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Candy-Coated Mystery #11
Give Fudge a Chance
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 . . .
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 . . .
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2023
80 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 13, 2023
One of my favorite long-running cozy mystery series with a bakery theme. I enjoy watching protagonist Allie McMurphy grow between stories and like her blooming relationship with Detective Rex Manning. The lovely setting of Mackinac Island hosts this series in which Allie runs a historic hotel and specializes in creating yummy fudge.
This eleventh installment reveals smuggler tunnels, a creepy murder, and a mind-boggling second murder! Author Coco is adept at staging a plot that keeps readers eyes glued to the pages. An awesome cast of characters who feel like family, sweet pets, non-stop action, and delicious recipes throughout make this story a winner! I highly recommend.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
This eleventh installment reveals smuggler tunnels, a creepy murder, and a mind-boggling second murder! Author Coco is adept at staging a plot that keeps readers eyes glued to the pages. An awesome cast of characters who feel like family, sweet pets, non-stop action, and delicious recipes throughout make this story a winner! I highly recommend.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2023
“Give Fudge a Chance“ the 11 instalment in the Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco. I really love this series and visiting Mackinac Island!
It’s summertime along Michigan’s beautiful Lake Huron, and sleuth extraordinaire Allie McMurphy is determined to win this year’s fudge competition at the annual Mackinac County Fair. But will a funhouse murder sour her plans?
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in a day. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I especially love little Mal which reminds me of my little Lindi. I loved how Mal and Melba played a big part in this story. I think this might be my favourite book in the series but I say that every time.
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 “Three Fudges and a Baby” 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.
It’s summertime along Michigan’s beautiful Lake Huron, and sleuth extraordinaire Allie McMurphy is determined to win this year’s fudge competition at the annual Mackinac County Fair. But will a funhouse murder sour her plans?
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in a day. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I especially love little Mal which reminds me of my little Lindi. I loved how Mal and Melba played a big part in this story. I think this might be my favourite book in the series but I say that every time.
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 “Three Fudges and a Baby” 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.
January 16, 2023
Allie McMurphy shines again in this latest book by Nancy Coco.
There's something about this series that always makes me smile, and Give Fudge a Chance did exactly that.
Its always a treat catching up with these characters, and Allie's fudge recipes sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#GiveFudgeaChance #NetGalley
There's something about this series that always makes me smile, and Give Fudge a Chance did exactly that.
Its always a treat catching up with these characters, and Allie's fudge recipes sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#GiveFudgeaChance #NetGalley
June 4, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
The county fair comes to Mackinac Island and everyone is ready for fun and the crowds but not a dead body. That is just what Allie and Jenn find when they take a break to walk through the carnival's haunted house. Among the scary scenes, one body is clearly not a fake or trick. One of the owners of the haunted house is dead and the killer could be anyone. Allie's boyfriend Detective Rex Manning and Jenn's Crime Investigator husband Shane soon arrive to begin their investigation and warn their fabulous ladies to stay out of their case.
As if the small police force doesn't have enough to do with the fair and a murder, tragedy strikes again when the McMurphy Hotel is the scene of what appears to be a fatal accident. Allie is convinced the two deaths are connected. Things are really fudged up on the island and I don't mean the entrants at the fair. Allie tries to stay out of the investigations but the Book Club Gals have other plans.
______
I was so happy to return to Mackinac Island to catch up with Allie McMurphy and all her friends. All the characters Ms. Coco has created feel true-to-life and genuine. With each installment, they all get stronger and more fleshed out. Allie really tries to keep her nose out of the investigation but when the McMurphy becomes a part of a crime I easily understood her actions. Plus it wouldn't be much of a story without her involved. I do like the direction of her relationship with Rex and was not happy about someone trying to butt in. I am also excited about the developments in Jenn and Shane's lives too. Allie's Mal and Melba play a larger role in this story and I loved that!
The author plotted out a very complicated mystery with some epic twists and missing persons. I really enjoyed all the moving parts and how a huge clue was revealed. One character really surprised me. She has been evolving over the last couple of books but in this story, she is pretty darn fierce. This adds a great new element to the story and leads to an exciting showdown.
The Parkour discipline has come to the island. I was familiar with the practice of getting from one point to another in the fastest way possible seeing it on television and YouTube. It really is crazy and can be quite dangerous. It was interesting to see it employed in this story but it definitely wouldn't be my thing even if my body was whole enough for me to try it.
Mackinac Island and all its events and activities never disappoint. Ms. Coco's words bring everything about it alive and easy to envision. It is a place I want to visit so badly. Each book in this series is a nice virtual vacation but nothing like actually visiting the wonderful place in person.
You have to Give Fudge A Chance, a chance. It is a marvelous cozy mystery filled with engaging and entertaining characters along with a whole lot of fudge. Yes, recipes are included.
The county fair comes to Mackinac Island and everyone is ready for fun and the crowds but not a dead body. That is just what Allie and Jenn find when they take a break to walk through the carnival's haunted house. Among the scary scenes, one body is clearly not a fake or trick. One of the owners of the haunted house is dead and the killer could be anyone. Allie's boyfriend Detective Rex Manning and Jenn's Crime Investigator husband Shane soon arrive to begin their investigation and warn their fabulous ladies to stay out of their case.
