Every ‘Murder, She Baked’ Movie Ranked
Hannah Swensen, a small-town baker with a knack for solving mysteries, has charmed audiences in the ‘Murder, She Baked’ series. This cozy mystery franchise, based on Joanne Fluke’s novels, blends baking, romance, and crime-solving in the quaint town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. With Alison Sweeney as the curious Hannah and a rotating cast of familiar faces, each movie delivers a new murder case wrapped in heartwarming moments and delicious desserts.
From chocolate chip cookies to peach cobbler, every film ties a murder mystery to Hannah’s baking adventures. Fans love the mix of suspense and small-town charm, but some entries stand out more than others. Here’s a ranking of all ‘Murder, She Baked’ movies, starting from the least engaging to the very best, based on their storytelling, character chemistry, and overall appeal.
12. Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023)
A skeleton discovered in Lake Eden shakes up the town, revealing secrets about a beloved resident. Hannah, despite her fiancé’s protests, dives into the investigation with her mother’s help to uncover the truth and catch the killer.
This entry feels slower than others, with a mystery that doesn’t quite grip as tightly. The pacing drags at times, and the chemistry between characters feels less vibrant, making it the least memorable of the series.
11. Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2025)
When a theater rival of Hannah’s mother, Delores, is found dead, Hannah must solve the murder to clear her mother’s name. The investigation unfolds alongside a budding romance between Hannah and prosecutor Chad Norton.
While the romantic subplot adds some spark, the mystery itself feels predictable and lacks the clever twists of earlier films. The small-town charm is present, but the story doesn’t stand out in the series.
10. One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2024)
Hannah takes on a teaching gig at a local college, but an explosion and a colleague’s murder pull her into another mystery. With help from friends and family, she unravels the case while navigating a new dynamic with prosecutor Chad Norton.
The introduction of new characters keeps things fresh, but the plot feels formulaic at times. The mystery is solid but doesn’t reach the emotional or suspenseful heights of other entries.
9. A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2024)
Hannah and Chad work separately to solve a murder tied to a colleague, while Delores gets a big break in her own pursuits. Their parallel investigations lead to plenty of clues and romantic tension.
This film balances romance and mystery well, but the dual investigations dilute the focus. It’s enjoyable, though it lacks the sharp storytelling of the series’ stronger entries.
8. Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2025)
A reality show filming at Hannah’s bakery, The Cookie Jar, takes a dark turn when the producer is found dead. Hannah teams up with Norman to solve the crime while Chad invites her to court.
The reality show angle adds a fun twist, but the mystery feels rushed in parts. Still, the familiar chemistry between characters keeps it engaging for fans.
7. Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery (2015)
The series kicks off with Hannah finding her friend and delivery driver shot dead behind her bakery. She turns amateur sleuth to solve the crime, setting the tone for the franchise.
As the first film, it establishes Hannah’s world and charm but feels a bit rough around the edges. The mystery is straightforward, and the pacing is steady, making it a solid start.
6. Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe (2016)
Hannah and her sister discover the sheriff’s body, and with her sister’s husband as a suspect, Hannah can’t resist investigating. She promises her detective boyfriend to stay out of it but dives in anyway.
The family dynamics add emotional depth, and the mystery is engaging, though not the most complex. It’s a cozy, familiar entry that fans enjoy for its heart.
5. Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts (2017)
Hannah judges a bake-off, but when a fellow judge is murdered, she’s on the case. The competition setting brings out her sleuthing skills and keeps the stakes high.
The bake-off backdrop adds fun and tension, making the mystery feel fresh. Strong character moments and a tight plot elevate this one in the series.
4. Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015)
During the Christmas season, Hannah finds a local businessman shot dead and takes on the case despite warnings from her detective friend. The suspect list grows, keeping her on her toes.
The holiday setting adds warmth, and the mystery is well-crafted with enough twists to keep viewers guessing. It’s a fan favorite for its festive charm and solid pacing.
3. Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2021)
Hannah and her fiancé Mike juggle wedding planning and their careers when a murder at a 24-hour gym disrupts their lives. The investigation tests their relationship and sleuthing skills.
This film shines with strong chemistry between Hannah and Mike, and the mystery is compelling. The balance of romance and suspense makes it a standout.
2. A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023)
Hannah’s mother, Delores, discovers a body while house-hunting, pulling Hannah into a shocking murder case. The victim’s ties to The Cookie Jar make the investigation personal.
The emotional stakes feel higher here, with family dynamics driving the story. The mystery is gripping, and the character interactions are some of the series’ best.
1. Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery (2016)
Hannah becomes a suspect when her competitor is found dead, forcing her to clear her name over a peach cobbler recipe. The stakes are personal, and the clues are cleverly layered.
This film nails the balance of suspense, humor, and heart, with a twisty mystery that keeps you hooked. It’s the strongest entry, blending Hannah’s baking charm with top-notch storytelling.
Which ‘Murder, She Baked’ movie is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!