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Candy-Coated Mystery #6
Forever Fudge
When a film crew comes to Mackinac Island, the last thing fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy expects to find is a murder victim . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It's Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie’s help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie’s bichonpoo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head—with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer—but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It's Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie’s help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie’s bichonpoo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head—with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer—but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
189 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
October 12, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy is up to her neck in another murder. The quiet tourist destination has had a real crime wave since she came to town. Her dog, Mal, has found yet another body. A body the killer wanted Allie to find because he left her a note with the deceased.
She really doesn’t have time for another murder mystery. Frances and Mr. Devaney are off on their honeymoon so the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is understaffed and some unusual and scary things are happening at the hotel. Allie doesn’t know if they are connected to the murder, but she needs to find out.
It doesn’t help that a film crew has set up on the island for a new murder mystery show and the town is running a contest to see which side of the street can come up with the most money. The winner will be a featured backdrop for the film which could be great publicity. The hotel and fudge shop had a good year, but Allie has other plans for her profits. This does not make the mayor happy.
Her personal life is in flux too and her BFF is leaving the island for a great job in Chicago. The idea of a peaceful offseason is not going to happen unless she helps find a killer and the film crew leaves town. Fudge! She is going to have to get involved in another investigation!
Escaping to Mackinac Island with Allie and the gang is always so much fun. This time the author has really stirred up a sweet mystery. Life at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is never dull. There is always something happening. The characters she has created are so engaging. It makes me want to pack my bags and head there right away. I missed having Frances there especially but it is after Labor Day and the newlyweds deserve some time off for their honeymoon.
Ms. Coco added an interesting element to the mystery this time. The killer is leaving clues stating chess moves. The problem is Allie doesn’t play chess so she tries to learn. But before she gets even a novice handle on the game another body is found and she realizes the killer knows her well, knows the previous crimes she has helped solve, and the people she cares about may be in danger. This adds a nice twist to the entire story.
Forever Fudge is a well-written cozy mystery with well-developed characters. The author blends the intrigue with a little romance and humor. I am team Rex all the way but looking forward to the next installment in the series to see if Allie finally makes up her mind.
The fudge recipes throughout the book are an added bonus.
This was an entertaining escape and a fine addition to this series.
Fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy is up to her neck in another murder. The quiet tourist destination has had a real crime wave since she came to town. Her dog, Mal, has found yet another body. A body the killer wanted Allie to find because he left her a note with the deceased.
She really doesn’t have time for another murder mystery. Frances and Mr. Devaney are off on their honeymoon so the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is understaffed and some unusual and scary things are happening at the hotel. Allie doesn’t know if they are connected to the murder, but she needs to find out.
It doesn’t help that a film crew has set up on the island for a new murder mystery show and the town is running a contest to see which side of the street can come up with the most money. The winner will be a featured backdrop for the film which could be great publicity. The hotel and fudge shop had a good year, but Allie has other plans for her profits. This does not make the mayor happy.
Her personal life is in flux too and her BFF is leaving the island for a great job in Chicago. The idea of a peaceful offseason is not going to happen unless she helps find a killer and the film crew leaves town. Fudge! She is going to have to get involved in another investigation!
Escaping to Mackinac Island with Allie and the gang is always so much fun. This time the author has really stirred up a sweet mystery. Life at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is never dull. There is always something happening. The characters she has created are so engaging. It makes me want to pack my bags and head there right away. I missed having Frances there especially but it is after Labor Day and the newlyweds deserve some time off for their honeymoon.
Ms. Coco added an interesting element to the mystery this time. The killer is leaving clues stating chess moves. The problem is Allie doesn’t play chess so she tries to learn. But before she gets even a novice handle on the game another body is found and she realizes the killer knows her well, knows the previous crimes she has helped solve, and the people she cares about may be in danger. This adds a nice twist to the entire story.
Forever Fudge is a well-written cozy mystery with well-developed characters. The author blends the intrigue with a little romance and humor. I am team Rex all the way but looking forward to the next installment in the series to see if Allie finally makes up her mind.
The fudge recipes throughout the book are an added bonus.
This was an entertaining escape and a fine addition to this series.
September 25, 2018
I had the pleasure of starting this paperback ARC that I won from the author while I was vacationing on Mackinac Island! It was seriously too fun to be able to read and picture some of the places that Allie goes while sleuthing or on her daily rounds. I even visited the bookstore there and talked to the woman in charge who told me she thought the McMurphy was based on one of the hotels (I won't mention which one, not sure if I'm allowed to) and probably others along Main Street as well. I will say that I bought fudge from this particular hotel and it was amazing!
In this installment taking place on Labor Day weekend, Mal sniffs out another murder right away, then soon a TV crew follows since they are filming a mystery series pilot on the island. Rex gets to be shadowed by an actor named Dirk who is supposed to play the police chief in the series. The clues after the first murder occurs are given in the form of chess game clues, and the clues and another murder seem to follow Allie's previous case locations. Someone had to know her history of helping solve murders on the island, and Allie had her suspicions after a writer for the show said he'd been on the island since May when Allie herself had first arrived.
There was no shortage of suspects and I was really surprised at who the killer turned out to be as it definitely wasn't who I had in mind. I love how the characters have developed since the first book. Jenn, Allie's bestie has been on the island all summer (which has me a little confused wondering where the two Christmas novellas are supposed to come in if Allie has only been there since May and this book is taking place in September--maybe parallel time?) helping her with the hotel and running her own events planning service. It's still up and down as far as the Trent vs. Rex guy-Allie-will-pick decision goes, although I think Allie is realizing that Trent's heart isn't really in the island as Rex's is. I'm personally Team Rex myself, lol.
Two of my favorite characters were on their honeymoon, so they were definitely missed. Jenn and Shane are still an item even though Jenn had to go off to another job for awhile. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this awesome series! Now that I've been to Mackinac, I want to read the series again (as well as another cozy series that inspired me to want to visit Mackinac) with a new set of eyeballs that's seen this amazing and magical place. I have most of the series on Kindle or iBooks. Maybe on my next Mackinac trip, I'll get those in paperback since the cover art is always so cute--and it would make for the perfect souvenir.
In this installment taking place on Labor Day weekend, Mal sniffs out another murder right away, then soon a TV crew follows since they are filming a mystery series pilot on the island. Rex gets to be shadowed by an actor named Dirk who is supposed to play the police chief in the series. The clues after the first murder occurs are given in the form of chess game clues, and the clues and another murder seem to follow Allie's previous case locations. Someone had to know her history of helping solve murders on the island, and Allie had her suspicions after a writer for the show said he'd been on the island since May when Allie herself had first arrived.
There was no shortage of suspects and I was really surprised at who the killer turned out to be as it definitely wasn't who I had in mind. I love how the characters have developed since the first book. Jenn, Allie's bestie has been on the island all summer (which has me a little confused wondering where the two Christmas novellas are supposed to come in if Allie has only been there since May and this book is taking place in September--maybe parallel time?) helping her with the hotel and running her own events planning service. It's still up and down as far as the Trent vs. Rex guy-Allie-will-pick decision goes, although I think Allie is realizing that Trent's heart isn't really in the island as Rex's is. I'm personally Team Rex myself, lol.
Two of my favorite characters were on their honeymoon, so they were definitely missed. Jenn and Shane are still an item even though Jenn had to go off to another job for awhile. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this awesome series! Now that I've been to Mackinac, I want to read the series again (as well as another cozy series that inspired me to want to visit Mackinac) with a new set of eyeballs that's seen this amazing and magical place. I have most of the series on Kindle or iBooks. Maybe on my next Mackinac trip, I'll get those in paperback since the cover art is always so cute--and it would make for the perfect souvenir.
