Ethel I. (RoyalCatwoman) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 278 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
For months, Hannah has been working on the Lake Eden Cookbook. Now it's time for the final test, tonight's potluck at the community center. With a winter storm blowing outside, everyone is inside enjoying all the delicious food and feeding the gossip mill about Martin Dubinski and his new wife, Brandi Wyen. Seems the two got married when Martin was in Vegas and she's a dancer from the famous city. Meanwhile, Andrea is finally off bed rest, and Hannah finally gets to meet her mom's new boyfriend.
But when Hannah finds Brandi stabbed with her mother's antique cake knife, things take a turn for the worse. With a full blown blizzard raging outside, everyone is trapped at the community center with the killer. Hannah sets out to help Mike solve this crime while the trail is still fresh. But can she do it without letting everyone else know what's going on?
If you're a fan of this series, you need this book. The series character's storylines take a step forward, and you won't want to miss what happens to them. Plus, as always, there's a good mystery. Personally, I didn't have it figured out before the end.
This entry in the series is really only a novella. The second half of the book features the recipes from the cookbook. Naturally, there are a few awkward paragraphs listing the dishes, but everything mentioned makes an appearance in the back. As with any cookbook, there are some wonderful sounding recipes and some that don't appeal to me (like the fish), but considering I bought the book for the mystery, I'm really not complaining. (And a side note, there's an error on a recipe in this book as well. For the Not So Swedish Meatballs, you really only need one 50 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, which should be fairly obvious.)
But when Hannah finds Brandi stabbed with her mother's antique cake knife, things take a turn for the worse. With a full blown blizzard raging outside, everyone is trapped at the community center with the killer. Hannah sets out to help Mike solve this crime while the trail is still fresh. But can she do it without letting everyone else know what's going on?
If you're a fan of this series, you need this book. The series character's storylines take a step forward, and you won't want to miss what happens to them. Plus, as always, there's a good mystery. Personally, I didn't have it figured out before the end.
This entry in the series is really only a novella. The second half of the book features the recipes from the cookbook. Naturally, there are a few awkward paragraphs listing the dishes, but everything mentioned makes an appearance in the back. As with any cookbook, there are some wonderful sounding recipes and some that don't appeal to me (like the fish), but considering I bought the book for the mystery, I'm really not complaining. (And a side note, there's an error on a recipe in this book as well. For the Not So Swedish Meatballs, you really only need one 50 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, which should be fairly obvious.)
Helpful Score: 4
This is a holiday based book, filled with mystery and some romance. I found it to be very interesting. recipes are listed in the back of hte book also. A good read, sepecialy since this is the first time I have read this author.
Helpful Score: 4
I generally like this series of books, but this one was a let down. A bit misleading to say it's 352 pgs, when at least half that is recipes. When the mystery was solved so "early" in the book, I thought I was in for a treat with a double helping of mystery, but imagine my surprise to find that in fact it was just a whole lot of recipes... Oh well.
I enjoy the Hannah Swensen mysteries. They are a quick and easy read but still entertaining with delightful characters. The recipes that are included in the books are also fun to try out at home if you enjoy cooking.
Helpful Score: 3
SPOILER ALERT
I enjoy Joanne Fluke's cozy mysteries. I like the omission of graphic details, the focus on building characters (her partner, her sister & mom, even her cat!), the open & caring relationship with family/friends, the old-fashioned values of this small town & the people who live there. SPOILER: In this story, the murder doesn't take place until Chapter 9, which means the murder/mystery portion of the book is shorter than usual. That's why I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5 stars - I prefer more focus on the actual mystery, finding clues, solving the case etc.. On the other hand, it's more of a special occasion novel, with many more recipes aimed at the holidays.
I enjoy Joanne Fluke's cozy mysteries. I like the omission of graphic details, the focus on building characters (her partner, her sister & mom, even her cat!), the open & caring relationship with family/friends, the old-fashioned values of this small town & the people who live there. SPOILER: In this story, the murder doesn't take place until Chapter 9, which means the murder/mystery portion of the book is shorter than usual. That's why I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5 stars - I prefer more focus on the actual mystery, finding clues, solving the case etc.. On the other hand, it's more of a special occasion novel, with many more recipes aimed at the holidays.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is enjoyable for holiday light reading although the characters are simple and the storyline is preditable.
