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Cursed Candy Mysteries #3
Fatal Fudge: A culinary witch cozy
Magical mind control Lina accidentally gave a batch of her fudge an extra wallop. Anyone who eats it becomes suggestible. Very>/i> suggestible.Is it mind control?First a nun robs a liquor store, then a kindergarten teacher punches a pedestrian. The International Criminal Witch Police are certain Lina’s fudge is to blame. When a third crime demonstrates an escalating pattern of violence, Lina is terrified a fourth offense will end with murder.Does the mastermind behind the crimes have a twisted sense of humor, or is there a more sinister connection behind the crimes?Join Lina as she cleans up the last (she hopes!) of her cursed candy messes and tracks down a potential killer.
276 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2020
60 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Cate Lawley
71 books404 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cate Lawley writes humorous, action-filled mysteries that frequently contain paranormal elements.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
When Cate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Cate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place), but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
For bonus materials and updates, visit her website to join her mailing list: www.CateLawley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 27, 2024
Fatal Fudge
By Cate Lawley
I didn't know it was the last book in a trilogy when I started reading it. I was just picking out books I had with a Halloween theme on the cover. I have read cozy mysteries by this author and have enjoyed them. This was not one of them. I think it is just an off book for her. I will continue to pick up and read her books.
The characters were cute and plot so-so, but I was so bored. Maybe it was just me.
By Cate Lawley
I didn't know it was the last book in a trilogy when I started reading it. I was just picking out books I had with a Halloween theme on the cover. I have read cozy mysteries by this author and have enjoyed them. This was not one of them. I think it is just an off book for her. I will continue to pick up and read her books.
The characters were cute and plot so-so, but I was so bored. Maybe it was just me.
October 29, 2021
Fatal Fudge is the next installment in a series of candy related mysteries. Lina has found out that there was one last candy of hers that has magical abilities: this time its fudge that can control minds. Between ICWP investigating this and Bastian's grandmother meddling in his new relationship with Lina, Lina is feeling the pressure.
This one definitely felt the most intense out of the three. Like the motives and ultimate crime was very realistic and too common for the real world sadly. Also things in Lina and Bastian's relationship happened so fast. Like all the sudden they're talking about marriage and the possibility of kids and they just started going out. It was a bit shocking to me. Though I think they are very cute together.
I wonder if this will be the last installment? That very last chapter made it seem like no. The last chapter features a new witch with some mysterious and unusual power looking at a job opening at Magic Beans so I am very curious.
Rep: white female MC, white German male love interest, white male side character with ADHD (possibly).
CWs: Domestic abuse, emotional abuse, gun violence (non-lethal shot), misogyny, sexism. Brief mention of the possibility of kids/pregnancy.
This one definitely felt the most intense out of the three. Like the motives and ultimate crime was very realistic and too common for the real world sadly. Also things in Lina and Bastian's relationship happened so fast. Like all the sudden they're talking about marriage and the possibility of kids and they just started going out. It was a bit shocking to me. Though I think they are very cute together.
I wonder if this will be the last installment? That very last chapter made it seem like no. The last chapter features a new witch with some mysterious and unusual power looking at a job opening at Magic Beans so I am very curious.
Rep: white female MC, white German male love interest, white male side character with ADHD (possibly).
CWs: Domestic abuse, emotional abuse, gun violence (non-lethal shot), misogyny, sexism. Brief mention of the possibility of kids/pregnancy.
October 18, 2022
While I agree with other reviewers that Fatal Fudge was not my favorite, I did enjoy it a lot.
I liked the progression of Lina and Bastian's relationship in this one, as well as all the hijinks from the family's end concerning their relationship. I don't often follow cozy mystery relationships this far, and I really like the way Cate Lawley does their relationships in this series. It's the inevitable slow burn, but with a bit of forbidden love, and lots of twists.
As for the mystery in this one, it felt a little forced compared to the other two. It wasn't bad, but if this had been the first book I read in the series, I might not have fallen in love with it the way I did with Cutthroat Cupcakes. In this one, Lina seems more like the clingy and annoying amateur detective than she did in the previous two books.
Also, I was a little disappointed that there was less Halloween stuff and Sticky Tricky Treats in this one, considering it's set in the week leading up to Halloween (whereas the other ones were set in late September / early October).
I'm really glad that Cate Lawley gave herself a book limit on this series, that's definitely something more cozy mystery writers need to do. At the same time, I'm super excited to continue with the world of these mysteries too, and I've already bought Tea with a Demon and Candy Cane Conspiracy: A Cursed Candy World Mystery to continue around the holidays.
I liked the progression of Lina and Bastian's relationship in this one, as well as all the hijinks from the family's end concerning their relationship. I don't often follow cozy mystery relationships this far, and I really like the way Cate Lawley does their relationships in this series. It's the inevitable slow burn, but with a bit of forbidden love, and lots of twists.
