Mystery Crime Books

This book was one of those precious few where you just want the story to keep on going without end. This is not true of life or books. What a good read ! I didn't expect it to be so but was pleasantly surprised while mourning the end.I hope you have a similar experience. Read this book.

The author's compositional and writing skills can't be faulted, and are impressive for a first novel. However, character development never grows beyond the compositional surface of the story, which is largely defined by a number of plot threads typical of the mystery genre, some of which remain very tangential. Nor did I find the blending of genres -- historical, romance, mystery -- completely successful, beyond the limited basis of a minimal story.

Another reader compared this to a screenplay, and while that is not entirely justified, I understand the analogy: the narrative stays very much at the surface and thus, while intellectually engaging, fails to become fully satisfying. That this won one of Britain's most prestigious literary awards seems inexplicable, as this novel is not particularly memorable.

Despite what some of the other reviews said about having difficulty following the characters (this is true to an extent), the quality of the writing is such that I could overlook that flaw. The reader might be slightly confused as to who is narrating and which character is which, but the author's use of language (have a dictionary on hand!) and vivid descriptions are truly remarkable. This is a wonderful,if flawed, book.

"The Tenderness of Wolves" is Stef Penney's debut novel and is set in late 19th century Canada. It was first published in 2006, and went on to win that year's Costa Prize.

Laurent Jammet was around forty years old, French and had once been a voyageur for the Hudson Bay Company. However, he later settled in a small settlement called Dove River and made his living from the bounty paid on killing wolves. Fortunately for Dove River's wolves, he didn't make his forty first year - he was murdered in bad, having his throat cut and his scalp taken.

Jammet's corpse was discovered the following morning by Mrs Ross, his closest neighbour. She had arrived in Canada from Scotland with her husband, Angus, twelve years earlier. The couple have a single adopted son called Francis - himself, technically, an immigrant. Francis was born in Ireland, but had left the country as an infant to escape the Famine. Unfortunately, his parents had died on the journey, and, on arrival, he'd been placed in an orphanage. Francis is now seventeen, and hasn't really been able to fit in - he has become surly, taciturn, clearly doesn't get on with father and regularly disappears for two or three days at a time on fishing trips. Jammet, meanwhile, was the closest thing he had to a friend. Mrs Ross, naturally, reports the murder to Andrew Knox - the magistrate in the neighbouring settlement of Caulfield. Unfortunately, it seems that Francis has taken off overnight - and, although his mother claims it's a fishing trip, even she isn't entirely sure that's where he's gone. She is, however, certain he didn't kill Jammet though she knows he'll probably be considered a suspect. Knox promptly sends off to Fort Edgar for some company men to help with the investigation. Based on the scalping, Knox and Scott - an influential man in the area, having essentially founded Caulfield - initially assume the killer was an Indian outlaw. However, Knox isn't willing to rule anyone out on the grounds of race.

Three men arrive from Fort Baxter to take over the investigation. The most obviously qualified is McKinley, Fort Edgar's factor - however, he proves to be a thoroughly dislikeable character and a suspect is likely to fall down the stairs during an interrogation. Donald Moody, like Mrs Ross, is a Scottish immigrant - though he's an accountant, rather than a rugged outdoorsman. The third is Jacob, one of the Company's native employees - and, after an accident on the rugby pitch, also Donald's sworn protector.

Where some view Francis as the key suspect for Jammet's murder - Donald, in particular - he isn't the only suspect. The other key suspect is a trapper called Parker, a man who'd traded with Jammet in the past and who arrived at Jammet's home shortly after his death. While Mrs Ross is sure Francis is innocent, she's also convinced by Parker when he protests his innocence - which would mean a third suspect is required. There is a third possibility - Angus had tracked Francis to Swallow Lake, where he usually fished. It appeared that Francis had been that way, but had just kept going...though so had at least one other person. However, rather than continuing his search, Angus turned around and just came home. While his wife decides to take up the search, in order to prove her son's innocence, Donald and Jacob have also decided to go after him - believing they're chasing the killer.