As if the small police force doesn't have enough to do with the fair and a murder, tragedy strikes again when the McMurphy Hotel is the scene of what appears to be a fatal accident. Allie is convinced the two deaths are connected. Things are really fudged up on the island and I don't mean the entrants at the fair. Allie tries to stay out of the investigations but the Book Club Gals have other plans.
______
I was so happy to return to Mackinac Island to catch up with Allie McMurphy and all her friends. All the characters Ms. Coco has created feel true-to-life and genuine. With each installment, they all get stronger and more fleshed out. Allie really tries to keep her nose out of the investigation but when the McMurphy becomes a part of a crime I easily understood her actions. Plus it wouldn't be much of a story without her involved. I do like the direction of her relationship with Rex and was not happy about someone trying to butt in. I am also excited about the developments in Jenn and Shane's lives too. Allie's Mal and Melba play a larger role in this story and I loved that!
The author plotted out a very complicated mystery with some epic twists and missing persons. I really enjoyed all the moving parts and how a huge clue was revealed. One character really surprised me. She has been evolving over the last couple of books but in this story, she is pretty darn fierce. This adds a great new element to the story and leads to an exciting showdown.
The Parkour discipline has come to the island. I was familiar with the practice of getting from one point to another in the fastest way possible seeing it on television and YouTube. It really is crazy and can be quite dangerous. It was interesting to see it employed in this story but it definitely wouldn't be my thing even if my body was whole enough for me to try it.
Mackinac Island and all its events and activities never disappoint. Ms. Coco's words bring everything about it alive and easy to envision. It is a place I want to visit so badly. Each book in this series is a nice virtual vacation but nothing like actually visiting the wonderful place in person.
You have to Give Fudge A Chance, a chance. It is a marvelous cozy mystery filled with engaging and entertaining characters along with a whole lot of fudge. Yes, recipes are included.
April 26, 2023
It turns out that Allie's tour through a haunted house was more than just a scary adventure, as she is now involved in another murder. Added to the turmoil, Allie is also constantly being followed by a zealous video blogger and his cameraman that want to capture her every movement.
There is never a dull moment on scenic Mackinac Island. There's a county fair, parkour athletes, smuggler tunnels and a murder or maybe more to keep the reader engaged. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
There is never a dull moment on scenic Mackinac Island. There's a county fair, parkour athletes, smuggler tunnels and a murder or maybe more to keep the reader engaged. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 7, 2023
What an awesome read! A fast paced cozy mystery. Always enjoy Allie’s adventures. Looking forward to her next adventure.
April 9, 2023
GIVE FUDGE A CHANCE is the eleventh book in the Candy-Coated Mystery Series by Nancy Coco. From the absolutely adorable and fun-filled colorful cover to the action that starts right off the bat to the delicious sweets, this newest release pulled me in and kept me engaged throughout the entire story. It’s always a treat (in more ways than one… oh that yummy fudge!) to revisit Mackinac Island and catch up with protagonist, Allie McMurphy. If she’s not at her fudge shop, you can probably find her traversing the island with her darling dog, Mal, who has a penchant for finding bodies. Except this time around, it’s Allie who stumbles across the body of a murder victim, in the county fair’s haunted house no less. Ms. Coco brings the sights, sounds, and mouthwatering tastes of the fair to life with her strong descriptive skills. And I enjoyed reading about Allie’s foray into the fudge competition. Lest you think it’s a mindless distraction, the author cleverly weaves it into the mystery that the armchair detective should pay attention to.
As the story progresses, another body appears. This one seems to be the victim of an unfortunate accident caused by the person parkour training. I wasn’t familiar with the term, but the author did an admirable job in bringing the sport to life on the page. As Allie is pulled into discovering what happened, she finds that the two deaths might be connected. With twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and secret tunnels to navigate, the fast-paced plot kept me turning page after page to find out what happened next.
As owner of a fudge shop, Allie creates all sorts of mouthwatering delicious fudge flavors to keep her customers happy. There are several fudge recipes included in the book and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the story progresses, another body appears. This one seems to be the victim of an unfortunate accident caused by the person parkour training. I wasn’t familiar with the term, but the author did an admirable job in bringing the sport to life on the page. As Allie is pulled into discovering what happened, she finds that the two deaths might be connected. With twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and secret tunnels to navigate, the fast-paced plot kept me turning page after page to find out what happened next.
As owner of a fudge shop, Allie creates all sorts of mouthwatering delicious fudge flavors to keep her customers happy. There are several fudge recipes included in the book and they all sound fantastic!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2023
One of my most favorite series of all time. And I loved this new addition to the series. Cannot wait for the next one to come out!
July 5, 2023
I enjoy this series so much..... The mystery is good, the characters fun and the recipes YUMMY... Maybe one day I'll even try one.
Allie and the book club are at it again..... Jenna is pregnant and not as involved as she usually would be. It's summertime, and Allie and Jenna enter a haunted house in the county fair being held on the island when they stumble upon a dead body. Shortly after, another body is flung from the roof of the hotel. Add insult to injury, Allie wins best in class for her fudge and faces cheating allegations from the 20-year reigning champion. The book club, spear headed by Carol is on the case and this time around, Carol also finds herself kidnapped. On top of everything else, Allie is constantly followed by a podcaster, who gets caught up in the murder investigation.
