book wedding cake murder

*wedding cake murder* by joanne fluke

“wedding cake murder” by joanne fluke is a delightful cozy mystery that combines baking, romance, and a touch of danger. set in the small town of lake eden, minnesota, the story centers on hannah swensen, the beloved baker-sleuth, who is finally preparing to marry her longtime crush, ross barton. just when things seem to be going smoothly—wedding planning, a trip to new york city, and a national dessert chef contest—trouble brews when a celebrity chef ends up dead. with her sharp intuition and her knack for sweets, hannah must uncover the killer before her big day turns into a disaster. this book is perfect for fans of culinary mysteries, warm characters, and page-turning, homey suspense.

about the author joanne fluke

joanne fluke is the author behind the popular *hannah swensen* series, known for blending cozy mystery plots with delicious dessert recipes. :contentreference[oaicite:0]{index=0} she has written more than forty novels in this genre and was honored with the mystery writers of america grand master award. :contentreference[oaicite:1]{index=1} originally from a small town in rural minnesota, she now lives in southern california—and she brings a down-to-earth charm to her stories that resonates with readers. :contentreference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

about the book

in *wedding cake murder*, hannah swensen’s life seems to be coming together: she’s engaged, in love, and ready to launch her own culinary dream. :contentreference[oaicite:3]{index=3} she travels to new york city to compete in a food channel dessert chef contest—a high-stakes baking challenge where her skills as a baker are on full display. :contentreference[oaicite:4]{index=4} but the glamour of the contest is shattered when esteemed judge alain duquesne is found stabbed to death in a chilling location: the walk-in cooler of the lake eden inn. :contentreference[oaicite:5]{index=5} with her wedding day looming, hannah feels pressure on all sides: from the competition judges, her fiancé, her meddlesome family, and the police. :contentreference[oaicite:6]{index=6} true to fluke’s style, the story is peppered with recipes—making readers feel like they’re not just solving a mystery but also baking alongside hannah. :contentreference[oaicite:7]{index=7} the balance of cozy mystery, romance, and culinary delight makes this book especially engaging for longtime fans and new readers alike.

wedding cake murder summary

hannah swensen is overjoyed: she’s about to marry ross barton, her college sweetheart. :contentreference[oaicite:8]{index=8} their first stop? new york city, where hannah competes on the food channel’s dessert chef competition in hopes of making her big break. :contentreference[oaicite:9]{index=9} but the festive and competitive atmosphere takes a dark turn when alain duquesne, a well-known but unpleasant celebrity chef and judge, is murdered in the lake eden inn’s walk-in cooler. :contentreference[oaicite:10]{index=10} hannah’s sister, michelle, discovers the body, and hannah knows she has to investigate — especially with her wedding approaching and so many suspects around. :contentreference[oaicite:11]{index=11} as hannah gathers clues, she juggles wedding planning, her baking career, and her own fears about the future. her small-town charm, baking expertise, and persistence drive her forward as she works to unmask a killer hiding behind a dessert-laden facade. in the end, hannah must solve the case—and hope that love, trust, and her own instincts are powerful enough to get her down the aisle safely.

faq

what genre is *wedding cake murder*?

it’s a cozy mystery, part of the *hannah swensen* culinary series, mixing baking, small-town intrigue, and a murder to solve. :contentreference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

do i need to have read other *hannah swensen* books first?

no, *wedding cake murder* can be enjoyed on its own, though readers familiar with hannah’s past will appreciate her growth and relationships more.

what is the setting of the book?

the novel mostly takes place in lake eden, minnesota, with a key portion set in new york city during a dessert chef competition. :contentreference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

who is the victim in the mystery?

alain duquesne, a celebrity chef and judge in the dessert competition, is found murdered in a shocking location. :contentreference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

is there romance in the story?

yes — a big part of the plot is about hannah planning her wedding to ross barton while investigating the murder. :contentreference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

are there recipes in the book?

yes, like many in fluke’s *hannah swensen* series, this book includes recipes, giving it extra cozy charm and culinary appeal. :contentreference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

who would enjoy this book?

if you love cozy mysteries, baking, sweet small-town settings, and a touch of romance, this book is a perfect pick.