Peach Cobbler Murder is a Treat

Our library had a large display of mystery books in the lobby. Now, I'm not entirely sure that for me this was a good thing --- all it did was convince me that I don't have enough time to read all that I want to read. I limited myself to picking up one new book off the display. That took some discipline.

The book I selected was "Peach Cobbler Murder" by Joanne Fluke. This is the seventh in a series featuring bakery shop owner Hannah Swenson of Lake Eden, Minnesota. I like Hannah. She is a somewhat plump woman with frizzy red hair. It would have been frustrating to me to have a skinny woman running a bakery. She has a penchant for correct grammar (how could I not like that?!). She has two love interests who are strikingly different ---- one a handsome cop, the other a dependable dentist. Hannah's sister, mother and niece figure prominently in her escapades. And Hannah also has the obligatory overweight cat.

My only complaint about the book was that it seemed to take too long to get to the murder, and it wasn't that complicated at all to figure out. The murder victim in this book is Shawna Lee, the Georgia flirt who opens up a competing bakery almost directly across the street. I hadn't figured out the entire thing, but I was completely on target for who the murderer was.

The author intersperses some recipes for various treats throughout the book which is nice. I may have to try some of those!

This book is reminiscient of Monica Ferris' series for needlework. She has a new book coming out this year, and I can't wait to read that one. It is also similar to Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Theodosia Browning. I don't think I've written much about them in this blog, but I've read all the Ferris books and most of the Childs books. I love them.

I am not sure when I'll pick up another of the Hannah Swenson mysteries, but it is a nice, light read. Quite a nice break from those grueling, rather ominous Victorian tales.

Until next time, may your reading be both pleasurable and profitable.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery

Well, back in January, I read JoAnne Fluke's "Peach Cobbler Mystery." Now, in the heat of June, I found a copy of her first book of the Hannah Swensen mystery series, "Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery." This copy was located in the San Antonio Barnes & Noble. It's a great read for the pool-side.

In her debut, Hannah has recently returned to her hometown of Lake Eden and opened a bakery. One morning she discovers the body of the dairy delivery man outside of her shop. Her brother-in-law is the police officer assigned to investigate the murder. Hannah agrees to snoop around a bit and help him out so he can receive a promotion.

During the course of the book, we're introduced to the cast of characters in the small Minnesota town. These include her sister, her niece, her widowed mother and two love interests, Norman the dentist and Mike the new detective in town.

This was a great, delightful, light read --- perfect for a vacation read. I'm even planning on trying some of the recipes which were included.

Until next time, may your reading be both pleasurable and profitable.

Three Books --- One Post

Well, it just has been too hard to get to a computer lately. I wish I could say that I was touring the Denali National Park or something to that effect, but it just wouldn't be true. Nevertheless, here's what I've been reading:

"Strawberry Shortcake Murder" is the second of the Hannah Swensen cooking mystery series. I've read a couple of other books by JoAnne Fluke as well. This one involves Hannah's sister a bit more. Again, there is nothing earth-shattering here, but it is a nice, pleasant little read. Hannah is becoming more involved with Mike, the new detective in town, and Norm, a local dentist.






"Defend and Betray" is the third book in Anne Perry's Inspector Monk series. Once again, I'm longing for more of Monk! This particular tome further develops the character and dynamics between Hester Latterly, private nurse, Monk, now a private enquiry agent and Oliver Rathbone, a lawyer known to both. The part of the book further exploring Hester and lawyer's relationship is good, and we do get to see a bit more of Monk as he continues to struggle with amnesia. The very best part of the book is the last extended episode in which Rathbone extracts a confession of sorts as well as an explanation for the murder. It is great Perry Mason type of stuff. All in all, I did enjoy this book better than the previous one.




Finally, I just finished a most delightful read, Elizabeth Peter's "Crocodile on the Sandbank." This is a first in a series following "spinster" amateur archaeologist and classicist Amelia Peabody. I absolutely adore Amelia, and I'm sure most people would. Her frankness, audacity, boldness, courage and phenomenal mastery of the English language are simply wonderful. Although I had figured out the mystery well before the end of the book, I didn't care! I loved the entire Peabody experience. I would write more of the plot, but suffice to say a mummy is involved, a love triangle --- a second love story with no triangle and great Egyptian scenery. What a blast!

Until next time, may your reading be both pleasurable and profitable.