Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Worst of the series

[pwpj11 · 5/10 · 24 May 2023]

I loved the previous Murder She Baked/Hannah Swenson TV movies. Not this time. First, how typically Hallmark to wipe previous family members from existence, in this case dropping in a new one as if she had been there all along. I guess this happened in the first movie called "Hannah Swenson Mysteries" but for me it did not hit home at the time.

How about, "Michele, it's so great to have you home after you were away so long getting your college degrees." Or, "Hey, I hear from Andrea last night. She and Bill are settling into their new life in New Hampshire. Bill loves his Deputy Police Chief job." It's just like Hallmark 's Good Witch series that, by the unwatchable final season had dropped, by my count, 4 or 5 family members. Does Hallmark think everyone is a newcomer to a series that had been on for many years?

I was also very disappointed in Hannah's behavior. In her obsession with playing detective, she wass oblivious to the position she put Mike in with both his professional ethics and his place in the police department's hierarchy. The only reason I rated this as high as a "5" was in the probably vane hope that Hallmark will clear up these issues in the future.

Sadly the series continues to lack its original warmth

[elusive_wench-38433 · 5/10 · 26 May 2023]

This tv series has lost that cute, cozy feeling and turned into yet another boring, mediocre dime a dozen type of "Hallmark Mystery". I love Ms Sweeney and can't exactly pinpoint the difference from the early shows. Where are the quirky characters? Where is the charming music?

I'm a long time lover of the books and was never crazy about how they interpreted many aspects. But now the wonderful small town seems like a medium sized city etc. What happened to Andrea? Michele is not at all as written- physically or personality- wise.

I just know it was not worth turning my Hallmark subscription back on and I'll be canceling again :(

An unrealistic murderer...

[drthierfelder · 6/10 · 3 June 2023]

Everything was going along nicely. My family and I had narrowed down the suspects to a logical two or three people based on their motives, opportunities, and means. And their ages. The crime occurred 25 years ago. Then out of the blue, the character we never even considered because he looked in his 20s (30 tops) turns out to be the culprit. In unison we said, "What!? Was he 12?" There was no attempt to make the character appear age appropriate. (He would have to be somewhere around 45 if he were the perpetrator.) It was frustrating for us, because it was an intriguing mystery. And even the perpetrator made sense--but none of us even considered him because of the glaring age discrepancy. Very disappointing.

A very dry cake

[d-robold · 4/10 · 25 May 2023]

I really looked forward to this movie. It's been an enjoyable series. Been. This movie made me dislike Hannah. She was obsessed with solving the mystery to the point that she ignored her fiancé's advice, job, and feelings. The reason for her involvement and need to find the murderer was oddly out of character. It was also obvious she did not want to move forward with her wedding . The chemistry between Hannah and Her fiancée was lacking, felt forced. "Let's just enjoy being engaged for a while" was odd considering the previous connection they had. There was no joy or optimism in their interactions. The wry humor Hannah projects was also missing. Thi This was dry carrot cake that needed the cream cheese frosting of good writing and connections.

Pretty good, some odd plot issues

[lnmilne-64111 · 8/10 · 22 May 2023]

I like that Mike isn't shooing Hannah away from a case for once. Makes absolutely no sense that she was mad at him for keeping his boss in the loop and completely insane that a police department would ignore a murder.

The mother still obsessing over Norman when Hannah and Mike are engaged...what? Hannah should be completely insulted and out a stop to that immediately. I know the books are written more like a triangle but the movies are clearly a Hannah/Mike couple and Norman is the friend who used to crush on Hannah and she never showed real interest. Either write a better love triangle or drop it. They halfway commit to that and it's sloppy.

Cake fell flat

[tazcrustworthy · 3/10 · 24 May 2023]

I have enjoyed this series and all the actors within Allison Sweeney has always been a favorite so this and her 2 other Hallmark characters draw me in every time. This movie's storyline, however, I thought was predictable. Simplistic direction of the characters became obvious 1/2 way through. And the relationship between the lovers really had me become to dislike the Hannah character. The lack of understanding by Hannah with her fiancee was ridiculous! Hannah should be a hero and a role model for women. She failed here miserably.

