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Candy-Coated Mystery #14
Some Like It Fudgy
Allie McMurphy lives the sweet life running her world-famous fudge shop on Mackinac Island—but when a killer strikes, she has to turn from creating confections to extracting confessions . . .
TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME
As a gesture of goodwill, Allie is bringing a tray of assorted fudge to her new husband’s ex–wife, Melonie. But she finds Melonie’s body on the floor of her photography studio—where a remote–controlled camera keeps snapping picture after picture. In one, she’s alive, and in the next, she’s dead.
While Rowan Giles, another visitor to the shop, chatters nervously—and incessantly—Allie dials the police, though she encourages her husband to leave the case to another officer. Several unidentified people were leaving when she arrived on the scene. Nevertheless, Rowan is the top suspect, thanks to one thing she didn’t talk her bitter relationship with Melonie. Was Rowan just stirring the pot with all her gossipy gabbing?
Allie’s not so sure. She’s learning about some dark secrets in Melonie’s past. And identifying an obvious suspect is one thing, but finding the truth is a whole other kettle of fudge . . .
TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME
As a gesture of goodwill, Allie is bringing a tray of assorted fudge to her new husband’s ex–wife, Melonie. But she finds Melonie’s body on the floor of her photography studio—where a remote–controlled camera keeps snapping picture after picture. In one, she’s alive, and in the next, she’s dead.
While Rowan Giles, another visitor to the shop, chatters nervously—and incessantly—Allie dials the police, though she encourages her husband to leave the case to another officer. Several unidentified people were leaving when she arrived on the scene. Nevertheless, Rowan is the top suspect, thanks to one thing she didn’t talk her bitter relationship with Melonie. Was Rowan just stirring the pot with all her gossipy gabbing?
Allie’s not so sure. She’s learning about some dark secrets in Melonie’s past. And identifying an obvious suspect is one thing, but finding the truth is a whole other kettle of fudge . . .
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First published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 8, 2025
Some Like It Fudgy by Nancy Coco is a fun culinary cozy mystery that is the 14th book in the Candy Coated Mystery series.
I have read all 14 books in this series, and I have enjoyed growing along with the characters. The murder- mystery of Rex’s ex-wife kept me interested and engaged throughout the book.
Allie is usually a favorite of mine and was a bit more emotional and dramatic than her usual self, but we all have off-days, so hopefully she returns to her normal next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/28/26.
I have read all 14 books in this series, and I have enjoyed growing along with the characters. The murder- mystery of Rex’s ex-wife kept me interested and engaged throughout the book.
Allie is usually a favorite of mine and was a bit more emotional and dramatic than her usual self, but we all have off-days, so hopefully she returns to her normal next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/28/26.
May 6, 2026
This is the 14th book in the candy-coated series. Allie McMurphy is delivering fudge to her neighbor and husbands' ex-wife. What she doesn't expect is to find her dead. Rex is immediately taken off the case being it's his ex and the detective in charge thinks Allie is the murderer.
I enjoyed this so much. Allie made me laugh with how she dealt with the new detective. I love the all the characters right down to Allie's pets Mal and Mellow. The mystery was really good. My jaw was on the floor at the end. There were things I was not expecting. I can't wait to read more. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this so much. Allie made me laugh with how she dealt with the new detective. I love the all the characters right down to Allie's pets Mal and Mellow. The mystery was really good. My jaw was on the floor at the end. There were things I was not expecting. I can't wait to read more. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
#SomeLikeItFudgy #NetGalley is the latest book in this long running cozy mystery series. Allie is happy with married life, even though her husband's ex is working right next door.
Allie wants to try to smooth things over with Melonie, the ex wife, but things go horribly wrong and all she finds is a dead body.
This book has a lot going on, and the author does an amazing job of weaving it all together.
I loved the new addition of Rowan and Finn, and it was exciting to read they will have their own adventures.
This is a strong 5 star review for #SomeLikeItFudgy #NetGalley
Allie wants to try to smooth things over with Melonie, the ex wife, but things go horribly wrong and all she finds is a dead body.
This book has a lot going on, and the author does an amazing job of weaving it all together.
I loved the new addition of Rowan and Finn, and it was exciting to read they will have their own adventures.
This is a strong 5 star review for #SomeLikeItFudgy #NetGalley
May 10, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Rex Manning’s ex-wife, Melonie, is the new manager of the Old Tyme Photo Shoppe right next to the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. His new bride, Allie McMurphy, gathers up a five-slice box of fragrant fudge to welcome their new neighbor. She walked in to the sound of “tinny old-time music”, a camera clicking non-stop, and Melonie dead on the floor. Before Allie can take in what she sees, Rowan Giles enters the shop, persistently babbling.
When the police arrive, Rex is profoundly affected by seeing his ex-wife on the floor. Allie persuades him to step away from the case. By her presence, Rowan tops the list of suspects, but others were seen leaving the shop through the back door.
While Rex has been sidelined, Allie is determined to find out who killed Melonie and why. So with a little assistance from her girlfriends, Allie jumps into her investigation while showing everyone SHE IS NOT PREDICTABLE!
Even the most blissfully happy couples face rough times, and newlyweds Rex and Allie hit a rough patch when Melonie was killed. Grief and shock can bring out a variety of stressors, and there may be other reasons Allie is more touchy and stubborn. It made these characters even more genuine and relatable. Jenn was there for Allie and Shane, and Charles had Rex’s back. Those friendships are so strong. When Officer Laird came to the island to take over the murder case, everyone, including this reader, had someone to hate. He was a short, snide little man full of threats and bluster. I loved it when Allie went toe-to-toe with him, and the town rallied behind her. Rowan Giles has returned to Mackinac Island after being away for almost ten years. She is accompanied by her Great Dane, Finn. She has a huge family and knows everyone in town; she also knows Shane very well. I appreciate how the core characters continue to face true-to-life situations that fill the subplots, and how new characters enter the scene in meaningful ways, both good and bad.
Ms. Coco has written a compelling mystery with a plethora of suspects, twists, turns, and misdirections. I really enjoyed that instead of relying on the senior citizens for information and gossip, she reached out to her friends, Jenn, Liz, and Sophie. She also included Rowan in the girls’ night. That doesn’t mean Mr. Beecher, Carol, Ida, and the rest of the book club didn’t have anything they wanted to share. Their ideas can be quite comical at times, but other times they are right on the nose. There was some distressing news, and while handled correctly, it was heartbreaking. I found the takedown to be extremely satisfying.
Each trip I take to Mackinac Island always ends too soon. Some Like It Fudgy followed suit. In addition to a captivating mystery, the island is full of friendly people and fun things to do. I would love to join the book club, or tag along on a girls’ night with Allie and her friends, or volunteer to watch Jenn’s baby. This is one of my favorite series for very good reasons; the characters are engaging, the setting is unique, and the mysteries are well-plotted, well-written, and entertaining. If only each book came with a box of fudge. I am excited for my next virtual vacation to Mackinac Island.
Breaking News! There is a spin-off in the works!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Rex Manning’s ex-wife, Melonie, is the new manager of the Old Tyme Photo Shoppe right next to the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. His new bride, Allie McMurphy, gathers up a five-slice box of fragrant fudge to welcome their new neighbor. She walked in to the sound of “tinny old-time music”, a camera clicking non-stop, and Melonie dead on the floor. Before Allie can take in what she sees, Rowan Giles enters the shop, persistently babbling.
When the police arrive, Rex is profoundly affected by seeing his ex-wife on the floor. Allie persuades him to step away from the case. By her presence, Rowan tops the list of suspects, but others were seen leaving the shop through the back door.
While Rex has been sidelined, Allie is determined to find out who killed Melonie and why. So with a little assistance from her girlfriends, Allie jumps into her investigation while showing everyone SHE IS NOT PREDICTABLE!