August 11, 2018
Book 6 of Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated Mysteries is an entertaining read. I enjoy Allie McMurphy, the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, and cute pup, Mal, who has a knack for sniffing out dead bodies. I am upset with Allie not being able to choose between the two men vying for her affection. This is book six, and that needs to stop. Many readers will like this plot, however; I’m not a chess player so all the chess clues were lost on me. I found one of the culprits easy to figure out by his actions, and another suspect’s identity was rather shocking and his reasoning insane. I’ve always liked this series and look forward to book 7. Mouthwatering fudge recipes are included throughout the book!
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
August 6, 2018
It is the end of tourist season on Mackinac Island and Allie McMurphy’s schedule should be winding down. But when a TV crew arrive on the island to film a murder mystery real life starts to resemble fiction a little too much and Allie is caught up in investigating not just one real life murder, but two, plus two cases of kidnapping. The murderer seems fixating on baiting Allie with strange letters and it is a race against the clock to ensure that the men kidnapped don’t suffer the same fate as the two dead bodies Allie and her dog Mal found earlier. There is a dead chicken, a bloodied teddy bear and a deadly game of chess. The twists and turns and the unfolding love triangle will keep you engaged until the very end.
April 19, 2021
Allie 's grandfather died and left her a fudge and hotel the McMurphy. At the fudge shop they have all sorts of fudge of all different flavors toffee, but fudge milk and dark, coconut ,cherry, pineapple peanut butter blueberry walnut. Any thing you can think of. Book 6 is about a tv show coming to Mackina Island. The mayor wants everyone to bid some money to see which side of the island it will film. Dirk the lead role is mimicking Rex the cop for his role. Mal bichon poodle ( Aliie) digs up a dead body. And there is a note with the body addressed to Allie. She reads it and has something to do with chess or in 1956 where a man won a chess tornament. Jenn is Allie friend and helping her at McMurphy but Jenn is leaving to go to Chicago. Trent that was with Allie dating recently but Allie broke up with him.( Read book 5) There are 2 murders in this book. I was surprised by one the murderers. Love Mal (Marshmallow the body in poodle she is always finding dead bodies). Some of these plots a far-fetched but like them anyways. Keeps my brain working lol
October 13, 2018
Forever Fudge by Nancy Coco is the sixth book in A Candy-Coated Mystery series. Allie McMurphy is the owner of the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island. Labor Day is behind them and so is tourist season. It seems, though, that a film crew has invaded the island to film the pilot of a mystery show starring Dirk Benjamin. Dirk will be portraying a Rex Manning type character and will be shadowing him before production starts (lucky Rex). Allie is out walking Mal, her bichon poo, when he sniffs out a dead body in the alley. A note was left with the body with Allie’s name on it. Inside the note is written “kf3” which sounds like a chess move according to Mr. Beechum. The killer is challenging Allie to a battle of the wits. While Francis and her new hubby are on their honeymoon, Allie has extra responsibilities at the hotel. In addition, she is dealing with her breakup from Trent who is not ready to give up on their relationship and Rex who asks her out on a date. Out on another walk with Mal when he digs up a sock and a toe under a tree. The culprit left another chess clue carved into the tree. Who is behind the crimes and why are they singling out Allie? Join Allie are her most challenging and personal case yet in Forever Fudge.
Forever Fudge contains well-developed and established characters as well as a beautiful location. I enjoy learning more about Mackinac Island with its historic locations including the Grand Hotel which was used as a location in my favorite film Somewhere in Time. I thought the pace was a little slower Forever Fudge as Allie deals with making fudge, the day-to-day running of the hotel, Jenn departing for Chicago, her romantic woes, a prankster and the whodunit. I missed Frances and her wit in this tale. Frances is off enjoying her honeymoon and does not return until the end. The main mystery may seem complicated on the surface, but I thought it was straightforward. I quickly pinpointed the culprit and then kept reading to see if I was correct. There is a limited suspect list, but there are good clues and a red herring. The secondary mysteries resolution comes out of left field and the motive was weak. The chess clues did not resonate with me since I do not play the game (I lack the patience for the game). I would have preferred Allie to actively investigate the crime instead of information being passed along to her. I could have done with less romance. Allie loves Trent, but he does not wish to live on Mackinac Island full time. I am rooting for Rex who seems to have more in common with Allie. However, his marital history stands in their way. My rating for Forever Fudge is 3 out of 5 stars. It is not my favorite book in A Candy-Coated Mystery series. There a luscious fudge recipes included in the book and a preview of Fudge Bites.
Forever Fudge contains well-developed and established characters as well as a beautiful location. I enjoy learning more about Mackinac Island with its historic locations including the Grand Hotel which was used as a location in my favorite film Somewhere in Time. I thought the pace was a little slower Forever Fudge as Allie deals with making fudge, the day-to-day running of the hotel, Jenn departing for Chicago, her romantic woes, a prankster and the whodunit. I missed Frances and her wit in this tale. Frances is off enjoying her honeymoon and does not return until the end. The main mystery may seem complicated on the surface, but I thought it was straightforward. I quickly pinpointed the culprit and then kept reading to see if I was correct. There is a limited suspect list, but there are good clues and a red herring. The secondary mysteries resolution comes out of left field and the motive was weak. The chess clues did not resonate with me since I do not play the game (I lack the patience for the game). I would have preferred Allie to actively investigate the crime instead of information being passed along to her. I could have done with less romance. Allie loves Trent, but he does not wish to live on Mackinac Island full time. I am rooting for Rex who seems to have more in common with Allie. However, his marital history stands in their way. My rating for Forever Fudge is 3 out of 5 stars. It is not my favorite book in A Candy-Coated Mystery series. There a luscious fudge recipes included in the book and a preview of Fudge Bites.
October 9, 2018
I just love this series. This book book was good, but some of the other books in the series are just a smidgen better. The mystery is great, just cannot put my finger on why this book isn't a five for me.
I know not everyone is a fan of the love triangles, that doesn't bother me. But for the record I am rooting for Rex.
To the writer, thank you for transporting me back to one of my most favorite places again, Mackinac Island.
Still a great book a story. Cannot wait for the next one
I know not everyone is a fan of the love triangles, that doesn't bother me. But for the record I am rooting for Rex.
To the writer, thank you for transporting me back to one of my most favorite places again, Mackinac Island.
Still a great book a story. Cannot wait for the next one
May 8, 2019
Synopsis:
"Memorable characters, a charming locale, and a satisfying mystery."--Barbara Allan
When a film crew comes to Mackinac Island, the last thing fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy expects to find is a murder victim . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It's Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie's help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie's bichonpoo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head--with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer--but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .
Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries
"It's probably best not to read this while you're too hungry, as the assorted fudge recipes may send you right to the kitchen."
--The Oakland Tribune
"The characters are fun and well-developed, the setting is quaint and beautiful."
--RT Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and look forward to reading more in this series."
--Fresh Fiction (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I always enjoy the time I spend with Allie and her friend Jenn, they are funny and you can tell how much they care about each other. They always have each other’s backs, and they would do anything for each other. Allie continues to have two love interests, Trent and Rex, and it is getting a little old to me. I feel she needs to make a decision and move forward or let them both go. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. Mackinac Island, Michigan, came to life in my mind’s eye and I could picture all of the action taking place and hear conversations going on around me. The mystery is well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I was fooled by who the killer was, and that made me happy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I hope the resolution of the triangle.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
"Memorable characters, a charming locale, and a satisfying mystery."--Barbara Allan
When a film crew comes to Mackinac Island, the last thing fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy expects to find is a murder victim . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It's Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie's help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie's bichonpoo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head--with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer--but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .
Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries
"It's probably best not to read this while you're too hungry, as the assorted fudge recipes may send you right to the kitchen."
--The Oakland Tribune
"The characters are fun and well-developed, the setting is quaint and beautiful."
--RT Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and look forward to reading more in this series."
