Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

The provided excerpts from "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" introduce the mystery novel's protagonist, Hannah Swensen, a baker and amateur detective in the small town of Lake Eden, following the murder of a local delivery driver named Ron. Hannah involves herself in the investigation, particularly after discovering clues like a lipstick-stained cup, much to the occasional consternation of her brother-in-law, Bill, the sheriff's new detective. Amidst her sleuthing, the narrative also explores Hannah's personal life, including her mother's attempts to set her up with a dentist named Norman and the arrival of a handsome new deputy named Mike Kingston. The text also includes recipes for various cookies and fudge, weaving the baking theme throughout the crime story, which eventually leads to the discovery of a second victim and the identity of the killer, Judith Woodley, who murdered to prevent a loan foreclosure.