Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco

Three Fudges and a Baby

Book Summary

DID THE DOULA DO IT?

April is not only the start of “fudgie” season on picturesque Mackinac Island, it’s when Allie’s BFF Jenn Carpenter is due. Jenn wants to have her baby on the island, so she’s lined up a midwife and a doula. But she’s two weeks overdue—and if one more person tells her she looks ready to pop, she’s going to go bananas.

If there was a list of what not to expect when you’re expecting, right at the top would be coming upon your doula holding a gun over the body of her fiance. Clearly in shock, Hannah Riversbend claims not to have shot him. Jenn asks Ally to prove the doula’s innocence before her special delivery arrives. The clock is ticking as Ally races to solve the murder in time for Jenn’s bun to come out of the oven. . .

My Thoughts

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is the twelfth A Candy-Coated Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or who have missed a book or two.  Tourist season is getting ready to begin on Mackinac Island and Allie has still not found an assistant to help make fudge.  Allie’s bestie, Jenn Carpenter is two weeks overdue which has Jenn and her husband, Shane on edge.  Allie’s mother decides to make a surprise visit with Allie’s ex-boyfriend.  I did not like that the mother expected Allie to drop everything to entertain her.  The mother also kept pushing the ex-boyfriend at Allie knowing that she is dating someone.  The mystery was simple.  I was able to identity the killer before the murder took place.  Allie manages to do a little sleuthing in between making fudge, helping Jenn, trying to please her mother, and walking Mal.  There is a good wrap up at the end.  

There are continuity issues in the book.  Allie gets told the same detail repeatedly, but she acts like she never heard this bit of information previously. I would expect continuity issues to be caught during editing (there are several of them).   I was glad that we finally got to know whether Jenn and Shane have a girl or boy.  Three Fudges and a Baby is a nice story, but it lacked substance.  It makes me wonder if A Candy-Coated Mysteries is winding down (it feels like it).   Three Fudges and a Baby is a lighthearted tale with an emotional friend, surprise visitors, an accused doula, a meddling mother, boyfriend brouhaha, and scrumptious fudge.

Three Fudges and a Baby is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novel in A Candy-Coated Mystery series here and all of Nancy Coco's books here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Easter is almost here (it is early this year).  I have the ingredients for Easter dinner purchased, and I have the cutest Easter Annalee dolls for my mother's Easter basket.  She has collected the Annalee Christmas dolls for years. Now there are dolls for every holiday (even Mardi Gras). There are also dolls based on movies such as Mary Poppins and one doing Marilyn Monroe's iconic pose (in the white dress when it blows up).I will return tomorrow to feature The Secret Ingredient to Murder by Terry Ambrose.  It is the eighth A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy Coco

 Having a Fudgy Christmas Time

Book Summary

Fans of the perennially popular Candy-Coated Mystery series featuring Allie McMurphy are treated to a holiday e-novella in which Allie’s frequent sleuthing partner Carol Tunisian gets mixed up in a holiday homicide.

’TIS THE SEASON FOR FUDGE—AND SLEUTHING
 
Carol is looking forward to finishing plans for the Mackinac Island Senior Center Christmas Ball. But when she arrives at the center, she finds the door jimmied open and a dead man inside. The victim is a local senior who seems to have been sleeping in the center at night—but why? Although she promises Officer Rex Manning not to involve her book club in solving the mystery, Carol finds a way to fudge around that. Rallying her troop of silver-haired sleuths—and with some support from Ally in between her batches of Christmas fudge -- Carol sets out to discover which grinch tried to steal this Christmas. All she wants from Santa is to get this case wrapped up with a bow!

My Thoughts

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time by Nancy Coco is a cute story.  The story is told from Carol Tunisian’s point of view instead of Allie McMurphy’s.  It did take me a beat to adjust.  Carol is amusing.  I love her attitude.  It is winter on Mackinac Island, and I could feel Jack Frost nipping at my nose thanks to the author’s vivid descriptions.  I like the author's writing style.  It is friendly, which makes the story easy to read.  Carol is quick to rally the troops (aka the book club) when a local man is found murdered inside the senior center.  Rex Manning may have “requested” (aka told) Carol to keep her nose out of the case and to not involve the senior sleuths.  Carol had no intention of listening to Rex (I believe her fingers were crossed behind her back).  