--Fresh Fiction (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I always enjoy the time I spend with Allie and her friend Jenn, they are funny and you can tell how much they care about each other. They always have each other’s backs, and they would do anything for each other. Allie continues to have two love interests, Trent and Rex, and it is getting a little old to me. I feel she needs to make a decision and move forward or let them both go. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. Mackinac Island, Michigan, came to life in my mind’s eye and I could picture all of the action taking place and hear conversations going on around me. The mystery is well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I was fooled by who the killer was, and that made me happy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I hope the resolution of the triangle.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
August 10, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this!
So I've only read one other in this series, but it was easy to fall back into this Fudge filled world and back with Allie and Mal as they uncover a murderer in their scenic island once more. As in the first book, Allie still hasn't quite made up her mind on who she will share her life with; pushy, rich boy Trent, or casual copper Rex (yeah you can't tell who I want haha) Her friend Jenn thinks she needs a third choice; I think two is plenty!
I was intrigued by the mystery in this one, but I felt like it wrapped up oddly considering the fast pace of the novel previous. I also thought Allie's excuse to be outside was weak and used too much; that could be improved. It may be written better before release/or change, who knows.
I did enjoy my return to Makinac Island though, and this is a fun cozy series. Four stars.
So I've only read one other in this series, but it was easy to fall back into this Fudge filled world and back with Allie and Mal as they uncover a murderer in their scenic island once more. As in the first book, Allie still hasn't quite made up her mind on who she will share her life with; pushy, rich boy Trent, or casual copper Rex (yeah you can't tell who I want haha) Her friend Jenn thinks she needs a third choice; I think two is plenty!
I was intrigued by the mystery in this one, but I felt like it wrapped up oddly considering the fast pace of the novel previous. I also thought Allie's excuse to be outside was weak and used too much; that could be improved. It may be written better before release/or change, who knows.
I did enjoy my return to Makinac Island though, and this is a fun cozy series. Four stars.
August 15, 2018
This is the sixth book in the candy coated series . Allie McMurphy is winding down from the summer season at the McMurphy. There is a film crew in town shooting a tv show pilot. The lead actor follows police officer Rex Manning around to get the feel of being a cop. But when Allie dog, Mal digs up a dead body with a note for Allie it becomes clear that someone wanted her to find the body. The killer continues to taunt Allie wanting her to play his game to catch him.
I thought this was an ok book. I liked all the side stories and the mystery to a point. I don't understand chess so the clues the killer was leaving made no sense to me. While I didn't figure out who the killer was, (I partially did.) I still couldn't figure out the killers motive. It just made no sense to me. Overall it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible.
I received this book from net galley in exchange for a honest review .
I thought this was an ok book. I liked all the side stories and the mystery to a point. I don't understand chess so the clues the killer was leaving made no sense to me. While I didn't figure out who the killer was, (I partially did.) I still couldn't figure out the killers motive. It just made no sense to me. Overall it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible.
I received this book from net galley in exchange for a honest review .
December 17, 2018
Random thoughts from the half way mark:
I am half way through this book and so far am not liking Allie so much anymore. I think the author has run out of ideas for this series.
Allie has broken up with Trent because she she wants very much to make the island her permanent home and Trent is about to take over the family interests in Chicago, which he loves. There doesn't seem to be any chemistry here. They obviously don't care enough to compromise. In any case, the fact that he locked her out and hid in the family fortress when he had problems in a previous book would have told her that his feelings for her were not that strong.
There is also the fact that Allie caught Trent kissing someone else, but it meant nothing. If a person risks a relationship for someone who means nothing, it means that the partner doesn't mean much either or they would not risk the relationship for a meaningless fling.
What bothers me is that Allie seems rather snarky in this book. When an incident takes place at the McMurphy and Trent offers to have his security people check things out, Allie tells him that she is perfectly capable of using Yelp to find her own security people. Any smart person would go with a trusted company rather than some place they found online. When she is feeling overwhelmed at having to do all the work at the hotel herself while Frances and Mr Devaney are on their honeymoon, Rex says she should have hired someone to temporarily replace them. Allie replies, "Are you going to tell me how to run my business, too?". This "I am capable woman, hear me roar" attitude when someone is merely trying to be kind has always annoyed me.
So Mal, Allie's dog has found another body. That is how many now in 6 months? Seven? It must be more because there have been multiples- in this tiny island town with no vehicles.
A TV crew is filming a murder mystery plot for a television show, and the actor is trailing Rex to get into his character. A creepy writer has been trailing Allie. The murderer is leaving chess related clues for Allie, thinking this is a wonderful game for the island sleuth. Too bad she doesn't even play chess.
I have now finished reading the book and am wondering if I will ever read another by this author again, in spite of the Mackinac Island background, which I love.
Like many other dumb protagonists, Allie is one of those women who like to say, "I can take care of myself". She doesn't tell Rex that she and her friends are going to check out abandoned warehouses because he would stop them. When she hears muffled sounds coming from one of the buildings, the door is locked but the killer has thoughtfully left a window unlocked.
Once Trent has been found, he tells them who the killer is. Allies says, "I think you're mistaken". Duh
Ultimately, Allie realizes how the body must have been transported and she texts Rex before checking things out. She can't wait for him to arrive at the scene once she finds evidence because he is, after all, busy. We all knew how that was going to turn out!
Once Trent is safe, Allie tells him she loves him. She later tells BFF Jenn that she also loves Rex. This series reminds me of the Joanne Fluke books where Hannah lives like a nun for years because she can't decide between two men.
I am half way through this book and so far am not liking Allie so much anymore. I think the author has run out of ideas for this series.
Allie has broken up with Trent because she she wants very much to make the island her permanent home and Trent is about to take over the family interests in Chicago, which he loves. There doesn't seem to be any chemistry here. They obviously don't care enough to compromise. In any case, the fact that he locked her out and hid in the family fortress when he had problems in a previous book would have told her that his feelings for her were not that strong.
There is also the fact that Allie caught Trent kissing someone else, but it meant nothing. If a person risks a relationship for someone who means nothing, it means that the partner doesn't mean much either or they would not risk the relationship for a meaningless fling.
What bothers me is that Allie seems rather snarky in this book. When an incident takes place at the McMurphy and Trent offers to have his security people check things out, Allie tells him that she is perfectly capable of using Yelp to find her own security people. Any smart person would go with a trusted company rather than some place they found online. When she is feeling overwhelmed at having to do all the work at the hotel herself while Frances and Mr Devaney are on their honeymoon, Rex says she should have hired someone to temporarily replace them. Allie replies, "Are you going to tell me how to run my business, too?". This "I am capable woman, hear me roar" attitude when someone is merely trying to be kind has always annoyed me.
So Mal, Allie's dog has found another body. That is how many now in 6 months? Seven? It must be more because there have been multiples- in this tiny island town with no vehicles.
A TV crew is filming a murder mystery plot for a television show, and the actor is trailing Rex to get into his character. A creepy writer has been trailing Allie. The murderer is leaving chess related clues for Allie, thinking this is a wonderful game for the island sleuth. Too bad she doesn't even play chess.
I have now finished reading the book and am wondering if I will ever read another by this author again, in spite of the Mackinac Island background, which I love.
Like many other dumb protagonists, Allie is one of those women who like to say, "I can take care of myself". She doesn't tell Rex that she and her friends are going to check out abandoned warehouses because he would stop them. When she hears muffled sounds coming from one of the buildings, the door is locked but the killer has thoughtfully left a window unlocked.
Once Trent has been found, he tells them who the killer is. Allies says, "I think you're mistaken". Duh
Ultimately, Allie realizes how the body must have been transported and she texts Rex before checking things out. She can't wait for him to arrive at the scene once she finds evidence because he is, after all, busy. We all knew how that was going to turn out!
Once Trent is safe, Allie tells him she loves him. She later tells BFF Jenn that she also loves Rex. This series reminds me of the Joanne Fluke books where Hannah lives like a nun for years because she can't decide between two men.
December 13, 2018
How I love this series, and Forever Fudge is no exception! The characters somehow are even better defined that in the previous novels, and Jenn and Allie have grown in many ways at the end of this first full season at the McMurphy. The mystery is challenging, as finding out who the real bad guy might be is not an easy fete.