While my sister said she was totally hooked within the first 50 pages, for me things just didn't warm up until a little later - not until Mrs Ross took up the search. Although the focus shifts from one character to another, Mrs Ross is essentially the book's central character. She is the only character to tell her own story - "Even now, I cannot remember that small without also thinking of fruit pies with cream or steak in brandy" -while everyone else has their story told - "Donald presses a hand to the window pane". I did find Donald to be a vaguely ridiculous character, and his attempts to romance Susannah Knox - Andrew Knox's daughter - were so pathetic, I'm still not sure if it was supposed to be funny. If this angle had been cut out altogether, and a little more attention had been paid to the Seton sisters, I think it may have led to a better book. (In a sub-plot reminiscent of "The Searchers", Amy and Eve Seton had disappeared fifteen years previously. Trackers and searchers were hired, but to no avail - both parents died, penniless and broken hearted, without ever seeing their daughters again. Naturally, the book sees some developments). A decent book overall, and certainly worth reading - but I have read better.

I loved this book. It pulled me into their world, made me feel what they were feeling, fear what they were fearing. It was almost a modern perspective of an olden time, to hear the thoughts of the characters, but then again it made me realize that deep down we're all the same, even back then. I was surprised that with so many things going on with so many different characters, I never felt lost and the plot was never convoluted. It didn't drag down with unnecessary details and kept me in the moment the whole time. For example, the term "historical fiction" turns me off since I assume the author is trying to prove something that is unprovable (pardon my ignorance of the genre, that is just my take) and this was not the case here. I honestly couldn't put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pretty much no novel gets 5 stars from me but I would have given it four and a half stars if I could. Great read.

I love the Hannah Swensen series. A few times I have tried baking some of the recipes included in the books... they always taste okay, but like nothing special to me. UNTIL I decided to bake the fudge cupcakes from this book. they are THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER EATEN. make them... you won't be disappointed. the book's good too :-)

Being from Minnesota myself, as was the author and as are her characters, I relish these books. They're so "Minnestoa Nice." They seem such refreshingly normal people despite the number of murders in their midst. In this book, Hannah's brother-in-law, Bill, runs for sheriff and the current encumbant is murdered. Assisted by her sister Andrea, Hannah attempts to clear Bill and find the real culprit.

I haven't tried the recipes yet, but I intend to. The cup cakes sound exceptional.

This is my favorite book so far of the Hannah Swensen mysteries. Partially because of the title...I cannot resist anything fudgy to include cupcakes.
The hometown charm of Lake Eden still gets to me as well. I love to read about the characters I already know, and it seems I am catching up with old friends everytime.
As far as the mystery, it had an interesting take. One of the characters we have read about in previous books is murdered. In past books (except for the murder of the coach), we are usually introduced to a new character that is murdered. One particular clue around the middle of the book, and I had already guessed who the murderer would be, but I had no idea until the end why the person would do it.
Also, a secondary mystery takes place...not a murder though. The secret ingredient of the title Fudge Cupcake. Hannah and Lisa must try to find out this left out piece of a recipe because the person who submitted did not have the whole recipe. Her mother-in-law went to her grave with it, and it seemed the mother-in-law wanted it that way. The secret ingredient does seem like a unique addition, and probably a must try recipe.
There is one instance at the end when I think Hannah is not thinking properly...her confrontation with the murderer. I will not give it away because the particular item she wants is the actual murder weapon. I think I would have taken it while the murderer was not around rather than wait for the person to return and then try to purchase it.
Also, as other reviewers have commented on the relationship triangle of Mike, Hannah, and Norman being a bit over the top, I can see this too. I thought they would be more in competition over her especially Mike with his personality. It seems each just passively lets the other take Hannah out, never giving Hannah any ultimatum. Maybe this is a sign of a mature realtionship without jealousy, but I would want to see some type of possessiveness (not too the extreme of course). I am beginning to get the idea that no one is going to choose anyone, and this might go on forever. I keep reading though to find out.
Even though, I complained a bit on the relationship front and about Hannah's narrow minded thinking when confronting the murderer, I still did not want to put this book down. Joanne Fluke's writing style keeps me hooked...well, and the delicious recipes don't hurt neither.

I love this author. She does such a great job in making you feel like you are part of the mystery. The recipes that she includes in the books are really good. I read one of her stories to my students who love to try to figure out who has commited the crime and why they did it. I can hardly wait for the next murder.