The mystery is not complex, but it is fun to follow. There are some incidents along the way and the seniors learn sleuthing can be dangerous.  I thought it was amusing when Carol would stop a moment during the investigation and wonder what Allie would do (Allie has created a monster).  I love the members of the book club.  They are a lively, quirky group of seniors.  I would be honored to be a part of this book club.  There is plenty of holiday cheer as well as tasty treats.  The ending was not what I expected. Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is A Candy-Coated Mystery Novella.  Fans of the series will enjoy this enjoyable novella and it can be read by those who are new to the series.  Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is happy holiday tale with a murdered man, senior sleuths, a cold climate, flavorful fudge, Christmas cookies enticements, menacing calls, and a scheme to catch a killer.  

Having a Fudgy Christmas Time is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Candy-Coated Mysteries here.  You can follow Nancy Coco on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Here are some of the other books that were published today:  Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn, Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Tracked through the Woods by Laura Scott, Down to the Wire by Patricia Sargeant, On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni, The Teacher's Christmas Secret by Emma Miller, Now You See It by Carol J. Perry, Bright Lights Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews, An Amish Cinderella by Shelley Shepard Gray, Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell, Murder in an Italian Village by Michael Falco, A Furry Little Christmas by Laurien Berenson, and Christmas Mittens Murder by Lee Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, and Maddie Day.  There is something for everyone.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn.  It is the latest book in the Amish Country Justice series.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy Coco

 Give Fudge a Chance

Book Summary

It’s time for cozy readers to return to the magic of Mackinac Island where sleuth extraordinaire Allie McMurphy solves another unsolved murder in Nancy Coco’s perennially popular Candy-Coated Mystery series.

FORECAST: FAIR WIH A CHANCE OF MURDER . . .
 
The Mackinac County fair is in full swing, and the air is rich with the scent of funnel cakes and the sound of carnival rides. Allie is focused on the fudge competition—another win would really put her hotel and fudge shop on the map. But she’s willing to take a little break and walk through the haunted house attraction with her friend Jenn.

When they come across a body, though, it turns out not to be a prop. Soon Allie’s cop boyfriend is on the scene, and the sleuthing confectioner is hunting for clues. Danger strikes too close to home when the hotel becomes the scene of a suspicious fatal accident, and Allie suspects the two deaths are connected. The case is turning into a real rollercoaster. Allie will need to hold on tight . . .

My Thoughts

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy Coco takes us back to Mackinac Island where Allie McMurphy is entering her latest fudge creation in the county fair.  I always enjoy returning to Mackinac Island.   I like the author’s beautiful descriptions of the island.  She brings the island to life with her vivid word imagery.  It sounds like a lovely vacation spot (I am not sure I would want to live there in the winter--burr).  With the fair on Mackinac Island, everyone should be upbeat and relaxed.  Unfortunately, competition brings out the worst in people.  Allie and her murder sniffing pooch stumble across a body.  I love the dispatcher’s response when Allie calls 9-1-1.  Detective Rex Manning and Allie have reached an understanding regarding her investigating (which I believe is totally unfair).  Rex only wants Allie to investigate crimes that affect her (a friend or family member) personally.  The current crime does not which has Allie focusing on her fudge duties.  It is time consuming making enough fudge to fill the cases and doing the demonstrations (Allie just needs to think about the dollar signs when she is up in the wee hours making fudge).  When a second murder hits close to home, Allie dons her sleuthing cap once again.  The ladies at the senior center are happy to help (after they receive some of Allie’s mouthwatering fudge).  Allie has her work cut out for her this time.  