I gotta tell you, this was a fun read for me.
Allie and the book club are at it again..... Jenna is pregnant and not as involved as she usually would be. It's summertime, and Allie and Jenna enter a haunted house in the county fair being held on the island when they stumble upon a dead body. Shortly after, another body is flung from the roof of the hotel. Add insult to injury, Allie wins best in class for her fudge and faces cheating allegations from the 20-year reigning champion. The book club, spear headed by Carol is on the case and this time around, Carol also finds herself kidnapped. On top of everything else, Allie is constantly followed by a podcaster, who gets caught up in the murder investigation.
I gotta tell you, this was a fun read for me.
January 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters especially Carol. This has a solid plot and moves fast. The recipes are mouthwatering. I loved that all the loose ends and questions are answered at the end. #GiveFudgeaChance #NetGalley
February 4, 2023
Give Fudge a Chance is the eleventh installment in the Candy-Coated Mystery series set on Mackinac Island and featuring Allie McMurphy, owner and fudge maker at her family's hotel, the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. August on Mackinac means the island is swarming with tourists and this year the Mackinac County Fair is being held on the island instead of the Upper Peninsula due to renovations at the fairgrounds. Allie is looking forward to the fair and entering her fudge, hoping that more people will learn about her Fudge Shop.
Allie visits the fairground with best friend Jenn Carpenter, where the duo decides to visit the haunted murder mansion. Unfortunately, the corpse at the exit isn't a mannequin, but a dead human, Mike Sanders. Shortly after the discovery of Mike, Allie wins the fudge competition and goes on to beat out Christine Keller, who'd won Best in Show for the past 20 years with her caramels. Christine is livid especially when she also loses Best in Show for quilting to resident Carol and vows to destroy both women and prove they cheated.
Hazel Green has been spotted all over the island practicing Parkour, the art of jumping along the rooftops and any other high location. When Hazel takes a fatal tumble off the roof of the McMurphy, Allie sets out with the help of her friends and furry companions to find out if there is a killer loose on the island.
A fun afternoon read with the return of series regulars and Allie's furry companions, Mal and Mella.
Although we discover a whole network of underground tunnels on the island and things are heating up between Allie and Police Officer Rex Manning; oh, and the fudge recipes will still make your mouth water, the mystery fell sort of flat for me in this latest installment. But, I will most definitely be returning to Mackinac for the next adventures of Allie.
I received an advanced copy of Give Fudge a Chance from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Allie visits the fairground with best friend Jenn Carpenter, where the duo decides to visit the haunted murder mansion. Unfortunately, the corpse at the exit isn't a mannequin, but a dead human, Mike Sanders. Shortly after the discovery of Mike, Allie wins the fudge competition and goes on to beat out Christine Keller, who'd won Best in Show for the past 20 years with her caramels. Christine is livid especially when she also loses Best in Show for quilting to resident Carol and vows to destroy both women and prove they cheated.
Hazel Green has been spotted all over the island practicing Parkour, the art of jumping along the rooftops and any other high location. When Hazel takes a fatal tumble off the roof of the McMurphy, Allie sets out with the help of her friends and furry companions to find out if there is a killer loose on the island.
A fun afternoon read with the return of series regulars and Allie's furry companions, Mal and Mella.
Although we discover a whole network of underground tunnels on the island and things are heating up between Allie and Police Officer Rex Manning; oh, and the fudge recipes will still make your mouth water, the mystery fell sort of flat for me in this latest installment. But, I will most definitely be returning to Mackinac for the next adventures of Allie.
I received an advanced copy of Give Fudge a Chance from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
January 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
- culinary cozy mystery
- town fair setting
- Mackinac
- CANDY 💕💕
I am an absolute sucker for a culinary cozy mystery, and one set in a small town fair??? Swoooooon 😍
I have read a few books in this series before, and I really enjoy this author and series. I really like to use cozy mysteries as a “palate cleanser” between my depressing and often gory usual mystery/thriller genre. The murders that I love to hear about, but everything is happy and peppy; I love that 🤪
I have read many cozy mysteries and the ones that stick out to me are the ones just like this story, that have the recipes that coincide with the book in between chapters. It just gives it an extra flair and makes me assume the writer spent a fair bit of time and work on those extras!
This book got right to the point (murder) within the first few pages, and then worked the story from there, which I really like. Sometimes when the story has to build up for a bit to the murder I find myself getting bored and not even caring about what happens. Having the death take place immediately in the opening of the book ensures that I am hooked and invested in the story right away.
The best part of the story were all the small town quirky characters; I honestly wished I lived a life exactly like Allie’s in this book!
The story was excellent and engaging, and I did not see the ending coming!! Which I always appreciate 🤪 I can’t wait to read more books in this series by Nancy CoCo 💕💕
Read if you like:
- culinary cozy mystery
- town fair setting
- Mackinac
- CANDY 💕💕
I am an absolute sucker for a culinary cozy mystery, and one set in a small town fair??? Swoooooon 😍
I have read a few books in this series before, and I really enjoy this author and series. I really like to use cozy mysteries as a “palate cleanser” between my depressing and often gory usual mystery/thriller genre. The murders that I love to hear about, but everything is happy and peppy; I love that 🤪
I have read many cozy mysteries and the ones that stick out to me are the ones just like this story, that have the recipes that coincide with the book in between chapters. It just gives it an extra flair and makes me assume the writer spent a fair bit of time and work on those extras!
This book got right to the point (murder) within the first few pages, and then worked the story from there, which I really like. Sometimes when the story has to build up for a bit to the murder I find myself getting bored and not even caring about what happens. Having the death take place immediately in the opening of the book ensures that I am hooked and invested in the story right away.
The best part of the story were all the small town quirky characters; I honestly wished I lived a life exactly like Allie’s in this book!
The story was excellent and engaging, and I did not see the ending coming!! Which I always appreciate 🤪 I can’t wait to read more books in this series by Nancy CoCo 💕💕
February 1, 2023
I am a huge fan of this series because it checks all the boxes for me: great setting, writing that flows, MC that actually goes to work. This mystery was well written and added a few elements that have been briefly touched on in other books (the tunnels) but I'd be lying if I said that I enjoy Allie's complete disregard for safety and Rex's pleas to be smarter about her investigating; it's getting a little annoying. Otherwise, I love how the series continues to progress for the characters personally and look forward to the next book.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
PARKOUR!
Oh yeah, that was the SECOND murder.
The characters nice (except for the whiney one) but realistic, the twists are really different, the location is almost a character by itself, and the red herrings really add a lot.
I originally came for the location and the recipes, but now I'm hooked on the cozies and recipes.
The book is punctuated with delicious chocolate fudge recipes every few chapters. Good read!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Oh yeah, that was the SECOND murder.
The characters nice (except for the whiney one) but realistic, the twists are really different, the location is almost a character by itself, and the red herrings really add a lot.
I originally came for the location and the recipes, but now I'm hooked on the cozies and recipes.
The book is punctuated with delicious chocolate fudge recipes every few chapters. Good read!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 23, 2023
Give Fudge a Chance, book 11 in the Candy-Coated Mystery series, has everything that a reader loves when reading a cozy mystery….small town, suspense, intrigue, love and romance. Although this is book eleven in the series it can be read as a standalone. Getting reacquainted with the characters introduced in previous books by Ms. Coco was delightful and meeting new ones felt like adding family members and friends to my life. Hotel owner Allie McMurphy and Officer Rex Manning have a sweet relationship and I’m so anxiously waiting for their wedding in an upcoming book. 😁
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 23, 2023
I can scarcely believe this is the 11th book in the entertaining Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco. In Give Fudge A Chance, the fun continues as the fair has come to Mackinac Island. The reigning queen of fudge is unseated by our main character--and does not take it kindly. Allie McMurphy is embroiled in another murder--quite by accident. She and Rex have a bumpy bit of relationship progress.
I enjoyed the addition of parkour, secret tunnels, and several yummy fudge recipes. It is always a pleasure to come to Mackinac and reconnect with these charming characters.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Kensington Cozies, and #Nancy Coco for a digital ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own. I would recommend this to others who enjoy cozies, humor, fast moving plots, and charming characters.
I enjoyed the addition of parkour, secret tunnels, and several yummy fudge recipes. It is always a pleasure to come to Mackinac and reconnect with these charming characters.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Kensington Cozies, and #Nancy Coco for a digital ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own. I would recommend this to others who enjoy cozies, humor, fast moving plots, and charming characters.
April 25, 2023
A body found in the haunted house at the county fair and the informal parkour training going on in town provide two new mysterious deaths for Allie to unravel without being a victim herself.
I enjoyed the mystery and as always, found myself craving fudge! All of the fun elements were there - Allie's crew and Mal helped and it was good to see the hotel/fudge shop growing. I had no idea "whodunit" and would recommend snuggling up and reading the latest adventure on Mackinac Island!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed the mystery and as always, found myself craving fudge! All of the fun elements were there - Allie's crew and Mal helped and it was good to see the hotel/fudge shop growing. I had no idea "whodunit" and would recommend snuggling up and reading the latest adventure on Mackinac Island!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 14, 2023
Cute but zany
I read this book so fast because I love Allie and the crew. The story was interesting, but the pacing was all over the place. A million items would be covered in two chapters and then it would take several before more would be revealed. Also, I don't love how Red and Allie came across romantically. I debated between three and four stars, but you can't give half stars, so I rounded up to four.
I read this book so fast because I love Allie and the crew. The story was interesting, but the pacing was all over the place. A million items would be covered in two chapters and then it would take several before more would be revealed. Also, I don't love how Red and Allie came across romantically. I debated between three and four stars, but you can't give half stars, so I rounded up to four.
May 2, 2024
In this excellent entry in the Candy-Coated mystery series, Allie finds a dead body in a fun house at a fair, and soon after that, the roof of her hotel is used for a nefarious purpose when a person is thrown off to her death. There is a lot going on that brings danger to Allie and her friend Jen, and it is up to Allie and her policeman boyfriend to solve the mystery.