Jenn hears that a TV crew is coming to Mackinac Island; they are making a pilot for a TV show about a detective, playing a part similar to that of Rex, the local lead police officer. Dirk Benjamin will shadow Rex as he does his job to better get in character for a copy. There will also be a modern-day Jessica Fletcher, who helps the police solve mysteries. Does that sound familiar? As Allie has been known to find a dead body or two in the past, and has helped Rex learn who the bad guys are. Not that Rex ever asks for help, as he doesn't want this beautiful woman getting into trouble and he can do his job just fine, thank you very much.
When walking Mal, her precious pup, and talking with an elderly neighbor, Allie finds a dead body near a dumpster. There is a note left for Allie with a chess move from one of Bobby Fischer's famous chess games. While someone is clearly frightening the McMurphy's after-season guests, that someone is also acting out in new crimes the murders that Allie has helped solve since she has been on the island. Determined to not get in Rex's way, she tries her best to not help...
Allie also has her choice between two men, the same ones throughout the summer. She and Rex have always "almost" started seeing each other, but her help in solving murders conflicts with his job of solving them. She and Trent, one of the richest guys on the island, have been an item for a while, but they are having their rough spots, too. I think I know who Allie will end up with, but surprises are in the works.
The plot twists keep me thinking, trying to figure out who the bad guy really is. And wow, I did figure it out, even though I wasn't sure until the very end. Surprises are in store for Allie, for Jenn who plans to go to Chicago for a fabulous job offer, and the rest of the folks at the McMurphy and their friends. I highly recommend this, and am so looking forward to the next book in the series! The author's trademark humor and plotting make this just too good to miss!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this cozy mystery, and this is my honest review.
Jenn hears that a TV crew is coming to Mackinac Island; they are making a pilot for a TV show about a detective, playing a part similar to that of Rex, the local lead police officer. Dirk Benjamin will shadow Rex as he does his job to better get in character for a copy. There will also be a modern-day Jessica Fletcher, who helps the police solve mysteries. Does that sound familiar? As Allie has been known to find a dead body or two in the past, and has helped Rex learn who the bad guys are. Not that Rex ever asks for help, as he doesn't want this beautiful woman getting into trouble and he can do his job just fine, thank you very much.
When walking Mal, her precious pup, and talking with an elderly neighbor, Allie finds a dead body near a dumpster. There is a note left for Allie with a chess move from one of Bobby Fischer's famous chess games. While someone is clearly frightening the McMurphy's after-season guests, that someone is also acting out in new crimes the murders that Allie has helped solve since she has been on the island. Determined to not get in Rex's way, she tries her best to not help...
Allie also has her choice between two men, the same ones throughout the summer. She and Rex have always "almost" started seeing each other, but her help in solving murders conflicts with his job of solving them. She and Trent, one of the richest guys on the island, have been an item for a while, but they are having their rough spots, too. I think I know who Allie will end up with, but surprises are in the works.
The plot twists keep me thinking, trying to figure out who the bad guy really is. And wow, I did figure it out, even though I wasn't sure until the very end. Surprises are in store for Allie, for Jenn who plans to go to Chicago for a fabulous job offer, and the rest of the folks at the McMurphy and their friends. I highly recommend this, and am so looking forward to the next book in the series! The author's trademark humor and plotting make this just too good to miss!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this cozy mystery, and this is my honest review.
September 24, 2018
Forever Fudge by Nancy Coco is the 6th book in the Candy Coated Mystery series, and another great adventure. Allie McMurphy runs the fudge shop and the historic McMurphy Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Allie and her dog Mal, short for Marshmallow, have a reputation of discovering dead bodies, and they do it again, more than once. Allie is busy making fudge and try to find out the truth. The mystery was full of twists and turns, and is fast paced and has well developed characters and plot. This book has mystery, romance, and humor, which I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more books by this author, and can't wait for the next one in the series. I strongly recommend this book and this whole series, for who love cozy mystery books with darling animals.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 31, 2018
We return to Mackinac Island with book 6 in the Candy Coated series. I enjoy this series and love the recipes she includes at the end of the story. Allie is trying to decide if paying a film company visiting the island to shoot a new series that could feature the Fudge Shop and B&B. When several in the production are murdered it seems the killer wants Allie to solve the case, not the police. This series always has me hoping to visit this memorable island. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 22, 2018
Got hooked from the start!
The plot is well developed, with a sequence of events to keep interesting and guessing til the end.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
The plot is well developed, with a sequence of events to keep interesting and guessing til the end.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 16, 2018
A film crew comes to Mackinac Island, a murder and two potential love interests are distracting Alie McMurphy from her fudge shop. Oh, plus having to learn chess because the killer is leaving notes with chess moves. An enjoyable read although it took me awhile to get a handle on every and their relationship with one another. Guess that's par for the course when you start reading book #6 in a series.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2019
The historic McMurphy hotel is booked to capacity and Allie has to turn people away. She has many new internet orders of fudge to fill and is looking forward to turning the rooftop into a patio for events. The dream patio is the reason Allie refuses to pay to have a Hollywood film crew shoot the McMurphy side of Main Street, despite the mayor's threats. Allie is content to have the McMurphy remain small and charming and live in the tiny apartment where her grandparents once resided. While out walking with Mal (Allie's BichonPoo puppy), Mal sniffs out yet another dead body. When Rex arrives at the crime scene he isn't alone. Rex is accompanied by Dirk Benjamin, the lead actor for the new mystery series shooting on Mackinac Island. Rex is less than impressed by Dirk but Allie finds him amusing. Then a note addressed to Allie is found with the body and Allie fears she's being targeted. When Mal sniffs out other body parts and bodies with more notes referring to chess moves, Allie is flustered. In addition to the murders, someone is playing pranks on Allie and her guests and Allie is furious. She decides to leave the investigating to Rex until one of her loved ones goes missing and then the stakes get higher.
This mystery has a lot going on. There's tons of action and a little bit about Allie's problematic lovelife. I found the chess move notes incredibly confusing, not to mention boring. The story is a bit too long. I had to skip ahead to find out what was going on. There aren't a lot of suspects so it was pretty easy to figure out who did it. I was surprised because the thought had crossed my mind and then a red herring made me change it! The motive seemed completely stupid and unrealistic. The plot with the actor shadowing the cop also seemed silly. The pranks also seem impossible to pull off. I don't know why Allie didn't spend money on a security system sooner. Just because Grandpa Liam didn't want one doesn't mean she doesn't need one or should have one. Finally, the timeline seems too short to be believable. Allie has discovered 6 murders in 6 months yet she hasn't bothered to get to know everyone on the island? Liz is not her friend but a friendly acquaintance. The only friends - Allie has are Jenn, Frances, Mr. Devaney and Mr. Beecher. She is also friendly with the seniors at the senior center. Allie needs to get out more.
Allie still rubs me the wrong way but she's trying to be more friendly. I don't care for her love triangle drama and some of the drama she creates herself. Her conversation with Trent at one point sounds similar to one Bridget Jones has with Mark Darcy in Edge of Reason. Allie is being a bit stubborn and unreasonable in regards to Trent, making me think she doesn't really love him enough. I'm not Trent's biggest fan. He's too different from Allie; too corporate and um too young! She seems to be fond of senior citizens LOL! She IS attracted to Rex and I get that he's sexy and has an element of danger to him. I like how he respects her but I don't see them as a couple with a future together. Allie should concentrate on running her business and not look for love just yet.
As always my favorite character is Mal. She's just so darn adorable and sweet. Her propensity for finding bodies is incredibly silly and unrealistic but I can't resist her. Mella doesn't have a large role in this book for which I am grateful. I'm not a huge cat fan and I would rather read about sweet Mal and her puppy tricks. My favorite human is Jenn. She's bubbly and friendly so she makes friends easily. Without Jenn, Allie wouldn't know much about her neighbors on the island. Mr. Beecher is also a kindly old man who is an enjoyable character. I wanted more of him. He drops out of the story too soon.
Dirk Benjamin is not a very likable character. He comes across as really stupid and hyper focused on his career. I didn't like how he used Allie without her knowledge. The writer, Jeffrey Jenas, is an odd character. I understand writer's block and wanting to take long walks without talking to anyone but he's been on the island for MONTHS and yet no one seems to know he exists. That's weird. His series is a bit too true to life and if I were Allie and Rex I would be furious and probably try to sue the writer for using my likeness without my consent.
The mayor annoys me. She seems a little unethical and I wonder how she can be mayor. Does she really have the good of the island at heart? If I were Allie I'd start looking into that. Maybe the mayor will end up dead soon? I don't trust Sandy either. Who "knows a guy" is the way business gets done around here and I hate it. Sandy and Jenn going behind Allie's back to hire help is plain weird. Paige Jessop is growing on me. She is growing up and coming into her own.
Some of the fudge recipes sound really good and I am eager to try them! I probably never will but I will write them down anyway. The next book doesn't come out until October and I am dying to see what kinds of fudge Allie comes up with for Halloween!
This mystery has a lot going on. There's tons of action and a little bit about Allie's problematic lovelife. I found the chess move notes incredibly confusing, not to mention boring. The story is a bit too long. I had to skip ahead to find out what was going on. There aren't a lot of suspects so it was pretty easy to figure out who did it. I was surprised because the thought had crossed my mind and then a red herring made me change it! The motive seemed completely stupid and unrealistic. The plot with the actor shadowing the cop also seemed silly. The pranks also seem impossible to pull off. I don't know why Allie didn't spend money on a security system sooner. Just because Grandpa Liam didn't want one doesn't mean she doesn't need one or should have one. Finally, the timeline seems too short to be believable. Allie has discovered 6 murders in 6 months yet she hasn't bothered to get to know everyone on the island? Liz is not her friend but a friendly acquaintance. The only friends - Allie has are Jenn, Frances, Mr. Devaney and Mr. Beecher. She is also friendly with the seniors at the senior center. Allie needs to get out more.
Allie still rubs me the wrong way but she's trying to be more friendly. I don't care for her love triangle drama and some of the drama she creates herself. Her conversation with Trent at one point sounds similar to one Bridget Jones has with Mark Darcy in Edge of Reason. Allie is being a bit stubborn and unreasonable in regards to Trent, making me think she doesn't really love him enough. I'm not Trent's biggest fan. He's too different from Allie; too corporate and um too young! She seems to be fond of senior citizens LOL! She IS attracted to Rex and I get that he's sexy and has an element of danger to him. I like how he respects her but I don't see them as a couple with a future together. Allie should concentrate on running her business and not look for love just yet.
As always my favorite character is Mal. She's just so darn adorable and sweet. Her propensity for finding bodies is incredibly silly and unrealistic but I can't resist her. Mella doesn't have a large role in this book for which I am grateful. I'm not a huge cat fan and I would rather read about sweet Mal and her puppy tricks. My favorite human is Jenn. She's bubbly and friendly so she makes friends easily. Without Jenn, Allie wouldn't know much about her neighbors on the island. Mr. Beecher is also a kindly old man who is an enjoyable character. I wanted more of him. He drops out of the story too soon.
Dirk Benjamin is not a very likable character. He comes across as really stupid and hyper focused on his career. I didn't like how he used Allie without her knowledge. The writer, Jeffrey Jenas, is an odd character. I understand writer's block and wanting to take long walks without talking to anyone but he's been on the island for MONTHS and yet no one seems to know he exists. That's weird. His series is a bit too true to life and if I were Allie and Rex I would be furious and probably try to sue the writer for using my likeness without my consent.
The mayor annoys me. She seems a little unethical and I wonder how she can be mayor. Does she really have the good of the island at heart? If I were Allie I'd start looking into that. Maybe the mayor will end up dead soon? I don't trust Sandy either. Who "knows a guy" is the way business gets done around here and I hate it. Sandy and Jenn going behind Allie's back to hire help is plain weird. Paige Jessop is growing on me. She is growing up and coming into her own.
Some of the fudge recipes sound really good and I am eager to try them! I probably never will but I will write them down anyway. The next book doesn't come out until October and I am dying to see what kinds of fudge Allie comes up with for Halloween!
September 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
Forever Fudge is the sixth book in Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated mystery series. Like many people, I’m not a chess player, so all those references went over my head, and I found myself skipping over them. Several things are repeated multiple times and there are a few minor inconsistencies. The mystery was interesting, and the reveal came as a surprise to me.
Allie McMurphy owns the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island in Michigan. She inherited the hotel from her grandfather, Papa Liam, and opened a fudge shop in the hotel’s lobby, where they give two fudge making demonstrations during the island’s tourist season. Allie’s best friend, Jenn Christensen, who has been the hotel’s assistant manager and party planner for Allie’s first season, is preparing to leave the island for a great job opportunity in Chicago. Allie broke things off with Trent Jessop mainly because of all the time he spends in Chicago, but she’s not ready to commit to Officer Rex Manning although he is being persistent. The summer season has ended and a production crew has arrived for the filming of a pilot for a new television series based on a local business owner who solves mysteries and a handsome police officer. Actor Dirk Benjamin is shadowing Rex in an effort to prepare for his role.
While on their afternoon walk, Mal, Allie’s adorable Bichon-Poo puppy, finds a dead body propped up on a Dumpster two buildings down from the hotel. The victim, Jack Sharpe, who worked in Jessops’ stables and spent a lot of time fishing, was shot in the head with a note card in his hand addressed to Allie and two letters and one number written inside. Mr. Beecher, who was there when the body was discovered, says it sounds like an opening chess move. Rex thinks the killer might be trying to bait Allie to become involved. Later, while on another walk Mal begins digging in a flower garden and finds a sock and a human toe, and another chess reference is found. The killer continues to taunt Allie, trying to get her to play his game, and Rex tells her to stay out of the case. Allie did her best to steer clear of the investigation, but the murderer finally forces her to get involved.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Forever Fudge is the sixth book in Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated mystery series. Like many people, I’m not a chess player, so all those references went over my head, and I found myself skipping over them. Several things are repeated multiple times and there are a few minor inconsistencies. The mystery was interesting, and the reveal came as a surprise to me.
Allie McMurphy owns the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island in Michigan. She inherited the hotel from her grandfather, Papa Liam, and opened a fudge shop in the hotel’s lobby, where they give two fudge making demonstrations during the island’s tourist season. Allie’s best friend, Jenn Christensen, who has been the hotel’s assistant manager and party planner for Allie’s first season, is preparing to leave the island for a great job opportunity in Chicago. Allie broke things off with Trent Jessop mainly because of all the time he spends in Chicago, but she’s not ready to commit to Officer Rex Manning although he is being persistent. The summer season has ended and a production crew has arrived for the filming of a pilot for a new television series based on a local business owner who solves mysteries and a handsome police officer. Actor Dirk Benjamin is shadowing Rex in an effort to prepare for his role.
While on their afternoon walk, Mal, Allie’s adorable Bichon-Poo puppy, finds a dead body propped up on a Dumpster two buildings down from the hotel. The victim, Jack Sharpe, who worked in Jessops’ stables and spent a lot of time fishing, was shot in the head with a note card in his hand addressed to Allie and two letters and one number written inside. Mr. Beecher, who was there when the body was discovered, says it sounds like an opening chess move. Rex thinks the killer might be trying to bait Allie to become involved. Later, while on another walk Mal begins digging in a flower garden and finds a sock and a human toe, and another chess reference is found. The killer continues to taunt Allie, trying to get her to play his game, and Rex tells her to stay out of the case. Allie did her best to steer clear of the investigation, but the murderer finally forces her to get involved.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 22, 2018
FOREVER FUDGE, the sixth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco is set at one of the best locations of any series I’ve read: Mackinac Island. A quaint setting that makes the reader feel like they’re visiting another time and place (the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed here). Ms. Coco uses this location effectively and bases her new book on a mystery show being filmed on the island. This set-up showcases island living such as a slower pace of life, charming shops and shop owners, and people who know each other and are neighborly… until murder jars the community. The protagonist, Allie McMurphy, owns McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. Her adorable pup, Mal, happens to be a murder magnet and drags Allie into finding dead bodies. But this time is different… the murderer seems to be a copycat killer based on the previous cases Allie has solved. The killer starts taunting Allie, daring her to solve this new crime and then ups the ante by targeting those she cares about. I found the scenario and scenes chilling and couldn’t stop turning pages to find out what happens next! The killer also uses chess moves to engage Allie. Since I don’t play chess I couldn’t really follow the clues so I found it a bit distracting.