The is book 5 in the series, and the love triangle is starting to get pretty unbelievable. But other than that, I still enjoy the characters and the mystery was good. She definitely gives you the clues to solve it yourself this time, and you'll find yourself yelling at the main character, "Gah! Can't you see? It's so obvious!"

A typically good Kate Wilhelm story, but left a couple of loose ends untied - Who followed one of the characters, for instance, and why? In addition, I don't really like it in a series when a problem is brought up in one book, but left hanging for a future book. By the time the next book comes out, I have long forgotten the plot in a previous one. It doesn't make me anxiously await the next book, it just leaves me with an unfinished feeling on the current one.

Over two decades ago in Eugene, Oregon, someone murdered teenager Jill Storey. The police and much of the small town believed that either teens David Etheridge or Robert McCrutchen killed her. However, no evidence was found and the case went cold.

Twenty-two years later, David an author returns to his hometown and ends up staying with Robert who is a senator and his wife. Soon afterward, someone murders Robert. The police once again suspect David, believing they have motive, means and definitely opportunity. He, knowing that he is a person of interest, hires attorney Barbara Holloway to represent him. She and her team begin to investigate the two homicides with each clue making the case stronger against her client.

The latest Holloway investigative thriller is an enjoyable regional whodunit starring an eccentric Oregonian cast, but not quite as powerful as most of the previous tales (see SLEIGHT OF HAND and A WRONGFUL DEATH). With humor to somewhat abating the tension, fans will appreciate Barbara's efforts to find proof that someone else committed the recent homicide although she and the audience begin to believe David is guilty until a beating occurs. Her digging means no time to mount a defense and takes away from the overall story line as she gets nowhere for much of the novel. Still COLD CASE is a fine Holloway tale.

Harriet Klausner

Ross Wakeman is dead. Not buried six feet under, but dead nevertheless. He died the day his fiancée died and was never revived. Ross is tired of living, and thus begins searching for a way to reunite with his fiancée. That includes various suicide attempts, and now, paranormal investigation. He's searching for the other side, searching to see if there IS another side to life. After one last unsuccessful job searching for a ghost alongside an ostensible physic, Ross is fed up and decides to retire from the business. He travels to his sisters house in Comtosook, Vermont, where strange happenings have been occurring: the ground freezing solid in warm August weather; rose petals seemingly falling from the sky; a house, after being torn down, re-building itself. The Abenaki Indians believe it is because an ancient Indian burial ground is being disturbed and uprooted for a strip mall. Ross Wakeman is called in by the developer to search the grounds for the paranormal. There he meets Lia, a young woman with a very mysterious and even more painful story to tell. Is she a ghost? Or flesh and blood? And what of this 70 year old murder committed on that very same sight?

Jodi Picoult begins her story in 2001, then transports us to the summer of 1932, giving us insight on eugenics history and experiments, and the repercussions one eugenicist beliefs' has on his family. At first glance, one might conclude that this story is about suicide and death. And though more than one person in the book attempt suicide, in my opinion, this book is not about death in the sense that when a person dies, they are gone forever. This is about death (and love) transcending time, and people coming to terms with the past and present, to then move on to the future. Every character has their own demons, no matter what their age: a woman trying to come to terms with the fact that her nine year old son, diagnosed with a skin disease will not live a full life; that same son, knowing he will die in the near future, yet cannot live; a 102 year old man living with the past that he can't let go; a ghost trying, from the grave, to piece together a family it left behind, and a dying man, riddled with memories of past experiments and a family he orchestrated the loss of. All of this Ms. Picoult intertwines together, in a thought provoking book, with a satisfying conclusion at the end.

This novel takes place in Vermont and is a mixture of mystery, history, Indian culture, and love story. All four aspects are nicely done. I have read several of Ms. Picoult's novels- a few stand out and stay with me, some I would not want to read a second time. This novel is in the first group. It is a complex novel with many main characters; surprisingly, the relation between them is tied together into a satisfying package with a really WOW!!! punch near the end. Although the story is complicated at first and alternates between character narratives and past and present stories, it was not hard to follow, and is such a good story that it's easy to keep reading until it all makes sense.
After I finished the book, I read an interview with the author about the historical aspects of the book. It was very interesting and I think should be included at the end of the book.

I could NOT put this book down! I enjoy how Picoult can weave in history into a story. I also loved how the book moved from character to character until you could connect all the dots together. I was surprised a few times by the turn of events, and I was surprised also at the ending.

If you like mystery, fantasy, romance, and history, then this is the book for you!

When I first read the brief description of the book, I thought it was about a man and his failed relationships, intertwined with some paranormal encounters. Great for an audio read. I was so surprised about the other more significant storyline of the eugenics project of the 1930s, I had to look it up when I got home. The book was riveting and educational too! This was my first Jodi Picoult and so far, it is my favorite. I have recommended it to many, as it has so many good elements: intrigue, romance, mystery, anger, heartbreak, and ghosts. What a weird combination yet it works so well.

Second Glance, my favorite Picoult novel so far, is unusual, because it is a ghost story. It is also a love story, like all of Ms Picoult's other novels that I have read. The added element of ghosts and hauntings effectively add an unusual dimension. The realistic characters blossom in our hearts, while the mysterious past shows its impact on both the present and the future. Reinforcing the idea that life is priceless, no matter what kind of life it ends up being, we find ourselves consoled by the reoccurring theme that maybe everything really does happen for a reason. The message that life is to be cherished is clearly presented, as the author benignly queries some highly-controversial topics. All of this is accomplished with the poetic grace of Ms Picoult's writing.

I love Charlaine Harris, period. She is a bit scary, and always great fun.
When one of her books is published, I inhabit her world for as long as the story lasts.

"Ice Cold Grave," is suspenseful, a little sexy, as are all of her books, and great fun.

Mrs. Harris claims to be a soccer mom, but she is so much more. I wish she lived across the street. Not next door, mind you. I wouldn't be too happy if one of her vampires showed up in my bedroom... On second thought, maybe I would.

About a month ago I read all the Sookie Stackhouse books, and decided to read her other stories. I like this series. I think anyone who reads Ms. Harris has to expect creepy and unresolved relationships.

I have no problem with Tolliver and Harper becoming a couple. They aren't brother and sister and didn't come together until they were teenagers. Plus, from the moment they're parents married, Tolliver and Harper were placed in the role of mother and father to the two youngest children. They weren't able to be children together, they had adult responsibilities and only had each other to lean upon and offer comfort and support.

I was disappointed in how the love scene was written. I understand that Harper is only 24 or 25 and Tolliver around 28, but the juvenile language that the author uses to express their thoughts and feeling, doesn't fit their relationship. It should have been fraught with the tension of Tolliver's fear of almost losing Harper.

We experience his increasing jealousy, which is normal, but that shouldn't have been the reason for the two of them to finally express their adult love for one another. After all that they have experienced together and their emotional commitment to each other, their coming together should have been more passionate, sweet, and filled with loving words. Yes, Tolliver does express some of his thoughts, but it's just not done to my satisfaction.

As seems to Ms. Harris's way, I expect that Tolliver and Harper will eventually break up as a couple, and maybe come back together at then end of the series. I hope that this statement proves false, as I think, it would be more real if they grew to trust one another as a couple, and allowed their feelings to become firm with love and commitment. After their childhood and what they've experienced since Harper being hit by lightening, this would be the most satisfactory outcome, at least for me.

As an aside, I think Tolliver's biological brother killed Harper's biological sister and we'll find this out in a future book. I hope Ms. Harris doesn't make it that Tolliver knew, because he so would not have kept this from Harper. Tolliver may have his faults, but he does love Harper more then anyone else. I think if this hypothesis proves true (his brother being the killer)that this will cause some hurt to the couple. However, it would only make them realize what they've always known that they only have each other.

I thought the story was well done, and I'm interested and awaiting the next book.

I am a huge fan of this author but this book was easy to forget. Stick with the Sookie Stackhouse series if you like her and either put this one on the summer reading list or leave it be altogether. It just didn't give me a lasting impression.

I'm really enjoying the Harper Connelly series by Charlaine Harris. The heroine is unusual, the story-lines are fresh (and a great departure from the talking pet formula). I can't wait to see what is coming next!

I would have given this book 5 stars, but frankly, the whole nad-licking scene was off-putting. I'm not a prude, but gratuitous crap like that is jarring and in my opinion added nothing to an otherwise gripping and exciting storyline.

Harris is a talented author when she uses her own voice and isn't trying to channel authors like Bertrice Small. Somebody should give her editor a slap upside the head.

After the previous two books, I knew where the two lead characters were heading. (Unfortunately)

However, the writing which got them to that predictable spot was REALLY good. And the character development after that point seemed fresh and fully explored.

The crime which serves as the reason for the book is disturbing.

But I didn't know exactly where the story was leading, and the last major plot point was a surprise. So this is the best of the three Harper books to date.

The lead characters have much more depth than was apparent in the first book.

I picked this book up at the library and thought this might be a good read and I was wrong It was a great read that I could not put down! Two sisters find out that they are related to the brothers Grimm and that fairy tale characters are real ! there is twists and turns and things get explained in a fun and enjoyable way! I am not going to give away the fun of the book but pick it up you will not regret the choice !

I am Markoe and I am ten years old. I think that this book is totally worth your money, folks. I will say that it is kind of boring until the grandma gets carried away by a gi- . . . Oops! I don't think I was supposed to say that much. Luckily, this happens very early in the book, and it's exciting from there on. This book has a clever plot with betrayal and murder. If you want to know the juicy details, buy this book, it is definitely worth your money!

It took me a while to get into this first book, but that tends to happen in the beginning of a first book in a series. It was quite entertaining despite being someone who is a tad and a bit too old for the series. I am always looking for a good fairy tale inspired book. This has filled that need for the time being. The author also gives lessons on how children can write their own fairy tales and other information on classic stories. It all seems very educational and interactive. I am going on to read the next books in the series soon.

I understand that this was Buckley's first work of literature. However, I cannot find myself giving him any allowances. My lenience dwindled away as I turned each page, irked by the plot that seemed to spin around in spirals and never got anywhere, a rickety hamster wheel creaking.

First off, the story was jumpy and went too fast. When there was a giant attacking, it seemed like it came out of no where. I had to pause, read over the previous several sentences, and then shake my head. I cannot believe that this sort of work got past the publisher -- perhaps it was the hope younger children would like it? I might not be that old, but I know a good book when I read it. This one did not captivate me.

In general, I am telling you not to buy the book. Unexperienced readers may perhaps be amused by the bits of wit and quirk, but I was not. He was stuck between murder and humor. Buckley needed to choose -- you cannot send an eight year old into a world of murder because there is encouraging phrases! It took me a week to read this, whilst it normally takes me one to two days to finish a book. It bored me, honestly.

--Willow, aged 11

My ten year old daughter knew nothing about this series when she first got this book. Once she started reading it, she thought it was exciting and adventurous. She couldn't put it down, and complained each night when she had to stop reading. She thought it was so great that she immediately bought the rest of the series, which are just as good. This quickly turned into her favorite book. In this book, fairy tale creatures are still alive and well in Fairyport Landing, and the decendents of the original Grimm Brothers, who wrote the fairy tales, go on adventurous journeys to solve mysteries and save their their family. (I read it also, and it really is a clever, cute story.)

While the book is well-written and keeps you guessing, I couldn't give this one any more stars because the character of Nikki was so unlikeable that it was impossible to care about her or do anything other than hope she'd be buried alive. Reed wasn't much better, but at least he was tolerable when he was with Morrisette.

LJ has written better...don't feel bad skipping this one.

Great book. I did not want to put it down. It moves fast. I can see why she is a best seller. The murder is really a monster. This one gets up under you. A must read.

This book, received second hand in a box from a Freecycle member, was my introduction to Lisa Jackson. I love stumbling authors I've never read, especially if we hit it off, their books and me.

I found this novel highly readable. The friction between fellow reporters, coupled with the animosity between law enforcement and members of the press, is a natural here. Her characters are real, as is the dialog.

The premise of a serial killer burying his victims alive, buddied up with corpses, is chilling. I felt terrible for the victims, hoped for their rescues. Jackson has a flair for the macabre, but her writing surpasses that of the average thriller. I did figure out who The Survivor was, but not until late in the story; she did a good job of building up a couple of strong suspects.

I'll be finding more of her books!

This novel began with a very chilling circumstance and just got better and better. Nikki Gillette, bless her shallow little heart, was not very good at recognizing danger until it came and bit her. The police seemed very competent in this story, not just one or two mavericks who were on the job, but the force as a whole seemed to be actually doing a good job investigating. Reed was a fine character and I ended up just loving Nikki despite her character flaws. These were great characters in a great situation, doing battle with a truly twisted killer. The final scene where Nikki was in trouble was excellent, although I kind of guessed how she was going to ...well, her father's leg was a clue foreshadowed early in the book. Anyway, in her situation, I don't think I could have been calm enough to think like that. I guess that's why she's the heroine and I'm not. I did not figure out who the bad guy was until it was actually revealed. Lisa Jackson does a great job with the suspense. She throws in enough romance but doesn't go overboard with that. This is an easy book to recommend. The second book I've read by Lisa Jackson. I just bought a couple more and am anxious to read them.

This one had me forgetting to breath at times due to the excitement and dread, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Lisa is the best!

That's what keeps this mystery series interesting and exciting. In a lot of ways the goings on in the small town of Lake Eden are not realistic, but who cares? Hannah and her friends are just so much fun. It took awhile for this book to get going, and the actual murder doesn't occur until over half-way through, but the pacing after that is pretty good. I figured out who the murderer was right away since it seemed to me only one could have done it, but it was fun to find out the motive and to watch Hannah and her crew discover the clues that they needed to put it all together. The book has a Hollywood movie being shot in downtown Lake Eden, and this puts the whole town in a state of excitement. I also loved the parts of the book with Moishe (Hannah's cat) in them. And of course there is lots of food and recipes to keep things going. Altogether not a bad effort in this wonderful cozy series.

I purchased the book because I enjoyed the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swenson Mysteries) and Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen Holiday Mysteries) by the same author.

This book, like the other two I've read, is a delightful depiction of Minnesota as it's often viewed by others. The nurses I worked with in New York City knew exactly one thing about Minnesota, it's COLD!! The author perpetuates our snowy image and the Minnesota Nice character of the people in her little town of Lake Eden where the central characters are charming and enjoyable people with whom to spend time. Each has his or her strengths and weaknesses and each supplies something to the others and to the story that moves things right along. Furthermore, there is a growing history through the sequence of the stories that leaves one wanting to know more about where each character goes.

In this book the murder occurs on main street in front of virtually every one in town. A movie company has chosen the town as its setting for an independent film--something that has actually occurred in Minnesota on several occasions--and many of the locals are recruited to play parts in it. The director is murdered, and it's anyone's guess "who dunnit." As usual the main characters pool their knowledge, skills and abilities to detect the culprit with enjoyable results.

Of particular enjoyment, and a clear indication of her talent, is Ms Fluke's introduction of a plausible, serious, and very interesting film script that is developed throughout the main story.

Exceptional. It's all about entertainment from beginning to end.

This time, Hollywood is coming to Hannah! A small movie crew comes to town to shoot an indy film with an A list director, who happens to also be a real jerk. There are plenty of suspects because almost everyone has a reason to want him dead! Hannah finds a couple of links to her past college days and that leads to some funny sub-plots. I totally adore these characters, and the book was as enjoyable to me as the others. I still think visiting my friends at Lake Eden make for a good time. However, I have some complaints! To start, the mystery doesn't come into play until the last third or so of the book, which I personally don't mind, because I enjoy so much the regular antics of these characters. I'm only mentioning that point because I'm sure not every mystery lover would be as patient with that fact as I am. I was disappointed by Hannah's choice of marriage proposals and I felt like Fluke really dropped the ball for a chance to pursue something good here. And also this was the first of the mystery's where I guessed the murderer from the start. I kept waiting for the curveball that would knock my suspect back off the suspect list but it never happened. I like to think that I'm just good, but I think more likely the handling of this mystery could have been worked out better. I think Fluke does do a great job of keeping the previous murderer's out of the books so that these books can probably be read out of order. I am still waiting for these characters to evolve a bit. I think it could be helpful to the overall series if that happens. Overall this book was still a delight- a lite delight. Don't expect anything too heavy here and you won't be disappointed.

