By 
The grand opening party for the newly renovated Albion Hotel in Lake Eden, Minnesota, is the scene of the crime in Hannah Swensen’s latest caper, Joannne Fluke’s “Red Velvet Cupcake Murder.”
The townspeople gather in early June to celebrate at the Red Velvet Lounge. Hannah and her business partner, Lisa Herman Beeseman, own The Cookie Jar, the village’s popular coffee shop. They cater for desserts for the matter, including their delicious red velvet surprise cupcakes.
In the middle of the gala, Hannah’s sister and city realtor Andrea touts the hotel’s available condos and opulent penthouse, which has its own elevator, a spectacular view of Lake Eden; and a huge tropical garden and jacuzzi.
The penthouse, in the process of final renovation, awaits the delivery and placement of its huge air-conditioned dome. Safety trestles prevent penthouse visitors from getting too close to the edge of the building.
Party-goer Barbara Connelly excitedly tours the penthouse to locate her residence from the top of the hotel.
Soon, the revelers see Barbara’s body hurtle past the hotel lounge windows, finally landing face down in the rose bushes. Barbara is rushed to Lake Eden Memorial Hospital for care.
At 4am, a dazed Hannah receives a soon-to-be-disconnected call from a woman believed to be Barbara, yelling, “She tried to kill me!” And Hannah is off to solve another Lake Eden mystery.
Who wants Barbara Connelly dead? And because?
When Hannah questions Barbara at the hospital, she insists that her brother is to blame.
But how could he be when she’s an only child?
Complicating matters is Barbara’s request to see her father, who, along with her mother, died years ago.
Minneapolis money man Roger Dalworth paid for the Albion Hotel renovations. He attends the grand opening with his new love, dentist Doctor Bev. He is also in town visiting his wealthy and terminally ill father, Warren Dalworth.
The town is abuzz because Doctor Bev, a renowned gold prospector, once lived in Lake Eden; and twice became a fiancée to Norman Rhodes, a current romantic interest of Hannah’s.
Doctor Bev shamelessly brags about her latest conquest in Roger Dalworth; and she haughtily shows off her tokens of love, including a new red Maserati convertible.
On a later trip to visit Hannah in the hospital, Hannah’s route takes her past Miller’s Pond. There she discovers a submerged car and instinctively swims to look for passengers.
Shocked, Hannah realizes it’s Doctor Bev’s sports car; and that she is still behind the wheel. Hannah laboriously carries Doctor Bev ashore; however, her attempts to save her are unsuccessful.
Detective Mike Kingston, who also lives by Hannah’s affections, must confront her in an awkward and official way when he names Hannah as the prime suspect in Doctor Bev’s death.
Dr. Bev had ordered Hannah’s surprise red velvet cupcakes to be brought into view of the penthouse dome that would be put up that afternoon. Toxicology tests showed that she died before crashing into the pond from a powerful tranquilizer. Her stomach contents consisted solely of coffee creamer, artificial sweetener, and Hannah’s cupcakes.
As is tradition, crowds gather at The Cookie Jar to hear Lisa regaling them with exciting details of the latest crime Hannah is determined to solve. There is only standing room because Hannah is the prime suspect.
Soon, Hannah is confronted by the person who tried to kill Barbara; and she begins the exciting conclusion.
Fluke’s narrative includes small-town talk that reflects world wisdom, in lines like: “When you get used to seeing something, you just take it for granted until it’s not there anymore”; and his author’s recipes too.
His impeccable writing allows new readers to quickly bond with the residents of Lake Eden; and sparks interest in experiencing his previous murder mysteries. “Red Velvet Cupcake Murder” is a delight for both the mind and the mouth.
If you enjoy reading small town murder mysteries, complete with tasty recipes, check out the Ann B. Ross book series. Miss Julia is the main character who lives in Abbotsville, North Carolina. Visit: http://www.MissJulia.com.