I want to go to Mackinac Island! What a delightful setting for a cozy mystery! Between the Inn and the fudge, this Allie is a busy woman. When her long lost (well, feuding) cousin Tori comes to town unexpectedly and Allie finds her standing over a murder victim, well, of course she's going to investigate. This is classic cozy, complete with funny characters, good dialogue, and a clever mystery that isn't gruesome and will make a lot of sense. I had not read the earlier books in the series but that wasn't a problem. Love that a woman named CoCo writes the "Candy Coated" series. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Try this one for a relaxing and engaging read.

While out walking her dog Mal Allie McMurphy discovers a dead body at the butterfly house, with her cousin Tori holding the murder weapon. Allie now has to help prove Tori's innocence while running the McMurphy hotel and fudge shop, giving fudge making demonstrations, planning a wedding for her friends, and dealing with her complicated love life. After Tori is kidnapped Allie finds her life in danger in more ways than one. This book has many twists and turns that help keep the plot interesting, and such colorful characters it feels like you are visiting with friends.

Oh Fudge by Nancy Coco has all the right ingredients, a wonderful setting on historic Mackinac Island, great characters, an unique puzzle and just enough tension that stirs up into a fantastic mystery.

I say this everytime but I think this is the best book in the Candy Coated Mystery series thus far. Allie who is a strong, smart, kind person seems to have a knack for landing right in the middle of trouble.

 I just love how dedicated she is to the family business and making her Grandpa's legacy at the McMurphy a success. I have always wanted to go to Mackinac Island and this book takes me there with how the author paints the picture of the island and all its wonderful charm.

The camaraderie of Allie, Jenn, Frances, Mr Devaney and Sandy is another big part that makes this book and series work, they have become one big family and this book makes you feel as the reader a part of their group. Throw in the tension that Trent, Allies boyfriend , who I think doesn't appreciate Allie enough causes, of course I won't give it away but let's just say It just adds another dimension to the story. Oh  boy did Trent get my dander up with his shenanigans, I hope Allie moves on. I like Officer Rex better for her anyway.

Allie once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery but this time her cousin Torie is the most likely suspect when Allie finds her over the body in the Butterfly House. Allie had no idea Torie was even on the island and here she finds her holding the murder weapon over the body. How is Allie going to help prove Torie isn't the killer, even when Torie seems to have a grudge against her and stay out of danger herself? Who is the killer and why was Barbara, a person people disliked for many reasons, killed. Can Allie help solve this puzzle, run the McMurphy and Fudge shop, help with Frances and Mr Devaney's wedding and all while dealing with a spiteful cousin.


The whole puzzle behind this mystery takes some surprising turns and add to that the self centered bratty cousin Torie who seems resentful ofAllie trying to help her and you are on an ever turning ride through the twists and unexpected turns to solve the murder. I like a good mystery that has unexpected problems and suspects turning up in it and this one has just that.

Nancy Coco has another wonderful hit with this book. You will get caught up in the mystery and won't want to put it down.

I loved this book and series. 5+ stars

I received this book from Netgalley.com for my honest opinion and review

I have posted on goodreads, and my blog also

http://mysteryreadingnook.blogspot.com/2017/08/another-hit-with-oh-fudge-buy-nancy-coco.html

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Oh, Fudge, is the sixth book in the fantastic series by Nancy Coco.
I love this series and this book is my favorite so far.
Allie is shocked when she finds out her cousin Tori is furious with her. When she inherited the grand hotel, she had no idea her cousin would be so bent out of shape.
When Allie finds Tori kneeling over a dead body, she knows her cousin can't be the murderer!
Trying to be loyal to her cousin, Allie begins to investigate, but unfortunately, so does her cousin.
This book will send you on a whirlwind rind of mystery, cheating, stealing and love gone wrong.
With Tori's life hanging in the balance, Allie sticks her nose in places it doesn't belong, sending her right into dangerous territory.
Will Allie prove her cousin's innocence, or while she become the next victim?

You won't want to miss this wonderful cast of characters in Oh, Fudge.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Oh my goodness. I seem to be reading and reviewing a whole bunch of cozies with food themes lately and sadly I cannot eat most of them, being a cat. However, I have it on good authority (my Momma) that these are all drool-worthy.. I will take her word.
I must admit, I liked this one. It is set on Mackinaw Island where there are no cars and much of the island it a bit of a return to simpler times. It should be anyway but it is anything but for Allie who has been bequeathed a hotel by her grandfather. When her cousin shows up and makes a fuss over not being given a share, Allie is flommoxed. It doesn't help when Allie discovers her cousin's presence as said cousin is trying to pull a garden utensil our of the chest of a woman most of the townspeople obeyed but feared. Cousin Tori is considered the prime suspect but Allie doesn't believe it although Tori think she is trying to undermine her.
She would have good reason to do so after she spots Tori smooching her boyfriend.
Complicated? You bet. Fun? For sure.
I suspect we will hear more from Allie and that is fine by me. I give it five purrs and two paws up.