The mystery was fun to solve.  I loved the addition of smugglers tunnels and parkour athletes.  The crime is nicely wrapped up at the end.  Give Fudge a Chance has great characters, cute furbabies, sweet treats, a county fair, and an entertaining mystery.  I laughed out loud several times while reading.  One senior provided many of the amusing moments. There are delectable fudge recipes scattered throughout the book.  While Give Fudge a Chance is the eleventh A Candy-Coated Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  I have enjoyed reading the series in order.  It has allowed me to get to know the characters and follow their journeys.  I am looking forward to Allie’s next adventure in Three Fudges and a Baby.  Give Fudge a Chance is a fun fair tale with delightful fudge, passionate podcasters, best in show skirmish, parkour participants, a mysterious murder, untidy tunnels, a discussion snafu, a stealthy senior, and a feisty fudge maker.

Give Fudge a Chance is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Candy-Coated Mysteries here.  You can follow Nancy Coco on Amazon, and Amazon will send you an email letting you know about the author's latest releases   Thank you for joining me today.  The month of May has flown by so quickly.  Summer is here along with the heat.  It is going to be a scorching summer (thank heavens for air conditioning). I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Deadly Fate by Angela Marsons.   It is the 18th A DI Kim Stone Mystery.  It is oo Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Midsummer Night's Fudge by Nancy Coco

 A Midsummer Night's Fudge

Book Summary

After a summer celebration on Michigan’s Mackinac Island ends in murder, hotel and fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy puts on her sleuthing hat . . .

 

THERE’S NO SUGARCOATING A KILLER’S SCHEME

 

During the Midsummer Night’s Festival, Allie decides to take her bichonpoo, Mal, home to spare her furry little ears from the sounds of fireworks. But on her way back, Allie spots a body in the lake. Just minutes ago, Winona Higer was crowning the event’s Queen—could the competition have really been that deadly?

While she ponders the mystery the next morning, Allie prepares her favorite dark chocolate cherry fudge recipe. But she’s soon recruited to sub for the late Winona and serve as parade float judge, among other duties. As she hears rumors and gossip, and learns of mean pranks and threatening notes, her instincts kick in—despite her boyfriend the cop’s disapproval. Now, between managing a new hire and keeping the tourists filled with fudge, she’s dealing with a case that’s boiling over . . .

My Thoughts

A Midsummer Night’s Fudge by Nancy Coco takes us back to Mackinac Island, Michigan in time for the first Midsummer Night’s Festival which celebrates the beginning of the summer season.  The fireworks are scaring Mal, Allie McMurphy’s bichenpoo so she takes take him back to the McMurphy.  On her way back to the festivities, Allie sees someone floating in the water. Allie dives into the water to bring the person back to shore.  It turns out to be Winona Higer who had just crowned the Queen of the festival before the fireworks began.  Winona has crowned her last queen.  The next day as the parade is beginning, Allie is recruited to take Winona’s place on the festival committee.  It has Allie in the right place to hear all the juicy gossip about the victim.  Allie with help from Mal begins digging into the case when the killer strikes again.  Allie works to sift through the clues, but she will need to be careful so that she does not get burned.

A Midsummer Night’s Fudge is the tenth A Candy-Coated Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone.  I like reading the series in order because it allows me to get to know the characters and the setting.  I thought A Midsummer Night’s Fudge was well-written with developed characters.  Allie, Rex, Jenn, Frances, and, of course, Mal are back for another adventure.  I just love Mal who has a nose for crime.  He is good at sniffing at bodies and clues.  I enjoy the vivid descriptions of Mackinac Island with its charming shops, lovely hotels, and delectable fudge.  Allie is busy at the hotel since she lost her assistant.  She must get up early to make the various flavors of fudge and take care of the hotel guests.  Plus, she does fudge demonstrations during the day with free samples (yum).  Of course, no matter how busy Allie is, she cannot resist a mystery.  The whodunit was fun to follow.  There are various suspects along with a red herring or two.  The clues are there if you pay close attention.  I enjoyed the dramatic reveal.  The only thing that I did not like was Rex constantly discouraging Allie from investigating.  One or two mentions I could live with, but it seemed like every time Rex saw Allie, he gave her a warning. I was sorry to see my visit to Mackinac Island come to end.  There are recipes included for the fudge Allie made for the McMurphy Fudge Shop.  A Midsummer Night’s Fudge is a tasty tale with a contentious contest, fabulous fudge, fatal fireworks, a clever killer, a fun festival, and an inquisitive fudge maker.

