Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

I saw a lot of people complaining about "new" authors. In fact this episode was written bu Alison Sweeny herself so all complaints about not enough or different Hannah should be addressed to... Hannah herself.

Although I agree that her mother is annoying, meddling and completely irrelevant.

BTW, how many careers she had: boutique store owner, ditzy nobody, successful (sic!) author, PI, actress (if you can even call it that). Barbara Niven deserves better.

Actually, all the characters are over the top. And what Norman is still doing around. He supposedly has a girlfriend, practice. Why he doesn't have a life?

Having read many poor reviews I braced myself for something truly terrible. Guess what - it was another decent instalment of Murder She Baked (cannot get used to new name).

I don't mind Chad, because I never really cared for Mike. Even though I still find it odd that he's doing more police work than actual police.

Alison took a trip to the Oz world and it works for the better.

Hannah's mother was her usual self, nothing over the top. New sister is still new to me and sticks like a sore thumb.

The real star is Norman (as usual). He's smart, cute, and not just Hannah's admirer. I'd watch a Dentist Mystery!

Still don't like Lake Eden turning into a big city, and Cookie Jar is almost as big as Starbucks now.

The case itself was OK. I've seen better, but still it was a solid 6-7. Thanks to Norman I'm giving it an 8.

I think Alison Sweeney does a great job and like Chad ok but do wish they'd give Norman a love interest. And where did the tall, brunette sister come from in this new post-Mike batch? Fine actress but ridiculous casting to believe she is in this family of petit blondes. Ok, here is my real complaint: the mother. I have seen Barbara Niven in many, many Hallmark shows and even in previous Hannah mysteries and she has always been fine. But, she has become absolutely insufferable in these shows. They have written her character to be a complete fool and are doing Ns. Niven a disservice. Her character drags down every scene in which she appears and is toooo toooo annoying. Rescue her!

This is the latest in the Hannah Swensen Murder She Baked series based on the popular books by Joanne Fluke. I appreciate that they have kept the majority of the stars in the series from Hannah herself (Alison Sweeney), to her mom (Barbara Eden), to Hannah's best friend and fellow baker Lisa (Juliana Wimbles), to best side-kick/wingman and dentist Norman (Gabriel Hogan).

I'm not sure that I like Lake Eden being upgraded from a small town in Michigan to a big city and likewise the Cookie Jar is starting to be more impersonal thanks to its latest upgrade. Although it does make sense to add coffee to a bakery.

Still not used to the new sister, although I am warming to her and Lonnie's relationship.

I disagree with some of the other reviewers around the chemistry between Chad and Hannah. I think they have great chemistry. I am not crazy about the fact that Chad still won't eat any of Hannah's baked goods. It clearly gets under Hannah's skin and it's starting to get under mine. I hope they either a) are going to find something that is his Achilles' heel in the baking department or b) going to have a darned good explanation for why no baked goods. I appreciate the slow build they are doing between Hannah and Chad...and I appreciate the little nuggets that we learn about Chad as he drops details that he is paying attention to about Hannah. I don't mind the slow burn and I am appreciating the covert looks at this point. (Also, I know the two have chemistry because I really enjoyed them together in the wedding veil series.)

Hannah's new swanky Cookie Jar is closed temporarily for a celebrity chef Connie Mac to film her show live. The event is scheduled last minute, but Hannah and Lisa are very excited because they are big fans. After some surprises with the first day of shooting, Hannah finds their young producer, Hunt dead. When the police determine that he has been poisoned, Hannah is determined to figure out who and why. Meanwhile, Chad is bringing to trial a jewelry thief suspected of multiple home invasions around Lake Eden. Chad even personally invites Hannah to his opening arguments in court which Hannah finds very interesting.

Norman is integral in helping Hannah work out who the killer is and maintains his position as best wingman ever for Hannah. Her mom is over the top, in her usual meddling, quirky way. I kind of wish she would pick a profession and stick with it like Aurora Teagarden's mom.

Overall an enjoyable entry in the Hannah Swensen Murder She Baked series. I am looking forward to more and I think cosy mystery fans will be entertained and pleased with this film.

I totally agree with the other 2 reviews. What has happened with Delores? Why is she the focus instead of Hannah. Barbara's portrayal is so over the top, it's a huge distraction to the show. What has happened to the strong, independent Hannah. Since when does she giggle at the mention of a man, in this case Chad. I have read all the books in this series and it was a struggle to come to terms with all the radical changes from the books. Especially the description of Hannah. However, I came to terms with that and tried to enjoy the movies. However, since the producers made the change to go in a different direction and bring on Victor Webster's character, Hannah is now portrayed as a simpering shadow of herself. So very disappointing. Please get back to the mystery part featuring a strong and intelligent Hannah and drastically reduce the secondary plot with Delores.