As for the mystery in this one, it felt a little forced compared to the other two. It wasn't bad, but if this had been the first book I read in the series, I might not have fallen in love with it the way I did with Cutthroat Cupcakes. In this one, Lina seems more like the clingy and annoying amateur detective than she did in the previous two books.
Also, I was a little disappointed that there was less Halloween stuff and Sticky Tricky Treats in this one, considering it's set in the week leading up to Halloween (whereas the other ones were set in late September / early October).
I'm really glad that Cate Lawley gave herself a book limit on this series, that's definitely something more cozy mystery writers need to do. At the same time, I'm super excited to continue with the world of these mysteries too, and I've already bought Tea with a Demon and Candy Cane Conspiracy: A Cursed Candy World Mystery to continue around the holidays.
June 17, 2025
My audiobook from Chirp has a different cover.
RTC
RTC
October 29, 2020
Disappointing end to a good series
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: yes
Cliffhanger: no, and yet…
SUMMARY
It's Wednesday, a few days before Halloween. Bastian and Lina have dated a few times in the past week and a half, enjoying the lull after some magical murders. Lina thinks it's the calm between storms. Bastian introduces Lina to his new barista, Boris, before they go on their date. Miles comes running in, says he has news. "You ran here?" Well, Bastian has his ringer turned off, and running was faster than driving. Miles has made a connection between some crimes. “A nun robbed a liquor store, and a kindergarten teacher punched a pedestrian.” I stared at him. “Is that supposed to be the beginning of a joke? A really terrible joke?” No, it's her fudge that makes the eater susceptible to suggestion. On top of the fudge case, Sabrina and Miles have learned that Boris is a spy for Bastian's grandmother, who doesn't like witches, and they're in full blown protection mode.
EVALUATION
This story, the last of Lina's and Bastian's cozy mystery series, left me unsettled. Lina wasn't as involved with the case, so I wasn't, either; plus, it doesn't feel urgent until an hour before it's solved. The harm in this book happens in real life, whereas the harm in the others was magical and so fun to read about (I know murder is real, but murder by magical potion or by demons is fantasy). Bastian's and Lina's romance must have taken place between books two and three, because there's very little here; what there is is almost a business discussion. Additionally, Bastian’s changing the parameters of his life, which changes their relationship, and we don't know how. The trouble of interfering bitties never materializes. Lina still has no training. Delilah and Milo are getting their own series, so what's between them isn't clarified. Bryson and Sabrina are also getting their own series, but at least their immediate future is revealed. I'm simply unsettled, and not in a good way.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this book only to those who have read the first two, and only because it finishes the series. Kinda. I've recommended the series to my sister, but as she hasn't started it yet, I'm rescinding my recommendation. Dang it. I'm also rethinking buying Vegan Vampire (my online library doesn't have it). Double dang it.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
What was with the witchy community? They bumped into a little raw magic and automatically started plotting evil deeds.
“Planning does nothing but give you options. It doesn’t lock you into any decisions, and it won’t have any impact on your current course unless *you* decide that it does.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 3 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: punching, choking, bullying, report of robbery, report of gunshot wound
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
How could Bastian have swept her up and run to the car with her? She was in the house in spirit only; her body was already in the car.
How did she get out of Chas?
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: yes
Cliffhanger: no, and yet…
SUMMARY
It's Wednesday, a few days before Halloween. Bastian and Lina have dated a few times in the past week and a half, enjoying the lull after some magical murders. Lina thinks it's the calm between storms. Bastian introduces Lina to his new barista, Boris, before they go on their date. Miles comes running in, says he has news. "You ran here?" Well, Bastian has his ringer turned off, and running was faster than driving. Miles has made a connection between some crimes. “A nun robbed a liquor store, and a kindergarten teacher punched a pedestrian.” I stared at him. “Is that supposed to be the beginning of a joke? A really terrible joke?” No, it's her fudge that makes the eater susceptible to suggestion. On top of the fudge case, Sabrina and Miles have learned that Boris is a spy for Bastian's grandmother, who doesn't like witches, and they're in full blown protection mode.
EVALUATION
This story, the last of Lina's and Bastian's cozy mystery series, left me unsettled. Lina wasn't as involved with the case, so I wasn't, either; plus, it doesn't feel urgent until an hour before it's solved. The harm in this book happens in real life, whereas the harm in the others was magical and so fun to read about (I know murder is real, but murder by magical potion or by demons is fantasy). Bastian's and Lina's romance must have taken place between books two and three, because there's very little here; what there is is almost a business discussion. Additionally, Bastian’s changing the parameters of his life, which changes their relationship, and we don't know how. The trouble of interfering bitties never materializes. Lina still has no training. Delilah and Milo are getting their own series, so what's between them isn't clarified. Bryson and Sabrina are also getting their own series, but at least their immediate future is revealed. I'm simply unsettled, and not in a good way.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this book only to those who have read the first two, and only because it finishes the series. Kinda. I've recommended the series to my sister, but as she hasn't started it yet, I'm rescinding my recommendation. Dang it. I'm also rethinking buying Vegan Vampire (my online library doesn't have it). Double dang it.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
What was with the witchy community? They bumped into a little raw magic and automatically started plotting evil deeds.