Even the most blissfully happy couples face rough times, and newlyweds Rex and Allie hit a rough patch when Melonie was killed. Grief and shock can bring out a variety of stressors, and there may be other reasons Allie is more touchy and stubborn. It made these characters even more genuine and relatable. Jenn was there for Allie and Shane, and Charles had Rex’s back. Those friendships are so strong. When Officer Laird came to the island to take over the murder case, everyone, including this reader, had someone to hate. He was a short, snide little man full of threats and bluster. I loved it when Allie went toe-to-toe with him, and the town rallied behind her. Rowan Giles has returned to Mackinac Island after being away for almost ten years. She is accompanied by her Great Dane, Finn. She has a huge family and knows everyone in town; she also knows Shane very well. I appreciate how the core characters continue to face true-to-life situations that fill the subplots, and how new characters enter the scene in meaningful ways, both good and bad.
Ms. Coco has written a compelling mystery with a plethora of suspects, twists, turns, and misdirections. I really enjoyed that instead of relying on the senior citizens for information and gossip, she reached out to her friends, Jenn, Liz, and Sophie. She also included Rowan in the girls’ night. That doesn’t mean Mr. Beecher, Carol, Ida, and the rest of the book club didn’t have anything they wanted to share. Their ideas can be quite comical at times, but other times they are right on the nose. There was some distressing news, and while handled correctly, it was heartbreaking. I found the takedown to be extremely satisfying.
Each trip I take to Mackinac Island always ends too soon. Some Like It Fudgy followed suit. In addition to a captivating mystery, the island is full of friendly people and fun things to do. I would love to join the book club, or tag along on a girls’ night with Allie and her friends, or volunteer to watch Jenn’s baby. This is one of my favorite series for very good reasons; the characters are engaging, the setting is unique, and the mysteries are well-plotted, well-written, and entertaining. If only each book came with a box of fudge. I am excited for my next virtual vacation to Mackinac Island.
Breaking News! There is a spin-off in the works!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 9, 2025
Once again, Allie stumbles upon a murder but this time it is more personal. Unfortunately, it also causes a marital bump in the road for Allie and her new husband Rex.
My favorite part of this story was when Rex's friend offered this bit of wisdom, "when you're wrong, you're wrong and pretending you're not doesn't work with women."
A solid mystery with cute pets and a handful of surprises. Another entertaining Candy-Coated mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My favorite part of this story was when Rex's friend offered this bit of wisdom, "when you're wrong, you're wrong and pretending you're not doesn't work with women."
A solid mystery with cute pets and a handful of surprises. Another entertaining Candy-Coated mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2026
Some Like It Fudgy by Nancy Coco finds us back at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Makinac Island. The ex-wife of Allie’s husband, Rex, had gotten a job next door and Allie felt like it was time to make friends. So, she packed up a box of fudge, always a winner and went next door where she heard, click...click...click, and saw the light blinking on and off. When she went in further to investigate, she found Melonie, hunched over and when she got closer she discovered that she was dead. There was another woman in the studio and Allie told her to call 911. This started a mess and nearly got Rex killed. But, first, he got taken off the case since he was too close to the victim. Then, they replaced him with a man named Laird, who seemed to have it out for Rex, and by extension, Allie. This turned into a giant mystery with both Laird and Rex having her followed, for different reasons, and then Rex was sent out of town for another assignment. Along the way, Allie, picked up a new friend, Rowan, and her giant dog named Finn. She turned out to be great.
Allie is such a good character that had been making fudge for thirteen years, and it never gets old. The McMurphy Hotel is doing well and Allie and Rex live in the upstairs apartment. She is surrounded by friends and investigative buddies, and lives a mostly happy life (except for murders). This is the epitome of a good cozy mystery. It has longevity and adds just enough new characters to keep it fresh. Fudge is always a good thing and her marriage has made the book even better. Great read!
I was invited to read Some Like It Fudgy by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #NancyCoco #SomeLikeItFudgy
Allie is such a good character that had been making fudge for thirteen years, and it never gets old. The McMurphy Hotel is doing well and Allie and Rex live in the upstairs apartment. She is surrounded by friends and investigative buddies, and lives a mostly happy life (except for murders). This is the epitome of a good cozy mystery. It has longevity and adds just enough new characters to keep it fresh. Fudge is always a good thing and her marriage has made the book even better. Great read!
I was invited to read Some Like It Fudgy by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #NancyCoco #SomeLikeItFudgy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Allie Manning, fudge maker and local hotel owner has a habit of finding dead bodies! This time the victim's identity means her new husband Rex is off the case and the replacement officer seems determined to throw Allie in jail and leave her there if she even looks like she's investigates anything! Relying on friends to find the necessary clues was never going to be easy and she is soon back out there looking for a killer who could very easily add her to their list of victims!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I was enjoying this albeit not quite as much as usual until there was a curve ball thrown about two thirds of the way through which almost made me give up! There were a lot of over the top emotional scenes here and unfortunately, unlike the other books I've read in this series, this isn't something I could recommend. I will give book 15 a try because hopefully this could just be a bit of a blip.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I was enjoying this albeit not quite as much as usual until there was a curve ball thrown about two thirds of the way through which almost made me give up! There were a lot of over the top emotional scenes here and unfortunately, unlike the other books I've read in this series, this isn't something I could recommend. I will give book 15 a try because hopefully this could just be a bit of a blip.
May 3, 2026
Hmmm...
What I liked: catching up with the characters and a definite focus on the mystery. Allie definitely switched up her strategy and it was nice to see her have moments with friends closer to her age. Allie also actually works, which can be a pet peeve for other cozy mystery series.
What I didn't like: this book felt chaotic to me, both in terms of pace and story. I can see how the whole mystery goes together, but it did not feel fully developed. Allie was all over the place, so the reader was all over the place. The ending also felt abrupt.
What I liked: catching up with the characters and a definite focus on the mystery. Allie definitely switched up her strategy and it was nice to see her have moments with friends closer to her age. Allie also actually works, which can be a pet peeve for other cozy mystery series.
What I didn't like: this book felt chaotic to me, both in terms of pace and story. I can see how the whole mystery goes together, but it did not feel fully developed. Allie was all over the place, so the reader was all over the place. The ending also felt abrupt.
May 10, 2026
After a year of marriage, Rex's ex-wife Melonie won't stop harassing Allie and even gets a job managing the Old Tyme Photo Shoppe next door to the McMurphy. As a gesture of good will, Allie decides to bring over a box of fudge for Melonie but when she arrives she hears a camera clicking non-stop and sees Melonie lying on the floor dead. Another woman is on the scene with her Great Dane, Finn, and babbles away to Allie as Allie stands shocked. When Allie calls 911 and Rex arrives, he experiences a shock seeing Melonie dead. He can't investigate but he will watch over everyone to make sure they get justice done. Allie has to literally drag Rex away from the crime scene in handcuffs. Rex knows Charles can do this on his own but when Rex is officially removed from the case, Charles is as well. An Officer Baird is sent to handle the murder investigation and he has a long standing vendetta against Rex and will stop at nothing to see Allie behind bars. Officially banned from investigating, no one can stop Allie from visiting her friends but it seems her routine has become predictable and the murderer may be watching. Allie will need all the help she can get to gather clues and sort through information and she knows just the gals who can help. Even the woman with the Great Dane, Rowan Giles, wants to get in on the investigation, discreetly of course. Mal befriends Rowan's Finn quickly but still wants to take her usual walks to sniff out clues. If only Allie could understand Mal's change of pattern and figure out what her sweet pup is trying to tell her!
This story is a little long and a bit different from the usual nosy Allie plot. I was disappointed Mal didn't find the body but I always get a kick out of Charlene's reaction when Allie calls 911. I figured out whodunit pretty quickly. It's kind of obvious. But there are twists I didn't expect and I couldn't put the book down. The recipes sound delicious but where is the recipe for Rowan's strawberry tart?
At first I liked Allie a little better and how she cared for Rex. Then once they got home, she got annoying again. She never understands him, his feelings or his job. She seems to lack comprehension of what being a detective entails and how he can't just turn that off. She keeps saying she'll be fine and then murderers come after her so how can Rex calm down? I was hoping they would team up together and he would have an understanding of how it felt to be in her shoes, but alas, that does not happen. Shane has a better handle on how women think and martial communication but even he is super dumb in this story.
Allie forgets she has gal pals her own age until someone reminds her! Her first friends were the seniors and she always turns to them first when she needs answers. HELLO Liz is a newspaper editor/journalist. Research and investigation are her job. I like Liz a lot. She's cynical and doesn't trust easily. If there's a story out there, she'll find it. Jen seems overwhelmed with motherhood and work. Benji is two already and in the terrible twos stage. He's a spoiled brat. Jen does most of the parenting and household stuff on her own and works when Benji is sleeping. Jen is a loyal friend to Allie and always there to lend a sympathetic ear and offer a safe space to stay. Sophie is in a relationship with Harry Winston in between flights and I don't really feel like we have a good handle on her personality. The book club ladies are all on hand the very second they hear about the murder. Carol is eager to start a murder board and get investigating but Allie fears her friends will be arrested for obstruction of justice and can't put them in that position. It doesn't stop Carol from gossiping and gathering information! Roxanne, Allie's fudge making assistant, wants in on the fun of sleuthing too - just gathering information not the danger part. She's fun and I think she could be a good addition to the gal pal group.
Newcomer Rowan Giles is an interesting character. She's... quirky but I really like her. Rowan is a talented pet and wildlife photographer and trained pastry chef. The bakery she worked for in New York closed down and she has returned home to her giant extended family. Rowan babbles when she's nervous and being a local, she literally knows everybody and is related to most of the people on the island. That doesn't mean she's trustworthy. She has ties to everyone. Does that include Melonie? How badly does Rowan want to set up her own photo studio? Plus Rowan is way too close to Shane and she just barges her way into Jen's house and life without Jen's permission and takes over. That's weird.
She beings with her a Great Dane, Finn, a rescue she was told would be no larger than 50 lbs. and therefore fit in her closet-sized New York apartment. oops! Finn is devoted to Rowan and does everything she tells him to and seems to understand police vs. nosy busybodies. Finn is very sweet with little Mal who adores her new playmate but doesn't understand why he doesn't always wants to run around and play with her. Together they can solve this mystery and save their humans, if only their humans listen. Not to be outdone, Mella has to get in on the investigation too.
Charles Brown is a great police officer. He has a healthy fear of Rex but he also knows how to do his job. I think he could have handled the investigation without Rex breathing down his neck and figured it out. He has a lot of good qualities and Allie is preoccupied by his love life or lack thereof. He's private and that drives her nosy self crazy. He's kind to Allie when she needs it but he can't figure out how to save his job and save Allie from her own nosiness.
Melonie was not a likable woman. It seems like she had beef with everyone on the island. She was the glass half empty type of woman and blamed everyone else for things that happened to her. Melonie had a history of loving and leaving men and didn't much care. No one seems to show any remorse or sadness at her death except Rex. Her first husband was supposedly abusive. Could he have tracked her down and killed her? It sounds like everyone on the island should be a suspect! Melonie and Rowan had been grade school enemies and possibly are still enemies. Rowan seems to naive and sweet to be a murderer but you never know when someone is going to snap.
Officer Davis is assigned to Officer Lasko's job while Lasko is on vacation. Officer Davis has worked there before but she doesn't seem like she's one of the locals. She keeps herself to herself and is difficult to get to know. She seems like a by-the-book officer and not one who will socialize with suspects/persons of interest/witnesses/locals. Allie can't quite get a read on her. Officer Laird is sent to investigate the murder and he is an absolute prick. This man's ego is bigger than the island and he's an arrogant jerk who thinks he can solve the murder quickly without talking to any of the locals. He likes to throw his weight around and is very intent on pinning the murder - or any crime - on Allie to lock her up for good. Officer Laird HATES Rex and his vendetta goes way back to the Academy. It's really stupid and if Rex has to be removed from the murder case then why is Officer Laird on it? Rex is more likely to be unbiased and fair, wanting justice for Melonie, while Officer Laird lets his personal feelings get in the way of his investigation. He wants a quick conviction and Allie will do nicely. No one knows his first name and he doesn't even stay on the island. How can he solve a murder in a small town without being the least bit friendly?
There were five people leaving by the back door of the photo studio at the time Allie arrived. Who were they and why didn't they notice anything strange? Valentine Maas, a friend of Laura Morgan's, was one of them. There's a lot of focus on her good looks and less on who she is as a person. Does she know who killed Melonie? Did she do it? Maybe they fought over a man? Stan Powell, the plumber, was in the building at the time of the murder. He claims he was upstairs with his earbuds in and didn't hear a thing. Yet he had access to the murder weapon. Stan doesn't have a strong motive. His assistant, Teddy, is a hard worker but not too bright, according to Stan. He was in and out all day and didn't see anything, or so he says. He seems like a good plumber but kind of a loser in the personal relationships department. No one knows him well enough to know whether he would commit murder but he did have means and opportunity. I hope it's not him. I think he sounds nice and helpful.
David Peele, the pharmacist, is under surveillance by the book club ladies. When information about how Melonie died comes to light, David becomes a suspect. He was there when Allie left the scene of the crime. Why? He provides Allie with some information she could have figured out on her own. What she really needs from him is information he can't give her. Ed, the stable operator, was also outside the back door of the photo studio after the murder. Why? He was far from his place of business. He also had means and Mal seems to find something about the stables suspicious. That doesn't seem like a strong reasons to suspect him to me but Mal is never wrong. Who is the mysterious Oscar who sent Melonie flowers just before she died? There's no way Allie can figure out who the murderer is easily in this case!
I think this series needs one more to wrap it up. I'm really looking forward to the spin-off previewed in the back of the book. The premise sounds excellent!
This story is a little long and a bit different from the usual nosy Allie plot. I was disappointed Mal didn't find the body but I always get a kick out of Charlene's reaction when Allie calls 911. I figured out whodunit pretty quickly. It's kind of obvious. But there are twists I didn't expect and I couldn't put the book down. The recipes sound delicious but where is the recipe for Rowan's strawberry tart?
At first I liked Allie a little better and how she cared for Rex. Then once they got home, she got annoying again. She never understands him, his feelings or his job. She seems to lack comprehension of what being a detective entails and how he can't just turn that off. She keeps saying she'll be fine and then murderers come after her so how can Rex calm down? I was hoping they would team up together and he would have an understanding of how it felt to be in her shoes, but alas, that does not happen. Shane has a better handle on how women think and martial communication but even he is super dumb in this story.
Allie forgets she has gal pals her own age until someone reminds her! Her first friends were the seniors and she always turns to them first when she needs answers. HELLO Liz is a newspaper editor/journalist. Research and investigation are her job. I like Liz a lot. She's cynical and doesn't trust easily. If there's a story out there, she'll find it. Jen seems overwhelmed with motherhood and work. Benji is two already and in the terrible twos stage. He's a spoiled brat. Jen does most of the parenting and household stuff on her own and works when Benji is sleeping. Jen is a loyal friend to Allie and always there to lend a sympathetic ear and offer a safe space to stay. Sophie is in a relationship with Harry Winston in between flights and I don't really feel like we have a good handle on her personality. The book club ladies are all on hand the very second they hear about the murder. Carol is eager to start a murder board and get investigating but Allie fears her friends will be arrested for obstruction of justice and can't put them in that position. It doesn't stop Carol from gossiping and gathering information! Roxanne, Allie's fudge making assistant, wants in on the fun of sleuthing too - just gathering information not the danger part. She's fun and I think she could be a good addition to the gal pal group.
Newcomer Rowan Giles is an interesting character. She's... quirky but I really like her. Rowan is a talented pet and wildlife photographer and trained pastry chef. The bakery she worked for in New York closed down and she has returned home to her giant extended family. Rowan babbles when she's nervous and being a local, she literally knows everybody and is related to most of the people on the island. That doesn't mean she's trustworthy. She has ties to everyone. Does that include Melonie? How badly does Rowan want to set up her own photo studio? Plus Rowan is way too close to Shane and she just barges her way into Jen's house and life without Jen's permission and takes over. That's weird.
She beings with her a Great Dane, Finn, a rescue she was told would be no larger than 50 lbs. and therefore fit in her closet-sized New York apartment. oops! Finn is devoted to Rowan and does everything she tells him to and seems to understand police vs. nosy busybodies. Finn is very sweet with little Mal who adores her new playmate but doesn't understand why he doesn't always wants to run around and play with her. Together they can solve this mystery and save their humans, if only their humans listen. Not to be outdone, Mella has to get in on the investigation too.
Charles Brown is a great police officer. He has a healthy fear of Rex but he also knows how to do his job. I think he could have handled the investigation without Rex breathing down his neck and figured it out. He has a lot of good qualities and Allie is preoccupied by his love life or lack thereof. He's private and that drives her nosy self crazy. He's kind to Allie when she needs it but he can't figure out how to save his job and save Allie from her own nosiness.
Melonie was not a likable woman. It seems like she had beef with everyone on the island. She was the glass half empty type of woman and blamed everyone else for things that happened to her. Melonie had a history of loving and leaving men and didn't much care. No one seems to show any remorse or sadness at her death except Rex. Her first husband was supposedly abusive. Could he have tracked her down and killed her? It sounds like everyone on the island should be a suspect! Melonie and Rowan had been grade school enemies and possibly are still enemies. Rowan seems to naive and sweet to be a murderer but you never know when someone is going to snap.
Officer Davis is assigned to Officer Lasko's job while Lasko is on vacation. Officer Davis has worked there before but she doesn't seem like she's one of the locals. She keeps herself to herself and is difficult to get to know. She seems like a by-the-book officer and not one who will socialize with suspects/persons of interest/witnesses/locals. Allie can't quite get a read on her. Officer Laird is sent to investigate the murder and he is an absolute prick. This man's ego is bigger than the island and he's an arrogant jerk who thinks he can solve the murder quickly without talking to any of the locals. He likes to throw his weight around and is very intent on pinning the murder - or any crime - on Allie to lock her up for good. Officer Laird HATES Rex and his vendetta goes way back to the Academy. It's really stupid and if Rex has to be removed from the murder case then why is Officer Laird on it? Rex is more likely to be unbiased and fair, wanting justice for Melonie, while Officer Laird lets his personal feelings get in the way of his investigation. He wants a quick conviction and Allie will do nicely. No one knows his first name and he doesn't even stay on the island. How can he solve a murder in a small town without being the least bit friendly?
There were five people leaving by the back door of the photo studio at the time Allie arrived. Who were they and why didn't they notice anything strange? Valentine Maas, a friend of Laura Morgan's, was one of them. There's a lot of focus on her good looks and less on who she is as a person. Does she know who killed Melonie? Did she do it? Maybe they fought over a man? Stan Powell, the plumber, was in the building at the time of the murder. He claims he was upstairs with his earbuds in and didn't hear a thing. Yet he had access to the murder weapon. Stan doesn't have a strong motive. His assistant, Teddy, is a hard worker but not too bright, according to Stan. He was in and out all day and didn't see anything, or so he says. He seems like a good plumber but kind of a loser in the personal relationships department. No one knows him well enough to know whether he would commit murder but he did have means and opportunity. I hope it's not him. I think he sounds nice and helpful.
David Peele, the pharmacist, is under surveillance by the book club ladies. When information about how Melonie died comes to light, David becomes a suspect. He was there when Allie left the scene of the crime. Why? He provides Allie with some information she could have figured out on her own. What she really needs from him is information he can't give her. Ed, the stable operator, was also outside the back door of the photo studio after the murder. Why? He was far from his place of business. He also had means and Mal seems to find something about the stables suspicious. That doesn't seem like a strong reasons to suspect him to me but Mal is never wrong. Who is the mysterious Oscar who sent Melonie flowers just before she died? There's no way Allie can figure out who the murderer is easily in this case!
I think this series needs one more to wrap it up. I'm really looking forward to the spin-off previewed in the back of the book. The premise sounds excellent!
November 6, 2025
"Some Like it Fudgy (A Candy-Coated Mystery #14)" by Nancy Coco tried to shake it up a bit. Most that was changed was that there was a bit less continuity issues and a bit less over repetition. So that was a nice change. The addition of Rowan either the Great Dane Finn was nice and led to having Allie lean on women more her age for sleuthing help.
However, totally had Rowan pegged as a suspect for most of the book. It just seemed to fit with the clues being dropped to be more her way than the final female culprit's way. I could see her tied to the male culprit as a family member. It took a bit of a nose dive once the male culprit came into play as an active character.
Allie is a bit extra over the top emotionally in this book at times. Honestly, I would think she was the pregnant one with how up and down emotionally she was. Where was this fighting spirit whenever her mother is around.
Despite the previous books issues of continuity and over repetition being better in this book, Allie's extreme reactions counter act the improvement for me. I'm mostly just reading these now because I am getting an ARC from Netgalley. I probably wouldn't pick any future books of this series to read if I have others to choose from.
However, totally had Rowan pegged as a suspect for most of the book. It just seemed to fit with the clues being dropped to be more her way than the final female culprit's way. I could see her tied to the male culprit as a family member. It took a bit of a nose dive once the male culprit came into play as an active character.
Allie is a bit extra over the top emotionally in this book at times. Honestly, I would think she was the pregnant one with how up and down emotionally she was. Where was this fighting spirit whenever her mother is around.
Despite the previous books issues of continuity and over repetition being better in this book, Allie's extreme reactions counter act the improvement for me. I'm mostly just reading these now because I am getting an ARC from Netgalley. I probably wouldn't pick any future books of this series to read if I have others to choose from.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Allie's emotions are all over the place in this one. The usual characters make an appearance but it's her relationship with husband Rex that seems to be the focus this go round. It begins simple enough when Allie opts to take some fudge next door to Melonia, Rex's former wife, who is new in town. With her usual knack for finding bodies, she finds the woman dead. In the meantime, Rex gets a call that his wife has been killed. Only when Rex arrives, it isn't Allie, phew, but his ex, Melonia. Still stunned from thinking Allie had been killed, Rex makes the mistake of trying to ward off Allie's usual inquisition of questions mumbling something about his wife being dead. That sets off a series of clashes and misunderstandings that seem to send Allie off the deep end. It doesn't help that given Rex's connection to the victim that he's not only removed from the case but replaced by an Officer Laird, who seems to be a major league, arrogant jerk. He tolerates none of Allie's meddling, even forcing officer friend Charles to perp walk her through the crowd to the police station. Fortunately, she's released but only after she learns the seemingly magic word "lawyer" and holding her tongue. And that is just the very beginning.
