As I sit here, sipping my coffee and reflecting on my latest literary adventure, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and disappointment. You see, I’ve just finished reading “Double Fudge Brownie Murder” by Joanne Fluke, the 18th installment in the Hannah Swensen mystery series. I’ve been a loyal fan of this cozy mystery series for years, eagerly awaiting each new release like a child anticipating Christmas morning. So when I spotted this book at my local bookstore, I snatched it up without a second thought, ready to dive back into the charming world of Lake Eden, Minnesota.
Let me tell you, dear reader, about my journey with this book. It all started on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I curled up in my favorite armchair, a plate of homemade cookies by my side (because how else would one read a Hannah Swensen mystery?). As I cracked open the book, I was immediately transported back to the familiar setting of The Cookie Jar, Hannah’s beloved bakery. The smell of freshly baked goods almost wafted off the pages, and I felt that comforting sense of returning to a place I knew and loved.
The story follows our protagonist, Hannah, as she navigates a whirlwind of personal and professional challenges. She’s awaiting trial for her involvement in a tragic accident, which already had me on the edge of my seat. But then, in true Hannah Swensen fashion, she stumbles upon the body of the judge presiding over her case, bludgeoned to death with his own gavel! Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As if that wasn’t enough drama, Hannah also finds herself juggling multiple marriage proposals and a surprise trip to Las Vegas for her mother’s wedding. It’s a lot to take in, and I found myself both intrigued and overwhelmed by the numerous plot threads.
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff. One of the things I’ve always loved about this series is how Fluke weaves mouthwatering recipes into her stories, and “Double Fudge Brownie Murder” doesn’t disappoint in that department. With 28 recipes scattered throughout the book, my inner baker was doing cartwheels of joy. I’ve already bookmarked several to try out, including the titular double fudge brownies that sound absolutely divine.
Another highlight for me was the resolution of the long-standing love triangle that’s been a staple of the series. Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that it was satisfying to see Hannah finally make a decision. It felt like closure for a subplot that had been dragging on for far too long.
However, I have to be honest – this book wasn’t without its flaws. The pacing felt off to me, with the mystery plot often taking a backseat to lengthy descriptions of cooking and baking. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good culinary scene, but there were moments when I found myself thinking, “Okay, enough about the proper way to cream butter and sugar, what about the murder?”
The writing style also seemed to have taken a dip in quality compared to earlier books in the series. There were times when the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, almost as if the characters were caricatures of themselves. I caught myself cringing at some particularly cheesy lines that felt more suited to a young adult novel than a mature mystery series.
One passage that stuck with me, though not necessarily for the right reasons, was when Hannah was describing her thought process while baking: “As I stirred the batter, I couldn’t help but think about how life is like a recipe. Sometimes you need to add a little more sweetness, other times a pinch of salt to balance things out.” It felt a bit on the nose and lacked the subtlety I’ve come to expect from Fluke’s writing.
That being said, there were moments that reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place. The sense of community in Lake Eden is palpable, and the way the characters rally around Hannah in her time of need warmed my heart. There’s a comfort in returning to these familiar faces, even if they don’t always behave in ways I expect or hope for.
As I turned the final page, I found myself in a reflective mood. This book made me ponder the nature of long-running series and how they evolve over time. It’s natural for authors to want to shake things up and keep their stories fresh, but at what cost? I realized that my expectations for this series have changed over the years, just as the characters and storylines have evolved.
Would I recommend “Double Fudge Brownie Murder” to others? Well, that’s a tricky question. For die-hard fans of the series who are invested in the characters and don’t mind a slower-paced mystery, I’d say give it a shot. The resolution of certain long-standing plot points might make it worthwhile. However, for newcomers to the Hannah Swensen world or those looking for a tightly plotted mystery, I’d suggest starting with earlier books in the series.
In the end, reading this book was like catching up with an old friend who’s changed over the years. There’s still a fondness there, but also a realization that things aren’t quite the same as they used to be. While “Double Fudge Brownie Murder” may not have been the perfect read, it’s reminded me of why I fell in love with cozy mysteries in the first place – the comfort of familiar settings, the joy of solving puzzles, and yes, the occasional recipe that makes me want to dash to the kitchen and start baking.
As I close this chapter (pun intended) of my reading journey, I’m left with a bittersweet taste in my mouth – much like biting into a slightly overbaked brownie. It’s not quite what I expected, but there’s still something comforting about it. And who knows? Maybe the next installment will recapture the magic that made me fall in love with Hannah Swensen’s world in the first place. Until then, I’ll be in my kitchen, trying out those new recipes and dreaming up my own cozy mysteries.