Title:	Banana Cream Pie Murder
	Author:	Joanne Fluke
	Published:	February 28, 2017, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	304
	Cover Price:	$26.00 Hardcover, $12.99 Kindle

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Culinary Mystery aficionados have already made the previous novels in Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series bestsellers, but Banana Cream Pie Murder is a little different in that it leaves readers with a cliffhanger ending.

Hannah Swenson has just returned from her dream cruise honeymoon after marrying Ross Barton. However when the newlyweds arrive home, they find that Delores’ neighbor, a retired stage actress and the mayor’s sister, has been murdered. It’s not like Victoria Bascomb didn’t make enemies during her renowned stage career, but Hannah is puzzled as to why she would be murdered here in Lake Eden. Hannah’s sleuthing is sure to solve the mystery, but in the meantime, Ross is out of town, which is hard on her, and as she gets closer to finding the identity of the killer, there may not be anyone to save her when she gets herself (as she always does) into danger.

The regular beloved characters are here, of course, and the “Leave it to Beaver” lifestyle continues on. It’s amazing how Hannah, Delores, Andrea, and Michelle, et al, can spend hours drinking coffee and eating cookies and never gain an ounce. With all that down time (it adds up to several hours each day), it’s even more amazing that Hannah runs a successful cookie business and even has time to solve murders.

One of the best things about the series is that all of the novels contain recipes. The recipes are written in such a way that Fluke either assumes her readers are morons, or they are written for cooks whose IQ is less than 50. Nevertheless, it’s fun to read about Hannah and her idyllic lifestyle in Lake Eden; fans know that these novels are make-believe and about as far away from real life, but they are easy to read, fast moving, and Fluke’s characters seem like old friends. The recipes, once you get over being talked down to like a child, are mouthwatering, and they turn out great.

Although Banana Cream Pie Murder is a typical cozy with minimal violence, no language, and no graphic sex, it is still full of suspense. Readers will want to find out who the murderer is, and will be left hanging at the end, anticipating the next novel to be released.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.