Joanne Fluke is the New York Times bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen series, which focuses on pairing an intriguing combination of baking recipes with amateur sleuthing. Fluke continues her murder mystery series with the new release of “The Cinnamon Roll Murder.” In each desert themed book, Hannah’s signature dessert is always found in the vicinity of the murder victim.
These murder mysteries center around the small town of Lake Eden, Minn. where the fiery, strong-willed heroine Hannah runs her bakery, The Cookie Jar. Baking is not Hannah’s only talent though; she consistently finds herself knee-deep in murder and she constantly relies on her sisters and friends to help her solve the mystery.
Armed with a knack for stumbling upon murder scenes, Hannah begins her murder investigation not only because her signature cinnamon rolls are found at the scene of the crime, but also because she wants to delve deeper into the clues and solve the mystery.
“I enjoy both murder mysteries and trying new recipes in my free time,” Lauren Randall, freshman and Criminal Justice major said. “The idea of being able to read a great murder mystery and try the recipes that go along with the story not only sounds fun but sounds like a great way to connect with the characters in a whole new and different way.”
This series may appeal to many avid readers; however, it does not attract everyone.
“I do not think that I would read this book. This novel seems to be more geared towards avid bakers and cooks, though I do enjoy food.” Jeremy Lening, senior and English Major said.
Not only does this series offer mouth-watering and easy to prepare recipes. Fluke’s stories also contain some hilarious hijinks, suspenseful surprises and even an interesting love triangle that develops between Hannah and Lake Eden’s two most eligible bachelors, Mike – the town detective and Norman – the town dentist.
So not only does Fluke’s whodunits fire the brain’s pistons in order to engage the reader in solving the murder mystery, but she also leaves her readers captivated and in total suspense as they read on and try and find out who finally sweeps Hannah off her feet.
Will it be the sweet, mild- mannered, ever helpful Norman or Mike, the tall, dark and handsome ladies man?
