Oh Fudge

Allie inherited her family’s Hotel and Fudge Shop, the McMurphy. When her cousin Tori shows up on Mackinac Island after living in California, she is angry and rude. Allie learns of her cousin’s visit to the island when she walks in on her standing over a dead woman impaled with a garden spade.

Allie hasn’t spoken to her cousin in years and doesn’t understand why she is treating her like a mean stepsister. She soon learns that Tori is resentful because she did not inherit the hotel and fudge shop and blames Allie for it. When all is said and done, family comes first. Allie doesn’t believe her cousin is a killer, no matter what the investigator thinks. Butterflies may be free, but Tori won’t if the cousins can’t bury the hatchet, preferably not in each other’s backs, and work together to catch a killer.

---

Series: A Candy-Coated Mystery – Book #5
Author: Nancy Coco
Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books

Rating:

Oh Fudge is a great romp through Mackinac Island with delicious fudge and murder. Nancy Coco has crafted an intelligent and entertaining mystery. The story tests the family dynamic and throws in fudge recipes that will make the reader’s mouth water.

The setting is ideal for a murder mystery. The residents use a bicycle or walk to get around the island. The only way off the island is by air or boat. This guarantees the reader that the killer is not only still on the island, but is most likely one of its citizens. It is an investigator’s dream scenario and his worst nightmare at the same time.

The characters are well rounded with traits that endear them to the audience and allows the reader to understand the relationship interactions with little to no explanation. Although this is the 6th book in the series, it can easily stand on its own. Readers won’t get lost trying to figure out what happened previously or who the players are. The only thing missing from the story would be a better look at what Mackinac Island life is truly like.

The action throughout the book is consistent. At times the plot will make the reader anxious to turn the page and keep reading to find out what happens. The words flow nicely, and the story is fast-paced. The reader can easily relate to the main characters. The killer is revealed, and all questions about the murder are answered with a satisfying ending.

This book and “A Candy-Coated Mystery” series is highly recommended. If you enjoy out-of-the-way vacation destinations, fudge, and personal glimpses into a character’s life, you will enjoy Oh Fudge and the writing of Ms. Coco.