Publishers Weekly
01/10/2022
Enthusiastic anglers are gathering in Lake Eden, Minn., for the Walleye Fishing Tournament in bestseller Fluke’s diverting 28th Hannah Swenson mystery (after 2021’s Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder). Sponsored by Wally Wallace, the legendary owner of a retail sporting goods empire, and featuring celebrity fishing expert Sonny Bowman, the star of Wally’s TV show devoted to fishing, the event promises to bring much-needed business to the Lake Eden Inn as well as to shops in town like Hannah’s bakery, the Cookie Jar. Sonny is secretly no expert, but surely that wasn’t a good enough reason for someone to murder the man in his boat, execution-style. Initially, there are no real leads, but that doesn’t stop Hannah, an experienced amateur sleuth, from investigating with the assistance of her sister, Andrea Todd, and the acceptance of Winnetka County Det. Mike Kingston. A good puzzle, lots of delicious recipes, and time spent with Hannah’s beloved fan-favorite cat, Moishe, more than make up for the mildly irritating cliffhanger ending. Fluke reinforces her place as the queen of culinary cozies. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen Mystery Series
“Fluke’s fans call her ‘the queen of culinary capers’—and her stories have shown me just how cozy mysteries can be when food is at the heart of them.” —Bon Appetit
“Fans of the beloved long-running series will revel in another encounter with the familiar cast of characters, all the while relishing the baking frame and the delicious-sounding recipes that are interspersed throughout.” —Booklist on Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder
“Another sweet-tempered outing filled with tempting sweets.” —Kirkus Reviews on Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder
"The coziest cozies remain those by Joanne Fluke." —The New York Times Book Review on Banana Cream Pie Murder
“Don't miss this charming mystery, which will also satisfy your sweet tooth.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW for Christmas Cupcake Murder
“Dripping with sweet desserts and mystery!” —PopSugar on Christmas Cupcake Murder
“Many delightful and mouth-watering recipes…Perusing these sweet treats is sure to have the reader salivating without even consuming a morsel!” —New York Journal of Books on Christmas Cupcake Murder
"Fluke demonstrates why she's considered the queen of culinary cozies." —Publishers Weekly on Coconut Layer Cake Murder
"Cozy mysteries don't get any cozier than Joanne Fluke's, and her latest in the Hannah Swensen series is no exception...The continued antics of Lake Eden's quirky characters make Coconut Layer Cake Murder a treat—everything a cozy mystery should be." —ForeWord Reviews
"Congratulations to Joanne Fluke for pulling us in once again into a world where food is plentiful, true friends are faithful, and someone is always there to help when problems come along." —The Food Channel on Chocolate Cream Pie Murder
"Full of delicious recipes, this novel is sure to give sweet-tooth sleuths a lot to dig into!" —Woman's World on Banana Cream Pie Murder
“My favorite guilty-pleasure reading material.” —Eater
Kirkus Reviews
2021-11-30
A fishing tournament turns deadly in peaceful Lake Eden—and not just for the fish.
The Walleye Fishing Tournament gives baker Hannah Swensen the perfect excuse to move out of her temporary digs at Norman Rhodes’ house. Hannah’s been occupying the master suite while Norman’s been staying in his own guest room while she struggles to get over the grisly murder that took place in her apartment. Even if Hannah were willing to brave a return home, her cat, Moishe, freaks out every time she brings him there. Still, Hannah is concerned that people will get the wrong idea about her and Norman, her sort-of boyfriend before a disastrous marriage left her an early widow. So Dick and Sally Laughlin’s offer of a room at the Lake Eden Inn in order for Hannah to help with their sumptuous—and early—breakfast buffet is too good to pass up. Too bad she doesn’t pass up the afternoon trip out on the lake with Norman, where they spot a boat drifting aimlessly near the lily garden. Inside, the police find Sonny Bowman, the obnoxious host of a fishing show, shot through the head. Naturally, there are suspects aplenty, but Hannah wants to make sure the Lake Eden police find the right one. Will her investigation place the plucky baker in danger? You betcha.
Like the victim’s boat, Fluke’s throughline seems to be going in circles.