A Midsummer Night's Fudge comes out Tuesday, May 24 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  You can find the other nine delightful A Candy-Coated Mysteries here.  You can follow Nancy Coco on Amazon in order to receive an email when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new book and/or series.  Tomorrow I am featuring Pockets of Peace by Laurie Stroup Smith.  It is the third book in The Pocket Quilt Series.  I hope that you have a lively day.  I am off to transplant flowers into the new raised beds.  I am trying to get this project done (it is slow going).  I have ordered a raised bed to go in front of our screened porch.  Right now there is a flower bed with stacked stones that are leaning forward.  I thought something with a little more stability might be in order.  It means another project, but it will look good in the end.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Matter of Hive and Death by Nancy Coco

 A Matter of Hive and Death

Book Summary

When a bee wrangler is bludgeoned, Let It Bee honey shop owner Wren Johnson makes it her beeswax to solve the crime . . .

For the picturesque town of Oceanview on the Oregon Coast, May brings blossoming fruit trees and the annual UFO festival. As Aunt Eloise tries out alien costumes on their Havana brown cat Everett, Wren is off to meet with a bee wrangler, her go-to guy for local fruit tree honey.
 

But when she arrives, Elias Brentwood is lying on the ground amidst destroyed hives and a swarm of angry bees. The bees didn’t kill him, a blow to the head did. As blue-eyed Officer Jim Hampton investigates and the town is invaded by its own swarm of conspiracy theorists and crackpots, Wren and Aunt Eloise decide the only way to catch the bee wrangler’s killer is to set up a sting.

My Thoughts

A Matter of Hive and Death by Nancy Coco is the second An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  I enjoyed my visit to Oceanview, Oregon where it is time for the annual UFO Festival.  Wren Johnson is gearing up for the second anniversary of her shop Let It Bee.  Wren is off to meet Elias Brentwood, a bee wrangler.  She arrives to find Elias dead with bees swarming around him because someone destroyed his hives.  It is not a cut and dried case.  Someone bludgeoned Elias and then tossed his house.  When Officer Jim Hampton zeroes in on Klaus, another bee wrangler, as the prime suspect, Wren digs out the murder board.  She knows that Klaus did not harm Elias and she intends to prove it.  Someone, though, is not happy with her snooping and attempts to warn her off.   Wren sets up a sting to catch the killer.  She needs to be careful, or she could end up the one being stung.

Nancy Coco has an engaging writing style.  It makes for an entertaining and enjoyable book.  I like Wren, Aunt Eloise, Porsche, Jim Hampton, and the sweet Everett.  I even like the grumpy Mr. McGregor.  There are great characters in this series.  The author made them friendly, realistic, and relatable.  I like the descriptions of Let It Bee with its various honey related products and an active beehive.  It was interesting learning about bees and their habits.  I was unaware of the various products that can be made from honey and the wax.  The dialogue is realistic and engaging.  The mystery was a fun one to solve.  There are different layers to the whodunit.  It is a well-plotted mystery.  There are good clues to help readers solve the mystery before the reveal.  I enjoyed the reveal and the wrap up.  I was, though, left with a couple of unanswered questions at the end (I would say what they are, but they are spoilers).  There is humor sprinkled throughout the book.   We also get to learn about Havana Brown cats, and I loved Everett, Wren’s cat (I love how he answers her when she talks to him).  There is some romance in the story.  I like that it is not at the forefront of the story and that it is progressing slowly.  There is information on honey as well as honey related recipes before or after different chapters.  I can tell the author has done her research on bees and related products.  A Matter of Hive and Death had me longing for the Oregon coast.  I wanted to stop by and visit Let It Bee where I could have tea with Wren.  I am looking forward to the next An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery.  A Matter of Hive and Death is the bee’s knees with a bludgeoned bee wrangler, a swarm of suspects, shattered hives, buzzing bees, a special sale, a perplexing puzzle, a concerned officer, and a nosy store owner.  