I liked that the action starts right away and the supporting characters who are long-term fixtures on the island are well developed. The ladies at the senior center add entertainment to the story and I hope we see more of them in future releases. With the film crew, support staff, and actors on the island, there is a whole cast of suspects to choose from and Allie has her hands full trying to narrow down the list. The conclusion was suspenseful and one that I didn’t see coming. Ms. Coco provides a unique twist and I didn’t even suspect the villain! I also enjoyed reading through the fudge recipes sprinkled throughout the book. These recipes sound mouth-wateringly delicious and perfect for the holidays coming up.
I was provided an advance copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked that the action starts right away and the supporting characters who are long-term fixtures on the island are well developed. The ladies at the senior center add entertainment to the story and I hope we see more of them in future releases. With the film crew, support staff, and actors on the island, there is a whole cast of suspects to choose from and Allie has her hands full trying to narrow down the list. The conclusion was suspenseful and one that I didn’t see coming. Ms. Coco provides a unique twist and I didn’t even suspect the villain! I also enjoyed reading through the fudge recipes sprinkled throughout the book. These recipes sound mouth-wateringly delicious and perfect for the holidays coming up.
I was provided an advance copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2018
“Forever Fudge” earns 5/5 Fudgy Fun…Clever, Engaging, and Tasty, too!
Top notch mystery! Wonderful characters! Realistic investigations! And a bit of humor!
Well, it's fudge! It's a no-brainer that I would jump on board with Nancy Coco’s sixth book in her Candy-Coated Mystery series. Although I've joined late and much has been developed with the storyline and characters, I easily became engaged in the book and enough references to background and character connections were provided without any spoilers. Allie McMurphy owns a delightful hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island, and as are many residents, excited about the film crew arriving on the island to film a television pilot for a mystery series. The idea of using the front of her historic Victorian building and adding to their popularity is a bittersweet prospect that also pits one side of the street against the other. However, it's the dead body found in the alley and a note from the killer that taunts Allie back into another murder investigation. There's a heartthrob actor queasy at seeing a real dead body shadowing the local cop, a possible ex-boyfriend and another budding romance both not without some conflict, ins and outs of hoteling and chocolating, and a murder mystery seemingly arranged for Allie to solve. All of this makes Nancy’s well-written first-person narrative, page-turner investigation, entertaining banter, and great characters a “must read” cozy…and the five marvelous fudge recipes sprinkled in between the chapters are a delicious bonus!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Top notch mystery! Wonderful characters! Realistic investigations! And a bit of humor!
Well, it's fudge! It's a no-brainer that I would jump on board with Nancy Coco’s sixth book in her Candy-Coated Mystery series. Although I've joined late and much has been developed with the storyline and characters, I easily became engaged in the book and enough references to background and character connections were provided without any spoilers. Allie McMurphy owns a delightful hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island, and as are many residents, excited about the film crew arriving on the island to film a television pilot for a mystery series. The idea of using the front of her historic Victorian building and adding to their popularity is a bittersweet prospect that also pits one side of the street against the other. However, it's the dead body found in the alley and a note from the killer that taunts Allie back into another murder investigation. There's a heartthrob actor queasy at seeing a real dead body shadowing the local cop, a possible ex-boyfriend and another budding romance both not without some conflict, ins and outs of hoteling and chocolating, and a murder mystery seemingly arranged for Allie to solve. All of this makes Nancy’s well-written first-person narrative, page-turner investigation, entertaining banter, and great characters a “must read” cozy…and the five marvelous fudge recipes sprinkled in between the chapters are a delicious bonus!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
November 7, 2018
Forever Fudge is the first book in the Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco that I have had the pleasure of reading.....and boy was it a pleasure !!!
I fell instantly in love with everything about this book....from the main character Allie and her friends to her job owning a hotel and candy shop to it being on an island and even to the murders.....
Allie has it made !! She owns a historic hotel that she inherited from her grandfather. The hotel is on an island that she is quite familiar with as she grew up vacationing there. Allie lives on the top floor of the hotel with her dog and cat and her best friend is staying there helping out. Allie has 2 men that are smitten with her....Trent who is a rich businessman who spends most of his time in Chicago who she recently broke up with and a local cop Rex who she has grown to know quite well due to being involved in past criminal cases.
Even though this was the first book in this series that I have read and even though it is the 6th book in the series, I was completely at home by the end of the first chapter. Coco has a way of making sure that the reader does not get lost at all in her story telling. The story line was so much fun to read and get caught up in....you almost feel like you are right there on the island. And believe me, you will feel like that the entire time you are reading this book and even for a time after you finish reading.
I am not a fan for life of this series and look forward to reading the next book and I will even try to read the previous books.....anything to return to Mackinac Island.....
I fell instantly in love with everything about this book....from the main character Allie and her friends to her job owning a hotel and candy shop to it being on an island and even to the murders.....
Allie has it made !! She owns a historic hotel that she inherited from her grandfather. The hotel is on an island that she is quite familiar with as she grew up vacationing there. Allie lives on the top floor of the hotel with her dog and cat and her best friend is staying there helping out. Allie has 2 men that are smitten with her....Trent who is a rich businessman who spends most of his time in Chicago who she recently broke up with and a local cop Rex who she has grown to know quite well due to being involved in past criminal cases.
Even though this was the first book in this series that I have read and even though it is the 6th book in the series, I was completely at home by the end of the first chapter. Coco has a way of making sure that the reader does not get lost at all in her story telling. The story line was so much fun to read and get caught up in....you almost feel like you are right there on the island. And believe me, you will feel like that the entire time you are reading this book and even for a time after you finish reading.
I am not a fan for life of this series and look forward to reading the next book and I will even try to read the previous books.....anything to return to Mackinac Island.....
September 2, 2018
This is a good book! It is my first time reading a book by Nancy CoCo and I want to give a big thank you to Net Galley for the ARC copy they let me read.
Allie McMurphy is in Minnesota to take over her Grandfather's Hotel. The hotel has been in the family for over 100 years. She is just finishing up her first season of taking over.
She has a friend helping her out with Event Planning and Fudge making. The Hotel is famous for its fudge and Allie is trying to make it a year round project.
She has a boyfriend that she just broke up with, but he is back on the Island. To see if he can get her back! In the meantime she is accepting dates from other guys. They have a film crew on the island making a pilot for a new TV show. Dirk is working with the film crew, and Rex is the local Sheriff and is looking to get involved with Allie. All three guys are nice looking, and have good bodies.
She is not sure which one it will be. She has been having a problem lately she and her dog Marshmallow (Mal) have been finding dead bodies on the Island and she has been helping the police find the killers. This latest one has everyone in a tizzy trying to find the person who did it.
The author has the ability of keeping the reader attached to the book right up to the end. I am going to recommend the book to all my friends and family.
You will not who Dun it until the end!
Allie McMurphy is in Minnesota to take over her Grandfather's Hotel. The hotel has been in the family for over 100 years. She is just finishing up her first season of taking over.
She has a friend helping her out with Event Planning and Fudge making. The Hotel is famous for its fudge and Allie is trying to make it a year round project.
