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Candy Covered Cozy Mysteries #1
Peppermint Fudge and Fears
A candy by any other name…
Might just be murder.
Candy shop owner, Candice Rothberg, formerly Candice Darling, is excited for Christmas. It’s hard not to be, in a town as festive as Lake Marion, Michigan. When Candice learns that a local bakery is hosting a gingerbread house building contest, she eagerly dives right in. With her background in candy and all things delicious, she plans to rock the contest, whether she wins it or not.
What starts out to be a fun and delicious contest, ends up being a holiday horror, when one of the competitors dies, under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a mysterious candy wrapper and more questions than answers. When the killer targets a second victim, Candice realizes all of the mystery and intrigue, oddly, has something to do with her.
Will she figure out who the culprit is, before it’s too late?
Or will this be a season of suffering for Lake Marion?
Find out in this delectably action-packed Cozy Mystery!
Might just be murder.
Candy shop owner, Candice Rothberg, formerly Candice Darling, is excited for Christmas. It’s hard not to be, in a town as festive as Lake Marion, Michigan. When Candice learns that a local bakery is hosting a gingerbread house building contest, she eagerly dives right in. With her background in candy and all things delicious, she plans to rock the contest, whether she wins it or not.
What starts out to be a fun and delicious contest, ends up being a holiday horror, when one of the competitors dies, under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a mysterious candy wrapper and more questions than answers. When the killer targets a second victim, Candice realizes all of the mystery and intrigue, oddly, has something to do with her.
Will she figure out who the culprit is, before it’s too late?
Or will this be a season of suffering for Lake Marion?
Find out in this delectably action-packed Cozy Mystery!
130 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2019
282 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Patti Benning
359 books224 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 11, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening. 🎶🎵
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 8.
This is a new series spinoff from Darling's Deli series with the focus on Candice and Eli. The candy shop is back in business. Candice and an employee are enter in a ginger bread house contest. One of the competitors falls over and is rushed to the hospital. There she died. Things keep happening leading to the arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family relationship mystery novels. 👒😎🏡😡😮
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 8.
This is a new series spinoff from Darling's Deli series with the focus on Candice and Eli. The candy shop is back in business. Candice and an employee are enter in a ginger bread house contest. One of the competitors falls over and is rushed to the hospital. There she died. Things keep happening leading to the arrest of the killer.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family relationship mystery novels. 👒😎🏡😡😮
November 23, 2019
Candice Rothberg is happily getting her candy shop ready for the Christmas season in her small Michigan town. When she hears about a gingerbread house contest, she quickly signs up. With her candy making skills, this is the perfect challenge for her.
As the competition begins, one of her fellow contestants suddenly dies. All the evidence left behind is a candy wrapper which looks suspiciously familiar to Candice. She hardly even knew the contestant but could this death have something to do with her?
This is the first book in Patti Benning’s Candy Covered Cozy Mystery Series. I didn’t find out until later that it’s a sequel to her Darling Deli series, but you don’t have to read it before reading this one. There are a couple of characters from the first series that were promoted to their own series. I never read the other series, but I plan to. I enjoyed this one very much.
It has likeable characters set in a small town. It’s not a complicated mystery, but it does keep you guessing and trying to figure things out right along with Candice.
It’s a short book, approximately 100 pages and the perfect book to read after reading a larger book. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours and leave me craving for candy.
As the competition begins, one of her fellow contestants suddenly dies. All the evidence left behind is a candy wrapper which looks suspiciously familiar to Candice. She hardly even knew the contestant but could this death have something to do with her?
This is the first book in Patti Benning’s Candy Covered Cozy Mystery Series. I didn’t find out until later that it’s a sequel to her Darling Deli series, but you don’t have to read it before reading this one. There are a couple of characters from the first series that were promoted to their own series. I never read the other series, but I plan to. I enjoyed this one very much.
It has likeable characters set in a small town. It’s not a complicated mystery, but it does keep you guessing and trying to figure things out right along with Candice.
It’s a short book, approximately 100 pages and the perfect book to read after reading a larger book. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours and leave me craving for candy.
August 4, 2020
Enjoyable cozy mystery. Have a bit of a sweet tooth so the Candy Covered drew me in and I was not disappointed. Interesting characters and mystery. Looking forward to more of the Candy Covered mysteries.
November 29, 2020
A fun festive mystery that started with a murder at a gingerbread house contest. Much like her mom Moira, Candice found she liked helping investigate mysteries too. Her mom and David even made an appearance or two, since of course, David was willing to help too. I didn't have much trouble guessing whodunit, and there was never a more deserving perp. Thanks to some quick thinking of her own and her awesome assistant, Candice got the upper hand in the showdown, and the killer was caught. The ending was so sweet and Christmasy!
January 6, 2021
Very short (132 pages) story about a candy shop in MI. Candice owns a candy shop, other members of her family also have shops in town. She enters a gingerbread house contest, only to have one of the contestants die during the competition. She also has a stalker, and it turns out that he is involved in the death. The ending seemed very rushed to me, and it wasn't that great a story. There are more, but I won't be reading them.
November 17, 2019
This is the first book in a new series. It is a spin-off from the Darling Deli series.
It was great to catch up with the characters from the prior series. Of course there was a shift, focusing on Candace and Eli and the rebuilt candy store. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. I definitely recommend reading this book!
It was great to catch up with the characters from the prior series. Of course there was a shift, focusing on Candace and Eli and the rebuilt candy store. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. I definitely recommend reading this book!
December 27, 2021
Candice Rothberg owns a candy shop in Lake Marion, Michigan. Her husband, Eli, was injured in a fire and hasn't been able to find a job he can work full time without pain, but he's trying. Candice is looking forward to the local gingerbread house contest, which she hopes to win, but one of the contestants is a baker who has won the previous years, so she's a bit nervous about competing against her.
But before the contest begins, the woman eats a piece of candy and dies. It's determined that she was poisoned, and now Candice wants to know who murdered her. But will she find a killer before there's another victim? Or will the killer target her instead?
I wanted to read this book because it was getting close to Christmas, and I wanted to 'read the season,' as it were. However, I was, unfortunately, sorely disappointed in this book altogether. The writing was sophomoric, and perhaps it is geared toward others, but not me.
I didn't find the plot particularly interesting, nor the people in the book. There wasn't really a mystery at all, and you really don't have to look for any clues. It was tough slogging through this book, and when I came to the end, the murderer practically threw themself at the reader. The reason for the killing didn't even make any sense to me. Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this book at all and won't read any more of this series.
But before the contest begins, the woman eats a piece of candy and dies. It's determined that she was poisoned, and now Candice wants to know who murdered her. But will she find a killer before there's another victim? Or will the killer target her instead?
I wanted to read this book because it was getting close to Christmas, and I wanted to 'read the season,' as it were. However, I was, unfortunately, sorely disappointed in this book altogether. The writing was sophomoric, and perhaps it is geared toward others, but not me.
I didn't find the plot particularly interesting, nor the people in the book. There wasn't really a mystery at all, and you really don't have to look for any clues. It was tough slogging through this book, and when I came to the end, the murderer practically threw themself at the reader. The reason for the killing didn't even make any sense to me. Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this book at all and won't read any more of this series.
November 25, 2019
Crimes at Christmastime
It was so nice to see Candace finally back at her own candy store. It seems like it has been a long time since I've read anything about this group of characters and it was so nice to get back into it. A lot has happened. This is a great book and I'm glad to see the direction it has moved in and it was nice to see Candace as the main character. I loved how she kept a level head when not knowing what or really who was behind the mayhem. One thing that was particularly nice and seemed kind of in the background was what may be in store for Eli. That made me feel hopeful and excited. It was nice to see how all of them, as a family each have their own gifts to bring to the family as a whole while being independent. This book felt like a fresh start.
It was so nice to see Candace finally back at her own candy store. It seems like it has been a long time since I've read anything about this group of characters and it was so nice to get back into it. A lot has happened. This is a great book and I'm glad to see the direction it has moved in and it was nice to see Candace as the main character. I loved how she kept a level head when not knowing what or really who was behind the mayhem. One thing that was particularly nice and seemed kind of in the background was what may be in store for Eli. That made me feel hopeful and excited. It was nice to see how all of them, as a family each have their own gifts to bring to the family as a whole while being independent. This book felt like a fresh start.
December 21, 2019
Sorry but not for me
Sorry but this just felt flat and lacklustre. The plot was a good one, poisoned candy, but the culprit was obvious (at least to me) and it just didn't click with me. I didn't feel any excitement or real interest in it. Maybe it was the characters, as they seemed fairly wooden and a bit two dimensional. There was just no 'oomph' factor.
Her candy store is a success but her favourite employee has been acting strangely. The contest she entered for the gingerbread house ended in a contestant's death. Strange gifts and notes have appeared and she's being harassed by a customer (even though she's happily married). Does the wrapper she found in the dead woman's pocket have any sinister implications and if so what?
Sorry but this just felt flat and lacklustre. The plot was a good one, poisoned candy, but the culprit was obvious (at least to me) and it just didn't click with me. I didn't feel any excitement or real interest in it. Maybe it was the characters, as they seemed fairly wooden and a bit two dimensional. There was just no 'oomph' factor.
Her candy store is a success but her favourite employee has been acting strangely. The contest she entered for the gingerbread house ended in a contestant's death. Strange gifts and notes have appeared and she's being harassed by a customer (even though she's happily married). Does the wrapper she found in the dead woman's pocket have any sinister implications and if so what?
May 8, 2020
Love this book!!
10++++ stars!!!!
I love the fact that part of Darling Deli series is continuing with Candice and Eli and their lives back with the Candice's Candy shop and Eli starting a Pet Bakery.
This is a great way to start this series. Candice is smart and very independent like Moira her mother, and I like that David and Kenny are around to help out when needed.
This infatuation with one of the girls in the candy shop gets out of hand, but it gets solved.
You will love the continuation of the characters, I feel like I am back in their lives again.
You won't be disappointed!!
10++++ stars!!!!
I love the fact that part of Darling Deli series is continuing with Candice and Eli and their lives back with the Candice's Candy shop and Eli starting a Pet Bakery.
This is a great way to start this series. Candice is smart and very independent like Moira her mother, and I like that David and Kenny are around to help out when needed.
This infatuation with one of the girls in the candy shop gets out of hand, but it gets solved.
You will love the continuation of the characters, I feel like I am back in their lives again.
You won't be disappointed!!
January 11, 2024
I enjoyed this read, candy, murder and psychos.
The characters seemed real, and I could see them doing the things they did. I did not realize the author had other series and I have read a few of them a really liked them. She will keep me in reading material for a while.
Candy shoppe owner Candice and her cagey (you'll find out later) assistant Suri attend a gingerbread house making event and one of the contestants dies, it is rather obvious the cause at the time even though it is not related until later. There are a few suspects and while Candice seems to be trying to keep out of it, danger follows her.
The characters seemed real, and I could see them doing the things they did. I did not realize the author had other series and I have read a few of them a really liked them. She will keep me in reading material for a while.
Candy shoppe owner Candice and her cagey (you'll find out later) assistant Suri attend a gingerbread house making event and one of the contestants dies, it is rather obvious the cause at the time even though it is not related until later. There are a few suspects and while Candice seems to be trying to keep out of it, danger follows her.
September 14, 2021
very quick free ebook
she was married and owned a candy shop. her husband is looking for work and may start making dog cookies to sell at her shop and her moms deli
she had a man coming to her shop who kept asking her out but she kept telling him she was married and not going out with him
she entered a gingerbread house contest at the library when the previous winner collapsed. she was taken to the hospital and died. she died from eating a poisoned candy which turned out was from the man who wanted to go out with the candy store lady and he wanted her to win the contest.
she was married and owned a candy shop. her husband is looking for work and may start making dog cookies to sell at her shop and her moms deli
she had a man coming to her shop who kept asking her out but she kept telling him she was married and not going out with him
she entered a gingerbread house contest at the library when the previous winner collapsed. she was taken to the hospital and died. she died from eating a poisoned candy which turned out was from the man who wanted to go out with the candy store lady and he wanted her to win the contest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2020
Great start a new series
I loved the Darling Deli series & was sad to see it end. This new series revolves around Moira's daughter Candace & her candy shop. It's great to visit old friends & get to know new ones in this series. Candace has the same knack for getting herself in the middle of sticky situations. Pick up a copy of this first book to see how it all plays out. Can't wait to read the next one!
I loved the Darling Deli series & was sad to see it end. This new series revolves around Moira's daughter Candace & her candy shop. It's great to visit old friends & get to know new ones in this series. Candace has the same knack for getting herself in the middle of sticky situations. Pick up a copy of this first book to see how it all plays out. Can't wait to read the next one!
December 22, 2020
I was looking for a holiday cozy mystery and tried this one. It was pretty good. It is the first in a series, yet had a lot of background info it filled in so that it seemed like it was already an established series. I liked the characters and their settings. The murder mystery was almost like an afterthought, not right up there in your face, and had a quick solution. If you like a nice, easy read with likable characters, this is the book for you.
March 6, 2020
A new series for me
I love Patti Benning’s deli series. What I didn’t know was there was a spin off involving Moira’s daughter Candice. This was a good start to a new series. I have read all the Darling Deli series and reading this book felt like coming home. Love the infusion of old and new characters
I love Patti Benning’s deli series. What I didn’t know was there was a spin off involving Moira’s daughter Candice. This was a good start to a new series. I have read all the Darling Deli series and reading this book felt like coming home. Love the infusion of old and new characters
March 23, 2020
I loved this, I recently received the 3rd one so I'm playing catch up lol.
Candy shop owner, Candice is getting her shop ready for the holidays, when she participates in a gingerbread house making contest as one of the contestants appears to be very sick and later Candice finds out that she has died.
Very good start to what will be a great series.
Candy shop owner, Candice is getting her shop ready for the holidays, when she participates in a gingerbread house making contest as one of the contestants appears to be very sick and later Candice finds out that she has died.
Very good start to what will be a great series.
November 30, 2020
Short and cozy
A quick and easy holiday read you'll need a sweet snack to get through. I thought I knew the culprit of the candy mystery pretty early on, but the three suspects were much more slippery. The ending was a suspenseful twist I didn't see coming. A perfect read for a snowy Christmas day. And don't forget that sweet snack, trust me you'll be craving one.
A quick and easy holiday read you'll need a sweet snack to get through. I thought I knew the culprit of the candy mystery pretty early on, but the three suspects were much more slippery. The ending was a suspenseful twist I didn't see coming. A perfect read for a snowy Christmas day. And don't forget that sweet snack, trust me you'll be craving one.
November 14, 2019
Yummy
What a terrific start to this new series. I like Candice and Eli. Looking forward to learning more about the characters and their lives. Will also be reading about Moira Darling and her deli. The peppermint fudge sounds delicious. Makes me hungry for some fudge.
What a terrific start to this new series. I like Candice and Eli. Looking forward to learning more about the characters and their lives. Will also be reading about Moira Darling and her deli. The peppermint fudge sounds delicious. Makes me hungry for some fudge.
February 22, 2020
This wasn’t a bad book, but felt more like a short story than a book. Also, character development seemed to need a bit more work.
At least the story was the focus and it moved forward at a nice pace.
At least the story was the focus and it moved forward at a nice pace.
October 25, 2020
What happened to a lady with nothing apparent wrong with her.
Candace seems to find trouble at the gingerbread house contest. Or it finds her. But when candies not hers keep popping up she wonders if it's someone out to end her career!
Candace seems to find trouble at the gingerbread house contest. Or it finds her. But when candies not hers keep popping up she wonders if it's someone out to end her career!
December 10, 2020
Candace
Owning a candy store , she enters a gingerbread house contest. One of the contestants gets sick and the contest is cancelled. Other strange things happen and she finds a strange candy in her store.
Owning a candy store , she enters a gingerbread house contest. One of the contestants gets sick and the contest is cancelled. Other strange things happen and she finds a strange candy in her store.
September 13, 2021
The first book of a new series of an author I have not ever read before. I was really surprised at how good the book was especially since it is a clean language with low violence book. I think the author did a really good job and is a very good writer.
September 19, 2022
This was probably one of the best cozy mysteries I've read, mostly because the author didn't drag it out, and the main character was just going about her business. She wasn't actively impeding the investigation by doing her own investigating.
November 20, 2019
Great book
Great new series by Patti Benning. It is good to have the gang from Darling Deli back and have Candice at the helm. Great book and I can't wait for the next one.
Great new series by Patti Benning. It is good to have the gang from Darling Deli back and have Candice at the helm. Great book and I can't wait for the next one.
November 23, 2019
Loved it
I have loved these characters from the beginning. It was great to see their story continuing. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I have loved these characters from the beginning. It was great to see their story continuing. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
November 25, 2019
Fun holiday read!
This is a quick, fun holiday read. The characters are old friends in this book. It's nice to read a book that features Candice as the main character.
This is a quick, fun holiday read. The characters are old friends in this book. It's nice to read a book that features Candice as the main character.
September 2, 2020
Candice
This was a good read. I look forward to reading the next book. I loved the characters and the plot was well thought out.
This was a good read. I look forward to reading the next book. I loved the characters and the plot was well thought out.
October 18, 2020
Lovely mystery
I would say it is a delicious and a yummy mystery. The suspense and thrill was well maintained. It is a wonderful book. Excellent.
I would say it is a delicious and a yummy mystery. The suspense and thrill was well maintained. It is a wonderful book. Excellent.
November 2, 2020
Short and to the point
Loved it, it didn't take forever by having more info than was needed to have an excellent read. The two more words needed to post weren't necessary.
Loved it, it didn't take forever by having more info than was needed to have an excellent read. The two more words needed to post weren't necessary.
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December 5, 2020loved it was fun to read and interesting , would love to read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews