Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke – Book Review Dessert, Hoax and Death Mystery

The grand opening party for the newly renovated Albion Hotel in Lake Eden, Minnesota, is the scene of the crime in Hannah Swensen’s latest caper, Joannne Fluke’s “Red Velvet Cupcake Murder.”

The townspeople gather in early June to celebrate at the Red Velvet Lounge. Hannah and her business partner, Lisa Herman Beeseman, own The Cookie Jar, the popular coffee shop in the village. They cater desserts for the matter, including their delicious red velvet surprise cupcakes.

In the middle of the gala, Hannah’s sister and city realtor, Andrea, touts the hotel’s available condominiums and opulent penthouse, which has its own elevator, a spectacular view of Lake Eden; and a huge tropical garden and jacuzzi.

The penthouse, in the process of final renovation, awaits the delivery and installation of its enormous air-conditioned dome. Safety trestles prevent attic visitors from getting too close to the edge of the building.

Partygoer Barbara Connelly excitedly tours the penthouse to locate her residence from the top of the hotel.

Soon, revelers see Barbara’s body speed past the windows of the hotel lounge, finally landing facedown in the rose bushes. Barbara is rushed to Lake Eden Memorial Hospital for care.

At 4 am, a dazed Hannah receives a soon-to-be-disconnected call from a woman believed to be Barbara, yelling, “He tried to kill me!” And Hannah is off to solve another Lake Eden mystery.

Who wants Barbara Connelly dead? And because?

When Hannah questions Barbara at the hospital, she insists her brother is the culprit.

But how could he be when she’s an only child?

Complicating matters is Barbara’s request to see her father, who, along with her mother, died years ago.

Minneapolis money man Roger Dalworth paid for the renovations to the Albion Hotel. He attends the grand opening with his new love interest, dentist Doctor Bev. He is also in town visiting his terminally ill rich father, Warren Dalworth.

The city is abuzz because Doctor Bev, a renowned gold prospector, once lived in Lake Eden; and twice became the fiancée of Norman Rhodes, a current romantic interest of Hannah.

Dr. Bev shamelessly brags about her latest conquest in Roger Dalworth; and she haughtily displays her tokens of love, including a new red Maserati convertible.

On a later trip to visit Hannah in the hospital, Hannah’s route takes her past Miller’s Pond. There she discovers a submerged car and instinctively swims to look for passengers.

Shocked, Hannah realizes that it is Doctor Bev’s sports car; and that she is still behind the wheel. Hannah laboriously carries Doctor Bev ashore; however, her attempts to save her are unsuccessful.

Detective Mike Kingston, who also lives for Hannah’s affections, must confront her in an awkward and official way when he names Hannah as the prime suspect in Doctor Bev’s death.

Dr. Bev had ordered that Hannah’s red velvet surprise cupcakes be brought to the view of the attic dome to be put up that afternoon. Toxicology tests showed that she died before crashing into the pond due to a powerful tranquilizer. The contents of her stomach consisted solely of coffee creamer, artificial sweetener, and Hannah’s cupcakes.

As is tradition, crowds gather at The Cookie Jar to hear Lisa entertain them with exciting details of the latest crime Hannah is determined to solve. There is only room to stand because Hannah is the prime suspect.

Soon Hannah is confronted by the person who tried to kill Barbara; and she begins the exciting conclusion.

Fluke’s narrative includes small-town talk reflecting world wisdom, in lines such as: “When you get used to seeing something, you just take it for granted until it’s not there anymore”; and his author’s recipes too.

His impeccable writing allows new readers to quickly bond with the residents of Lake Eden; and sparks interest in experiencing his previous murder mysteries. “Red Velvet Cupcake Murder” is a treat for both the mind and the mouth.

If you enjoy reading small-town murder mysteries complete with tasty recipes, check out the Ann B. Ross series of books. Miss Julia is the main character who lives in Abbotsville, North Carolina. Visit: http://www.MissJulia.com.

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