Both characters were smarter in previous episodes. A big decline in character development.

So sad....

[bros-91188 · 8/10 · 22 May 2023]

After all the other movies in this series, I miss the old settings and characters are missing. So disappointed that Hannah would have such a knee jerk reaction. She is usually so level-headed. I hope things are more back to normal in the next one. LOVE these movies and Allison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison. The storyline was hard to follow at times. It was still good, the 2 hours flew by, but used to having that good feeling when the movie was over. I know the stories are about murder but they usually have a happy ending for the main characters. Real life is so hard, we need these movies to escape for a short time. Keep making them! This is just my least favorite of them so far.

Not the Same Hannah

[knxhrt · 1/10 · 10 June 2023]

Hannah is not the lovable character we have grown to love. In this new mystery she became obsessed and lived by the motto by any means necessary. Breaking into someone's home and going through their personal papers because Hannah assumed them incapable to have enough money to start a business, in Hannah's mind this makes them guilty. Then her attitude towards Mike was ugly -- she turned on her fiance. Not the lovable person we met in the first movie that bought Mike baked goods when they did not get off to a good start. This Hannah only cares for herself and no one else. I did not like the movie at all. I loved the old mysteries much better.

Worst of the series for sure!

[juanitajhi · 3/10 · 11 June 2023]

I've always loved all the characters of Hannah Swensen mysteries. Except with this one I loved everybody except Hannah Swensen. She was absolutely obnoxious in this one. She continues to use both men in her life. Two great characters but now they've gone overboard with it. And Hannah's behavior in this one was simply overboard. She's so desperate to be a detective. She needs to go get her PI license. And then, of all things, she breaks off her engagement because she's upset over the investigation. What is she a child? Mike is a great character and so is Norman. The way she uses them makes her look so petty and self-centered.

Better this time

[paula1526 · 8/10 · 21 May 2023]

This one so much better than the previous 2021 Sweet Revenge. Sweet Revenge lacked chemistry between Sweeney and Mathison. BUT the chemistry is back and Norman is back to being his usual wingman persona. Norman in Sweet Revenge was very awkward. I still am not fully onboard with a new dark haired sister named Michele. I prefer Andrea and would love to see her back as well as some of the other characters that we saw on The Murder She Baled series. However, I am Really looking forward to seeing more installments of Hannah Swenson movies and seeing how the chemistry deepens with Mike and Hannah, will they continue as a couple or not.

Dull dull dull

[babs-83065 · 1/10 · 21 June 2023]

I lost interest pretty quickly in this one. Hannah seemed more like a teenage drama queen than an adult. And how does she keep the bakery going when she's out solving mysteries? Mike was wimpy, and deserved to have the engagement broken. The worst was seeing a patient wearing nasal cannula oxygen while on a ventilator. It's physically impossible - the writers REALLY need to consult someone in healthcare. (ANYONE!) The whole thing fell apart from that moment. Although it was pretty funny to see that Eugene/Ellis didn't have a single IV.

They need to step up their game if this series is to survive.

Some funny moments, but Hannah/Mike plot dragging

[SunnyDaise · 9/10 · 30 May 2023]

The mystery is fine - some new topics covered. I totally relate to the Swensen family dynamic, but the situation between Hannah and Mike is really dragging out - maybe Delores is right and Hannah should be with Norman after all! I feel like they're too old to take so much time if Hannah really wants to be with Kingston. Andrea and Bill are again missing here, which loses several dimensions with them having links to the main characters plus a young family as well - they need Hannah to be a mum to fill this void, or Norman to be a dad, or both, either together or with different spouses. Hope they make more episodes.

Disappointing

[leosmith-1 · 2/10 · 3 October 2023]

I'm just so disappointed with this movie and am left with an intense dislike of Hannah Swenson. I enjoyed the earlier Murder, She Baked series for what they were - good, honest, fun, easy watching cozy mysteries.

