Have you ever found yourself craving a cozy mystery that feels like a warm hug from an old friend? That’s exactly how I felt when I picked up “Apple Turnover Murder” by Joanne Fluke. As a long-time fan of the Hannah Swensen series, I was eager to dive back into the charming world of Lake Eden, Minnesota, and join Hannah on her latest adventure.
I stumbled upon this book during a particularly stressful week at work. The idea of escaping into a small-town mystery, complete with mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods, seemed like the perfect antidote to my frazzled nerves. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint!
From the moment I cracked open the book, I was transported to the cozy world of Lake Eden. The story follows our beloved protagonist, Hannah Swensen, as she prepares for a charity event, baking an astounding 1,100 cookies and setting up an apple turnover stand. But of course, in true Hannah fashion, things don’t go quite as planned. When she reluctantly agrees to be a magician’s assistant in the fundraiser’s talent show, little does she know that she’s about to be thrust into another murder investigation.
The victim? None other than Bradford Ramsey, a college professor with a less-than-stellar reputation and a complicated history with both Hannah and her sister. Found dead backstage with a turnover in his hand, Ramsey’s demise sets the stage for a delightful whodunit that had me guessing until the very end.
One of the things I love most about Fluke’s writing is her ability to create a vivid sense of place. As I read, I could almost smell the sweet aroma of apple turnovers wafting from The Cookie Jar, Hannah’s bakery. The small-town charm of Lake Eden came alive on the pages, making me wish I could pack my bags and move there myself.
The blend of mystery and culinary themes is a winning combination in my book. As someone who loves to bake, I found myself dog-earing pages with recipes I wanted to try later. The apple turnover recipe, in particular, had my mouth watering. It’s this unique mix of cozy mystery and cookbook that keeps me coming back to the series time and time again.
However, I must admit that the pacing of the mystery itself was a bit slow for my taste. At times, I found myself more invested in Hannah’s personal life and the town’s dynamics than in solving the murder. While this might be a plus for long-time fans of the series who are deeply invested in the characters’ lives, I can see how it might be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.
One of the standout moments for me was a scene where Hannah and her sister Michelle reminisce about their past encounters with the victim. It was a poignant reminder of how our past experiences shape our present, and I found myself reflecting on my own life choices.
Fluke’s writing style is comfortable and familiar, like chatting with an old friend over a cup of coffee and a freshly baked cookie. Her descriptions of food are particularly evocative – there were moments when I had to put the book down and raid my own kitchen for a snack!
After finishing “Apple Turnover Murder,” I found myself with a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasures in life – good food, close friends, and the comfort of a familiar story. It reminded me to slow down and savor the little moments, much like Hannah savors a perfectly baked cookie.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely, but with a caveat. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re in the mood for a light, comforting read that feels like catching up with old friends, then “Apple Turnover Murder” is just the ticket.
In conclusion, while “Apple Turnover Murder” might not be groundbreaking literature, it’s a delightful escape into a world where problems can be solved with a dash of intuition and a generous helping of baked goods. It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food – familiar, satisfying, and leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and let Hannah Swensen whisk you away to Lake Eden. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself craving apple turnovers by the end!