by Doward Wilson

Today we are introducing you to the Murder She Baked Series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. These movies are based on Joanne Fluke’s popular and long-running cozy mystery series, starring Hannah Swenson. Hannah’s bakery is called the Cookie Jar and is located in Lake Eden, Minnesota.

We first meet Hannah, played by Alison Sweeney, in A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery, when she discovers the body of her friend and milk delivery man behind her bakery. With the help of the town’s new detective, Mike, played by Cameron Mathison, Hannah is determined to find the killer.

A Plum Pudding Murder is the second movie, and we find Hannah trying to solve the murder of a man at the local Christmas tree carnival, while baking up Christmas goodies at her shop.

A Peach Cobbler Mystery finds Hannah facing competition from a new bakery in town. When the rivalry heats up and one of the owners is found shot to death in her shop kitchen, Hannah has to work to clear her name and find the real killer.

A Deadly Recipe is Hannah’s newest and most complicated murder. Hannah’s brother-in-law is a deputy on the local police force, and he is currently campaigning for Sheriff against his boss. As Hannah finishes a delivery, she is knocked down by a suspect fleeing an attempted car theft. Hannah finds a bracelet on the ground, and it becomes a major clue in breaking an auto theft ring operating in Lake Eden. Hannah and her friends are also collecting and testing recipes for a fund-raiser cookbook. Leaving a recipe-testing meeting, Hannah and her pregnant sister find the body of the sheriff lying in the street. When her brother-in-law becomes a suspect, Hannah is persuaded by her sister and mother to investigate. This is the most complex mystery in the series, so far.

These have all been really enjoyable movies to watch. Hannah’s involvement with her family, friends, and community is well done. The murders and mysteries are twisted and well thought out. I feel like the cast pulls together to give a great performance each time. I have read some of the books in this series and the characters transitioned well to the movies. We get to see some of the romantic rivalry between Mike and Norman, who is the son of Hannah’s mother’s best friend. There are lots of food scenes with desserts that will leave you drooling. All in all, each one will give you an exciting adventure while you have some cookies and milk.

Check out the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel schedule on their website: www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/schedule.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section.

Doward Wilson is a retired, avid cozy, paranormal and adventure reader who can’t say no to most books. He recently moved from Independence, Missouri to Gladbrook, Iowa. Located in Central Iowa, Gladbrook (900+) is small town, rural farming at its best.