She has a boyfriend that she just broke up with, but he is back on the Island. To see if he can get her back! In the meantime she is accepting dates from other guys. They have a film crew on the island making a pilot for a new TV show. Dirk is working with the film crew, and Rex is the local Sheriff and is looking to get involved with Allie. All three guys are nice looking, and have good bodies.
She is not sure which one it will be. She has been having a problem lately she and her dog Marshmallow (Mal) have been finding dead bodies on the Island and she has been helping the police find the killers. This latest one has everyone in a tizzy trying to find the person who did it.
The author has the ability of keeping the reader attached to the book right up to the end. I am going to recommend the book to all my friends and family.
You will not who Dun it until the end!
December 25, 2021
Back in time?
As much as I enjoy this series I was quite confused by the time line.
This is book 6 in the series, yet reference was made to Allie McMurphy being on the island for only a few months. That this is the first off season she is experiencing and yet I remember reading about Jenn coming back to the island from Chicago where she is getting experience in the event planning business during winter for an event.
Now I might not be as aware of time since I retired but if Allie McMurphy had come back to the island to take over the hotel after her grandfather's death and this book said she came back in May, and the contents of this story is happening after Labor Day, did Christmas happen during the summer? And did Frances and Mr. Delvany take a year long honeymoon since they were married the previous Christmas? And there was a novella giving them a Christmas mystery.
Another thing was a few inconsistencies. The biggest one was the mention of Jenn trying to talk Allie into wearing 6" stilettos at the end of a chapter and to start the next chapter they were down to 5" heels.
Since everything seems to be out of sequence I can only give this a three star.
As much as I enjoy this series I was quite confused by the time line.
This is book 6 in the series, yet reference was made to Allie McMurphy being on the island for only a few months. That this is the first off season she is experiencing and yet I remember reading about Jenn coming back to the island from Chicago where she is getting experience in the event planning business during winter for an event.
Now I might not be as aware of time since I retired but if Allie McMurphy had come back to the island to take over the hotel after her grandfather's death and this book said she came back in May, and the contents of this story is happening after Labor Day, did Christmas happen during the summer? And did Frances and Mr. Delvany take a year long honeymoon since they were married the previous Christmas? And there was a novella giving them a Christmas mystery.
Another thing was a few inconsistencies. The biggest one was the mention of Jenn trying to talk Allie into wearing 6" stilettos at the end of a chapter and to start the next chapter they were down to 5" heels.
Since everything seems to be out of sequence I can only give this a three star.
August 2, 2021
I enjoyed this visit to Mackinaw Island in the offseason. It was interesting to see how the residents keep their businesses afloat without the hordes of tourists. The mystery in this one was much better than the last. I don't mind romance in my mysteries but there is a tendency to focus on it more once the MC is in a relationship and I found that the last one had too much of Trent and Allie and less of the other residents who make the story so inviting. I figured out early on who was involved but it didn't change my rating this time because I could not put this one down; the story kept me glued to it (even while watching the Olympics!). Looking forward to the next one.
March 22, 2024
This is another good mystery set in the hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island. In this story, there is a film crew who comes to town to work on a movie, but before things can get underway, there is a murder and the victim is found right behind the hotel. Allie has to try to find out who the culprit is before there are more murders. Of course there are also lots of delicious fudge recipes included!
October 30, 2018
Allie has to pull her head out of her butt and choose a guy (REX!!!!) before she ends up alone. The film crew coming to the island wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (for the most part.) Unforgettable characters make these books good.
October 29, 2018
It is the end of tourist season and Allie is planning on a new rooftop addition but when a TV crew filming a new show comes to town and men start being murdered she has to use her savings for new security cameras and keycard locks. The murderer is leaving notes with chess clues addressed to Allie on each victim. With threats to her dog and friends she sets out to find out who is murderering men.
September 15, 2018
Forever Fudge is the 6th book(includes 2 e-novellas) in The Candy-Coated Mystery series.
I love heading to Mackinac Island and stopping in to visit with Allie and Jenn at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.
Allie is quite busy this time as Francis and Mr. Delaney are off on their honeymoon and Jenn is busy planning a fund-raiser for the Butterfly House. It’s Tuesday after Labor Day and Allie is busy going over the financial’s for the season when Jenn has some exciting news to pass on. She has heard that there will be a pilot for a mystery series to be filmed on the island and the cast and crew are already assembling to begin production. Later that day Allie has taken her bichon-poo, Mal, out for a walk. As Allie is greeting her friend Mr. Beecher Mal as she is prone to do, she finds a man slumped next to a building with a hat covering his head. The man has been shot in the head. In his hand is a note addressed to Allie that has two letters and a number written on it. Allie doesn’t have a clue what the note might mean and Mr. Beecher says that it appears to be a chess move. Apparently, someone is taunting Allie to investigate another murder. Allie calls 911 and within minutes Rex Manning, the police chief, arrives on the scene with his shadow. His shadow, being the Dirk Benjamin who will be portraying Rex in the television pilot. Then Mal finds a sock that has man’s toe in it. When a second body is found that was similar to the first one and more chess moves are left for Allie. Allie continues to stand by her promise not to get involved in searching out the killer. But that changes when her former boyfriend, Trent Jessop goes missing.
This another well-plotted and told story from Nancy Coco. The book had a wonderful cast of interesting and believable characters. The book also has delicious sounding recipes included with the book.
I’ll be looking forward to the next book in this exciting series. I’ll be interested to hear how the Delaney’s honeymoon was and what is new with Allie and Rex.
I love heading to Mackinac Island and stopping in to visit with Allie and Jenn at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.
Allie is quite busy this time as Francis and Mr. Delaney are off on their honeymoon and Jenn is busy planning a fund-raiser for the Butterfly House. It’s Tuesday after Labor Day and Allie is busy going over the financial’s for the season when Jenn has some exciting news to pass on. She has heard that there will be a pilot for a mystery series to be filmed on the island and the cast and crew are already assembling to begin production. Later that day Allie has taken her bichon-poo, Mal, out for a walk. As Allie is greeting her friend Mr. Beecher Mal as she is prone to do, she finds a man slumped next to a building with a hat covering his head. The man has been shot in the head. In his hand is a note addressed to Allie that has two letters and a number written on it. Allie doesn’t have a clue what the note might mean and Mr. Beecher says that it appears to be a chess move. Apparently, someone is taunting Allie to investigate another murder. Allie calls 911 and within minutes Rex Manning, the police chief, arrives on the scene with his shadow. His shadow, being the Dirk Benjamin who will be portraying Rex in the television pilot. Then Mal finds a sock that has man’s toe in it. When a second body is found that was similar to the first one and more chess moves are left for Allie. Allie continues to stand by her promise not to get involved in searching out the killer. But that changes when her former boyfriend, Trent Jessop goes missing.
This another well-plotted and told story from Nancy Coco. The book had a wonderful cast of interesting and believable characters. The book also has delicious sounding recipes included with the book.
I’ll be looking forward to the next book in this exciting series. I’ll be interested to hear how the Delaney’s honeymoon was and what is new with Allie and Rex.
January 20, 2023
Somehow Allie got less annoying in this one, but only slightly.
Can we just quit the the love triangle already? This is book 6, lets wrap it up. Pick one or make her single. Especially when there's ZERO chemistry with Trent and he's just...blech. He's awful and his whole "I want my kids to go to the best schools in Chicago thing" made me eye roll. So did your mom and her whole whatever this issue is with Sandy and her family.
Can we just quit the the love triangle already? This is book 6, lets wrap it up. Pick one or make her single. Especially when there's ZERO chemistry with Trent and he's just...blech. He's awful and his whole "I want my kids to go to the best schools in Chicago thing" made me eye roll. So did your mom and her whole whatever this issue is with Sandy and her family.
October 1, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fo...
