Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the second book in the Hannah Swensen series.  Hannah is a cookie store owning crime solver.  There's nothing special about this book, but it's a good read.  Hannah does her thing investigating a murder even though she is just an ordinary citizen.  She doesn't always abide by the law to get her information either.  The silliest part to me about this series is the fact that she opens her cookie shop first thing in the morning... because people eat cookies for breakfast.  That just makes me chuckle.  I'm not sure why.  However, the murder story is fine.  It doesn't give too much away too early.  It is a little predictable, but it's ok.  It's a typical, average murder mystery book.  Nothing special.  I do like the recipes thrown in there though.  I've never made any of them, but who knows.  Maybe one day I will.  I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Yes, My Accent Is Real by Kunal Nayyar

I read Yes, My Accent Is Real by Kunal Nayyar because I am a huge fan of the show The Big Bang Theory.  I enjoy his character, Rajesh Koothrappali.  Apparently, he is a lot like his character, or at least, his book portrays him to be.  His stories were very sweet, there was a lot of mild humor thrown in and he comes across as being an emotional individual.  He mentions a couple of "chick flicks" and very much seems to be a romantic.  His mutant immigrant comment was too funny.  The only part that doesn't seem like Raj is Kunal is not an astrophysicist.  Other than that, it was hard not to view it as a book about Raj.  I'm not sure if Kunal would consider that a compliment, but I don't consider it a problem.  Raj is a beloved character.  I can't believe Raj was almost named Dave.  That's a funny story in the book, too.  Overall, I enjoyed the book.  I think those who are a fan of Raj would enjoy the book.  If someone isn't familiar with The Big Bang Theory, then the book is still enjoyable simply for being an autobiography written by what seems to be a really sweet guy.  I give the book 3 out of 5 stars simply because it takes a lot for me to go above a 3 for any book.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke is another novel with a mystery solving food professional like the Goldy Bear series.  It even has the cookie recipes in the book just like the recipes in the Goldy Bear series.  This is the first book in the Hannah Swensen series.  Hannah owns a cookie shop and bakes cookies for a living.  Her brother-in-law is on the police force, and that's how she gets into solving a murder case, not to mention the fact that she finds the body.  It's an easy read.  The characters are like-able.  It's nothing super special though.  It keeps you guessing long enough to want to complete the book.  I like the fact that there is a possibility for romance in the books to come.  It was good enough for me to seek out the second one.  We'll see how far into the series I stay interested.  I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

If you're expecting The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer to be funny, think again.  It's not really funny.  This is more of a story of her life with some funny moments thrown in.  I don't think I laughed out loud even once.  However, I'm not sorry I read it.  She's been through some horrible things.  Some of her stories were very touching.  For example, the stories about her dad and his MS.  She went from being well off as a kid to losing most of it and now she's famous.  She's very much a girl power kind of person.  Not that she's anit-man though either.  She's not.  It just feels as though she wants to empower women to be strong on their own.  I get that.  Despite her wealth, a lot of her stories have a very "I'm just like you" kind of feel.  She seems like a very likable person.  The one surprising thing that she revealed is that she is an introvert.  I would have never guessed.  It was interesting getting to know her as Amy the human being instead of Amy the comedian.  I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.