April 17, 2025
Can you guess the surprise?
Allie and Carol dethroned the 20 year reigning champ of candy and quitting at the Mackinac Fair, and Christine is not a person who takes losing well. Soon the island is divided into two camps. #team Christine and Allie just ignoring it. Mainly because Allie and Jenn go to the fair's haunted house and of course they stumble over a dead body. As the bodies start to increase, podcasters interfere and kidnapping is happening again. There are also a few surprises.
This book was so fun I read it in one day.
Allie and Carol dethroned the 20 year reigning champ of candy and quitting at the Mackinac Fair, and Christine is not a person who takes losing well. Soon the island is divided into two camps. #team Christine and Allie just ignoring it. Mainly because Allie and Jenn go to the fair's haunted house and of course they stumble over a dead body. As the bodies start to increase, podcasters interfere and kidnapping is happening again. There are also a few surprises.
This book was so fun I read it in one day.
September 10, 2023
This is the eleventh book in the Candy-coated series. Allie McMurphy runs a hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island. The story starts with the county fair taking place on the island. Allie and Jenn find a body when going through the haunted house. But the crime doesn't stop there. A woman falls of the roof of the McMurphy to her death. I love the characters in this series. I am enjoying seeing the relationships between the characters grow from book to book. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 2, 2024
DNF. Main character got on my nerves.
June 18, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up
Summer has been busy on Mackinac Island! There's a County Fair in town and Allie and Jen can't wait to check it out, especially the haunted house. When they enter, a man stuck in a jail cell yells something about a murderer on the loose which Allie and Jen assume is part of the act even though the house is populated by mannequins. In another room, they come across the bloodied body of a man. When he fails to reach out and grab them or otherwise react, Allie confirms the man is a real corpse! Oh no not again! This case has nothing to do with Allie. She's going to focus on her fudge which is entered in the candy contest where she's up against Christine, a 20-year winner for her caramels. The competition turns ugly when Allie's fudge is favored by the judges and Christine wages war on Allie. As if Allie doesn't have enough going on in her life, she and Rex happen to be around when a body falls off the roof of the McMurphy! Hazel had been practicing parkour, jumping across rooftops. She seemed really good at it but what if the railings were faulty and Hazel fell? Allie worries the hotel will be at fault. Guests are quick to check out and cancel reservations and Allie is worried her business will be impacted. Even though she promised Rex, she decides she needs to get involved in this investigation. With the help of Carol Tunisian and the book club senior sleuths, plus the pets, she's going to get to the bottom of this. Jen, however, feels left out of the investigation. She's excited to become a mother but that doesn't mean she can't help with the investigation! Will the team figure this one out before someone else gets killed?
This is another really great mystery. I sort of guessed who but didn't put all the pieces together until the clue was revealed. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming though. The cozy was not as well done. I was a bit worried there would be a new love triangle but fortunately Allie is mature enough to express her feelings and explain what she wants. I didn't enjoy the Christine vs. Allie feud but the fudge recipes sound excellent, especially the dark chocolate mint. However, I'm confused because first she says the dark chocolate mint has a coffee base (maybe coffee notes in the dark chocolate?) and then someone asks if it has coffee in it and she says yes but the recipe does not list coffee as an ingredient! She uses Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips (70%). It sounds incredible WITHOUT the coffee! She makes another one that is coffee and a champagne. SO many good recipes!
The book needs a bit more editing to be truly excellent. Allie asks Rex a question about the investigation. He provides an answer. The next page after that she asks the same question and he gives a different answer. I can see Allie repeating the question because she had experienced a stressful situation but Rex's answer should have been the same.
Allie is still not my favorite heroine. She's kind of dumb. I felt nervous every time she went off on her own, insisting she'd be OK. If your hunky police detective boyfriend offers to walk you home say yes! If he offers an escort home from another officer, you should also say yes. Allie is sometimes too stubborn and independent for her own good. She's a good mom to her furbabies but they sure run the show. Mal has everyone wrapped around her little paw! She gets treats and love from everyone she meets AND she gets Allie to take her for a walk in the middle of the night. At first I was disappointed when Mal didn't discover the bodies but she gets her moment to shine. Mella does as well. Both of them act implausibly, especially a lap dog like Mella, but it's part of the charm of the series. Mal is so adorable, I just want to squeeze her!
Allie is maturing and learning to back off. She promised Rex she wouldn't investigate unless the murder involved her or her loved ones. The hotel counts as a loved one I guess. Their relationship is growing and Rex has definite ideas about where they're headed and what he wants. However, he goes about expressing himself all wrong. There's some growing pains going on with them and he's jealous of Harry Winston who is more wealthy and handsome. Harry is after Allie. I loathe Harry. He's slimy. He comes on way too strong and won't take no for an answer. Typical spoiled rich guy. I think he might also be a murderer or an accomplice. I think he's the only one who knows where Allie went at the end when she's confronted by the murderer. I'm not crazy about Rex either but he's growing and learning from experience and willing to change. I don't see Harry doing that.