“Planning does nothing but give you options. It doesn’t lock you into any decisions, and it won’t have any impact on your current course unless *you* decide that it does.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: kisses
Language: 0 F words, 3 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: punching, choking, bullying, report of robbery, report of gunshot wound
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
How could Bastian have swept her up and run to the car with her? She was in the house in spirit only; her body was already in the car.
How did she get out of Chas?
October 20, 2020
A Bit Boring
The writing was good and the story was okay, but this is book 3 of a trilogy and the characters quickly went from my previous estimation of “sweet” to “boring.” There was no conflict between the “good guys” — everyone was nice and snoozeworthy. This might not have been an issue if some characters hadn’t been built up in a way that you expected more from them. For (just one) example: the grandmother who has been built up to be the “wicked wizard of Germany” with an iron fist and a prejudice against witch/wizard relationships turns out (spoiler alert) to be a perfectly nice older lady who loves her grandson and wants grand babies. Everyone built up to be interesting/quirky fizzles into dull and amiable. Even the romance fizzles into boring. We skip past the new relationship/honeymoon phase and into everything being settled for life in a nice, tidy, no-stress, no-conflict package. I get that this is meant to be “cozy,” but I don’t think that means it has to be boring and passionless.
The writing was good and the story was okay, but this is book 3 of a trilogy and the characters quickly went from my previous estimation of “sweet” to “boring.” There was no conflict between the “good guys” — everyone was nice and snoozeworthy. This might not have been an issue if some characters hadn’t been built up in a way that you expected more from them. For (just one) example: the grandmother who has been built up to be the “wicked wizard of Germany” with an iron fist and a prejudice against witch/wizard relationships turns out (spoiler alert) to be a perfectly nice older lady who loves her grandson and wants grand babies. Everyone built up to be interesting/quirky fizzles into dull and amiable. Even the romance fizzles into boring. We skip past the new relationship/honeymoon phase and into everything being settled for life in a nice, tidy, no-stress, no-conflict package. I get that this is meant to be “cozy,” but I don’t think that means it has to be boring and passionless.
May 26, 2022
Fatal Fudge, the last paranormal cosy mystery in the Cursed Candy Mysteries trilogy, focuses on tracking down Lina's magic fudge that makes the consumer *very* persuadable. Because surely it's only a matter of time before someone is persuaded to commit a murder?
Fatal Fudge isn't a book where you have to think super hard about what you're reading. In fact, all I had to do was follow the crumbs of fudge and mischief! And who doesn't love a fun, light read? Sometimes we just need a break from heartache, am I right? Yes, yes I am.
This was a perfect end to the story arc of these characters. While there are obviously books that have come after this, in which we can visit our favourites once again, they won't take the spotlight any more. Cate Lawley has made sure readers who love a cosy mystery are both thrilled and delighted in Fatal Fudge. If you enjoy a cosy mystery? A book of magic and mouthwatering fudge? This is the perfect treat for you.
* You can see my full review via my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/fatal... *
Fatal Fudge isn't a book where you have to think super hard about what you're reading. In fact, all I had to do was follow the crumbs of fudge and mischief! And who doesn't love a fun, light read? Sometimes we just need a break from heartache, am I right? Yes, yes I am.
This was a perfect end to the story arc of these characters. While there are obviously books that have come after this, in which we can visit our favourites once again, they won't take the spotlight any more. Cate Lawley has made sure readers who love a cosy mystery are both thrilled and delighted in Fatal Fudge. If you enjoy a cosy mystery? A book of magic and mouthwatering fudge? This is the perfect treat for you.
* You can see my full review via my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/fatal... *
January 15, 2021
Accidentally making mind-control fudge? And to have it be stolen, then used for nefarious purposes, like all her other cursed candy? No wonder Lina is a reluctant witch. But that's not going to stop Great Aunt Sophia from training her. Add in her magic touched cousin, Bryson, who shows up on her doorstep with a bum knee, her budding romance with Bastian, and running her shop, Sticky Tricky Treats, it's going to take a lot of normal non-magic candy and perfectly brewed coffee to get Lina through to the end. Once again she's enlisted by Bastian and crew to hunt down her magic. And once again all sorts of silliness and sweet treats abound in this sweet cozy magical mystery.
