Chocolate Cream Pie Murder

I have been anxiously waiting for Chocolate Cream Pie Murder because I wanted answers about Ross. I never understood why the author took the series in this direction (probably so she would not have to pick between Mike or Norman). Chocolate Cream Pie Murder reminded me of cool whip—light and fluffy. There is mystery and intrigue mixed with baking, eating, drinking coffee, time with Moishe and Cuddles, friendship, family, and chatting. I wanted fewer recipes and more substance. At the end of the book, I was still left many unanswered questions about Ross. I will admit, though, that Chocolate Cream Pie Murder was an improvement over the previous books in the series where Hannah veered off course courtesy of the persuasive Ross. I found the story easy to read with the author's conversational writing style and engaging characters. Lake Eden has friendly residents and charming shops. Chocolate Cream Pie Murder can easily be finished in a couple of hours. I do not recommend reading Chocolate Cream Pie Murder on its own. You do not have to read all the books in the series, but it helps to have read the last four or five (the Ross saga). The mystery is extremely simple. It was obvious who would be killed and who did the killing plus what a key clue would be to solving the mystery. The murder does not occur until very late in the book. The dialogue, unfortunately, continues to be stilted. Joanne Fluke leaves us with a surprise ending and we will have to wait until the next A Hannah Swensen Mystery for answers (once again). I am giving Chocolate Cream Pie Murder 3 out of 5 stars.