Review by Booklist Review
Hannah Swensen and her sister, Andrea, have graciously agreed to fill in for Lake Eden Inn's dessert chef during the Walleye Fishing Tournament that's being held at the Minnesota hostelry. Sonny Bowman, celebrity host of a television fishing show, is the face of the tournament, but some believe he is just a front for the true expert, Joey Zee. When the womanizing Bowman is found murdered in his fishing boat, suspects include everyone from Zee to Bowman's fiancée. At the request of Winnetka County police detective Mike Kingston, who's disenchanted with his job, Hannah investigates. While fans of the long-running cozy series will enjoy the baking frame, the delicious-sounding recipes interspersed throughout the story, and the opportunity to reconnect with the large cast of entertaining Lake Eden residents, the mystery plot itself is disappointing. Mike heavily praises Hannah for solving the crime, but Hannah only identifies the murderer by accident, almost losing her life in the process. Still, a final twist will have Fluke's many fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Enthusiastic anglers are gathering in Lake Eden, Minn., for the Walleye Fishing Tournament in bestseller Fluke's diverting 28th Hannah Swenson mystery (after 2021's Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder). Sponsored by Wally Wallace, the legendary owner of a retail sporting goods empire, and featuring celebrity fishing expert Sonny Bowman, the star of Wally's TV show devoted to fishing, the event promises to bring much-needed business to the Lake Eden Inn as well as to shops in town like Hannah's bakery, the Cookie Jar. Sonny is secretly no expert, but surely that wasn't a good enough reason for someone to murder the man in his boat, execution-style. Initially, there are no real leads, but that doesn't stop Hannah, an experienced amateur sleuth, from investigating with the assistance of her sister, Andrea Todd, and the acceptance of Winnetka County Det. Mike Kingston. A good puzzle, lots of delicious recipes, and time spent with Hannah's beloved fan-favorite cat, Moishe, more than make up for the mildly irritating cliffhanger ending. Fluke reinforces her place as the queen of culinary cozies. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Mar.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A fishing tournament turns deadly in peaceful Lake Eden--and not just for the fish. The Walleye Fishing Tournament gives baker Hannah Swensen the perfect excuse to move out of her temporary digs at Norman Rhodes' house. Hannah's been occupying the master suite while Norman's been staying in his own guest room while she struggles to get over the grisly murder that took place in her apartment. Even if Hannah were willing to brave a return home, her cat, Moishe, freaks out every time she brings him there. Still, Hannah is concerned that people will get the wrong idea about her and Norman, her sort-of boyfriend before a disastrous marriage left her an early widow. So Dick and Sally Laughlin's offer of a room at the Lake Eden Inn in order for Hannah to help with their sumptuous--and early--breakfast buffet is too good to pass up. Too bad she doesn't pass up the afternoon trip out on the lake with Norman, where they spot a boat drifting aimlessly near the lily garden. Inside, the police find Sonny Bowman, the obnoxious host of a fishing show, shot through the head. Naturally, there are suspects aplenty, but Hannah wants to make sure the Lake Eden police find the right one. Will her investigation place the plucky baker in danger? You betcha. Like the victim's boat, Fluke's throughline seems to be going in circles. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