When Allie McMurphy, owner of the McMurphy Inn and Fudgeshop, comes across her cousin Tori next to a woman on the ground, one with a bloody trowel sticking out of her chest, a trowel Tori has her hand on....she makes her sit and checks the body.
Tori swears she found her and was trying to aid her..Barb was her friend.
It seems many are doubtful of Tori's innocence, Allie is not and with her friends seeks to unravel a very twisted tale. Allie has many suspects, while the police chief focuses on one...Tori.
It's an engaging tale, peppered with humor and a bit of romance. The island characters especially the seniors lend spice. It's a recommended cozy read....not only for the story, the fudge recipes rock.
I requested and received a NetGallery ARC.

This one just missed the spot for me. For some reason, I had thought that this book was further down in the life of Allie McMurphy but it is mere weeks after her last adventure of finding a body and still within her first year on Mackinac Island and ownership of the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.

Allie walks into the local Butterfly House only to discover her cousin Tori is back and is currently standing over a woman who has a garden spade sticking out of her chest. Allies is not sure of the circumstances, but she knows that her cousin could not be responsible. Tori may be trying to get a portion of the McMurphy and had her lips on Allie’s boyfriend, but she is no killer and the cousins need to stop battling and work on this together.

As the story tries to gain momentum, the local gossips are in full force explaining that Barbara Smart made it a habit of seducing any and every man on the island. She had no problem doing what she wanted and hid nothing from prying eyes. She might have made some promises to her friends, but if that got in the way of her endgame, so be it, she could always make other friends.

Add in a secondary story about diamonds found in a shipment of butterfly chrysalis and now you have an additional source of suspects and queries leading to the big question of “are these two crimes related” or is this just another day on the island.

This easy read series does not need your undivided attention and allows for those quick breaks from your stressful day. There are some nice things going on in this book, unfortunately, they are overshadowed by the relentless meanderings and the all too frequent - “how did you jump to that conclusion”, that distracts the reader.

Oh Fudge is the sixth in a Candy Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco. This cozy mystery is set around the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop located on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Allie McMurphy, granddaughter to Liam McMurphy past owner and operator of the McMurphy, has been left the McMurphy. Although Allie spent many summers with her grandparents on Mackinac Island, she is considered a Fudgie (one who was not raised on the island). Allie is determined to show those who have always been a resident that she is not a Fudgie and has did as much as she can to improve the McMurphy as well as trying to be a model resident. When her cousin Victoria Andrews comes back to Mackinac Island to help plan a special fund raiser for the Butterfly House and to express her displeasure with her cousin Allie in not being left a part of the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. When Victoria aka Tori is found with blood on her hands, Allie takes on the responsibility to prove her cousin is not a killer and to also attempt to mend ways with Tori. This book held many twists and turns with such colorful characters such as the ladies at the Senior Center that I couldn’t resist reading one more page, chapter. I hadn’t read any of the earlier books in the series but this book stood well on its own.

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 cousins visit on 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.
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Series: A Candy-Coated Mystery
Author: Nancy Coco
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington

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.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

Oh, Fudge! by Nancy Coco is the fifth book in the Candy-coated Mystery series. Allie and her cousin Tori have not spoken since Allie inherited the McMurphy Hotel and the fudge shop. Tori arrives in town to plan a fundraiser for the Butterfly House. When Allie finds Tori standing over a dead body, she decides to find the real killer and get back in Tori's good graces. Even though I guessed the killer early on, I enjoyed this book. The fudge shop and the supporting characters, including the furry ones, made the book interesting. I have read previous books in this series, but it is not necessary. I found the cliffhanger in Allie's personal life makes me look forward to the next book.

This is the fifth book in the candy coated series. Allie McMurphy runs the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop on Mackinac Island. Allie goes to meet with Blake, the owner of the Butterfly House, and comes across her cousin, Victoria (Tori), leaning over a dead body holding a gardening trowel. Allie was unaware that Tori was on the island. Naturally the police have to investigate Tori even though they don't think she killed the victim. Allie wants to help clear Tori's name while Tori wants nothing to do with Allie, because she is made that Allie inherited the McMurphy and not her. Both cousins search for the truth separately proving they have more in common than they would like to think.

I thouroughly enjoy revisited these characters. Jenn is a great friend to Allie and I love how the staff at the McMurphy is like a small family. Frances and Mr. Devaney are such a cute couple. I don't know how I feel about Allie's boyfriend in this book. He did a few things that I was a little annoyed with and I get Allie reacting the way she did. Hopefully things will be better on that front in the next book. The mystery itself was good. It kept me guessing right until the end. There were many twists in the plot that I liked. I will defeintely be waiting to read the next on.

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for review.

Oh, Fudge is the fifth book in the A Candy Coated Mystery series.

Monday morning begins with two shocks for Allie McMurphy. Allie was to meet with Blake Gilmore at the Butterfly House to discuss arrangements for a tour of Butterfly House, but what she sees instead is he estranged cousin, Tori, holding the handle of a garden trowel still firmly embedded in the lifeless body of Barbara Smart. Tori’s story is that she was to meet Smart to go over plans for a fundraiser and when she arrived she found Smart and was about to remove the trowel and perform CPR, she claims.

The story behind the estrangement, which Allie didn’t know, was that Tori felt their grandfather should have left the hotel and fudge shop to both of them, Even with Tori’s major attitude about this, Allie still feels that blood is thicker than water and wants to work with Tori to prove her innocence.

Allie soon learns that Smart had a propensity for having affairs with men whether they were single or not and begins to think that maybe an affair had gone wrong. Then when Blake’s home is robbed and a workshop area at the butterfly house is ransacked, that puts a new angle on the investigation. Then when Tori goes missing, and evidence shows she probably didn’t leave on her own accord, Allie needs to put all her efforts into finding the true killer.

Another fun visit to the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop and the residents of Mackinac Island. Allie’s manager, Francis, and Mr. Devaney agree to put off the wedding until the killer can be found. As always, Jenn, Allie’s friend and event planner at the hotel is there to also help Allie. Also, there is Trent, who has been dating Allie and Rex, the police chief, who is also starting to show some interest in Allie and not only for her sleuthing skills.

I love this series and will definitely be watching for the next book.

Delicious fudge recipes are also included in the book.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I figured if Denise Swanson recommended it, it HAD to be good! So I requested this title on a whim and let me say "What a pleasant surprise!" Fudge, Michigan (my birth state), and a mystery, what could be better? So now I have a whole new series to follow - - maybe with a piece of Fudge! Love it! 5 stars!

This is the 5th book in the Candy Coated series and it's another winner with a great murder mystery and lots of delicious fudge recipes. Allie is busy with the hotel and fudge shop and is surprised to see her cousin Tori standing over a dead body when she stops at the Butterfly farm. Since the girls haven't been close for years it's surprising how well they work together to catch the criminal. Set on Mackinak Island I love this series since I've always hoped to visit that area. This can be a first read in the series without too much problem but you'll want to read them all.

Love This Series
Oh, Fudge! is the fifth book in Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated mystery series. The storyline is well plotted, with a cast of well-developed and relatable characters. The story has enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a good clean murder mystery.

Allie McMurphy inherited the Historic McMurphy Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan from her grandfather, Papa Liam, and she opened a Fudge Shop to the hotel’s lobby. Allie and her adorable Bichon-Poo puppy, Mal, go to meet with Blake Gilmore, the owner of the Butterfly House, and she comes across her cousin, Victoria ‘Tori’ Andrews, leaning over the body of Barbara Smart, holding a bloody garden trowel. The police have to investigate Tori even though they don’t think she killed the victim. She claims her innocence but seems to be the only viable suspect. Allie and Tori haven’t spoken in some time and she didn’t even know her cousin was visiting the island, but she wants to help clear Tori’s name. Tori’s still upset because she didn't inherit the hotel from Papa Liam and wants nothing to do with Allie. Tori and Allie independently begin investigations and place themselves in harm’s way. Douglas Devaney, McMurphy’s handyman, and Frances Wentworth, McMurphy’s manager, are getting married and Allie and her best friend and party planner, Jenn Christensen, are helping plan their wedding. Trent Jessop and Officer Rex Manning are both vying for Allie’s attention.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Oh Fudge!
A Candy Coated Mystery, Book #5
Nancy Coco
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Life is always sweet in Allie McMurphy s delectable fudge shop. But murder can make things unpleasantly sticky . . .
A DEADLY CONFECTION

After Allie inherited her family’s McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, cousin Tori moved off to California in a bitter huff, and the two haven’t spoken since. So to have her cousin reappear on Mackinac Island without warning is a big surprise but not as surprising as finding her standing over a dead woman impaled with a garden spade in the Mackinac Butterfly House. Butterflies may be free, but Tori won’t be for much longer unless the cousins can bury the hatchet and work together to catch a killer who s taken flight. Because when it comes to family, blood is thicker than fudge . . .
Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries
Memorable characters, a charming locale, and a satisfying mystery. Barbara Allan
Beautiful Mackinac Island provides the setting for a puzzling series of crimes . . . plenty of plausible suspects and mouthwatering fudge recipes. Kirkus Reviews
I know I will be counting down the days until the next mystery with Allie McMurphy. Cozy Mystery Book Reviews" (Goodreads)



Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoyed getting to revisit them and spending time with them again. I really like Jenn, Allie’s best friend, and the way the two of them interacted with each other. I liked Frances and Mr. Devaney, I thought they made an adorable couple and I enjoyed the way that he just wanted to make Frances happy. Tori is not one of my favorite characters, she was annoying to me. Even when Allie tried to be nice to her, she wanted nothing to do with Allie. And another thing that was a bit annoying was that the love triangle between Allie, Trent and Rex, continues. I would like Allie to make a decision and stick with it. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree with me.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was there, watching all of the action taking place and I could almost taste the fudge (I wish I really could taste the fudge). I liked the fact that there were fudge recipes included in the book. The mystery was carried of well throughout the whole book. There were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. The whole series is great and you cannot go wrong reading and of the books.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Oh, Fudge! A Candy-Coated Mystery with Recipes
By Nancy Coco
Kensington
August 29, 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

When Allie McMurphy inherited the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop on Mackinac Island, she was lost in mourning for her grandfather and terrified to be taking over her family’s business. Allie never considered that her estranged California cousin would be furious about being cut out of the McMurphy inheritance, or that their next encounter would be when Allie finds Victoria “Tori” Andrews in the Mackinac Island Butterfly House, standing over a dead body holding the bloody murder weapon. Since Tori was also recently seen having a loud argument with the victim, she unsurprisingly becomes the primary murder suspect in the eyes of most of the islanders and especially the investigating officer Rex Manning. While he may resemble an action hero, Rex’s many warnings to stay uninvolved do nothing to dissuade Allie from investigating, especially when she’s motivated by guilt and need to mend the cousins’ rift.

The late Barbara Smart may not have been a spring chicken, but that didn’t inhibit her pursuit of husbands. Her own much-older spouse died early and left Barbara a wealthy widow, which only seemed to spur on her need to acquire paramours and evidence for blackmail. A string of break-ins around the island seems to be unrelated, but Allie is determined to look for other culprits and prove her cousin innocent. Still considered a Fudgie who only summered on the Island, Allie knows enough to begin investigating among the all-knowing fudge-loving crafters at the senior center. That’s just one item on her agenda as she looks forward to being a bridesmaid in her employee’s very-late-in-life, continues daily fudge-making recipes, and maintains the McMurphy hotel. The questions Allie doesn’t expect to face is why her business-traveling boyfriend Trent Jessop didn’t tell her he had returned to Mackinac Island - or more importantly - why she just saw him kissing Tori.

This being the sixth in the Candy-Coated mystery series, no one should be surprised that Allie manages to get herself in the middle of a murder investigation. There does come a point where even Allie begins to question her effectiveness, as everything she does seems to get Tori that much closer to jail. There is an undercurrent of locals versus Fudgies, but what prevails is the need to feel part of a family’s legacy. Mackinac Island being the world capital of fudge, numerous recipes and descriptions of fudge abound, along with good-natured humor and banter. Allie faces a perplexing decision for her future, so she need the support of her old friends, new ones, and of course her malti-poo Mal and new cat Carmella. Charming characters and an escapist setting provide the ideal read for a lazy afternoon.

Oh Fudge has a creative title that matches the great mystery in this book. I enjoyed this book and I couldn't put it down.. I would recommend Oh Fudge to anyone who loves a great mystery with engaging characters.

This is the first novel I've read in Nancy Coco's Candy-Coated Mystery series set on Mackinac Island and you don't have to read the previous ones to be able to enjoy this one. I love it when an author takes me into the story with a rich description of the setting. While reading Oh Fudge, I felt I was there on the island. When an islander is murdered at the Butterfly House, Allie's cousin looks like the best suspect since she's found with the murder weapon. Though they aren't the best of friends, Allie knows Tori didn't kill the woman. As she tries to find the real killer, Allie is busy making fudge and running the hotel she's inherited. Though she feels a bit like an outsider, Allie has many friends to help with the sleuthing. This book had many fun characters who I look forward to getting to know better in the next novel. One very big plus about this book is it comes with FUDGE RECIPES!!! My daughter and I already made the "Fast Fudge" and it is delicious!

The setting and main characters were wonderful, but the mystery felt a little too simple. I also felt that Tori was a little too over-the-top at times. The scenes at the senior citizen center were my favorite - I loved how they were easily bribed with fudge, and not afraid to admit it. It was interesting to get a look at how the islanders view people. Although Allie lives on the island, she is still viewed as an outsider, which hinders her investigation at times.