Chocolate Chip Cookie Murders

This was the first book that I chose to read for the 24 hour readathon on April 18. I was a little anxious about the readathon (it was my first time to participate in any capacity) and I decided to start with a book that I knew would be light and entertaining, and would also count towards one of the many challenges I have signed up for this year.

I must confess that it took me a while to get into this mystery --- not because it was difficult to understand, but because perhaps it was a bit too fluffy for me. However, now that I have finished the book and reflected on its content, I think this series is great for its genre!

The heroine of this story is Hannah Swenson, a PhD candidate who has chosen to return to her small Minnesota hometown after the passing of her father. Hannah now owns and operates the Cookie Jar, a very successful bakery and local hangout. The plot is set in motion when Hannah discovers the local milk delivery boy slumped over dead in his truck in the back ally of her shop. Hannah's brother-in-law happens to be the officer on duty and greatly desires to solve this case as he is up for a promotion. He asks for Hannah's assistance, which she is more than happy to give. In fact, it is Hannah who sources most of the clues - does most of the legwork - and ultimately solves the mystery. Her cookies seem to be a form of legal tender in this town, as she is able to pry information from nearly everyone in exchange for a dozen of her mouth-watering morsels. I think it is this aspect of the novel that keeps me from raving about the series. I find it rather hard to believe that a student of English literature and owner of a local bakery can have the skills -- and the time -- to hunt down clues and solve murder mysteries (I mean, come on...I teach English and love to bake and I have no desire to ever be involved in a murder investigation!)

Having said that --- there is plenty to enjoy about this book. The characters are diverse and entertaining. There is, of course, Hannah and her bakery assistant Lisa. I greatly enjoy reading about their preparations for large catered events, as I at one time considered that a possible profession.

Hannah's mother and sister also live in town and provide much humor to the story. Hannah's mother, Delores, is fixated on finding a suitable mate for her daughter and is constantly calling her up to discuss the latest available bachelor. I really enjoy Delores's character and look forward to watching her development! Hannah's sister, the one who is married to the police officer, also lives nearby and they have a young daughter who idolizes her aunt. Hannah's sister is a bit distracted with her real estate business - and in the beginning appears to take advantage of her sister and neglect her daughter --- but in the end the reader sympathizes with this character and learns that she really does have a compassionate side.

The potential love interest that is in the initial blooming stage is Norman, the newest dentist in town. I am sure that this character - and hopefully their relationship - will also be further developed in subsequent mysteries.

I must confess that I have not really read a series before - besides Nancy Drew when I was in elementary school. I am very interested to see how characters are developed - how relationships mature - and how the reader becomes a part of this smalltown lifestyle.

Another joy in reading this mystery are the recipes provided - and cooking tips explained within the pages of the book. It is truly amazing how Joanne Fluke seamlessly entertwines the culinary aspects of the story with the narrative elements. As someone who truly loves baking - and has always fantacized about owning a pastry shop, this aspect of the series has tremendous appeal. The recipes included in first novel include:

• Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies
• Regency Ginger Crisps
• Pecan Chews
• Black and Whites
• Chocolate-covered Cherry Delights
• Old-fashioned Sugar Cookies
• Lovely Lemon Bar Cookies

The most useful cooking tips I found while reading this cozy mystery was found on page 35:

"What's in those ice cubes, Hannah? They look cloudy."
"They're made from lemonade so they won't dilute it when they melt. I do the same thing with any punch I make."

And this one found on page 20:

"Hannah rushed home from school to make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies....but she hadn't checked to make sure she all the ingredients before she started to mix up the dough. The oatmeal canister was empty and Hannah had crushed up some Corn Flakes as a substitute. The resulting cookies had been wonderful...."

All in all I would say that Joann Fluke's culinary mysteries are very satisfying fare. I would not want to make a steady diet of them, but every once in a while a quick read or two will certainly hit the spot.

Interestingly enough, there are currently an exact dozen of the cozy mysteries published, the most recent one being Cream Puff Murder in March of this year. Being the organized, symmetrical, type-A personality that I am, I will probably read the books in the order in which they were written, which means that my next Hannah Swensen mystery will be Strawberry Shortcake Murder. Sounds like it will include some wonderful summertime recipes!