A Matter of Hive and Death is available from Amazon*.  The first book in An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery series is Death Bee Comes Her (borrow for free through Kindle Unlimited).  Nancy Coco has A Midsummer Night's Fudge coming out May 24.  It is the tenth A Candy-Coated Mystery.  Follow Nancy Coco on Amazon and they will send you an email when she publishes a new book.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for The Art of the Decoy by Trish Esden.  It is the debut of A Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series.  I hope you have a honey of a day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here Comes the Fudge by Nancy Coco

 Here Comes the Fudge

Book Summary

Fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy never expected her maid of honor duties to include clearing the groom of murder . . .
 
THE BODY OF A CRIME
 
It’s late spring on picturesque Mackinac Island, Michigan.  Allie is prepping her Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop for the start of the tourist season and her best friend Jenn’s wedding. But when Jenn’s fiancé Shane, a crime scene investigator on the island, misses a dinner date, the two friends go looking for him. Led by Allie’s bichonpoo Mal into an alley, they come upon Shane standing over a body with a bloody knife in his hand. Shane won’t say what’s happened, just tells them to call 911. As the CSI is taken into custody by his colleagues, including Allie’s beau Rex Manning, the fudge maker vows to prove her friend’s fiancé is not a killer—before the ceremony turns into a jailhouse wedding . . .

My Thoughts

Allie McMurphy is happy the renovations are finished on the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island, Michigan.  Her best friend, Jenn is getting married in two weeks and Allie is the maid of honor.  When Shane, Jenn’s fiancé misses his dinner date with Jenn and fails to text or call, she becomes worried.  Allie, Jenn, and Allie’s bichenpoo, Mal head out to look for him.  They find Shane in an alley with a bloody knife in his hand standing over an obviously deceased gentleman.  Shane refuses to tell Jenn or Allie any information, and neither will Rex.  If there is going to be a wedding, it looks like it is up to Allie to prove Shane’s innocence.  

Here Comes the Fudge by Nancy Coco is the 9^th A Candy-Coated Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  Allie McMurphy is hotel owner and fudge maker extraordinaire.  Allie makes fudge fresh every morning and the descriptions will have your mouth watering.  Allie along with the secondary characters are developed and realistic.  The story is well-written, and it moved along at a steady pace.  In addition to the mystery, there is wedding planning, fudge making, taking care of the hotel, spending time with friends and her furbabies.  Rex and Allie’s relationship is currently at a standstill.  Harry Winston is in town and Allie spends some time getting to know the handsome bachelor.  I love the beautiful word imagery of Mackinac Island.  I felt transported to the island and could smell the yummy fudge.  The mystery was well thought out.  There is misdirection to keep you off the path of the guilty party.  I identified the guilty party early on, but I was curious as to why. I think many people, though, will be surprised by the killer’s identity.   I like how Allie employed the residents of the senior center to help her with the investigation.  I was frustrated with Shane and Rex.  Both men should know by now that they cannot keep Allie from investigating or Jenn helping her.   Here Comes the Fudge is an enjoyable cozy mystery.  I love visiting Mackinac Island and I am eager to return in A Midsummer’s Night Fudge next May.  Here Comes the Fudge is a fudgetastic tale with a body locator bichenpoo, a frustrating fiancé, prenuptial plans, fantastic fudge, sleuthing seniors, and a confusing case.

Here Comes the Fudge is available from Amazon*.  There are fudge recipes throughout the book (one for yummy sounding peanut butter fudge).  You can find the other A Candy-Coated Mysteries here.  The next A Candy-Coated Mystery is A Midsummer Night's Fudge which releases May 31, 2022.  You can find Nancy Coco's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be a stop on the Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour for The Amish Outcast's Holiday Return by Lacy Williams tomorrow.  I hope that you have a stupendous day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy Coco

 

Book Summary

Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy Coco takes us to Oceanview, Oregon where Wren Johnson owns Let It Bee, a unique honey boutique.  Wren and her Havana Brown cat, Everett are walking along the beach one morning when they discover Agnes Snow.  She is dead with the label of one of Wren’s lip balms in her hand.  Agnes and Wren’s Aunt Eloise have been craft rivals for many years.  Wren is at the top of Officer Jim Hampton’s suspect list when it is uncovered that the lip balm did the deed.  Wren is worried how this investigation will affect her business especially with half her inventory confiscated as evidence.  Wren needs to prove her innocence, but she needs to bee wary.   Someone is not happy with her sleuthing.  Can Wren clear her name and save her fledgling business?  

My Thoughts

Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy Coco is the debut of An Oregon Honeycomb Mystery series.  I enjoyed this delightful new cozy from beginning to end.  Wren Johnson has a unique honey boutique called Let It Bee in Oceanview, Oregon.  There is an actual beehive in her store behind glass.  Wren has a variety of products in her shop from candy to lip balm to lotions.  I loved the description of her shop and could envision it in my mind.  I like Wren who owns (well, as much as you can “own” a cat) Everett, a Havana Brown cat.  She walks him about town on a leash and harness.  Wren talks to Everett and he seems to understand what Wren is saying with appropriate responses (a clever kitty).  It is adorable.  Oceanview has a weeklong festival called Halloweentown.  It is an extravaganza with everyone dressing up and handing out candy to the kids.  I enjoyed Wren’s clever costumes.  I happen to be a fan of the Halloweentown movies.  The author took the time to set the stage for this book and the series with her descriptions of the town and its residents.  The mystery was interesting, and I liked following Wren as she combed for clues.  There is plenty of action and good clues.  I like how the mystery was laid out.  While I was able to identify the evil doer easily, it did not take away from my enjoyment of this honey of a whodunit. Death Bee Comes Her is a charming cozy mystery with a chatty cat, healthy honey, a pestilent poison, scrumptious candy, and creative crafts.  

Death Bee Comes Her is available from Amazon*.  You can find Nancy Coco's other novels here.  The next A Candy-Coated Mystery is Here Comes the Fudge which releases September 28.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow is a double feature (which means Kris double booked herself).  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Endless Mercy by Tracie Peterson & Kimberly Woodhouse.  I am also a stop on the Just Read Tour for Star Struck in Willow Falls by Pat Nichols.   I hope that you have a fulfilling day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas

Book Summary

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco has Allie McMurphy staying in Frances’ old apartment while the renovations are being finished on the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.  She is using the tiny kitchen to prepare the fudge orders that are coming in online.  One morning there is a knock at the door and Allie finds a note taped to it.  Someone wishes to meet her at the ticket booth at Fort Mackinac for the light show at noon.  Allie is a few minutes late for the rendezvous.  Mal, Allie’s Bichenpoo, leads her around the ticket booth where they find a woman facedown in the snow.  She is identified as Kayla Cramdon a recent transplant to the island.  Kayla later dies at the hospital after uttering Frances Devaney’s name.  Rex Manning, of course, has Frances at the top of his suspect list when it is learned that foul play was involved.  Allie knows that Frances would not harm a soul and intends to prove it.  When a second person close to Frances dies from the same method, Allie knows she needs to work quickly, or her friend will be spending the holidays in the clink.  