Helpful Score: 2
I am almost finished with the series and am sad to know that I will have to go find another great author to fill my space with great books.
Helpful Score: 1
Lots of recipes in this book of Lake Eden and Hannah Swensen. Always fun to come home to Minnesota to the "Cookie Jar". A nice cozy.
Kristin D. (halfginger) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 24 more book reviews
Another great installment - TONS of recipes!!!
Jenna H. (deerewifeandmama) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 39 more book reviews
Wonderful read - part of the series.
Michelle K. (kevinsbebe) -
Story is short but the rest of the book is filled with some amazing recipes. Another great installment in the Hannah Swensen series.
This was a MUCH better plot than the previous book. Be aware tho that the last half of the thick book is recipes.
When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion -- and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook. The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showfirl wife -- all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discover in the decolletage of the new -- and now late -- Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice. Hannah has work to do!
Not only a good story but lots of tasty recipes
A cute quick cozy romp with recipes.
Loved this one. Hannah Swenson deals with a blizzard, Christmas and murder.
Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
This book has over 50 recipes - yummo!! And of course is another great book in this series.
Delightful culinary mystery set in Lake Eden, Minnesota. Hannah Swensen is the de facto sleuth in this series; she bakes and detects through a chilly holiday buffet of food and murder.
6th in the Hannah Swensen mystery series-this one is set at Christmas time.
Includes over 50 yummy original recipes for you to try!
Includes over 50 yummy original recipes for you to try!
"Wacky and delightful characters, plus tempting recipes from appetizers to desserts, make this lighthearted offering sure to please...."
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Another Great Book by Joanne Fluke
When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion--and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hann Swensen leading the way. A murder puts the festivities on ice and Hannah puts her investigative skills to the test.
Michelle J. (jacobsenmj) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 4 more book reviews
If you like Janet Evanovich's books, you'll like Joanne Fluke. When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion - and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook. The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl wife - all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife diappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new - and now late - Mrs. Dibinski puts the festivities on ice.
I enjoy Joanne Fluke's books! This story seemed to "happen" pretty quickly. The story is written in about a "weeks" time, and the Murder is solved pretty quickly!
There is a "Potluck Dinner" in this story..so there are lots...of recipes at the end of this book! Good cozy read~
There is a "Potluck Dinner" in this story..so there are lots...of recipes at the end of this book! Good cozy read~
Series mystery with cookie recipes.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Good story, book chuck full of recipes. Fun read, good characters.
Elizabeth G. (ejgiese) - , reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 51 more book reviews
Nice Christmas cozy, lots of recipes in this one....
Carol S. (Kansasreader) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 22 more book reviews
This story is shorter than most of Joanne Fluke's murder mysteries but it is written for the holiday season and has a bonus of 50 recipes. You may find one or two here you'd like to try.
In her first holiday mystery, Fluke (Fudge Cupcake Murder, etc.) takes her series heroine, Hannah Swensen, amateur sleuth and owner of the Cookie Jar bakery in Lake Eden, Minn., through a delectable culinary romp. Hannah has compiled a cookbook of the locals' favorite recipes, which are to be featured at the Christmas party at Lake Eden's community center. All the residents gather for a festive evening, including Martin Dubinski and his wife of two days, Brandi Wyen, a Las Vegas dancer who's decked out in a new fur coat and antique emerald ring. The couple provide much food for thought and speculation, especially for Martin's mother, ex-mother-in-law and ex-wife. Cleaning up after the dinner, Hannah notices her mother's silver cake knife is missing; soon after, she finds the knife stuck in the chest of the new Mrs. Dubinski, who's lying dead in the parking lot. With her sisters and friends, she goes into action to help Det. Mike Kingston solve the case. Wacky and delightful characters, plus tempting recipes from appetizers to desserts, make this lighthearted offering sure to please the palate of any cozy fan.
This book is also a 171 page holiday cookbook at the end of all types, desserts, Entrees. Turkey, Souffles, side dishes, beverages To make your holiday extra special. Get 2 books for 1 point- both the "Sugar Cookie Murder and a cookbook in one volume.
This book is also a 171 page holiday cookbook at the end of all types, desserts, Entrees. Turkey, Souffles, side dishes, beverages To make your holiday extra special. Get 2 books for 1 point- both the "Sugar Cookie Murder and a cookbook in one volume.
Always a fun read, this installment of the Hannah Swenson series is no exception. A good mystery and some yummy cookies...what's not to like? I'm looking forward to the further adventures of Hannah and her friends and family.
Good recipes. Very short story. Quick read
A wonderful mystery with an unusual twist.
Susie F. (chefdetective) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 75 more book reviews
The holidays are the icing on the cake for bakery owner Hannah Swensen. Surrounded by her loved ones, she has all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas utnil murder is added to the mix.
The story itself was really good. It followed in the same fashion as the rest of the series. However, for such a big book out was almost all recipes and beer little story. I felt kind of cheated.
200 pages of story, and then over 50 recipes.....
From the back cover: "When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion, and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. Tha annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook. The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl wife, all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new....and now late....Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice...".....
From the back cover: "When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion, and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. Tha annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook. The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl wife, all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new....and now late....Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice...".....
Jackie S. (stevielyn) reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 147 more book reviews
When it comes to the holidays, Minnesotans rise the occasion- and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swenson leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook.
The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirls wife-all wrapped up in the glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, it's discovery in the decolletage of the new-and now late- Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice.
With everyone stranded at the community center by a blizzard, Hannah puts her investigative skills to the test, using the ingredients at hand: half the town of Lake Eden- and a killer. Now, as the snowdrifts get higher, it's up to Hannah to dig out all the clues-and make sure that this white Christmas doesn't bring any more deadly tidings........
The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirls wife-all wrapped up in the glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, it's discovery in the decolletage of the new-and now late- Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice.
With everyone stranded at the community center by a blizzard, Hannah puts her investigative skills to the test, using the ingredients at hand: half the town of Lake Eden- and a killer. Now, as the snowdrifts get higher, it's up to Hannah to dig out all the clues-and make sure that this white Christmas doesn't bring any more deadly tidings........
This was a fun holiday read, and has LOTS of recipes in the back. You can't go wrong with a mystery from Joanne Fluke.
not only does our main character finds another dead body, and solve the murder, but there are over 150 pages of GREAT recipes included in this book! I can't wait to try a few myself!
When it comes to holidays, Minnesotans rise to the occasion - and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook. The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arries at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl wife - all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new - and now late - Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice.
Cute. Half of the book is recipes.
gREAT BOOK AND GREAT SERIES
A silly little book, but great recipes !!
Nice cozy, lots of recipes if you like to cook. (I don't!)
Caution: do not read when hungry!
Caution: do not read when hungry!
Recipe card intact. Book is full of interesting recipes. Especially the HOT Jalepeno Brownies!
Shirley D. (bookattic) -
All of Joanne Fluke's books are good. If you want to sit down with a light-hearted good time book this is your author. I love her books. They are quick and easy to read and best of all, entertaining.
This is a great book read in 1 day!!!
short story. lots of recipes included.
From back cover:
When it comes to holidays, Minnosotans rise to the occasion - and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook.
The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl - all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new - and now late - Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice.
With everyone stranded at the community center by a blizzard, Hannah puts her investigative skills to the test, using the ingredients at hand: half the town of Lake Eden - and a killer. Now, as the snowdrifts get higher, it's up to Hannah to dig out all the clues - and make sure that this white Christmas doesn't bring any more dealy tidings...
When it comes to holidays, Minnosotans rise to the occasion - and the little town of Lake Eden is baking up a storm with Hannah Swensen leading the way. The annual Christmas Buffet is the final test of the recipes Hannah has collected for the Lake Eden Holiday Buffet Cookbook.
The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the buffet with his new Vegas showgirl - all wrapped up in glitter and fur. His ex-wife, however, seems as cool as chilled eggnog. And when Hannah's mother's antique Christmas cake knife disappears, its discovery in the decolletage of the new - and now late - Mrs. Dubinski puts the festivities on ice.
With everyone stranded at the community center by a blizzard, Hannah puts her investigative skills to the test, using the ingredients at hand: half the town of Lake Eden - and a killer. Now, as the snowdrifts get higher, it's up to Hannah to dig out all the clues - and make sure that this white Christmas doesn't bring any more dealy tidings...
The cookbook is worth getting this book. This story is not the author's best, however.
Debbie H. (DebbieH) - , reviewed Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen, Bk 6) on + 2 more book reviews
Lot of recipes!
Joanne Fluke just keeps cranking these out...a fun read!
Great read!!!
A cute and funny read.
Very good! 1/2 of the book is recipes, the other is the murder mystery.
Hardback. Over half the book is recipes. From the cover: "The recently divorced Martin Dubinski arrives at the Lake Eden annual Christmas Buffet with his new Vegas showgirl wife-all wrapped up in glitter and fur..."
I happened to get this book off a thrift store's free table. I've never read this author's books before. It looked like it might be a quick read. Well, it is because the book is 374 pages but the novel ends on page 200. As others have stated, the first several chapters are devoted to discussions/prep about the upcoming holiday party and then setting out the dishes on the various assigned tables (and naming all of the dishes). My impression as I was reading through this (before the murder had been discovered, which is on page 91) was that the author apparently didn't have much of a story if she was writing in detail about how tables were decorated, what dishes were placed where, etc.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional although the author made a half-hearted attempt in character development by describing Andrea ("real estate professional," very capable, etc.) and a few other others.
As some others have mentioned, the Santa letter written by Hannah's niece (Tracy, who is 5-6) is completely unrealistic. Tracy was uncertain how to spell "body" yet correctly spelled multi-syllabic words that children her age would likely not know, much less spell or use correctly in a sentence. This Santa letter was also very lengthy (a couple pages) for a five year old. Just didn't ring true.
While I didn't discern who would be the murder victim or the perpetrator, the scenario was unsatisfying. Further, when Hannah questioned the perp and was told it was an accident, Hannah accepted the perp's version without question since she knew the individual and was certain the person couldn't have deliberately killed the victim. I'm pretty sure that's up to law enforcement and possibly the county attorney.
The other thing that drove me crazy was the fact that Hannah, who supposedly has a history of investigating crimes, didn't seem to carry a small notebook and writing implement on her at all times. Instead, she kept snagging paper napkins to write down info. Then when she was later trying to find the napkin that had certain info on it, we had to hear the author describe the napkin (i.e., the one with the snowmen on it, etc.).
I'm glad that I didn't pay for this book. I don't plan on reading any others in this series.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional although the author made a half-hearted attempt in character development by describing Andrea ("real estate professional," very capable, etc.) and a few other others.
As some others have mentioned, the Santa letter written by Hannah's niece (Tracy, who is 5-6) is completely unrealistic. Tracy was uncertain how to spell "body" yet correctly spelled multi-syllabic words that children her age would likely not know, much less spell or use correctly in a sentence. This Santa letter was also very lengthy (a couple pages) for a five year old. Just didn't ring true.
While I didn't discern who would be the murder victim or the perpetrator, the scenario was unsatisfying. Further, when Hannah questioned the perp and was told it was an accident, Hannah accepted the perp's version without question since she knew the individual and was certain the person couldn't have deliberately killed the victim. I'm pretty sure that's up to law enforcement and possibly the county attorney.
The other thing that drove me crazy was the fact that Hannah, who supposedly has a history of investigating crimes, didn't seem to carry a small notebook and writing implement on her at all times. Instead, she kept snagging paper napkins to write down info. Then when she was later trying to find the napkin that had certain info on it, we had to hear the author describe the napkin (i.e., the one with the snowmen on it, etc.).
I'm glad that I didn't pay for this book. I don't plan on reading any others in this series.
