From Library Journal
After a last-minute replacement judge for Lake Eden, MN's, first annual dessert bake-off alienates several contestants with his snide comments, he winds up dead. Did one of them kill him in retaliation, or did his physically abused wife finally get up enough gumption to do the deed? Cookie-store owner/sleuth Hannah Swensen (Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder) aims to find out. Hannah somehow finds time, while tending her shop, baking desserts, delivering cookies, and judging the bake-off, to milk her would-be boyfriend/detective for details and do her own sleuthing. A comfortable, cozy read, with a few recipes thrown in for later enjoyment. For fans of culinary mysteries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Fresh from solving the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (2000), bakery owner Hannah Swensen is enjoying life in Lake Eden, Minnesota, dating Deputy Supervisor Mike Kingston and serving as a judge in a local bake-off. When high-school coach and wife-beater Boyd Watson is killed, Hannah ignores Mike's warning and begins a wholehearted investigation with her sister, Andrea. Luckily, albeit annoyingly, neither of these women seems obligated to work, giving them ample time to search for clues. Hannah soon discovers a blackmail plot and another body, much to the dismay of her mother, who feels her daughter's exploits will discourage potential suitors. Although the recipes generally are more complex than the plot, Fluke creates some suspense when the killer goes after Hannah. As her titles suggest, Fluke's series is hardly gourmet fare, even among recipe-driven food mysteries (stick with Diane Mott Davidson for the top-of-the-line cuisine). Still, Fluke's confections are just tasty enough to serve to mystery readers still hooked by the foodie fad. Jenny McLarin
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