Fudge Cupcake Murder is set in Minnesota in October, two weeks before the Winnetka County Sheriff's election. Hannah's brother-in-law, Bill Todd, is trying to unseat Sheriff Grant and according to the gossip at Hannah's bakery, The Cookie Jar, Bill might just succeed. A very pregnany Andrea is running his campaign and she insists that her husband will bury the competition. Unfortunately, her words turn out to be prophetic.

When Sheriff Grant turns up dead, Bill is the number one suspect. Mike Kingston, one of Hannah's love interests and the acting sheriff, is forced to suspend Bill. Andrea begs Hannah to clear her husband and Hannah promises she will, even if she has to catch the real killer to do it.

Fudge Cupcake Murder contains ten original dessert and cookie recipes, all thoroughly taste tested by Joanne's family and friends.