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Candy Store #1
Gumballs and Murder
It is the start of a new venture for Margaret and her son, Zach, setting up their dream candy store, Nichol’s Candy Store. With the business owners around her, there is never a dull moment – from Stacy Koontz the café owner, Mr. Stewart, the dog-groomer who needs a new personality, and Simone Peretti, who is as eccentric as the antiques she sells. It was nothing Margaret couldn’t handle, until their neighbor, Dorothy, was found murdered. A woman who was hated by everyone – making the entire neighborhood a suspect. On top of that long list is the new resident, Kyle, who’s kind-hearted beneath a gruff around the gills hard coating. Wanting justice for Dorothy and Kyle, Margaret decides to investigate this mystery herself. With an attractive detective by her side, it’ll lead to more connections than she ever anticipated. Is she sweet enough to solve this sour blooded mystery?
This cozy mystery is a clean no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read. Read all the Candy Store cozy
1. Gumballs and Murder
2. A Shot of Bitterness
3. A Heap of Truffles
4. Popcorn Treats & Deceit
5. Meringue and Murder
This cozy mystery is a clean no graphic violence, sex, or strong language. It can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read. Read all the Candy Store cozy
1. Gumballs and Murder
2. A Shot of Bitterness
3. A Heap of Truffles
4. Popcorn Treats & Deceit
5. Meringue and Murder
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryFood
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2018
326 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 9, 2018
Where was the editor?
So many errors. Wrong characters popping up in places where it was another that was in that line of the story. The mystery was so blatant it wasn’t a mystery and the conversations were stilted and not at all believable. Disappointing
So many errors. Wrong characters popping up in places where it was another that was in that line of the story. The mystery was so blatant it wasn’t a mystery and the conversations were stilted and not at all believable. Disappointing
June 11, 2018
I really struggled with this book. The writing is very stilted and you feel no connection with the characters. The detective comes across as limp and useless.
July 29, 2018
Margaret has moved to a small town with her son Zach who is twenty. They are opening up a candy shop, Nichol's Candy Store. Everyone around town jokes that the candy will cost a nickel.
She meets her new neighbor Dorothy and her daughter Mary. It seems Dorothy doesn't like very many people and no one seems to like her either.
As Margaret, Zach and Patty get the store stocked and ready for a grand opening Dorothy is found shot in her home. Margaret helps Mary and wants to help the police so Patty has her see Detective David. She seems to take over the case as she is a good Judge of character.
I personally like the characters a little more than the story. Patty, Simone, Mr. Stewart who comes across as grumpy who is a real sweetheart. They all come to together to help Margaret and are a great team. David took it well and I even liked him as well. I will read other books in the series to see if the plot gets better. Not a bad start.
She meets her new neighbor Dorothy and her daughter Mary. It seems Dorothy doesn't like very many people and no one seems to like her either.
As Margaret, Zach and Patty get the store stocked and ready for a grand opening Dorothy is found shot in her home. Margaret helps Mary and wants to help the police so Patty has her see Detective David. She seems to take over the case as she is a good Judge of character.
I personally like the characters a little more than the story. Patty, Simone, Mr. Stewart who comes across as grumpy who is a real sweetheart. They all come to together to help Margaret and are a great team. David took it well and I even liked him as well. I will read other books in the series to see if the plot gets better. Not a bad start.
May 13, 2018
Meh...
This is one that can be read on a lunch hour, but it's not a great loss if you don't.
Most of the story is one line communication. No depth to the characters, no development. It almost felt like someone was writing this on an old typewriter, hunt and peck style. People's verbal interactions weren't written the way people speak, flowing speech and using conjunctions-i.e. "I will go there after dinner." That's not the way people speak, we would say "I'll go there after dinner".
It makes it a little hard to read the story because it makes you stop and mentally pronounce each word in your head instead of it just flowing thru your mind as if someone was actually speaking.
This is definitely not a challenging whodunit. We have a whole story filled with one-line character changes, a main character who has been in town a short time but expects the police detective to forget about someone being a suspect just because she "says" he didn't do it, then at the end we have a huge paragraph unmasking the killer-which of course the main character "Just knew who the killer was" and stupidity confronts him. Duh. Sorry, but I have no interest in book 2
This is one that can be read on a lunch hour, but it's not a great loss if you don't.