The storyline for this one was okay, and could have been a decent mystery worth solving, but honestly, who does Hannah think she is? Nothing more than a busy-body wannabe cop, getting all angry with Mike because he "lied to her" and apparently let her down. Wow! "I'm not your child" she says as she stamps her feet and tantrums like a little kid. Seriously Mike, she's not worth it; better if you move on to someone who is willing to put in a genuine effort to build a caring and mutually respectful relationship, because I can't see you getting that from Hannah. (I know she is just a character and I'm clearly far too emotionally invested. I just feel so let down by the writers, producers, and everyone else involved in the making of this travesty).

Didn't like this carrot cake

[azluvslife · 1/10 · 22 July 2023]

I agree with most reviews ..this has always been an outstanding show, I don't know where it went south this time. The ingredients were all wrong here. In the past he never wanted her involved in his cases. As a police officer you cannot let civilians, especially loved ones be involved. Then she was so narcissistic and so focused on herself it was ridiculous. Watching it was like nails down a chalkboard . She couldn't see how worried he was about his job? Then at the end ??one small bump in your relationship and you're going to give the ring back? He's better off. Seriously worried about where this show is going now.

A Welcome Return

[sfjbtfyy · 9/10 · 20 May 2023]

Watching this was like greeting an old friend, or putting on your favorite slippers - it just felt right. So glad Hallmark brought this series back! Happy to see Cameron Mathison back on Hallmark, and Alison Sweeney was fantastic as always. They have a chemistry together that has always been evident in these films, and no less this one. All of the supporting actors are back, with Barbara Niven stealing every scene she was in. The movie had a new take on the mystery, with more of an historical murder to solve, and was very engaging. Looking forward already to the next one (which Hallmark has already announced)!

Lost the Murder She Baked vibe and fun

[julieellen-85026 · 1/10 · 27 May 2023]

Too bad it's so changed. Miss Andrea and Bill. Hannah and Mike are not a match. Norman and Hannah and maybe Mike makes for a good movie. Barbara Nivens is fine. But can be too much. Especially since there is no longer any delightful Andrea to offset the Mother annoyance. Hannah is no longer an everyone girl. She's too defined. And Cameron Is the same. Not all that enjoyable to watch. Murder She Baked series had a joy to it. Now it's labored and has no point. I'm a Joanne Fluke fan of the Hannah Swenson series but this rendition of her books are hard to take. I recorded and tried to watch it all. But don't think I'll make it.

I love Hannah Swensen and this is a big step back to what I love about the show.

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

I love Hannah Swensen's Murder She Baked mystery series...it has been my favorite on the Hallmark channel, but if I am honest I miss the old Eden Lake (aka the old sets). It had a very small town feel and this new reboot is sleeker, shinier with a bigger city feel which unfortunately makes it less personal or "cosy" as the books they were based on intended.

This was a great mystery and gave a lot more face-time between Hannah and her fiancé Mike than "Sweet Revenge", which was the first film in this new reboot. I still miss Hannah's sister Andrea and her husband...and I have not warmed to this younger sister Michelle.

Don't let my critique be misconstrued, I am loving having Hannah Swensen back on Hallmark with fresh mysteries. I love Alison Sweeney as Hannah Swensen. She and Cameron Mathison have wonderful on screen chemistry and I was more than thrilled to see them both back for more. I am still completely enjoying Barbara Niven as Hannah's quirky and yet laser focused mom (she is still beating the dentist drum!). She adds a lot of comedy to the series...and she is beautiful to boot. I am glad they have so many returning characters...including my favorite character Norman played by Gabriel Hogan. He continues to be Hannah's best wingman and good friend. His and Hannah's search for Patches was great.

Hannah and Norman discover a skeleton, uncovering a 25 year mystery. In an unusual twist, Mike actually encourages Hannah to investigate the cold case and in a sweet way even helps her...causing him to walk a thin line between that and his job which falls under the scrutiny of his boss...and eventually creates a strain in his and Hannah's relationship.