I love this author. She has a way of getting you hooked on the story and making you feel as if you are part of the story. One of the things that I like about her stories is I am able to read this story to my students at work. I can hardly wait for her next murder.

The series, with the 'two love interests' core, is beginning to wear. The mysteries are still good, but when the characters annoy you the book is simply not as enjoyable. The recipes are still amazing, though. A decent fluff read if you've read everything else that's good, but there are much better books of this genre out there.

I purchased the book because I enjoyed the Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swenson Mysteries), and I also liked the concept of recipes in a murder mystery. The venue of a neighborhood bakery makes a great center for the gathering of information and gossip, as the local bakery in my old home town certainly did. This rather clever choice of a central source of community information reminds me of the Lois Meade series: Murder On Monday (Lois Meade Mystery), Terror on Tuesday (Lois Meade Mystery), etc. by Ann Purser, which I also enjoy.

The book, like the other I've read, is a delightful depiction of Minnesota as it's often viewed by others. The nurses I worked with in New York City knew exactly one thing about Minnesota, it's COLD!! The author perpetuates our snowy image and the Minnesota Nice character of the people in her little town of Lake Eden where the central characters are charming and enjoyable people with whom to spend time. Each has his or her strengths and weaknesses and each supplies something to the others and to the story that moves things right along. Furthermore, there is a growing history through the sequence of the stories that leaves one wanting to know more about where each goes.

In this book the entire action occurs in one place, the local community center during the occasion of a Christmas party that previews the recipes submitted for a community cook book--something that many small towns have sponsored. The situation is much like the old fashioned manor house mysteries of Agatha Christie and others, given a modern update.

An added plus is the introduction of recipes throughout the book and the complete cookbook included at the end of the novel. While I'm not necessarily interested in all of them, there are many that I'd like to try and probably will, especially some of the main entrees. Many of them will be familiar to Minnesotans and probably sound weird to others, since the Jello salads and desserts are a local standard that no one from out of state seems to fathom!!!

A fun visit to Lake Eden. I look forward to others.

So far I have enjoyed all of Joanne Fluke's previous books until now. While this still had the typical coffee drinking, cookie baking, small town feel that I love I thought the mystery was annoying and as it turns out it couldn't possibly match the title of the book, once you read it you'll know what I mean.
I found the pacing scene at the hospital so utterly ridiculous and unrealistic I could barely read about it, these are supposed to be real people(characters) after all..
Plus the story was too short, I love the cookie recipes but I like a few in the middle of the story as Hannah is making them.
I think Mike's a jerk and have grown tired of his role in this series. Choose Norman and be done with it!

This book started off very well. I love the idea of having the whole thing occur at one event...and the thrill of the "murderer is still among us." However, when the murder was solved it was a big let down. There were no real clues until the very end. It was just a disappointing finish to a very interesting setup.
I like the idea of including the recipes from the Lake Eden Cookbook...that had an original flair, but I think this added to why the story was such a let down. I enjoy reading the recipes that Joanne Fluke includes in all her books, and these were no exception. However, including them in the mystery book just made for a shorter story with a hurried ending. Maybe there should have been a separate book for the recipes.
I recommend that readers get this from the library if only interested in the mystery, but if you are a recipe fanatic buy a copy for yourself.
Anyway, having said this, I am still on the Hannah band wagon, and I cannot wait to read the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book and it's recipes, in fact bought several as gifts, and one to remove all the recipes pages as mini cook book! Do wish
Joanne would publish a real cookbook of her yummy treats!! I've scanned and copied some but.........
Do recommend this tho' !

As enjoyable as this Hannah Swenson mystery was, it was all about the food. The book has the recipes from the Lake Eden cookbook in it, so there are a lot more than cookies. The recipes look great, and I want to try some. The mystery was pretty good too. It's a holiday mystery, so Christmas is the theme. All the citizens of Lake Eden are caught at the Community Centre for a pot luck that is supposed to be a trial for the cookbook, and they get caught in a snowstorm. So we have all our favourite characters under one roof. And, of course, Hannah discovers another body, so her and her sisters are "helping" Mike try to solve the crime. The mystery isn't that difficult, but the story is still fun, and there are over 50 recipes to enjoy with the book! What more could you want?