Most of the story is one line communication. No depth to the characters, no development. It almost felt like someone was writing this on an old typewriter, hunt and peck style. People's verbal interactions weren't written the way people speak, flowing speech and using conjunctions-i.e. "I will go there after dinner." That's not the way people speak, we would say "I'll go there after dinner".
It makes it a little hard to read the story because it makes you stop and mentally pronounce each word in your head instead of it just flowing thru your mind as if someone was actually speaking.
This is definitely not a challenging whodunit. We have a whole story filled with one-line character changes, a main character who has been in town a short time but expects the police detective to forget about someone being a suspect just because she "says" he didn't do it, then at the end we have a huge paragraph unmasking the killer-which of course the main character "Just knew who the killer was" and stupidity confronts him. Duh. Sorry, but I have no interest in book 2
April 12, 2019
Old life, New life
Any one can start over, Margaret decided enough was enough. She wanted
a new start for herself and her son. So she packed up said their good byes,
and headed back to the small town where she grew up in. Then settled in
the new house, met some not so nice people. Then it happened a murder
right across the street from her. Police and ambulance and a dead body. A
Pushy detective, and the case was on. No one liked the nosey mean victim.
Being busy with getting her new business up and opened. Then her friend was
arrested, now she had to find the real murderer before a innocent man was
Convicted for a crime he didn't do. Can she and her little band of friends solve
This case, and would she and the detective have a chance, or would they con
tinue to but heads and argue with each other. A great little mystery to read, with
A lot of off the wall characters, after all it's a small town. Where everyone knows your business. Except who the murderer is.
Debra H.
Any one can start over, Margaret decided enough was enough. She wanted
a new start for herself and her son. So she packed up said their good byes,
and headed back to the small town where she grew up in. Then settled in
the new house, met some not so nice people. Then it happened a murder
right across the street from her. Police and ambulance and a dead body. A
Pushy detective, and the case was on. No one liked the nosey mean victim.
Being busy with getting her new business up and opened. Then her friend was
arrested, now she had to find the real murderer before a innocent man was
Convicted for a crime he didn't do. Can she and her little band of friends solve
This case, and would she and the detective have a chance, or would they con
tinue to but heads and argue with each other. A great little mystery to read, with
A lot of off the wall characters, after all it's a small town. Where everyone knows your business. Except who the murderer is.
Debra H.
September 11, 2018
A new town, a new business, a new home--and a murdered next-door neighbor
Margaret and her son finally got away from her ex-husband, the bully, and moved to a small town where they were opening a candy store. They bought a house in the suburbs. They met the woman next-door, who was nasty about everyone. When their furniture was delivered three neighbor men volunteered .to move it into the house. That night they heard a loud bang, but thought it was a backfire. The next day Margaret learned that Dorothy, the nasty neighbor had been shot and killed. Although she was getting her shop ready to open, Margaret could not help herself from investigating. It is a cute story about how her neighboring shop owners join with her in this endeavor. She also meets the police detective and a romance begins to bloom. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Margaret and her son finally got away from her ex-husband, the bully, and moved to a small town where they were opening a candy store. They bought a house in the suburbs. They met the woman next-door, who was nasty about everyone. When their furniture was delivered three neighbor men volunteered .to move it into the house. That night they heard a loud bang, but thought it was a backfire. The next day Margaret learned that Dorothy, the nasty neighbor had been shot and killed. Although she was getting her shop ready to open, Margaret could not help herself from investigating. It is a cute story about how her neighboring shop owners join with her in this endeavor. She also meets the police detective and a romance begins to bloom. Looking forward to the next in this series.
April 8, 2018
Excellent first start in the new Candy Store Mystery book series by Wendy Meadows. In this one, Margaret and Zach have moved back to her home town after a nasty divorce. She has purchased a building on main street in which she is going to open her candy store to fulfill a long time dream. On their first night home, their neighbor Dorothy and her daughter Mary come over to give them the scoop on the neighborhood. During the night they are both awakened by a noise that they cannot place and since they don't hear it again, they just go back to sleep. In the morning, they discover that one of their neighbors has been murdered. Margaret, naturally, jumps in to help solve the case and make sure the guilty party is brought to justice
June 5, 2018
Acid drops
Okay not the best cozy ever but for a read that is easy and light this is perfect. Even though the culprits weren't hard to figure out. After a divorce and fed up with living in the city, she and her son move to a quiet town to open a sweet shop. The only fly in the ointment is the nasty, gossiping senior next door who seems to hate everyone and everything including her own daughter. When she is found murdered our heroine steps in sleuth. A handsome detective, a threat, a ransacked shop and an arrest are mixed in with a community that opens its arms to the newly arrived pair. The characters need a bit more work but hopefully this will become as good as the Alaska series.