I thought Mike's encouragement of Hannah's investigation seemed really out of character as he has always been a bit overprotective of Hannah in that regard. In the past he has always wanted her to leave it to the police, including him. (Selfishly, I did enjoy them working together as it gave them so much on-screen time together...even if it was out of character. Let's hope the cat tree warms Hannah's heart.)

I am excited to hear there will be more Hannah Swensen to come and I cannot wait. This was a good solid mystery and I recommend it to cosy mystery fans, fans of Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison and Barbara Niven. Better than Sweet Revenge...but not quite as good as the original pre-reboot series. I have hope however, I know the cast is fantastic and I think the writers are going to get the series back to being my absolute favorite on Hallmark!

Sad to see what's happening to 5he franchise

[hypzrkunt · 2/10 · 8 June 2023]

They arent going down the path. Allison Sweeney character has lost her juice in last two movies. They are trying to create drama we're one is not needed. It's a shame hallmark is doing this to another great mystery series. The writing on the last two have been suspect. It's what they did to ruin Mystery 101 before they decided to end it because. Jill Wagnermadea Christmas movie for GAc ( pretty ok btw).. that was the best series and now dropped. I liked Gourmet Detectivesecond best buttheMurdershe baked series was good. I also loved Kellie Martin mystery series. The Hailey Dean should not have been cancelled. Shame they do this. What happened to Ruby Herring because initial Jane mysteries not good. Cut color murder, where's the nex. When you throw spaghetti on the wall you need to see if it sets.

Bring back the good ones explore the new ones and stop replacing them with new garbage.

That's gonna be a no for me dawg

[jensenn-83067 · 3/10 · 12 November 2023]

The mystery itself is interesting & I am happy they're making more Murder She Baked movies, but this one was pretty weak. There's an odd age discrepancy with the murderer (he was a kid who helped rob a bank & then killed a grown man???) which, okay.. I could buy if they had made any effort to sell that part of the story. It's just kinda thrown in at the end. I am also so confused, even after 2 watches, why is Hannah so angry at Mike?? She helped cops solve cases in the past despite them saying not to, but was mad they basically cooperated with her insisting on investigating this one?

If they just wanted to break Mike & Hannah up, they should've had her realize she was using this investigation as a distraction from her wedding which leads her realize she doesn't actually want to marry Mike and/or isn't ready to.

Hopefully the next one will put the spark back into the series since it's had a bit of a change in cast/tone.

Perhaps the Director and Producer are to be questioned.

[crochetvj · 9/10 · 3 August 2023]

I think actors move on. I mean currently we're in an writers and actor's strike. I think all of us would take a bad Swensen movie over no movies forthcoming. I was thrilled to see this movie. I am a Hallmark movie watcher as I am awake until very early in the morning and need something to keep me occupied. Something without all the gore but with a bit of interest. But most of all I am SO happy that Cameron Matthison survived his cancer scare. He has celiac as a result which is why these movies are so difficult for him to do. Mr. Mathison as a fellow Celiac I welcome you back to this franchise in the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Universe. As to the rest of the characters I was glad to see Barbara Niven and Norman (Gabriel Hogan), Tess Atkins returns as Michelle (Hannah's sister in "Sweet Revenge) and I cannot leave out Juliana Wimbles as Lisa who has made an invaluable mark return, and the addition of Julia Benson as Norman's love interest. All of us have seen our favorite movie series take a down hill slide from time to time. Directors and producers also make their mark on these movies. Kevin Leslie and Pat Williams should bear the lion share of the responsibilities for how this movie went over with the audience.

Disapointing

[mizkj · 5/10 · 10 March 2024]

I love the Hannah Swensen mysteries and was excited to see a new one. I was disappointed. First, Mike would never invite Hannah into a case, period. Way out of character. Second, Hannah's character has always been nosy and intrusive, but in this story she is written as seriously entitled! Inserting herself into the investigation as she is in this story was PREPOSTEROUS! Come on Hallmark writers, at least try to make the story somewhat believeable. The Hannah in this story was not the character we know and love. She was totally unlikeable. Mike is better off without her. Hallmark, this one's a big miss.