Blueberry Muffin Murder

Blueberry Muffin Murder (2002) Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen)

A cute cozy mystery with lots of delicious baked goods.

The heroine has a major “not like other girls” feel, but it is an early book.

I was amused as all get out reading some of the passages that specifically dated the book.

I mean:

There was a pay phone at the end of the hall, and instead of turning off at the entrance to the dining room, where she was supposed to meet Andrea, Hannah kept on walking and dug into the bottom of her purse for change.

And also:

What are all these people doing out here so early?” “The mall opens at nine and a lot of people make a day of it. What other place could you go to jog in the morning with the family, have lunch at a restaurant, watch a movie at the multiplex, mail your packages at the post office, buy a new book at the bookstore, and get your hair done while your kids play computer games? Malls are wonderful in the winter.”

But also just some plain amusing bits.

“At least we know she didn’t have a fight with her husband. There’s no way he could make her that angry in two minutes.” Hannah looked up from her notes as Sally and Andrea started to laugh. “What did I say?”

There is a TON of fat shaming in this story, although NOT by the main character or at the main character (it is clearly shown as a negative as it’s done by someone who is shown to be an asshole on ALL fronts).

And I do like how the stories poke fun at the ridiculous number of murders.

Hannah glanced at Andrea again. Her sister was really enjoying this.

“I will, Mother. I’ll make a real effort to stop finding dead bodies, I promise.”

“Well, I should hope so! You’re destroying your reputation, you know.”

They’re relaxing stories, mostly, which is why I think I’m enjoying them so much.

Publisher: Kensington Books

Rating: 6/10

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