Hannah Swensen Mysteries

I really enjoyed this. The Murder She Baked were okay, but this was so much better. Most of the original cast was in the movie. I missed Andrea and Mike, but Michelle was a fun addition.

I miss Andrea and her husband. I don't like the new bakery. Where are all the regulars? A new sister who has never been mentioned before? All new people at the police station. Eden Lake changed its name to Lake Eden? Hannah's mom is now a published author? Where did that come from? At least Norman is still there. I love Norman!

I really enjoyed the Murder She Bakes movies and was excited to see this new movie, but this is no where near as good. The changes they made were not an improvement to this story.

Storyline was pretty good. Not a fan of the surprise 3rd sibling role. Actress is good and would have been better storywise as a lifelong friend who is back in town to help Hannah solve murders. The 3rd sibling role seemed forced.

Still my favorite of the Hallmark mystery series (along with Aurora Teagarden and Mystery 101), but there were some things I missed. I am hoping they are going to keep these new sets and new cast members and do a bunch more entries in the Hannah Swensen series in order for us to grow accustomed to all the changes.

I missed her sister Andrea and her brother-in-law. Hannah didn't seem to have the same rapport with her sister Michelle. (In fact I don't remember Michelle ever being mentioned...which would be weird considering their mother, who I was happy to see as a beloved return character.)

There were so many changes it was hard to get engrossed initially which was exacerbated by Mike and Hannah having very little face time . (Even the cat was different!)

Some of the things that remained the same were how sweet Mike and Hannah are together (more Mike and Hannah time please!), Hannah's baked goods, Hannah's best friend, Hannah's meddling and opinionated entrepreneurial Mother, and Norman. Norman continues to be the best wingman ever for Hannah.

"She's our mother, not a velociraptor." Hannah to Michelle.

It didn't go unnoticed that there were loose ends at the end, like who is doing the break-ins? They only had one suspect and no evidence.

Also Norman's new King Charles Spaniel puppy, Scooter, is adorable.