Exclusive Interview: Alison Sweeney On ‘Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’

Photo: Alison Sweeney Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Pooya Nabei

In our latest Exclusive Interview with TV Shows Ace, Alison Sweeney talks about what is next for her sleuthing baker post-Carrot Cake Murder. In addition, she explains a lot about what fans should expect in the next Hannah Swensen Mystery entitled A Zest For Death, that was just announced.

The Days star reveals when they plan to start filming, as well as when Sleuthers should expect to watch the next movie on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Also, do not miss her other recent Exclusive Interview with TV Shows Ace where she discusses Carrot Cake Murder.

On Friday, Hallmark premiered the Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen mystery that ended with a shocking cliffhanger. If you have not seen this movie, be warned that there are spoilers below.

Photo: Gabriel Hogan, Alison SweeneyCredit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Photo: Gabriel Hogan, Alison Sweeney
Credit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Alison Sweeney On Cliffhanger Carrot Cake Murder Ending

I don’t think I could be more shocked at the end of Carrot Cake Murder! I instantly felt like I was punched in the gut!

Awww. I totally understand the feeling. I felt that way too!

Photo: Alison SweeneyCredit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Photo: Alison Sweeney
Credit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Alison Sweeney On Hallmark’s Plan To Make Two Hannah Swensen Mystery Movies

Firstly, what did you think of the cliffhanger ending?

Well, when Hallmark agreed to develop two movies back-to-back this summer, we thought it was the right time to take the chance on examining the complications between Mike & Hannah. In the books the movies are based on, Joanne Fluke has written a definite rollercoaster of a romantic life for Hannah.

And as she and I have talked about her vision for Hannah, we have to adhere to the complex feelings between Hannah and Mike, and Norman too, and allow it to play out. So knowing that we had another movie so the fans wouldn’t have to wait a whole year wondering what next, we knew this was the right time to include a step backward in their relationship…so that we can enjoy watching them find their way back to each other.

Photo: Barbara Niven, Gabriel Hogan, Alison SweeneyCredit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Photo: Barbara Niven, Gabriel Hogan, Ali Sweeney
Credit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

About Hannah Standing Up For Herself

Are you proud of Hannah for standing up for herself?

I am proud of Hannah for standing up for herself. She felt betrayed by Mike for not confiding in her what was really going on with the sheriff. And she needed for him to hear her and understand how deeply that affected her.

Photo: Barbara Niven, Gabriel Hogan, Alison SweeneyCredit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Photo: Barbara Niven, Gabriel Hogan, Alison Sweeney
Credit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

When Sleuthers Should See Next Hannah Swensen Mysteries  Installment

Do you know what is next for our favorite baker-sleuth? Do you have a resolution for this cliffhanger? And will Sleuthers get to see more of Hannah in 2023?

YES! We are getting to work filming another Hannah next month and so the Sleuthers will see more of Hannah in 2023. Probably in the Fall. We will have another installment in the story.

Of course, another mystery to solve, but just as importantly, you’ll see how Mike and Hannah deal with the fallout. And how Delores feels about Hannah being un-engaged. Believe me, she’ll have a lot to say about that!

But we ended Carrot Cake with the clear message that Mike is not giving up on Hannah, and of course Hannah still loves Mike. So…this is just another challenge for them to overcome. And hopefully, the fans will enjoy the process of seeing them work their way back to each other.

Photo: Cameron Mathison, Alison SweeneyCredit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Photo: Cameron Mathison, Alison Sweeney
Credit: @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Therefore, it sounds like there will be another Hannah Swensen Mystery in 2023. As Alison Sweeney revealed, they should start filming in June, and Hallmark should premiere this second movie in the Fall.

Sleuthers, are you ready for a resolution to this cliffhanger? Share your thoughts below!

Georgia Makitalo

2 Comments

  1. Loved the new mystery, but the ending upset me because I know they love each other. I think giving the ring back was a little overkill if it was just something they need to work through. I hope we get more. Installments then just a sequel to this one.
    Love Hannah Swenson mystery

  2. I’m disappointed in the way the story line has moved. It’s been a very different show without Andrea and Bill. I thought Bill’s character had a way of blending the police presence with Hannah’s sleuthing.
    I was excited to see Delores become involved. Michele hasn’t been used affective enough. There needs to be more conversation with the bakery staff. Norman and Michele might be a good fit. Sleuthing through the family bring back Andrea and Bill.

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