Forever Fudge
Candy-Coated Mystery, Book #6
By Nancy Coco
ISBN 9781496716071
Author Website: nancyjcoco(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When a film crew comes to Mackinac Island, the last thing fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy expects to find is a murder victim . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It’s Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie’s help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie’s bichon-poo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head—with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer—but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .(Goodreads)
Review:
I love visiting Allie and her friends at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop! Forever Fudge is full of the author’s trademark humor even in the midst of the mystery. As the sixth novel in the series, this can be read as a standalone or in the order written. The Mackinac Island setting is inviting, and Allie might be spending her first winter on the island. The characters, as always, are a delight, and Mal is a scene stealer.
Labor Day has come and gone, and so have most of the visitors to Mackinac Island. Frances and her new husband, Mr. Devaney, both employees of the McMurphy, recently were married and are on their honeymoon, and the summer college intern has returned to classes. Allie, her fudgemaker/ chocolatier Sandy, and her best friend Jenn are covering all the positions until the Devaneys’ return. With several guests scheduled, Allie spends part of each day cleaning rooms while Jenn watches the registration desk. Jenn worked with Allie through the summer to help with marketing the newly-refurbished Hotel and, on the side do some event planning.
Jenn heard the scoop that Dirk Benjamin, famous movie star, is coming to the island to film a pilot for a TV show. He will play a detective, and is shadowing Rex, the island’s ruggedly handsome police officer. The show will be about a modern Jessica Fletcher who helps the island police nab the bad guy. Since Allie’s visit on a cooking reality show during the summer, she doesn’t have much interest for the movie shoot or actors. It is enough that other ladies of every age are fascinated and want to see some of the filming.
One morning Allie is walking Mal and talking with Mr. Beecher, an older gentleman who always wears a three-piece suit and walks around the island twice a day. Mal stops, sniffing around a dumpster and refusing to respond to Allie’s call to return. She and Mr. Beecher find Mal sniffing around a dead man whose face is covered by a cap. Rex and his shadow, Dirk respond to the emergency call. When Rex lifts the cap with a pencil, they see the bullet hole in the man’s head, and Mr. Beecher recognizes him as Jack Sharp. Sharp has worked for years in the stables owned by the Jessop family, one of the largest on the island.
Soon it becomes clear, as more grisly finds are made, that someone is duplicating the murders Allie has helped solve during her time on Mackinac Island – with one exception. The killer leaves a note addressed to Allie at crime scenes that includes chess moves from one of Bobby Fischer’s famous games. Someone, possibly the murderer, is doing their best to scare the McMurphy’s guests.
Allie and best friend Jenn are perfect sidekicks. They have been besties since college and, along with Mal, are my favorites. The characters are overall an awesome group of small town folks, with a handful of eccentric people and wealthy people, and a lot of down home people. The movie cast and crew move in as most summer visitors leave. The handsome star, Dirk, acts as though he is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Most women overlook that as they drink in his movie star looks. Overall, I am as excited about the characters now as in the first mystery, as each of the regular people have changed and grown through the summer.
It’s hard to believe, with all that has occurred through the series so far, that Allie has only had the McMurphy open for one season since Papa Liam passed away. She has had more … um … adventures during the past handful of months than most people do in a lifetime.. She also has two men very interested in her: the very wealthy, charming Trent Jessop of the Jessop family stables, and Rex, the slightly rough-around-the-edges island police officer. Will this be the novel in which she will decide which guy to spend time with? I know who I would opt for!
Plot twists abound, and I was almost tripped up by red herrings. I was kind of stuck between two people as suspects. Other challenges, including Jenn leaving for a fabulous job offer in Chicago, keep the pot stirred. The end has unexpected surprises, and while I was kind of right about who the bad guy really was, well, there are still surprises! I highly recommend Forever Fudge, and can’t wait for the next novel in the series!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Forever Fudge
Candy-Coated Mystery, Book #6
By Nancy Coco
ISBN 9781496716071
Author Website: nancyjcoco(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When a film crew comes to Mackinac Island, the last thing fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy expects to find is a murder victim . . .
SHOT ON LOCATION
It’s Labor Day weekend, the official end of tourist season, and the beginning of a whole batch of trouble. First, the island is invaded by a TV crew filming a murder mystery pilot, and handsome Hollywood heartthrob Dirk Benjamin needs Allie’s help to prep for his role as local cop Rex Manning. Then, Allie’s bichon-poo Mal sniffs out a real murder in the alley behind the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, a man shot in the head—with a note challenging amateur sleuth Allie to catch the culprit. Like it or not, the fudge maker has to square off against a crazy killer—but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew . . .(Goodreads)
Review:
I love visiting Allie and her friends at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop! Forever Fudge is full of the author’s trademark humor even in the midst of the mystery. As the sixth novel in the series, this can be read as a standalone or in the order written. The Mackinac Island setting is inviting, and Allie might be spending her first winter on the island. The characters, as always, are a delight, and Mal is a scene stealer.
Labor Day has come and gone, and so have most of the visitors to Mackinac Island. Frances and her new husband, Mr. Devaney, both employees of the McMurphy, recently were married and are on their honeymoon, and the summer college intern has returned to classes. Allie, her fudgemaker/ chocolatier Sandy, and her best friend Jenn are covering all the positions until the Devaneys’ return. With several guests scheduled, Allie spends part of each day cleaning rooms while Jenn watches the registration desk. Jenn worked with Allie through the summer to help with marketing the newly-refurbished Hotel and, on the side do some event planning.
Jenn heard the scoop that Dirk Benjamin, famous movie star, is coming to the island to film a pilot for a TV show. He will play a detective, and is shadowing Rex, the island’s ruggedly handsome police officer. The show will be about a modern Jessica Fletcher who helps the island police nab the bad guy. Since Allie’s visit on a cooking reality show during the summer, she doesn’t have much interest for the movie shoot or actors. It is enough that other ladies of every age are fascinated and want to see some of the filming.
One morning Allie is walking Mal and talking with Mr. Beecher, an older gentleman who always wears a three-piece suit and walks around the island twice a day. Mal stops, sniffing around a dumpster and refusing to respond to Allie’s call to return. She and Mr. Beecher find Mal sniffing around a dead man whose face is covered by a cap. Rex and his shadow, Dirk respond to the emergency call. When Rex lifts the cap with a pencil, they see the bullet hole in the man’s head, and Mr. Beecher recognizes him as Jack Sharp. Sharp has worked for years in the stables owned by the Jessop family, one of the largest on the island.
Soon it becomes clear, as more grisly finds are made, that someone is duplicating the murders Allie has helped solve during her time on Mackinac Island – with one exception. The killer leaves a note addressed to Allie at crime scenes that includes chess moves from one of Bobby Fischer’s famous games. Someone, possibly the murderer, is doing their best to scare the McMurphy’s guests.
Allie and best friend Jenn are perfect sidekicks. They have been besties since college and, along with Mal, are my favorites. The characters are overall an awesome group of small town folks, with a handful of eccentric people and wealthy people, and a lot of down home people. The movie cast and crew move in as most summer visitors leave. The handsome star, Dirk, acts as though he is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Most women overlook that as they drink in his movie star looks. Overall, I am as excited about the characters now as in the first mystery, as each of the regular people have changed and grown through the summer.
It’s hard to believe, with all that has occurred through the series so far, that Allie has only had the McMurphy open for one season since Papa Liam passed away. She has had more … um … adventures during the past handful of months than most people do in a lifetime.. She also has two men very interested in her: the very wealthy, charming Trent Jessop of the Jessop family stables, and Rex, the slightly rough-around-the-edges island police officer. Will this be the novel in which she will decide which guy to spend time with? I know who I would opt for!
Plot twists abound, and I was almost tripped up by red herrings. I was kind of stuck between two people as suspects. Other challenges, including Jenn leaving for a fabulous job offer in Chicago, keep the pot stirred. The end has unexpected surprises, and while I was kind of right about who the bad guy really was, well, there are still surprises! I highly recommend Forever Fudge, and can’t wait for the next novel in the series!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
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