by Joanne Fluke
Part of Hannah Swensen, book 2
First published 2002
Hannah Swensen looks forward to judging the first annual Dessert Bake-Off in Lake Eden, Minnesota. Hartland Flour has chosen their cozy town for the competition, and Hannah serves as head judge. The contest takes a deadly turn when fellow judge Coach Boyd Watson turns up dead, his face buried in Hannah's own strawberry shortcake. The town's chance at fame crumbles as Hannah finds herself investigating Watson's death. She balances perfecting recipes like Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie and Chocolate Crunchies with digging into the coach's personal affairs. Suspects multiply around her. Watson's brutal criticism during judging may have pushed a contestant over the edge. Hannah must tread carefully as the killer's attention turns toward her. Someone has crafted a murderous scheme, and Hannah appears on their target list.
Genres: mystery, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, culinary
Vibes: cozy, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Lake Eden, Minnesota
Period: Contemporary
309 pages · Paperback · Kensington Pub Corp
Content warnings: murder