Plum Pudding Murder

by Joanne Fluke

Book Overview

"New York Times"-bestselling author Fluke gives her readers a special holiday treat--an all-new Hannah Swensen holiday mystery with recipes for a complete Christmas dinner.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758210248
• ISBN13: 9780758210241
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 303 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Okay read

First I'd like to say this review is from 2021 so with that I'll start off with what I disliked about the book. It was obvious once the pieces started appearing who the murderer was and most of the story flowed towards Hannah's life than anything with the murder. The recipes in this book are pretty dated and even in 2009 I would think half of the Christmas dinner to be happening in 1981 and not 2009 that's how old the recipes read. Some probably taste great but haven't tried any out yet to decide, but I do like they are a lot of recipes available compared to some of the other books, I just don't think pea boats are something I'd present to a dinner party. Other than my dislike for the Norman/Mike thing which wasn't too heavy handed in this book, I found the appearance of Ramsey, an ex-bf who changed the course of Hannah's life, and then forgotten about like nothing, very odd. Yeah, she's busy with the holidays and a murder, but I don't think I would have gone more than 24 hours without the nagging feeling of worry about a horrible ex-bf especially when it's briefly mentioned in almost every book prior. The good. This was a fun read. Took me a little longer to finish as I couldn't get into it, but I enjoyed the Moishe shenanigans and liked all the things going around the festivities. I enjoyed seeing Norman taking more of a role in this one and found a few humorous moments. I'd recommend for the casual fan, but as a stand alone I don't think it stands up. Overall, decent read.

Joanne Fluke

Love the series about Hannah Swensen and the rest of the gang in Lake Eden. This has been one of the best series that I have read. Keep up the great works. I always look forward to the next installment.

PLUM PUDDING MURDER

I love Hannah Swensen. You can idenitfy with her. She has problems with diets, hair, men, moms. But she is there for you if you need her. And she has come to the aid of the people of Lake Eden, Minnesota multiple times, to help solve murder. In this story, it is ten days before Christmas. Larry Jaeger, a two-timing, swindling sweetheart of a guy, is found by Hannah, shot to death in his office at the Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot. Business associates, an ex-wife and a fiancee are among the suspects. Hannah's family and friends are back. And about ten new townspeople are introduced. Hopefully they will be back in upcoming adventures. The more the merrier. I like the fact that Ms. Fluke tells us interesting facts: In this book we learn more about Christmas trees and snow spouts and that H. David Dahlquist founded Nordic Ware and modified a German design in the 1950's naming it the Bundt pan. Speaking of Bundt pans, the recipies are always great. Fully explained, sounding delicious. In 2011 I believe a Hannah Swensen Cook Book will be coming. I'm happy about that. And I thank Joanne Fluke for mentioning my Green Bay Packers.

Another yummy mystery

I have to agree with Mark Baker. This book was wonderful. It makes me wish her store was close to where I live. Obviously, this book revolves around Christmas time. Everyone is running around getting last minute gifts, picking out Christmas trees, and ordering cookies galore for the holiday season. Hannah has her hands full of orders and a murder to solve too. Never fear, she has her Mom and friends helping her out through it all. A nice cozy mystery indeed. Joanne Fluke always has a great plot and wonderful recipes too. I might have to try one or two of them soon. She has about 28 recipes in her book. I am leaning toward making her "Triple Threat Chocolate Cheesecake Pie" and the "Frosted Ginger Snaps". They all seem tasty to me. You never can go wrong when Hannah, Mike and Norman, are on the case. Plus, don't forget about Moishe either. As Hannah says," Have a cookie. A little chocolate will make you feel much better about everything". This works for me too !

Even Christmas Tree Lots are Deadly in Lake Eden

Its 10 shopping days until Christmas, and things are hopping in The Cookie Jar. Hannah has her hands full keeping the shop's regular customers in cookies plus holiday party catering. To top it off, the shop is providing the cookies for the Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot. Located in the center of town, it not only sells trees, but stand, ornaments, and toys. Heck, it even has some rides for all to enjoy. But when Hannah stops by one night to pick up a check, she finds Larry Jaeger, the owner, shot dead in Elf Headquarters (aka the trailer he was living in on site). And the secrets begin pouring out as Hannah finds motives in some surprising places. Who actually committed the murder? We've got another entry that will please fans. The early part is a little heavy on the sub-plots, but once the murder plot gets going, all three blend together quite well. I had the killer figured out before Hannah did, but only a chapter or two. And the ending will definitely have you coming back to see what happens next. The characters continue to be their charming selves. I love spending time with them and get excited as each new book comes out. Can't leave out the delicious recipes, either. There are a ton of them this time, including recipes for a complete Christmas Eve dinner. Yes, the series is extremely light and cozy. But that is part of the charm for me. If you are looking for an enjoyable Christmas mystery, this one will be perfect for you.