My Thoughts

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco is the 8^th A Candy-Coated Mystery.  I have read and enjoyed each book in this charming series.  It has been a pleasure getting to know Mackinac Island as well as Allie McMurphy and her friends.  This book can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series since the author does provide the needed background information.  I thought Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters.  I love the descriptions of Mackinac Island during the holidays as well as the festivities.  It sounds like a cold yet magical place.  Allie is a strong, independent woman who is a whiz at creating fudge and loves her fur babies.  The mystery has Allie and her dog, Mal once again finding a victim.  I figured out the who right away, but the why was a bit of a conundrum.  The reason for the murder is slowly revealed over the course of the story. I like that we get to learn more about Frances and her past.   I enjoyed following the investigation to the conclusion.  At the end of one riveting scene, I found myself laughing out loud.  There was action and suspense which had the story moving along at a quick pace and kept me engaged.  I liked that there was a complete wrap up. Allie cannot wait for the renovations to be completed on the hotel so she can move back in and go back to making fudge in the shop.  She is also dealing with the return of Rex Manning’s ex-wife, Melonie.  Just when we thought Rex and Allie’s romance was moving forward, Rex gets an unexpected visitor.  Allie keeps bumping into a new man in town and there are sparks between them.  I like the idea of a new love interest for Allie.  Trent and Rex are not right for Allie (in my humble opinion).   In Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas, there are snowstorms, power outages, Christmas tree lighting, decorating contest, fudge making, and friendly neighbors.  I was happy to see an old friend return to Mackinac Island for the holidays.  There is a recipe for a sweet treat (fudge, cookies) after each chapter.  I enjoyed this stimulating story.  Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas is a sweet cozy mystery with a precious pup, gregarious gossip, ex-wife woes, fabulous fudge, a familiar friend, DNA dilemma, and merry mayhem on Mackinac Island. 

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Candy-Coated Mystery series here.  The pictures I used today are from the Mackinac Island Tree Lighting Ceremony and an overview of shops in the downtown area of Mackinac Island.  Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  On deck for tomorrow is The Noel Letters by Richard Paul Evans.  It is the 4th book in The Noel Collection.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fudge Bites by Nancy Coco

Good Day!  A Very Mummy Holiday by Lynn Cahoon will be out on October 29 along with Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey and Shot Through the Hearth by Kate Carlisle.  Christmas with the Shipyard Girls by Nancy Revell releases October 24 and it is the seventh book in The Shipyard Girls Series.  Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber publishes on November 12.  It is the second novel in An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense.  So many delightful new books coming out!

Fudge Bites by Nancy Coco takes us back to Mackinac Island, Michigan in October.  Allie McMurphy owns the Historic McMurphy Hotel & Fudge Shop where she is getting ready to start renovations now that tourist season is over.  Allie is dressed as zombie pinup girl for Night of the Walking Red which is a zombie walk to benefit the American Heart Association.  She runs a quick errand and is heading through the back alley when she finds her cat, Carmella with blood on her.  They find a man crumpled on the ground and he is not coming back to life.  Maggs Vanderbilt steps out of the drugstore and instantly recognizes the victim as her son, Anthony. Someone used the zombie walk to take out the victim.  Rex Manning is on the case, but Allie’s cannot help doing a little snooping.  Allie needs to tread carefully because this is an explosive case.

Fudge Bites by Nancy Coco is the seventh A Candy-Coated Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to this sweet series.  Allie McMurphy loves living on Mackinac Island and looks forward to her first winter on the island.  She has renovation planned for the second floor plus adding a rooftop deck.  Allie is feeling a little lonely with her best friend, Jenn living in Chicago and others departing the island for the winter.  Allie is a developed character who is friendly and relatable.  She has some important decisions to make in Fudge Bites.  I enjoyed the twisty whodunit with multiple suspects and unexpected action.  I always enjoy a mystery that keeps you on your toes.  Nancy Coco gives us beautiful descriptions of Mackinac Island in the fall.  I can see how it can be challenging to live on Mackinac Island in the winter with the freezing temperatures, lack of activities and no ferry.  Allie’s fudge making will have your mouth watering.  There are recipes for brownies and various types of fudge included (Apple Cinnamon White Chocolate Fudge for instance).  There is an excerpt from Death Bee Comes Her which is the beginning of a new cozy mystery series for Nancy Coco.  I am curious to find out what happens next for Allie and the McMurphy.   Fudge Bites is a spooktacular cozy mystery with fabulous fudge, roof renovations, a canine with a keen sniffer, twinkling treasure, zany zombies, and suspicious suspects.

Fudge Bites is available through Amazon* (Amazon UK) and other major booksellers in ebook and paperback (Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo for example).  You can find a list of the books in A Candy-Coated Mystery series here.  Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy Coco comes out December 31 through Barnes & Noble only (at this time).  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my review Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle. It is a heartwarming and hopeful Christmas romance. I hope that you have a upbeat day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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