What We Know About Hallmark's Newest Hannah Swensen Mystery, Carrot Cake Murder
Hallmark mystery movies are a great form of escapism, packed with cozy crime plots, lovable, puzzle-solving protagonists, and guaranteed lighthearted endings. While Brooke Shields' "Flower Shop Mysteries" and Candace Cameron Bure's "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries" stand out as fan-favorite films, avid Hallmark viewers will also be happy to hear about the revival of baking-themed mysteries following Alison Sweeney as Hannah Swensen.
While you may recognize Sweeney from her past role on "The Days of Our Lives," the actress also has a history in the role of the crime-solving, baked-good-loving Hannah. Back in 2015, she appeared in the first installment of "Murder, She Baked" alongside Cameron Mathison as Detective Mike Kingston. A total of five films were released under the original film series name, spanning from 2015 to 2017 until the franchise was put on pause.
"Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery" revived the series in 2021, with both Sweeney and Mathison reprising their original roles. Fans of the sweet-tooth mysteries will be happy to learn that another "Hannah Swensen Mystery" will soon be premiering on the network. Here's everything we know.
Hannah Swensen Mystery sequel to premiere on May 19
Hallmark has confirmed that the next installment of the "Hannah Swensen Mystery" film series will premiere on May 19 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Just like in the first film, Alison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison will star as Hannah and Mike in "Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery."
Accordingly, this newest made-for-TV movie begins with a skeleton uncovered during a Lake Eden building renovation. Determined to uncover the victim's real identity and the truth behind the murder, Hannah Swensen embarks on her own investigation, eventually enlisting the help of her mother. For a preview of the movie, fans can check out the trailer on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
Just like with other installments in the film series, "Carrot Cake Murder" is adapted from a cozy mystery novel of the same name. Written by Joanne Fluke, the novel was published in May of 2012 as the tenth book in the "Hannah Swensen" series.
More details about the newest Hannah Swensen Mystery movie
In addition to Alison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison returning to their leading roles for "Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery," fans of "Murder, She Baked" will also recognize Barbara Niven in the role of Delores Swensen and Gabriel Hogan as Doctor Norman Rhodes. With Hannah's mother, Delores, mentioned in the blurb for the movie, viewers can expect to see quite a bit of Niven in the upcoming film.
Elizabeth Yost, Senior Vice President of Development at Hallmark Media, spoke fondly of the series revival and the reunion of the cast. "The adventures of Hannah Swensen have long been a favorite among our viewers, and we're thrilled to bring them a new mystery they can try to solve at home along with Hannah," she told Entertainment Tonight. "Being able to reunite Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, and Barbara Niven for this latest installment makes it even sweeter."
Whether you're a fan of the Hallmark series or of the OG cozy mystery books, this is one baking-themed mystery you won't want to miss.