Beth Ann Decker is a hospice nurse in Eudena, Texas. For sixteen years she has strived to overcome the title of "Poor Beth Ann". A title given to her after a gruesome accident that left her severely injured and three of her friends dead. She was made stronger and learned to live with the past hanging over her head. Now her future, thanks to a murder, has been thrown into a state of utter upheaval.

Mark Jessup is the black sheep of Eudena, Texas. His own father has not spoken to him in the sixteen years since the fatal car accident. He has come home to attempt to make peace with the only family he has left in Eduena, his father. He has made peace with himself and grown into a stronger human being. It does not, however, make it easy for him to go home again.

In a town as small as Eudena, memories survive longer than people do. Memories of football victories and life altering accidents survive the longest. Can Beth Ann and Mark survive small town gossips, their own memories, intruders and murder? Can they move forward to the future?

The first chapter of Head On draws the reader into a tale of heartache, intrigue and the "joys" of small town life. It develops into a tale of forgiveness, acceptance and personal responsibility. Head On looks at the result of what effect an accident can have on the victims and their families even sixteen years later. Colleen Thompson gives you all the clues you need to figure out what is going on, then throws you with a climax that you just don't see until it hits you.

Emma
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

If you enjoy the books written by author Colleen Thompson you'll enjoy this book. Head on, is full of mystery,suspense, I couldn't put the book down for wondering what was going to happen on the next page.

Rarely is an author capable enough to deal with consequences of actions. Usually they can create the actions, but the messy afterwards gets the short shrift. Using deep emotional responses to horrific memories, this novel is all about the clean-up and it's a dandy of an idea--done to a turn! This author has wonderful male and female leads--both smart and emotionally deep--, a serial killer with a direct link to the Almightly and a wonderful cast of secondary characters. Keep your eye on "Elijah"--who was also a most interesting Biblical prophet--as a choice of names for a character. Because my life is so VERY high stress I avoid suspense novels like a bad rash. This one earns every little tingle and NOW I need to go back and check out the author's back catalog. A reader's work is never done....

As a fan of Ms. Thompson's previous work including Fade the Heat, Heat Lightning, and The Deadliest Denial, I believe she really hits her stride in Head On. With all the thrills and fearful stalkings, with chilling peeks inside a criminally insane mind, Head On is also a poignant, layered story about forgiveness and redemption. With richly drawn characters, each with their own cross to bear, and a setting on the lonely high prairies of Texas, Head On delivers.

The two survivors of a deadly collision find themselves face to face after 16 years. Beth Ann is a hospice nurse who comes to care for the dying former town patriarch Hiram Jessup, who gave up on life after his wife died soon after his daughter's tragic accident. Mark is the former bad boy who was behind the wheel of the other car and spent time in jail, but has continued to feel the guilt of destroying his family. He has returned to reconnect and care for the dying Hiram, much to his father's unyielding displeasure and has brought his mixed race son to a racist town to get to know his grandfather. When Beth Ann's mother is found viciously murdered, all eyes turn to Mark, despite the fact that he is now a wealthy and successful businessman. Soon Beth Ann and Mark are forced to confront the event that altered their lives forever, while fighting the attraction that continues to bind them as her memory of the fateful night starts returning and someone will do anything to keep her from learning a long buried secret her mother appeared to take to the grave.

Thompson weaves a suspenseful and very heartbreaking story about love, loss, corruption, redemption, and forgiveness. The slang and bubba dialect was a bit distracting in an otherwise pretty good story, but the characters are well drawn, particularly secondary characters like young deputy Damon Stillwater - who wants to prove he can crack the case. I could have lived without the details and introspection of the killer - or as the person is referred to in the story "the appointed one," it got almost as annoying as all the slang. I really liked how Thompson did not wrap this one up in a happy red bow where everyone lives happily ever after - the tragedy that was central to the story set the tone and I thought that the conclusion was fitting for a fractured town that continued to be in mourning.