Okay not the best cozy ever but for a read that is easy and light this is perfect. Even though the culprits weren't hard to figure out. After a divorce and fed up with living in the city, she and her son move to a quiet town to open a sweet shop. The only fly in the ointment is the nasty, gossiping senior next door who seems to hate everyone and everything including her own daughter. When she is found murdered our heroine steps in sleuth. A handsome detective, a threat, a ransacked shop and an arrest are mixed in with a community that opens its arms to the newly arrived pair. The characters need a bit more work but hopefully this will become as good as the Alaska series.
April 9, 2018
Another great read by Wendy Meadows.Margaret Nichols and her son Zack move from the city to a small town to start a new life after her divorce.Margaret and Zach are opening up a candy shop and in the process of moving into their new house as well.Dorothy her neighbor turns out to be the neighborhood gossip who is a troublemaker ends up dead and Margaret takes it upon herself to find the person responsible.I recommend this story with all the twists, turns and surprises you won't want to put the book down.I find you can't go wrong with any Wendy Meadows book's they are well written with fully developed characters and plots.
April 7, 2018
Margaret and her son Zach leave city life and move to a quiet country small town. At least they thought that was what they did. Small towns can be peaceful, or not. Murder can be accomplished anywhere, and it even happens in small towns. Love the small town feel of the story, makes you want to visit the town. The characters are wonderful, you even feel sorry for the criminals. Read this story straight through, could not put it down. This is a really fun read, you will enjoy reading this book.
April 8, 2018
This was another great book. The setting was great. Margaret and her son moving to a small town trying to get away from crime run right into a murder. Margaret decided that she was going to help out with the investigation. And guess who solve the case of course Margaret. All of the people that Dorothy knew had a reason to murder her, but the two who did it was not what I was expecting to happen. It was great. Please read you will enjoy it.
April 15, 2018
A fun short cozy mystery that made me laugh. Not too deep or a convoluted murder mystery, but still an enjoyable story one would expect from a true cozy mystery. I liked the characters and look forward to their future mysteries and development. Was well written and a great read for when you do not have a lot of time but want to be entertained. Liked the play on the candy shop name that ran through the book. I read it on one sitting as I had to find out who and why murder the old woman.
April 16, 2018
This was a nice, quick, easy read. Margaret and her son Zach needed a new start. She decides too be close to her hometown and open a candy store. She buys a cute little house in a nice neighborhood. She didn't know about the turmoil her neighbor had going on until a murder happens. She felt compelled to figure out what happened.
Good start to a new series.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
Good start to a new series.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
July 9, 2018
Love it, love it, love it! I only read at night so it usually takes me two or three sittings. The characters are are real. I love Margaret and the fact that she meets a love interest in book one. The mystery was great. I was trying to figure it out the whole time and this time I didn't. I'm waiting for book 2 and 3 to come out in paperback. Yes I have a kindle, but there is nothing like holding a book in your hand.
April 6, 2018
Terrific Start
Read the whole book without putting it down! The shop sounds great and the mention of the candy made me want to by some. Margaret is a good sleuth with nice instincts. I like all the characters. Hope the next book comes out soon. I like every series by Wendy Meadows.
Read the whole book without putting it down! The shop sounds great and the mention of the candy made me want to by some. Margaret is a good sleuth with nice instincts. I like all the characters. Hope the next book comes out soon. I like every series by Wendy Meadows.
April 8, 2018
It was a quick and enjoyable read. Margaret and Zach move away from the city to find a quieter life. They are opening a candy store named Nichol's Candy Store. The name of the store becomes a running joke throughout the story. She becomes involved in solving the murder of her neighbor, a woman had no one really like.
April 15, 2018
Enjoyable Mystery
The characters are realistic and interesting. The story flows well and keeps your attention. Opening a candy store gets interrupted in a bunch of small ways and then, there's a Murder. Getting to the facts, balancing friends, and a business are all entwined in solving the case.
The characters are realistic and interesting. The story flows well and keeps your attention. Opening a candy store gets interrupted in a bunch of small ways and then, there's a Murder. Getting to the facts, balancing friends, and a business are all entwined in solving the case.