I'm not going to detail the plot, as noted it sorta zigs and zags all over the place as possible clues send her in one direction or the other, all while trying to be as secretive about her investigation as possible. She's also finding things to be upset about that aren't really important in the grand scheme of things. In the meantime, we meet a new character, Rowan Giles, and her amazingly well trained Great Dane Finn. Quite frankly, I lean toward thinking this book was as much to introduce the personable and amazingly well connected but broke Rowan as for Allie's story. Rowan, we find out, will have her own series soon. I think Rowan's nervous, almost non-stop chatter when we meet would drive me nuts but she proves herself (with Finn's help) as the story progresses. I'm already looking forward to it after the teaser chapter.
In any case, there are multiple suspects who might have wanted Melonia dead although that, once again, is only the top of the iceberg of trouble facing Allie and her friends on Mackinac Island which, sadly, we didn't get to spend much time virtually enjoying this read. The theories of whodunit and possible reasons is all over the place due to some well place red herrings and misdirection by the guilty and, of course, there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes included. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for the early peek into the roller coaster life of Allie as well as introducing me to an intriguing new character. I'm already in love with Finn, as is Allie's dog Mal, so am looking forward to getting to know Rowan soon.
I'm not going to detail the plot, as noted it sorta zigs and zags all over the place as possible clues send her in one direction or the other, all while trying to be as secretive about her investigation as possible. She's also finding things to be upset about that aren't really important in the grand scheme of things. In the meantime, we meet a new character, Rowan Giles, and her amazingly well trained Great Dane Finn. Quite frankly, I lean toward thinking this book was as much to introduce the personable and amazingly well connected but broke Rowan as for Allie's story. Rowan, we find out, will have her own series soon. I think Rowan's nervous, almost non-stop chatter when we meet would drive me nuts but she proves herself (with Finn's help) as the story progresses. I'm already looking forward to it after the teaser chapter.
In any case, there are multiple suspects who might have wanted Melonia dead although that, once again, is only the top of the iceberg of trouble facing Allie and her friends on Mackinac Island which, sadly, we didn't get to spend much time virtually enjoying this read. The theories of whodunit and possible reasons is all over the place due to some well place red herrings and misdirection by the guilty and, of course, there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes included. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for the early peek into the roller coaster life of Allie as well as introducing me to an intriguing new character. I'm already in love with Finn, as is Allie's dog Mal, so am looking forward to getting to know Rowan soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read every one in the series before and was happy to visit Allie and the McMurphy hotel on Mackinac Island. This book starts after she and her police officer Rex have been married just short of a year. His ex-wife has been living in town and now works next door, so Allie, wanting to extend an olive branch takes her fudge, but finds her dead. It is up to her and a new friend to figure out who committed the crime. While the mystery was good, the execution was a rocky. From the first chapter, I was super confused. There were so many characters with very little explanation of who was who. I constantly felt like I was getting whiplash from all the bouncing around and felt like I had come into the middle of the conversation. I know that readers do not like when series get too repetitive, but a quick one or two sentence reminder who someone is helpful in the beginning. I also was taken back by the wild emotions of Allie through this whole book. The whole fighting with Rex was way over the top and took up the first 6 chapters when they would have been better served explaining the murder and who the new suspects were. The last quarter of the book, after something major happens, left her in a contradictory place of extreme emotion. It was way over the top to me. After reading this series for year, I was shocked by how different this book was from the others. The first thing I thought, as a long reader of Joanne Fluke, was that whoever wrote her last few books, must have written these because they are very similar in style and change from the original. I have really enjoyed these series up until now, and like I said, the mystery was good, the execution was not my favorite. I will keep an eye out for the next one in the series and give it another try before writing it off. Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
May 1, 2026
This was a great addition to the series. I've read all of the previous books and short stories and have gotten to the point that the people and their continuing stories are almost more interesting than the mysteries, especially with a few of the mysteries not being solved by the people but by the murderer or kidnapper revealing themselves. This book was completely different and not only is the mystery interesting but Allie does solve the mystery.
The book takes place a year after the last book, so Allie and Rex have been married for a year. The murder of Rex's ex-wife takes place very early in the book and it leads to some issues between Rex and Allie. At the murder scene Allie also meets a new character Rowan Giles and her dog Finn. They are great new additions, but with an ever increasing cast of secondary characters there is very little time for all of them to make an appearance. Most of them do, but with limited time for each of them. It was great to 'see' Liz again who was a much bigger presence in the earlier books in the series.
The mystery is interesting and the new police officer that steps in for Rex (as he's to close to the investigation) brings some added tension. Although I enjoyed it a lot, I've only marked it four stars as the pool of suspects was rather thin and Allie does not really engage with most of them, and Rowan and Finn took up a lot of time/pages. The latter made more sense once I saw the back of the book that showed that they'll be starring in their own book (series?). Not sure if that was the plan from the start or whether the idea spun from writing this book.
One other aspect that I did not like as I was reading the book is that I got the impression that Rex was supportive of Allie investigating initially and later this turned into a big fight. Perhaps that switch made more sense at the end of the book, but the arguments and miscommunication between Allie and Rex felt forced.
So, good but not great. Four out of five stars
The book takes place a year after the last book, so Allie and Rex have been married for a year. The murder of Rex's ex-wife takes place very early in the book and it leads to some issues between Rex and Allie. At the murder scene Allie also meets a new character Rowan Giles and her dog Finn. They are great new additions, but with an ever increasing cast of secondary characters there is very little time for all of them to make an appearance. Most of them do, but with limited time for each of them. It was great to 'see' Liz again who was a much bigger presence in the earlier books in the series.
The mystery is interesting and the new police officer that steps in for Rex (as he's to close to the investigation) brings some added tension. Although I enjoyed it a lot, I've only marked it four stars as the pool of suspects was rather thin and Allie does not really engage with most of them, and Rowan and Finn took up a lot of time/pages. The latter made more sense once I saw the back of the book that showed that they'll be starring in their own book (series?). Not sure if that was the plan from the start or whether the idea spun from writing this book.
One other aspect that I did not like as I was reading the book is that I got the impression that Rex was supportive of Allie investigating initially and later this turned into a big fight. Perhaps that switch made more sense at the end of the book, but the arguments and miscommunication between Allie and Rex felt forced.
So, good but not great. Four out of five stars
May 10, 2026
"Some Like it Fudgy" is book #14 in the "Candy-Coated Mystery" series by Nancy Coco.
Allie discovers the body of Melonie - her husband's second ex wife - which sets of a chain of events that includes Rex being taken off the case and Officer Laird being brought in to oversee the case. Laird quickly proved himself to be an idiot and made no secret of a long standing dislike of Rex dating back to their time in police training.
This book felt a bit different than previous books. The plot was more personal and the friction between Allie and Rex was at times quite intense. Allie didn't seem as sure of herself as in the past but had also been warned off the case by Laird. Having to be far more careful about working the case wasn't easy for Allie but of course her friends were willing to help any way they could while keeping her safe. The character of Rowan Giles seemed to come in out of nowhere and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of her - however, I liked her dog Finn from the start.
Despite how unlikable Melonie was, there were only a handful of potential suspects. Interesting motives for some but who had the most to gain and the opportunity? For me, I figured out who was behind the murder well before the reveal but the full background for motive and method was more complicated than I had anticipated.
As always, a few recipes are interspersed between chapters.
A sneak peak of the first chapter of "White Lies And Cherry Pies" which is the first in the upcoming "Pets & Pastries Mystery" series is also included in the Kindle edition.
I did note a few typos including the wrong name used for a character, a misspelling of a characters name as well as a couple of places with missing words from sentences.
Overall this was an interesting cozy mystery read.
Allie discovers the body of Melonie - her husband's second ex wife - which sets of a chain of events that includes Rex being taken off the case and Officer Laird being brought in to oversee the case. Laird quickly proved himself to be an idiot and made no secret of a long standing dislike of Rex dating back to their time in police training.
This book felt a bit different than previous books. The plot was more personal and the friction between Allie and Rex was at times quite intense. Allie didn't seem as sure of herself as in the past but had also been warned off the case by Laird. Having to be far more careful about working the case wasn't easy for Allie but of course her friends were willing to help any way they could while keeping her safe. The character of Rowan Giles seemed to come in out of nowhere and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of her - however, I liked her dog Finn from the start.
Despite how unlikable Melonie was, there were only a handful of potential suspects. Interesting motives for some but who had the most to gain and the opportunity? For me, I figured out who was behind the murder well before the reveal but the full background for motive and method was more complicated than I had anticipated.
As always, a few recipes are interspersed between chapters.
A sneak peak of the first chapter of "White Lies And Cherry Pies" which is the first in the upcoming "Pets & Pastries Mystery" series is also included in the Kindle edition.
I did note a few typos including the wrong name used for a character, a misspelling of a characters name as well as a couple of places with missing words from sentences.
Overall this was an interesting cozy mystery read.
April 30, 2026
In this fourteenth book, Allie must not appear to be investigating the death of Melonie, one of Rex’s ex-wives. The storyline is at once chaotic but also slow moving.
After all the murders on Mackinac Island, Allie is predictable in how she solves the case. When she realizes that everyone knows her patterns she tries to change it up, but then worries excessively about the danger in which she has put friends her own age.
The book introduces Rowan Giles and her Great Dane Finn. Rowan helped with the community safety project. She is getting her own series per the teaser chapter at the end.
I was drawn into the story and liked reading it.
At the same time, it felt unorganized, like a bunch of different tropes for murder were put together. There were plenty of suspects but the persons actually involved don’t appear guilty until the reveal.
One good thing was that the timeline seems to have finally moved forward at least two years because Jenn and Shane’s son Benji is two years old. This series has always befuddled me a little because the timelines never really made sense especially with so many murders occurring.
Allie cannot be seen to be investigating because one of Rex’s nemesis is in charge of Melonie’s murder case. Rex can’t investigate his own ex-wife’s death.
Now it seems that my review is as chaotic as the book, so I conclude. I do recommend this series. It’s a fun read. Most are well paced and organized. While I enjoyed reading Some Like it Fudgy, it was different from the others in the series including some over the top behavior by Allie, both emotionally and with how she related to people.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read the book.
After all the murders on Mackinac Island, Allie is predictable in how she solves the case. When she realizes that everyone knows her patterns she tries to change it up, but then worries excessively about the danger in which she has put friends her own age.
The book introduces Rowan Giles and her Great Dane Finn. Rowan helped with the community safety project. She is getting her own series per the teaser chapter at the end.
I was drawn into the story and liked reading it.
At the same time, it felt unorganized, like a bunch of different tropes for murder were put together. There were plenty of suspects but the persons actually involved don’t appear guilty until the reveal.
One good thing was that the timeline seems to have finally moved forward at least two years because Jenn and Shane’s son Benji is two years old. This series has always befuddled me a little because the timelines never really made sense especially with so many murders occurring.
Allie cannot be seen to be investigating because one of Rex’s nemesis is in charge of Melonie’s murder case. Rex can’t investigate his own ex-wife’s death.
Now it seems that my review is as chaotic as the book, so I conclude. I do recommend this series. It’s a fun read. Most are well paced and organized. While I enjoyed reading Some Like it Fudgy, it was different from the others in the series including some over the top behavior by Allie, both emotionally and with how she related to people.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think in terms of the overall mystery plot and whodunit, this is one of the best books in the series. I really had little to no idea who could possibly be the perpetrator.
Allie McMurphy-Manning is enjoying her first year of wedded bliss and decides to make amends with her husband's ex-wife, who has hated her for many books, by bringing her some fudge now that she owns a business next door. Except Allie gets more than she bargained for when she finds her dead body. Since her spouse, Rex, is too close to the case, they bring in an outsider who has it in for Rex and is determined to throw Allie in jail by proximity just for knowing Rex. Allie wants her husband back so she unofficially investigates trying to avoid an obstruction of justice charge.
I really loathed Officer Laird, the guy brought in to take charge. Coco writes him as an odious little man who abuses his authority and honestly it was so effective you just want to let the guy have it. Allie's emotions with the entire investigation really leap off the page. Unfortunately, since she cannot officially sleuth in this book you miss a lot of the supporting characters (specifically the seniors) and the relationships there that I always look forward to reading.
Highly recommend if you are already a fan of the series. You could start with this book but you might be a bit lost and you'd lose some of the emotional nuance but it can still be enjoyed.
I very much look forward to more adventures on Mackinac.
My thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC.
Allie McMurphy-Manning is enjoying her first year of wedded bliss and decides to make amends with her husband's ex-wife, who has hated her for many books, by bringing her some fudge now that she owns a business next door. Except Allie gets more than she bargained for when she finds her dead body. Since her spouse, Rex, is too close to the case, they bring in an outsider who has it in for Rex and is determined to throw Allie in jail by proximity just for knowing Rex. Allie wants her husband back so she unofficially investigates trying to avoid an obstruction of justice charge.
I really loathed Officer Laird, the guy brought in to take charge. Coco writes him as an odious little man who abuses his authority and honestly it was so effective you just want to let the guy have it. Allie's emotions with the entire investigation really leap off the page. Unfortunately, since she cannot officially sleuth in this book you miss a lot of the supporting characters (specifically the seniors) and the relationships there that I always look forward to reading.
Highly recommend if you are already a fan of the series. You could start with this book but you might be a bit lost and you'd lose some of the emotional nuance but it can still be enjoyed.
I very much look forward to more adventures on Mackinac.
My thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for this ARC.
November 20, 2025
Rex's ex-wife is still in the picture and Allie has decided to play nice. When she takes Melonie an offering of fudge, she finds her dead in her photo studio. Of course Allie can't let it go no matter how much everyone wants her to so she decides to hunt down the killer.
I'm a big fan of Nancy CoCo's books, I like her writing style and she creates a great setting. But this is not a Nancy CoCo book. Whoever has been writing Joanne Fluke's books for the last few years wrote this book. Same silly conversations, same immature drama, same crudely painted characters, recipes that call for using a box mix, confusing ending where two different motives are presented that don't jive with each other or with anything that happened in the book. It's not good. There's so much more I'd like to say about how the story played out but can't without spoilers. This is a series I've really enjoyed so I'm giving it a lot of grace with a three-star rating but I was very disappointed that this book wasn't written by CoCo. Maybe CoCo will do some editing before it goes to print, I hope so because her name is worthy of more.
Honestly, the rest of this series is great (though book 12 was similar to this one and probably also ghostwritten) and I highly recommend it. If you do read the books, read them in order and maybe skip this one.
Thank you to Nancy CoCo, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of Nancy CoCo's books, I like her writing style and she creates a great setting. But this is not a Nancy CoCo book. Whoever has been writing Joanne Fluke's books for the last few years wrote this book. Same silly conversations, same immature drama, same crudely painted characters, recipes that call for using a box mix, confusing ending where two different motives are presented that don't jive with each other or with anything that happened in the book. It's not good. There's so much more I'd like to say about how the story played out but can't without spoilers. This is a series I've really enjoyed so I'm giving it a lot of grace with a three-star rating but I was very disappointed that this book wasn't written by CoCo. Maybe CoCo will do some editing before it goes to print, I hope so because her name is worthy of more.
Honestly, the rest of this series is great (though book 12 was similar to this one and probably also ghostwritten) and I highly recommend it. If you do read the books, read them in order and maybe skip this one.
Thank you to Nancy CoCo, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nancy Coco continues to bring the reader a wonderful cozy mystery with the 14th novel in the Candy-Coated Mystery series set on lovely Mackinac Island. In the latest installment, we find Allie McMurphy and her husband, Rex Manning have been married for a year. Allie is trying to play nice with Rex's ex-wife, Melonie by taking her a plate of fudge. What she discovers is Melonie on the floor of her Photo studio dead. With Rex being dismissed from the case and Officer Laird out to get anyone especially Allie if they do their own investigating, it is even harder for Allie to do her sleuthing. As the investigating by Allie continues, more dark secrets from Melonie's
past emerge.
I am always thrilled when a new Allie McMurphy mystery is available. It brings us the charming setting of Mackinac Island with a delightful cast of characters as well as the addition of some adorable pets. If you have read the whole series, the characters continue to develop in a natural way without it being forced. If you are starting with this novel, it does stand alone, but your will be reaching for another novel in the series.
If you are a fan of fudge, recipes fall throughout the novel, so enjoy this delicious treat of a read.
Nancy Coco continues to bring the reader a wonderful cozy mystery with the 14th novel in the Candy-Coated Mystery series set on lovely Mackinac Island. In the latest installment, we find Allie McMurphy and her husband, Rex Manning have been married for a year. Allie is trying to play nice with Rex's ex-wife, Melonie by taking her a plate of fudge. What she discovers is Melonie on the floor of her Photo studio dead. With Rex being dismissed from the case and Officer Laird out to get anyone especially Allie if they do their own investigating, it is even harder for Allie to do her sleuthing. As the investigating by Allie continues, more dark secrets from Melonie's
past emerge.
I am always thrilled when a new Allie McMurphy mystery is available. It brings us the charming setting of Mackinac Island with a delightful cast of characters as well as the addition of some adorable pets. If you have read the whole series, the characters continue to develop in a natural way without it being forced. If you are starting with this novel, it does stand alone, but your will be reaching for another novel in the series.
If you are a fan of fudge, recipes fall throughout the novel, so enjoy this delicious treat of a read.
December 22, 2025
Some Like It Fudgy is book 14 of Nancy Coco’s Candy -Coated Mystery series. This cozy was a puzzler with the murder happening early in the book . Sleuth Allie McMurphy has a tough time trying to find the killer in this mystery. Suspects seemed to be plentiful but clues didn’t line up with opportunities or motives. I tried myself to come up with an answer to this puzzler but didn’t even come close to who or why in this murder. Allie has to sleuth this murder undercover this time or face being put in Prison for interfering in a police investigation.
This book has another murder happen later in the book. The author blends in mouth watering recipes throughout the book. Then at the books ending readers get a sneak peak into a new series that will branch off this mystery series. Pets and Pastries will be the new series name. I enjoyed this mystery because it kept my attention to the books ending. It was an easy read, unpredictable and a page tuner.
I recommend this book to readers of mystery and thrillers. Though this book is part of a series it can be read s a stand alone. It’s scheduled for release on 4/28/26.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#SomeLikeItFudgy #NetGally
This book has another murder happen later in the book. The author blends in mouth watering recipes throughout the book. Then at the books ending readers get a sneak peak into a new series that will branch off this mystery series. Pets and Pastries will be the new series name. I enjoyed this mystery because it kept my attention to the books ending. It was an easy read, unpredictable and a page tuner.
I recommend this book to readers of mystery and thrillers. Though this book is part of a series it can be read s a stand alone. It’s scheduled for release on 4/28/26.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#SomeLikeItFudgy #NetGally
October 28, 2025
Rex's ex wife Melonie is working next door to the McMurphy and in an effort to make nice Allie takes over a box of fudge. However when we she walks into the shop she finds Melonie dead on the floor. A very chatty woman shows up immediately after Allie and starts taking pictures for Shane. Who is this woman and why does she know everyone in town? Turns out she's from the area and is staying at the McMurphy for a few days with her large, but well behaved, dog. Allie isn't sure what to make of the woman but soon warms up to her and enlists her help with solving Melonie's murder. Rex is not on the case, as it is his ex wife, and the officer brought in to lead the investigations makes no secret about his dislike of Rex and his willingness to lock up Allie if he catches her or anyone else investigating.
Oh my was this book a rollercoaster for the emotions! There was a lot going on but the book is well written and hard to put down. Once you think you're at a good stopping point something else happens and next thing you know you've finished the book. Another great trip to Mackinac Island, one day I hope to make it there for real.
Thanks NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC
Oh my was this book a rollercoaster for the emotions! There was a lot going on but the book is well written and hard to put down. Once you think you're at a good stopping point something else happens and next thing you know you've finished the book. Another great trip to Mackinac Island, one day I hope to make it there for real.
Thanks NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some Like it Fudgy is my favorite book of Nancy CoCo's Candy-Coated Mystery series so far. This 14th book in the series shifts things around when the body that Allie finds (yes, Allie, not Mal) is Rex's ex-wife. Naturally, Rex can't work the case, and the off-island officer brought in as lead investigator is a real...can I say butthead. Allie and Rex believe it when this jerk says he will arrest Allie, or anyone helping her, if she is caught investigating the crime. Rex drives her up the wall trying to make sure she doesn't get in trouble, but it drives her even more crazy when he is called away for another murder. Our adorable Mal has a new friend who is quite impressive. I can visualize that little ball of fluff next to the Great Dane who is visiting the island. Allie's question is whether his mama is helping them investigate or hiding clues to a murder she committed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read and review Some Like it Fudgy, the newest and cutest Candy-Coated Mystery. It is a complete delight, and a tough mystery.
#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #CandyCoatedMystery #SomeLikeItFudgy #NancyCoCo
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read and review Some Like it Fudgy, the newest and cutest Candy-Coated Mystery. It is a complete delight, and a tough mystery.
#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #CandyCoatedMystery #SomeLikeItFudgy #NancyCoCo
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 out of 5 stars
SOME LIKE IT FUDGY is the fourteenth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. I’ve been a long-time fan of this series, but this one fell short of what I usually expect. At the core, the characters drive the series, with protagonist Allie McMurphy-Manning leading the way. This time around, she’s unreasonably emotional and lets her grievances drag on for too many chapters after the murder of her new husband’s ex. It distracted from the plot, slowing it down, and changed the dynamic of how well the core characters worked together. That said, Allie is, of course, the primary suspect after her husband is removed from the case. The new detective has it in for Allie and has threatened her with jail time if there’s even a hint of her investigating. Allie and her friends get creative in finding ways to suss out the actual killer and clear her name. Once the “underground” investigation starts, the plot speeds up, and the story feels more natural. There are several recipes included to make for a delicious read.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SOME LIKE IT FUDGY is the fourteenth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. I’ve been a long-time fan of this series, but this one fell short of what I usually expect. At the core, the characters drive the series, with protagonist Allie McMurphy-Manning leading the way. This time around, she’s unreasonably emotional and lets her grievances drag on for too many chapters after the murder of her new husband’s ex. It distracted from the plot, slowing it down, and changed the dynamic of how well the core characters worked together. That said, Allie is, of course, the primary suspect after her husband is removed from the case. The new detective has it in for Allie and has threatened her with jail time if there’s even a hint of her investigating. Allie and her friends get creative in finding ways to suss out the actual killer and clear her name. Once the “underground” investigation starts, the plot speeds up, and the story feels more natural. There are several recipes included to make for a delicious read.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
When this author writes a character that makes readers dislike the person so much they just wanna toss that person in the slammer (or worse lol), you know that’s talent. There was definitely a character like that in this book but I won’t elaborate so it doesn’t spoil anything. I’d read the book blurb for this book and knew who the victim was so that in itself created a whole big can of proverbial worms between Allie and Rex.
It was kinda fun to see Allie switch up and sleuth with her girlfriends this time. I love the island seniors, no question about that but for reasons you’ll find out when you read this, she felt she needed a switch-up. There was plenty of comic relief going on in this book, and Allie ran the range of all the emotions she had inside her. Let’s just say I felt sorry for poor Officer Brown, lol.
The showdown and outcome were super satisfying and I really enjoyed the two-chapter preview of a new series being launched by the author. I won’t say more about it so I don’t spoil that either, but I’ll definitely be wanting to read it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
It was kinda fun to see Allie switch up and sleuth with her girlfriends this time. I love the island seniors, no question about that but for reasons you’ll find out when you read this, she felt she needed a switch-up. There was plenty of comic relief going on in this book, and Allie ran the range of all the emotions she had inside her. Let’s just say I felt sorry for poor Officer Brown, lol.
The showdown and outcome were super satisfying and I really enjoyed the two-chapter preview of a new series being launched by the author. I won’t say more about it so I don’t spoil that either, but I’ll definitely be wanting to read it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some Like It Fudgy is the 14 th book in Nancy Coco’s engaging Candy -Coated Mystery series. I am always happy to visit Mackinac Island to catch-up with Allie and her friends. These fun cozies are feel-good reads with good storylines and pets. The mystery in this book seems easy, but it has some doozy elements that made my chin drop. For once I knew the murderer before Allie but that did not lessen my enjoyment of the hunt.
Several new characters make an appearance; one is going to star in a spin-off of the Candy-Coated series. I am excited to read more about her and her intelligent Great Dane. The only con for me is Allie's jealousy that causes her to behave like a spoiled child. I hope to see her behaving better in future books.
I do recommend this book to others who enjoy mysteries and thrills in their cozy reads.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco for an advanced e-copy that I requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #SomeLikeItFudgy # Candy-coatedMystery
Several new characters make an appearance; one is going to star in a spin-off of the Candy-Coated series. I am excited to read more about her and her intelligent Great Dane. The only con for me is Allie's jealousy that causes her to behave like a spoiled child. I hope to see her behaving better in future books.
I do recommend this book to others who enjoy mysteries and thrills in their cozy reads.
Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #NancyCoco for an advanced e-copy that I requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #SomeLikeItFudgy # Candy-coatedMystery
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed Some Like It Fudgy and felt it delivered exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery. The pacing was spot‑on—steady, engaging, and warm in that signature Nancy Coco way. I loved seeing Allie in this new season of her life as a happily married woman; it added a sweetness and maturity to her character arc that felt earned. And her dog Mal was truly the cutest dog.
I did figure out the killer fairly early, but the journey to watching Allie piece it together still felt fun and satisfying. That said, Allie’s stubborn streak was stronger than ever in this installment. Her insistence on contacting a loved one—despite the police’s very reasonable boundaries—pushed her into frustrating territory for me. It made sense for her personality, but it definitely tested my patience.
Even with that annoyance, the story remained enjoyable, comforting, and full of the charm I expect from this series. A fun, cozy read that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Kensington Books for the gifted copy and arc. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I did figure out the killer fairly early, but the journey to watching Allie piece it together still felt fun and satisfying. That said, Allie’s stubborn streak was stronger than ever in this installment. Her insistence on contacting a loved one—despite the police’s very reasonable boundaries—pushed her into frustrating territory for me. It made sense for her personality, but it definitely tested my patience.
Even with that annoyance, the story remained enjoyable, comforting, and full of the charm I expect from this series. A fun, cozy read that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Kensington Books for the gifted copy and arc. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
April 15, 2026
Allie tries to offer a symbolic olive branch to her husband’s ex wife via a box of her famous fudge. But rather than having a chance to build some sort of relationship, she finds the woman dead in her photography studio. WHO would want this woman dead, well, who would want this the most, because it’s certainly wasn’t Allie.
With a long list of people that didn’t like Melonie, Allie has her work cut out for her. Especially with Rex off island so that he cannot be part of the investigation, this leaves Allie with no choice but to try and figure it out herself. But with the local police keeping guard over her, how is she ever going to be able to chase clues without an entourage? Even with said entourage, the killer may just feel she’s gotten too close for comfort and commit yet another murder on Mackinac Island.
This is one of my must read cozy series. I cannot miss a single entry and have never been disappointed once. Each entry delivers a solid whodunit along with fudge recipes to have you drooling along while trying to solve the mystery. DELICIOUS!
With a long list of people that didn’t like Melonie, Allie has her work cut out for her. Especially with Rex off island so that he cannot be part of the investigation, this leaves Allie with no choice but to try and figure it out herself. But with the local police keeping guard over her, how is she ever going to be able to chase clues without an entourage? Even with said entourage, the killer may just feel she’s gotten too close for comfort and commit yet another murder on Mackinac Island.
This is one of my must read cozy series. I cannot miss a single entry and have never been disappointed once. Each entry delivers a solid whodunit along with fudge recipes to have you drooling along while trying to solve the mystery. DELICIOUS!
April 30, 2026
I enjoyed my latest visit to Mackinac Island in Some Like it Fudgy by Nancy Coco. I like Nancy Coco’s friendly writing style which makes the story easy to read. The principal characters are approachable and engaging. I have enjoyed watching Allie McMurphy grow over the years. Allie and Rex, newly married, encounter several difficulties throughout the story which is to be expected. The mystery begins when Allie discovers Rex’s unpleasant ex-wife, Melonie, dead. Allie had her work cut out for with this whodunit thanks to a disagreeable lead investigator. The mystery is different from others in the series, and it did not really fit in. Rowan Giles returns to Mackinac Island with her well trained Great Dane, Finn. Rowan’s nervous chatter would drive me up a wall. At the end of the story, it is explained that Rowan will be getting her own series. Some Like it Fudgy is a cute culinary cozy with a murdered Melonie, a sidelined husband, a difficult investigator, a Chatty Cathy, a dutiful Dane, an uncommon mystery, and heavenly fudge.
May 4, 2026
“Some Like it Fudgy” is the well done fourteenth book in Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated Cozy Mystery series. I love the Mackinac Island setting as well as the fudge shop setting – the book contains recipes and I had continuous cravings for fudge while reading this! (I do have some issue with Allie McMurphy as the main character – she tends not to listen to people, gets angry quickly, and can be borderline mean to Rex at times). In this book, Allie takes a break from running the fudge shop to bring fudge to her new husband’s ex-wife Melonie only to stumble across a dead body. This makes for a good mystery with plenty of suspects including Allie and her husband Rex. The mystery is well plotted and I had fun trying to figure out who the killer was. This book introduces readers to Rowan Giles who will be getting her own spinoff series – I really liked her as a character and look forward to this new series!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
November 5, 2025
This is the latest book in Nancy Coco’s long running Candy-coated mystery series. I don’t think this book was as good as the other books in the series, but it is a fun, fast read and I do enjoy reading about Mackinac Island. There was a new character in the book that felt awkwardly placed in the book, but there is an explanation for her at the end of the book that helped the situation make sense. There were also a couple of times that I thought Allie’s actions were really questionable, but I think that with this series you just have to go with it and enjoy it as the fun, not entirely realistic mystery that it is. As always, the pets in this book are the best and I loved reading about the quaint, little town on the island.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“ Some Like it Fudgy” book 15 in the Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco. I really love this series and visiting Mackinac Island! I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in a couple days. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I liked the new character of Rowan Giles and look forward to reading more about her and her Great Dane Finn.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I did figure out who the villain was shortly before Allie did.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends and can’t wait for the next instalment to come out!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I did figure out who the villain was shortly before Allie did.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends and can’t wait for the next instalment to come out!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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