Jen is excited to become a mother. She's going to be an awesome mom. She already understands her child must be gender neutral until they are old enough to articulate their gender preference. They have a conversation about pronouns and though Allie doesn't have many friends her own age, she's been listening to Jen who has been reading up on the subject in preparation for motherhood. Good for Jen and Shane! Jen does have some anxiety about her new house and whether it will be done in time for the baby and something else comes up that worries her. She's eager to be involved in the investigation but Allie worries Jen will be in danger and lose the baby. Can she find a way to please Jen AND the baby?
Allie's summer employee, Madison, is capable, confident and mature. She does a great job managing the shop and helping make fudge. She can do it on her own and may one day be competition for Allie! At first I didn't like Carol. She was far too eager to investigate the first murder when there were no clues, no reason to investigate. Her excitement over murder was weird. Then a second murder happens and she's extra excited. The book club ladies could hinder Rex's investigation! The whole island knows what they're up to and wants to help. Who's to say the murderer isn't among them? By the end of the book, I loved Carol. She's spunky, sassy and smart. It's a good thing she's #TeamAllie and has a good head. I don't know what Allie would have done without her.
Christine Keller is a home cook who has made caramels for the County Fair candy contest. For the last 20 years her caramels have won, beating professionals and other amateurs alike. Christine is one angry, bitter woman. Why does she assume Allie cheated? The judges were imported, they're professional chefs and don't know Christine is "supposed" to win. How can Allie have cheated? She couldn't have! Christine is jealous. What happened in her life to make her so suspicious? To make her hold on to grudges and anger forever? This woman needs to relax and let go. She's scary and vows revenge. She divides the only recently united island over her petty feud with Allie. Thankfully Allie is smart enough not to engage.
The first murder victim, Mike, seems like he was a good guy. Everyone liked him and enjoyed his carnival business offerings. Mike's business partner and BFF Paul, is gutted at the loss of his friend. He doesn't know what to do next. Mike was the business guy and Paul more of an idea guy I think. The second victim, Hazel, was kind of annoying. She was an adrenaline junkie and seemed to like scaring people as she jumped from roof to roof to the ground. She scared me! I think she was also nosy and liked spying on people. Could she have seen or heard something about the murder that got her killed? There's no way she fell through brand new railings on a new rooftop deck. The how is most perplexing though and not even Rex has a clue. That leads me back to Harry, who does think he has a clue or two! Makes him seem suspicious.
Other new characters are Evan Tailor, a popular "gotcha" style video podcaster who follows people for a day in the life segment. He arrives unexpectedly with his cameraman Dwayne Finch. Evan is said to be an influencer and pretty much everyone knows who he is and is eager for Allie to agree to be on the podcast. Like Allie, I don't follow social media and loathe "influencers." It's stupid to do something just because some random person on social media says so! Evan is way too eager to follow Allie, especially once he learns about the murder investigations. He's psyched to have such rich material but Allie doesn't enjoy the experience. I'm wondering whether, somehow, these dudes may have been involved in the murder just to get Allie on the podcast? They're too eager to be involved in the investigation and barely take no for an answer. That makes me suspicious but the pets like them so I guess not.
There really aren't any good suspects for BOTH murders! Could there be two killers on the loose? There has to be a link between Mike and Hazel but what was it? Business or personal? I'm leaning towards business!
I look forward to the next installment of this series. Jen is ready to pop any minute and it sounds like Allie will have to play midwife!
Summer has been busy on Mackinac Island! There's a County Fair in town and Allie and Jen can't wait to check it out, especially the haunted house. When they enter, a man stuck in a jail cell yells something about a murderer on the loose which Allie and Jen assume is part of the act even though the house is populated by mannequins. In another room, they come across the bloodied body of a man. When he fails to reach out and grab them or otherwise react, Allie confirms the man is a real corpse! Oh no not again! This case has nothing to do with Allie. She's going to focus on her fudge which is entered in the candy contest where she's up against Christine, a 20-year winner for her caramels. The competition turns ugly when Allie's fudge is favored by the judges and Christine wages war on Allie. As if Allie doesn't have enough going on in her life, she and Rex happen to be around when a body falls off the roof of the McMurphy! Hazel had been practicing parkour, jumping across rooftops. She seemed really good at it but what if the railings were faulty and Hazel fell? Allie worries the hotel will be at fault. Guests are quick to check out and cancel reservations and Allie is worried her business will be impacted. Even though she promised Rex, she decides she needs to get involved in this investigation. With the help of Carol Tunisian and the book club senior sleuths, plus the pets, she's going to get to the bottom of this. Jen, however, feels left out of the investigation. She's excited to become a mother but that doesn't mean she can't help with the investigation! Will the team figure this one out before someone else gets killed?
This is another really great mystery. I sort of guessed who but didn't put all the pieces together until the clue was revealed. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming though. The cozy was not as well done. I was a bit worried there would be a new love triangle but fortunately Allie is mature enough to express her feelings and explain what she wants. I didn't enjoy the Christine vs. Allie feud but the fudge recipes sound excellent, especially the dark chocolate mint. However, I'm confused because first she says the dark chocolate mint has a coffee base (maybe coffee notes in the dark chocolate?) and then someone asks if it has coffee in it and she says yes but the recipe does not list coffee as an ingredient! She uses Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips (70%). It sounds incredible WITHOUT the coffee! She makes another one that is coffee and a champagne. SO many good recipes!
The book needs a bit more editing to be truly excellent. Allie asks Rex a question about the investigation. He provides an answer. The next page after that she asks the same question and he gives a different answer. I can see Allie repeating the question because she had experienced a stressful situation but Rex's answer should have been the same.
Allie is still not my favorite heroine. She's kind of dumb. I felt nervous every time she went off on her own, insisting she'd be OK. If your hunky police detective boyfriend offers to walk you home say yes! If he offers an escort home from another officer, you should also say yes. Allie is sometimes too stubborn and independent for her own good. She's a good mom to her furbabies but they sure run the show. Mal has everyone wrapped around her little paw! She gets treats and love from everyone she meets AND she gets Allie to take her for a walk in the middle of the night. At first I was disappointed when Mal didn't discover the bodies but she gets her moment to shine. Mella does as well. Both of them act implausibly, especially a lap dog like Mella, but it's part of the charm of the series. Mal is so adorable, I just want to squeeze her!
Allie is maturing and learning to back off. She promised Rex she wouldn't investigate unless the murder involved her or her loved ones. The hotel counts as a loved one I guess. Their relationship is growing and Rex has definite ideas about where they're headed and what he wants. However, he goes about expressing himself all wrong. There's some growing pains going on with them and he's jealous of Harry Winston who is more wealthy and handsome. Harry is after Allie. I loathe Harry. He's slimy. He comes on way too strong and won't take no for an answer. Typical spoiled rich guy. I think he might also be a murderer or an accomplice. I think he's the only one who knows where Allie went at the end when she's confronted by the murderer. I'm not crazy about Rex either but he's growing and learning from experience and willing to change. I don't see Harry doing that.
Jen is excited to become a mother. She's going to be an awesome mom. She already understands her child must be gender neutral until they are old enough to articulate their gender preference. They have a conversation about pronouns and though Allie doesn't have many friends her own age, she's been listening to Jen who has been reading up on the subject in preparation for motherhood. Good for Jen and Shane! Jen does have some anxiety about her new house and whether it will be done in time for the baby and something else comes up that worries her. She's eager to be involved in the investigation but Allie worries Jen will be in danger and lose the baby. Can she find a way to please Jen AND the baby?
Allie's summer employee, Madison, is capable, confident and mature. She does a great job managing the shop and helping make fudge. She can do it on her own and may one day be competition for Allie! At first I didn't like Carol. She was far too eager to investigate the first murder when there were no clues, no reason to investigate. Her excitement over murder was weird. Then a second murder happens and she's extra excited. The book club ladies could hinder Rex's investigation! The whole island knows what they're up to and wants to help. Who's to say the murderer isn't among them? By the end of the book, I loved Carol. She's spunky, sassy and smart. It's a good thing she's #TeamAllie and has a good head. I don't know what Allie would have done without her.
Christine Keller is a home cook who has made caramels for the County Fair candy contest. For the last 20 years her caramels have won, beating professionals and other amateurs alike. Christine is one angry, bitter woman. Why does she assume Allie cheated? The judges were imported, they're professional chefs and don't know Christine is "supposed" to win. How can Allie have cheated? She couldn't have! Christine is jealous. What happened in her life to make her so suspicious? To make her hold on to grudges and anger forever? This woman needs to relax and let go. She's scary and vows revenge. She divides the only recently united island over her petty feud with Allie. Thankfully Allie is smart enough not to engage.
The first murder victim, Mike, seems like he was a good guy. Everyone liked him and enjoyed his carnival business offerings. Mike's business partner and BFF Paul, is gutted at the loss of his friend. He doesn't know what to do next. Mike was the business guy and Paul more of an idea guy I think. The second victim, Hazel, was kind of annoying. She was an adrenaline junkie and seemed to like scaring people as she jumped from roof to roof to the ground. She scared me! I think she was also nosy and liked spying on people. Could she have seen or heard something about the murder that got her killed? There's no way she fell through brand new railings on a new rooftop deck. The how is most perplexing though and not even Rex has a clue. That leads me back to Harry, who does think he has a clue or two! Makes him seem suspicious.
Other new characters are Evan Tailor, a popular "gotcha" style video podcaster who follows people for a day in the life segment. He arrives unexpectedly with his cameraman Dwayne Finch. Evan is said to be an influencer and pretty much everyone knows who he is and is eager for Allie to agree to be on the podcast. Like Allie, I don't follow social media and loathe "influencers." It's stupid to do something just because some random person on social media says so! Evan is way too eager to follow Allie, especially once he learns about the murder investigations. He's psyched to have such rich material but Allie doesn't enjoy the experience. I'm wondering whether, somehow, these dudes may have been involved in the murder just to get Allie on the podcast? They're too eager to be involved in the investigation and barely take no for an answer. That makes me suspicious but the pets like them so I guess not.
There really aren't any good suspects for BOTH murders! Could there be two killers on the loose? There has to be a link between Mike and Hazel but what was it? Business or personal? I'm leaning towards business!
I look forward to the next installment of this series. Jen is ready to pop any minute and it sounds like Allie will have to play midwife!
April 2, 2023
It was such a delight returning to Mackinac Island in Nancy Coco’s 11th book in the fudgicly-delicious A Candy-coated Mystery series!
Fudge-shop owner Allie McMurphy and her friend Jenn take a break from the Mackinac County fair candy competition and walk through a haunted house attraction only to find a real live dead body. Before long, a parkouring friend has a fatal accident on the rooftop of the McMurphy hotel, and Allie switches her chef hat for a deerstalker and hunts for clues to prove her friend was murdered.
Nancy Coco’s delicious series is always fun to read, but my sweet tooth really ramps up with all the mouthwatering fudge recipes! I really like how the character relationships have grown and evolved throughout the series.
While I’ve not visited Mackinac Island, the author brings the setting to life and I can easily picture where the story takes place.
As always, I look forward to the next in the series! Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me the chance to read and review a favorite series.
Fudge-shop owner Allie McMurphy and her friend Jenn take a break from the Mackinac County fair candy competition and walk through a haunted house attraction only to find a real live dead body. Before long, a parkouring friend has a fatal accident on the rooftop of the McMurphy hotel, and Allie switches her chef hat for a deerstalker and hunts for clues to prove her friend was murdered.
Nancy Coco’s delicious series is always fun to read, but my sweet tooth really ramps up with all the mouthwatering fudge recipes! I really like how the character relationships have grown and evolved throughout the series.
While I’ve not visited Mackinac Island, the author brings the setting to life and I can easily picture where the story takes place.
As always, I look forward to the next in the series! Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me the chance to read and review a favorite series.
April 7, 2023
This was fun cozy mystery in a series that I have been reading for awhile. Allie continues to get herself involved in mayhem. There were a few points that seemed a bit farfetched for me. Her relationship with Rex and the coincidence of the two murders were just too much. It a quick and enjoyable read.
March 31, 2023
The latest Candy-Coated mystery finds Allie investigating when she stumbles across a dead body at the local fair. Things get even more complicated when a parkour enthusiast winds up dead outside the McMurphy. Allie is sure these two murders are related. Can she find the culprit before there are more deaths?
Another great entry into this series! I really enjoy this cozy series, and it is probably one of my favorites out there! The characters are great and there is always just enough character development alongside the mystery without that being the dominant focus.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another great entry into this series! I really enjoy this cozy series, and it is probably one of my favorites out there! The characters are great and there is always just enough character development alongside the mystery without that being the dominant focus.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2023
Oh I really enjoyed this mystery. The clues were great and kept me hooked. Allie's friendships and the bookclub help investigate the murders. I really want to read the beginning of the series and I'm excited to see what happens next.
Read
March 19, 2023I could not put this book down. It contains all of my favorite things, mystery, great characters, a fun and intriguing plot, not to mention the recipes for fudge. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries that you would enjoy this series.
March 15, 2023
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of GIVE FUDGE A CHANCE (Book 11 of the Candy Coated Mysteries) by Nancy Coco in exchange for an honest review. County fair competitions, real corpses in the haunted house, and bodies falling from rooftops. It looks like Allie McMurphy has found herself in another pickle!
I liked this book and recommend it to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries set in small island communities featuring candy shops, hotels, and animal sidekicks .
#GiveFudgeaChance #NetGalley
I liked this book and recommend it to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries set in small island communities featuring candy shops, hotels, and animal sidekicks .
#GiveFudgeaChance #NetGalley
September 10, 2023
Returning to Mackinac Island is like coming home. There isn’t anything about the beautiful island that I don’t find attractive. The characters in this series help make the island even better. When the county fair comes to town, everyone is thrilled. Allie and Jenn can’t wait, but a visit to the fun house makes the fair turn into a nightmare.
Finding yet another body and getting involved in solving the mystery wasn’t on their list of things to do, but Allie and Jenn are never far away from any murder on the island, and even when it has nothing to do with them, they are sure to stick their nose right smack in the middle of the action.
This story fits in with this series perfectly, and I was happy to see that the old crew were back together knee-deep in another murder. There is a lot of action, great suspects, and equally great motives. But in the end, it comes down to just one person and Allie’s ability to guess her way around a murder investigation. When her life and that of her friends become entangled with the killers, a normal person would back off and let the police handle it, but… that is never going to happen where Allie is concerned. Making fudge isn’t her only talent. The story comes to a delightful conclusion, and the recipes in the back will make everyone crave not only fudge but the next book in this series.
Finding yet another body and getting involved in solving the mystery wasn’t on their list of things to do, but Allie and Jenn are never far away from any murder on the island, and even when it has nothing to do with them, they are sure to stick their nose right smack in the middle of the action.
This story fits in with this series perfectly, and I was happy to see that the old crew were back together knee-deep in another murder. There is a lot of action, great suspects, and equally great motives. But in the end, it comes down to just one person and Allie’s ability to guess her way around a murder investigation. When her life and that of her friends become entangled with the killers, a normal person would back off and let the police handle it, but… that is never going to happen where Allie is concerned. Making fudge isn’t her only talent. The story comes to a delightful conclusion, and the recipes in the back will make everyone crave not only fudge but the next book in this series.
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