March 3, 2021
Very good read
All the characters were fun and memorable. I had several suspicions of whodunit but I didn't know until the end. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more. My only issue was with the dialog. When anyone spoke, the English was too proper. Nobody talks that way. They use contractions and more "every day" language.
All the characters were fun and memorable. I had several suspicions of whodunit but I didn't know until the end. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more. My only issue was with the dialog. When anyone spoke, the English was too proper. Nobody talks that way. They use contractions and more "every day" language.
April 9, 2018
This is a sweet murder mystery, if there is such a thing. Friendly people, small town, a new beginning for Margaret and Zach, a budding romance, and a murder. Easy read, clean, no foul language. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 16, 2018
Looking forward to book two I love Wendy books
I love Wendy's books this one was especially good and it really had a twist I wasn't expecting I hope book to comes out soon I've been reading a lot of Wendy's books ever since you started and it makes an old broad feel good
I love Wendy's books this one was especially good and it really had a twist I wasn't expecting I hope book to comes out soon I've been reading a lot of Wendy's books ever since you started and it makes an old broad feel good
April 20, 2018
Great story.....
This is the first story I have read by Ms Wendy Meadows, I must say that I enjoyed it very much. The author did a wonderful job of telling her mystery and there's nothing wrong with a little romance to color the scene.
This is the first story I have read by Ms Wendy Meadows, I must say that I enjoyed it very much. The author did a wonderful job of telling her mystery and there's nothing wrong with a little romance to color the scene.
April 30, 2018
Great read
OK book one in this new series by Wendy Meadows and I'm already hooked but I should not be surprised because I love all her characters in her books if you love a great cozy then any of her series are a must read and I can't wait till book two of this one
OK book one in this new series by Wendy Meadows and I'm already hooked but I should not be surprised because I love all her characters in her books if you love a great cozy then any of her series are a must read and I can't wait till book two of this one
May 13, 2018
Very good
I love your characters. The murderer had me fooled. I liked the fact that Margaret and her son were new comers to the town and the locals welcomed them. Hope this is the first of many in the series. Thank you and stay well.
.
I love your characters. The murderer had me fooled. I liked the fact that Margaret and her son were new comers to the town and the locals welcomed them. Hope this is the first of many in the series. Thank you and stay well.
.
June 3, 2018
A nice easy Cozy mystery.
Believable. Characters that pull you in. Couple that with a Smalltown that helps bring friends together. Everyone needs a home in finding this one for her and her son is very enjoyable.
Believable. Characters that pull you in. Couple that with a Smalltown that helps bring friends together. Everyone needs a home in finding this one for her and her son is very enjoyable.
June 15, 2018
Fun new series for me to enjoy
I have been reading several different cozy mystery series and decided to try something new. This was entertaining a M like the characters. I will read more of these.
I have been reading several different cozy mystery series and decided to try something new. This was entertaining a M like the characters. I will read more of these.
July 20, 2018
Looks like I found another great Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in The Candy Store Mysteries, the characters sound interesting I'm sure there will be lots of excitement in upcoming instalments .
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in The Candy Store Mysteries, the characters sound interesting I'm sure there will be lots of excitement in upcoming instalments .
March 19, 2019
Good plot
This story has good characters and plot. The way it is written is very distracting to the story. Is the author new to the English language? Or is she trying to be very precise? The English is quite stilted.
This story has good characters and plot. The way it is written is very distracting to the story. Is the author new to the English language? Or is she trying to be very precise? The English is quite stilted.
May 5, 2019
Now i want candy and more candy!
Another feel good about people story! Even with a murder, i felt good inside at the helpfulness of the characters. It is good to have friends, and these are the best.
Another feel good about people story! Even with a murder, i felt good inside at the helpfulness of the characters. It is good to have friends, and these are the best.
June 18, 2020
This review is really for the whole series. The stories are interesting and the plots are good, but the writing, especially the dialogue, is... clunky. It just doesn't flow well. There are also several errors like "fine" instead of "find" that contribute to the overall jerkiness. Overall they're good stories, though I become annoyed with what happens to some main characters.
April 11, 2018
Meadows scores a hit again
Great story, fun characters, wonderful good feel cozy. What you expect and more from good author. Hope this series continues.
Great story, fun characters, wonderful good feel cozy. What you expect and more from good author. Hope this series continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews