2011, Kensington
Series: Book 1 of Hannah Swenson
Who would have the sheer audacity and the motive to kill the most punctual delivery man Hannah ever had? Topping the list is the high school football coach. What exactly was his wife doing, making the rounds with the milkman? Could Max Turner, owner of Cozy Cow Dairy, have had a secret he didn't want to share with his top employee? The more Hannah snoops, the more suspects turn up. Why has Lake Eden's most prominent prodigal son, Benton Woodley, just resurfaced? And what about the mysterious Mr. Harris who seemed interested in buying the property next to the dairy, but then disappeared? This is one murder that's starting to leave a very bad taste in Hannah's mouth. And if she doesn't watch her back, Hannah's sweet life may get burned to a crisp.
Why read: I love Diane Mott Davidson's culinary mystery series and wanted to check out more foodie cozies.
What impressed me: Mmm, cookies! I'm not much of a baker, but I do enjoy a good bakery. The Cookie Jar is a great setting for much of the discussion in the book and lends a lot of atmosphere to what would normally be straight dialogue. Hannah is a fun character and I loved the relationship potential between her and Mike. The mystery was great and I didn't figure it out until the very end.
What disappointed me: Hannah may be fun, but she's also sort of involved way beyond what she should have been, much like every cozy mystery sleuth. And I have very little faith in a police department where an officer would recruit her help, even unofficially. I get that Bill really needed the promotion, but why would he think Hannah was the right person to ask for help in any reality?
Recommended: Culinary cozy lovers will really enjoy Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder.
Continue series: Eventually. I definitely liked it enough to try another book or two.
5 Comments:
Hello, Angie here from Angels Are Kids and Furkids. I want to award you with the Versatile Blogger Award for all the wonderful reviews and contributions you make to the blogging and writing world. You can see the details at my blog: http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week-jean-from-httpgibbee.html
Congrats!!! :-)
I REALLY want to read this book. It has been on my TBR list for almost 2 years, but I never seem to get to it. Maybe this year. :)
I really like this series. The recipes always sound divine, but I'm the only sweet eater in this house so I never get to try any! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I have yet to read a single Fluke book but they sound really good. Definitely need to give them a try. Riley Adams is supposedly similar to Fluke.
I have this book, and a couple of her other books, on my shelf. I got them from book sales throughout the year and just haven't got to them yet. Your review makes me bump it to the top of my list though!
This was one of my first introductions to cozies-I love the first 3 so I would definitely recommend those. However I bet Hannah continues to be overly involved for your taste. I got tired after about book 6 or 7. It just didn't appeal to me any more.
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