when it's really just "How are you today?" and "Good, thanks. Now, about that murder..." But it sets the tone, so I enjoy it. In this one, the mayor is killed. He's been around for 20+ books. We've heard about his affairs. We've seen his rudeness. We've wanted to clobber him ourselves. Now, some one did. Was it Andrea, Hannah's sister who had a public right with him hours earlier? Or his own family who tired of his ways? Or someone else we haven't heard about yet?

If you enjoy the series, this will give you some closure on a few areas. I can't imagine the author will write too many more, but I will keep reading them and will be very sad when they end. Ah, Hannah, the perfect best friend, I suspect.

Another great entry into the Hannah Swenson mystery series. This time the mayor is killed and Hannah sister is a suspect. Can hannah catch the killer in time? My favorite series!

I love Hannah Swensen books! Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder did not dissapoint. Between all of the murder mysteries and delectable treats, I always look forward to a new release from Joanne Fluke. I love the humor and adventures that go on in Lake Eden. A very enjoyable read!

Thank you Kensington Publishers and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.. However, I did not care much for it. In any of these books about Hannah and her friends that I read, it seems that all they do is sit around, eat cookies or dinner and drink coffee, 24/7. Every other paragraph states that someone will put the coffee on. And do these people even have jobs? How are they able to just drop by the Cookie Jar constantly? In this book, I also did not like the converstations between Hannah's "rational" brain and her "suspicious" brain. I hate to sound complaining, but I also prefer that all recipes be in the back of the book instead of between chapters. It seems like too much of the story is filled with recipes.

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Hannah is busy as Easter approaches with baking for her bakery customers and planning her festive Easter meal at her mom’s place. She has no time to enjoy the spring weather for a moment.

Things soon come to a halt when she receives a panic phone call from her sister stating that the mayor been murder and she is prime suspect. Once again Hannah will use her abilities to save her sister from being sent to jail.

Lots of yummy recipes are once again included to enjoy with the story.

I have to say, I was a smidge disappointed by this latest installment in the Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. Hannah has to solve her most difficult case yet, and her own sister is a suspect. The plot fell flat for me. I surmised the solution about halfway through, and that is NOT normally something I can do for a Swensen book. I also did not like this new writing style that Fluke added haphazardly, Hannah's various sides arguing in her head. It has never been like that, and it was irritating and completely unhelpful in the story.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke was an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Hannah Swenson owns The Cookie Jar, a bakery and coffee shop. She goes with her sister, Andrea, to the mayor's office. Andrea is trying to talk to the mayor, who is mad at her husband Bill, a cop. Bill had to arrest the mayor's nephew for drunk driving. Andrea calls from city hall, the mayor is dead and she is in his office. Hannah is at her mother's penthouse. She rushes to City Hall with Mike, Lonnie and Doc. Now Andrea is a suspect in Mayor Bascomb's murder.
I always forget how many recipes Joanne Fluke shares in her stories. After reading so many of her books over the years, I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The triple chocolate cheesecake recipe really sounded tasty. A lot of cookies and cake recipes plus more. I love books that you have to struggle to put down, yet you can't wait to get to the end.

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. Like all the books in this series it's a very quick read with the added bonus of some great recipes included. The story is true to form...a bit familiar but I still love these characters, this small town and they way the author tells a story. I do wish the romance angle between Norman and Hannah would get wrapped up. The will-they-won't-they has gone on too long and now part of me doesn't really care what they do. Just make them do something. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.