Chocolate Chip cookie murder

Author - Joanne Fluke

This is the first book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Set in a small Minnesota town, it follows Hannah Swensen, a baker and coffee shop owner, who finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when her delivery man is found dead. With recipes included, it blends mystery, humor, and delicious desserts—a hallmark of cozy mysteries.

Genre - Cozy Mysterious

Notes: Chocolate Chip cookie murder

• • Hannah Swensen runs a cozy bakery in Lake Eden, Minnesota, called "The Cookie Jar."
• • She's famous for her delicious chocolate chip cookies.
• • Her mother, Delores, is a bit of a busybody and loves to meddle.
• • Hannah's father, Norman, is also a sweet and supportive man.
• • Hannah has two best friends: Lisa, a lawyer, and Andrea, a quirky artist.
• • The town is preparing for its annual Founder's Day festival.
• • Hannah is asked to cater the event with her cookies.
• • On the day of the festival, a contest is held for the best cookie.
• • Ron, a man Hannah used to date, is a judge for the cookie contest.
• • Ron is known for being a bit of a jerk and has a reputation for being difficult.
• • During the judging, Ron suddenly chokes and collapses.
• • Hannah rushes to help him, but it's too late; he dies.
• • It's quickly discovered that Ron didn't just choke; his cookie was laced with something.
• • The police, led by Detective Gordy, arrive to investigate.
• • Hannah is shocked and upset, especially since she was the one who served him the cookie.
• • The cookie was one of Hannah's signature chocolate chip cookies.
• • Hannah feels responsible and wants to clear her name.
• • She decides to do her own investigation, using her baking knowledge.
• • Her mother, Delores, also jumps in, eager to help and offering her own unique brand of assistance.
• • Hannah starts by talking to people who knew Ron.
• • She learns Ron had many enemies due to his unpleasant personality and business dealings.
• • One of Ron's former business partners, a man named Carl, seems suspicious.
• • Carl and Ron had a falling out over money.
• • Another suspect is Ron's ex-wife, who was very bitter about their divorce.
• • Hannah also considers the possibility that someone tampered with her cookie ingredients.
• • She meticulously examines her baking supplies and processes.
• • She realizes that the poison was likely something that looks like an ingredient.
• • The town's annual bake sale is a key event, and Hannah is baking for it.
• • Hannah’s cat, Sebastian, is a constant companion and sometimes offers silent clues.
• • Lisa helps Hannah with legal aspects and research.
• • Andrea provides a different perspective, noticing details others miss.
• • Hannah discovers that Ron was involved in some shady real estate deals.
• • She finds out that Ron was planning to buy out several local businesses.
• • This plan would have greatly affected many people in Lake Eden.
• • Hannah begins to suspect the poison might have been something common, like a cleaning product.
• • She experiments with different ingredients and their effects.
• • Delores, meanwhile, is busy gossiping and inadvertently uncovering useful information.
• • Hannah learns that Ron had a secret admirer who was not happy with him.
• • She also finds out that Ron was being threatened.
• • The investigation leads Hannah to a hidden stash of documents belonging to Ron.
• • These documents reveal more about his unethical business practices.
• • Hannah realizes the motive might be revenge or preventing his harmful plans.
• • She narrows down the suspects to a few key individuals.
• • A new batch of cookies at The Cookie Jar is accidentally contaminated, raising the stakes.
• • Hannah has to be extra careful about her baking.
• • The killer tries to frame Hannah for the murder.
• • Hannah and her friends work together to piece together the timeline.
• • They discover that the killer used a specific technique to administer the poison.
• • The killer's motive is finally revealed to be a desperate attempt to stop Ron's destructive plans.
• • The person responsible is someone unexpected, but whose actions make sense in hindsight.
• • Hannah confronts the killer, leading to a tense and dramatic scene.
• • The killer confesses, and justice is served.
• • Hannah's name is cleared, and The Cookie Jar is safe.
• • The Founder's Day festival continues, with Hannah's cookies being a hit.
• • Hannah reflects on the events and the importance of her community.