Excited over the arrival of the jazz band Cinnamon Roll Six, Hannah Swensen and her sister, Michelle, are on their way to deliver their own fresh-baked cinnamon rolls to the band’s rehearsal for the upcoming jazz festival. Unfortunately, on their way to the location, a multi-car pileup waylays the women. Although they’ve avoided becoming part of the tangled mess of metal that litters the highway, the sisters are eager to do what they can to help the victims of the accident.

Much to their surprise, Hannah and Michelle find Cinnamon Roll Six’s tour bus on its top. The driver is dead, and some of the passengers have suffered assorted minor injuries. Additionally, keyboard player Buddy Neiman may have broken his wrist and could be unable to play at the festival.

"CINNAMON ROLL MURDER is a wonderful blend of quirky new characters and  familiar old ones."

In the ensuing chaos at the local hospital where the accident victims are being treated, Hannah and Michelle distribute the cinnamon rolls to those who are waiting to be seen in the ER and assist wherever they can. Unfortunately, the night takes an even more sinister turn when someone ends Buddy’s life by stabbing him in the chest with a pair of surgical scissors. What was to be a celebratory event has just turned into a tragedy.

As usual, Hannah finds herself embroiled in the midst of the murder and vows to find out who is responsible for killing the music man who turns out to be quite a mystery himself. Meanwhile, Hannah is still enmeshed in trying to sort out her own tangled love life. Just when she had resigned herself to the loss of her relationship with Norman, a local dentist who is engaged to marry his former lover and mother of his adult daughter, it begins to look like there is trouble in paradise. What did Dr. Bev, Norman’s intended, know about Buddy Neiman, and what is her involvement, if any, in his murder?

There’s also an up-and-coming keyboard player who’s only too glad to take over Buddy’s role will Cinnamon Roll Six. Is it possible that he had something to do with Buddy’s early demise?

As Hannah struggles to solve the murder, maintain her business and protect her heart, the need to come to a conclusion grows stronger with each passing day. 

CINNAMON ROLL MURDER is a wonderful blend of quirky new characters and  familiar old ones. Author Joanne Fluke immerses us once again into the land of Lake Eden, Minnesota, and the loving embrace of Hannah’s family and friends. Fans old and new will enjoy this addition to the ongoing series.

As always, numerous recipes are included between chapters that will have you running to concoct your own batch of Hannah’s treats. Special Cinnamon Rolls, Butterama Cake, Pucker Up Lemon Cake and Mom’s Apple Pie are just a sampling of the recipes you’ll find here.