The Cursed Candy Mysteries are a true sweet treat. A little drama, a lot of jokes, and a cast of multi-generational characters. I love this trilogy. And I'm highly looking forward to it's sequel, Magic Beans!
The Cursed Candy Mysteries are a true sweet treat. A little drama, a lot of jokes, and a cast of multi-generational characters. I love this trilogy. And I'm highly looking forward to it's sequel, Magic Beans!
October 11, 2020
Fantastic ending........or is it??
When I realised that there were only THREE books, I was like nooooooooo 😢😢😢😢
Then I squeed like a teenage girl, I'm in my fifties, when I read the end write up and a sneak peak at what will be new series. Thank you Cate 💖💖💖💖💖
Okay, this book wraps up all of Lina's cursed candy.
The fudge is being used, nuns are hitting men, teachers shooting men, you get the picture.
Bastian's grandmother swoops in, Lina nearly has a cow lol.
Things start to snowball, but in a good way 😉
Fiance is banded about, having children is mentioned 😮😮😁😁
If you want a great magical read BUT THIS SERIES!!!!!!
When I realised that there were only THREE books, I was like nooooooooo 😢😢😢😢
Then I squeed like a teenage girl, I'm in my fifties, when I read the end write up and a sneak peak at what will be new series. Thank you Cate 💖💖💖💖💖
Okay, this book wraps up all of Lina's cursed candy.
The fudge is being used, nuns are hitting men, teachers shooting men, you get the picture.
Bastian's grandmother swoops in, Lina nearly has a cow lol.
Things start to snowball, but in a good way 😉
Fiance is banded about, having children is mentioned 😮😮😁😁
If you want a great magical read BUT THIS SERIES!!!!!!
April 22, 2022
Final book in a cute fun witchy mystery series about a candy making witch who has to work with the police to track down people using her accidentally magic candy to commit crimes. But don't despair we haven't seen the last of the folk at Magic Beans as there is a spin off coming about the new barista with an unusual magical talent.
October 27, 2022
Fatal Fudge: Cursed Candy Mysteries Book 3
Yes there are several attacks due to cursed candy and fatal fudge. Much more important is this is the end of the series and I really loved it and wanted more!
I will miss the great characters and relationships as well as the smell of coffee, and candy. Great little series, don't miss it!!
Yes there are several attacks due to cursed candy and fatal fudge. Much more important is this is the end of the series and I really loved it and wanted more!
I will miss the great characters and relationships as well as the smell of coffee, and candy. Great little series, don't miss it!!
August 20, 2023
Ah finally done with the series. Ok read but wasn't mindblowingly exciting. Bastian solved his one last crime before stepping down as the head of ICW and work part time. And him and Lina talk about having kids but dang their marriage didn't happen. Maybe it will happened at another series with Trixie the main character coming in as the new bartender at Magic Beans
December 4, 2020
Sad to see it ending, but it was sweet!
These cozy mystery series are super entertaining, especially when themed to a holiday or hobby. I enjoyed these 3 books. Although the characters may pop into some other series later, the cursed candy series is my favorite for Halloween.
These cozy mystery series are super entertaining, especially when themed to a holiday or hobby. I enjoyed these 3 books. Although the characters may pop into some other series later, the cursed candy series is my favorite for Halloween.
October 17, 2022
The third book of the Curse Candy Mystery's. A quick paranormal Mystery read. Same characters as the first two books. Loved this cute series I just wish it had more depth of the actual Mystery solving parts.
October 17, 2020
The book was good, it was interesting but not as good as the first two. It was definitely a Segway or transition story into other series for the author.
November 17, 2020
Great series
I loved the plots but the characters made it special, especially Lina and Bastian...more please. You are a talented writer.
I loved the plots but the characters made it special, especially Lina and Bastian...more please. You are a talented writer.
June 20, 2021
This is the last in the series for Lina and Bastian... but the author leaves it open for more stories in this world revisiting some of the characters we've already met.
October 12, 2021
I liked this book, I would like to read more in this series. More like 4.5 stars.
October 28, 2022
Cute end to the series. Not sure why this one didn’t resonate with me as much as the other two; maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it. Once again, very nicely narrated on audio.
March 31, 2023
Fudgy fun
The topic surrounding their latest case was a bit sensitive, but getting to know a!l the characters and a couple of newcomers was great. Fun humor all around.
The topic surrounding their latest case was a bit sensitive, but getting to know a!l the characters and a couple of newcomers was great. Fun humor all around.
June 24, 2023
What a fun story that you don’t want to put down. It has great characters. I can’t wait to read more books by Cate Lawley!
October 30, 2023
A cute and fun conclusion.
November 17, 2023
I loved this series.
June 16, 2025
4.5 rounded up
April 25, 2021
This story was adorable. And resulted in me making a batch of pumpkin spice fudge.
August 8, 2023
A nice story to read…
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews