Hallmark Mystery
Who Is Ross Barton in the ‘Hannah Swensen’ Universe? All About Her Book Love Interest
Alison Sweeney returned for her 11th Hannah Swensen movie, Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, in February 2025. With this year marking the 10th anniversary of the Hannah Swensen films on Hallmark, fans are naturally wondering what’s next for the outgoing sleuth who pulls double duty running her bakery simutaneously.
With the exit of Mike (Cameron Mathison) and the introduction of Chad (Victor Webster), what does this mean for Ross Barton, an important person from Hannah’s life in Joanne Fluke’s book series? Let’s break down the Ross Barton situation.
Who is Ross Barton?
Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read Fluke’s novels!
Ross Barton is introduced in Cherry Cheesecake Murder. He’s a movie producer looking to film Crisis in Cherrywood in Lake Eden. Ross and Lynne (whose real name is Linda) Larchmont, the film’s star, were Hannah’s college friends. Hannah falls for Ross, and he proposes to her in Double Fudge Brownie Murder. Hannah and Ross get married, but he disappears seemingly without a trace in Banana Cream Pie Murder.
Mike searches for Ross on Hannah’s behalf and discovers that Ross has been living in Wisconsin with his wife in Raspberry Danish Murder. Turns out, Ross and Hannah’s marriage was never legal.
Marcel Williams / Hallmark Channel / Everett Collection
Will Ross Barton be in future Hannah Swensen movies?
The character has not appeared in any Hannah Swensen movies thus far. If there are more movies in the future, it’s a possibility that this pivotal character could be introduced. In the books, Mike is closely connected to the Ross situation. Since Mike’s departure from the series, Hannah and Chad could do the investigating of Ross themselves.
Hallmark has not officially announced whether or not there will be more Hannah Swensen movies in 2025 and beyond, but it’s highly likely. “There are 29 books in the series, so there are plenty of Hannah mysteries out there yet to uncover,” Sweeney previously told TV Insider.
What happens to Ross Barton?
Hannah and Ross do not get a happily ever after by any means. Ross resurfaces in Chocolate Cream Pie Murder and urges Hannah to give him money, and things quickly spiral from there. He is later found shot to death in Hannah’s home. An investigation reveals that Tom Larchmont, Lynne’s husband, killed him.
Do you hope Ross is introduced in future Hannah Swensen movies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
