This is the second book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries that I've read, and it was a lot more difficult for me to read than Book 2. First, I truly love Allen's writing style. Riley is a unique, interesting character, and I enjoy being in her head. But the book here was a mess--it felt like Allen was desperate to hit a specific word count, so she just kept adding stuff.

It's too much. There are too many suspects, too many covers for Riley to be investigating (Is she delivering a case? Is she playing housekeeper? Is she a librarian reading archive footage? Or maybe she's accompanying a cat to a movie set? WWWWWHHHHHHHYYYYY? Just pick something! A couple of times the story goes off into convoluted family histories dating back to the 1700s, which might be interesting in another book but doesn't fit with everything else here. The victim is the bride in a wedding but also there's a moving being filmed on site, oh, and events going on at the boys' school that suddenly is enormous, takes up half the town, and is three minutes from everything else--but was never mentioned before. Riley focuses on things that appear to be meaningless based on the information to her, thereby drawing the reader's attention to clues that should be subtle. There's this one clue that she seizes on and talks about for like five pages, but no one would EVER have placed any significance on it the first time. It only matters with what she learns later, so it feels weird that she's going on and on about it. More than once, Riley sits back and thinks about every single character and whether they might have committed murder. (Except one guy. At one point, I was almost hoping it was him because he was the only person she never suspected.) Meanwhile, the budding relationship with the town vet is relegated to a couple of paragraphs about a cancelled date, and an interesting incident that might have shed some light on Riley's past and character is relegated to basically a footnote in the like the fifth-FIFTH!-chapter wrapping things up after the mystery is solved.

There was really enough plot here for two books. It hit a point where every time Riley stumbled on a new clue, I rolled my eyes.

Also, I don't understand why the publisher keeps slapping on titles with ice cream flavors that have nothing to do with the story. If they want to call it Fatal Fudge Swirl, cool, but then Fudge Swirl ice cream should be mentioned more than the pumpkin spice, and it's not. (She's got a fudge ripple that comes up like twice, but even that irritates me because it's not that hard to be consistent.) I realize this isn't the author's fault but it still irritates me.

Book 3 of the Ice Cream Shop Mystery was the perfect story to read this Fall. It takes place around Halloween so there is plenty of descriptions about spooky decor, cooler temps, costumes and intricately carved pumpkins. It was a great backdrop depicting a town enjoying the holiday fun. An added bonus is the stunning artwork on the cover. So cute!!

The mystery was incredibly captivating. Even though I adore the ice cream shop and enjoyed the scenes that took place there, I really loved how most of the storyline and case centered around a historical Inn. It was plausible to have Riley helping out at the booked lodging and the perfect way for her to snoop around for clues. I was able to piece together parts of the mystery but there were plenty of twists, secrets, red herrings and suspicious suspects that I was left guessing for the majority of the story.

There was a fun side story with a rom-com being filmed in town. Of course, Sprinkles, the cat, stole the spotlight in more ways than one when asked to join the cast of the show. I’m curious to see how the romance evolves between Riley and the local vet. I’m not quite sold on them having a true connection.

Book 4 was perfectly set up. Sounds like we are heading to Rome to participate in a gelato class! There’s also lots of suspicion already built up involving Riley’s ex, Paolo. Can’t wait to read more!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks - all opinions are my own.

I loved this Halloween themed cozy! Riley is asked to create a Halloween ice cream cake for a wedding. Unfortunately the bride is found murdered and Riley’s friend is a suspect.

What I liked:
*The Halloween setting & vibes
*Unique Murder method
*The movie crew that was also in town

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and getting to know Riley and friends better. The movie crew added a great set of extra suspects along with some humor to the story.

This is my first Ice Cream Shop Mystery, but is was so good that I am going back for seconds and reading books 1 and 2. Riley is a former CIA librarian who lost her job and her heart at the same time, which lead her home to Penniman, and running the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. This time the mystery surrounds the Penniman Inn and the Collins family who have owned it for since before the Revolution (it is rumored that they may have had a traitor in the family and that George Washington stayed there).. A Halloween-eve to remember with the mysterious death of future bride Diantha Collins, Inn owner and mother to Hollywood child star Cooper Collins (now working behind the cameras) and extreme sports enthusiast Sam Collins. It is obvious that her groom, Dominque has no motive since they didn't even have the City Hall marriage license and a new will had not been prepared. Diantha's sons are the most likely to benefit. So was it for Riley's involvement stems from both professional (she provided the wedding ice cream cake) and personal because her friend Marianne is a likely suspect as the ex-wife of Dominique. Of course there is also Rob, the manager of the Inn who has carried a torch for the better part of his life. Oh there is also Riley's former girl scout leader Ruthie, if the family sells the property or decide to go with younger staff, Ruthie and her talentedly artistic granddaughter Lucretia, are out in the cold literally and figuratively. So was it a murder for (lost) love, revenge, or money. The cause of death was a unique one that I had not encountered helping to give the "locked room mystery" effect. The story has a great build up from the beginning to the end and the mystery was like an ice cream with multiple flavor profiles, there was something new with each sampling. Speaking of ice cream, or rather toppings, I am looking forward to making fudge sauce recipe located at the end of the story.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I will have to go back and read the rest of the series. I loved Riley's character and never heard of a CIA Librarian before and now I have to find out why she lost her job. The mystery I kind of new the reason why it happened but how it happened I never guessed. The major star of the book though was the cat Sprinkles. The cat had me laughing.

Former CIA librarian and current Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop manager, Riley Rhodes, is enjoying the stellar reputation her shop is earning. As fall arrives, the town of Penniman is preparing for their weekend-long Halloween Happening, but there’s even more to draw tourists to town. Former child star Cooper Collins is producing a romantic comedy in town, even as his socialite mother, Diantha, plans her Halloween theme wedding at the local Inn on the Green that she owns.

Things are going well until Diantha turns up dead and one of Riley’s friends is the police’s number one suspect. There is no shortage of characters with a motive, though, including Diantha’s two sons and her stepson. Riley is drawn in to help clear her friend’s name, but will the killer strike again, executing the only person who witnessed the murderer at the scene of the crime? Or will Riley connect the dots in time to prevent another death?

Meri Allen gives readers a twisty tale with plenty of clues to follow. And she creates characters you really want to cheer for, plus some nasty villains as well.

Well worth the reading time.

This was my first introduction into the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries series and I wasn't disappointed! What a fun read it was. It was so much fun and I loved how quirky it was. The characters were great and I truly did love the storyline. I can't wait to read more.

I really enjoyed this creepy Halloween wedding murder. It was filled with many different suspects. I love reading cozies mysteries and this was such a joy to read. It is a great book to get you into the Halloween spirit!

Confession time. If I spy a mystery featuring ice cream, an ex-CIA Librarian, and Halloween, I’m going to reach for the book. Was it as delicious as my anticipation? Get your two scoops of tie-dye flavor and let’s go, kids.

Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third in the series. I jumped into this one and did fine out of order since the author painted in the backdrop of what was going on for Riley and her small town. That said, I did struggle to keep track of so many sub-plots and characters going on around and with Riley.

So, Riley Rhodes is content to work at her friend’s ice cream shop in her small home town. She’s adjusting to her dad’s marriage to a woman she’s not keen on and who now is berserkers over getting into film and is shoving Riley into a romance she’s not quite ready for after her ex did a number on her.

The end of the seasonal ice cream shop work is coming up with the town’s big Halloween festivities that include a big publicity Halloween-themed wedding and a film production. Riley’s in the middle of it because she was asked to make the wedding cake, an ice-cream Halloween theme, and asked to wrangle her friend’s diva cat who is a pet star in the film production.

Lots of drama is swirling around this festive time with the caterer for the wedding being the ex to the gold-digging groom when he leveled up, the caterer’s assistant is a slippery character, the bride’s sons who can’t stand mommy dearest and don’t seem cut up about her death. And, really, there isn’t a soul connected to Diantha the bridezilla, who doesn’t have a reason to like her when she’s discovered dead in her inn on her wedding day. The huge suspect and motive list is what had the mystery hard to solve.

Riley jumps in when her friend, the spurned ex, Mary Ann is tagged as suspect number one. I liked that Riley did her sleuthing, but, when she comes up with something to share, she doesn’t hold out on the police and go it alone. She gives the detective what she knows. In truth, the sketchy one was her friend, Caroline, who wasn’t very bright about things much of the time and, incidentally, I could have done without her relationship drama.

I liked the gentle-pacing, visiting the ice cream shop, the fun Halloween festivities, visiting the ice cream shop, seeing Riley fleshed out as a caring person who is well-placed and good with people even when she’s doesn’t necessarily like them, and, oh, it bears repeating that part about visiting the ice cream shop. I also loved the secondary historical mystery that does eventually tie in involving George Washington and the coded info that would be of town interest and shed light on the present.

While hooked by a few of the flashy elements that, incidentally, the fun seasonal cover captures so well, I was glad this first taste of Meri Allen’s series and her writing turned out to be a hit. Those who enjoy seasonal cozy mysteries and foodie cozies should definitely give this a go.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC of Fatal Fudge Swirl; all thoughts are my own.

I have adored the ice cream mystery series and was so excited to get the next book. This is one of those perfect books for Halloween as it is set during Halloween weekend. This has the drama, the fantastic writing, the hook that will keep you turning pages, and MURDER. I adored how Riley, a former CIA Librarian, was our lead character, and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along side her. I can't wait to see what Meri Allen has to offer next. This is just that perfect cozy mystery you will undoubtedly read repeatedly.

I loved this book! As a cozy mystery it is exactly what I want which is a good mystery that’s hard to crack, an interesting main character, genuine side characters, a cozy autumn setting, and cats.

Full disclosure, I read this book before the first and second books. But I don’t think you need to read the first two to understand this one. It’s really good on it’s own, and it catches you up to speed on context you need without spoiling anything from the previous two books.

The setting of this book is a gorgeous little town in Connecticut. The town has several locations in the plot including a delightful cozy bookstore complete with crackling fireplace and owned by Riley’s dad, Udderly Delicious the ice cream shop Riley owns that is working on yummy seasonal flavors like chai spice, eggnog, and pumpkin spice. And the Inn on the Green which is a historic colonial inn with charming decor where a Halloween themed wedding is taking place.
The other thing that’s great about this book is that it does what the best mysteries do (especially Agatha Christie) it has many small mysteries all folded into the plot, keeping the reader interested with every page. The plot in this book is fairly fast paced, there’s lovely descriptions of Halloween decor, chill in the air, and season flavors, but it doesn’t go on very long and instead focuses on the plot. It leaves your appetite for cozy settings and characters satisfied, while keeping the plot moving.

What this book has that I don’t always see in cozy mysteries is a female main character who has experience in Crime/Law Enforcement and is super qualified to solve a murder case. Riley is a former CIA librarian and she uses her expertise to solve the crime, she doesn’t waste time suspecting her dad or her best friend or something silly. She picks suspects based on logic. Sometimes I get so annoyed with cozy mysteries when they suspect people who have the least motive/least suspicious behavior. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a pet peeve.
Also this book is definitely written by a real cat lover, the descriptions of Rocky and Sprinkles and their antics were very accurate and adorable. All in all a perfect Autumn cozy read and a real treat.

I really enjoyed this book! I love the quaint town setting. The theme is fantastic, and the author does a great job of fleshing out the characters. The story was well-paced, and I had so much fun trying to solve the mystery. This book also made me crave all the ice cream.

really good book and kept me on my on my toes of what would happen. really enjoyed the characters and their journey and would read this author again.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Fatal Fudge Swirl! All opinions in this review are my own.

Although Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries, it was easy to pick up for the first book that I read. This Halloween cozy mystery is perfect for a fall read! I love that it is set in New England and partially set in an ice cream shop! I can't wait to go back and read the other two books in the series!

I'm beginning to think cozy mysteries are no longer for me. I used to love them for a fun escape, but lately I'm kind of bored by them. So keep my overall crankiness in mind as you read this.

The story is fine. It's full of ice cream, so that's a plus.

The characters didn't pop for me. I didn't read the first two books, so it's possible that I missed out on some important background or relationship intrigue.

Pacing is slow, with a lot of setup prior to the murder part of this murder mystery.

Overall, just okay. But if you love cozies, definitely give this one a try.

*Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC.*

Ahhh this cozy mystery series is just perfection! It’s like that perfect bowl of ice cream with the toppings just right!

So you’re back again in this little small town. These books can be read as stand alones as the author does a great job with high lights in the start to make sure any character’s that will be needed have the perfect amount of background. So the reader picks up with perfect flow into the story. This author does a great job keep you engaged as well as snuggling you up as you unravel the who done it.

In short:
Did I like it? Oh yes!
Would I recommend it? Yes yes!
Would I read more by this author? For sure this was book 3!

Fun Halloween cozy mystery, I am puzzled by the title. Ice cream though. Although the sleuth has an ice cream shop, ice cream does not play a part in the murder..

Meri Allen does a wonderful job of describing this book with Riley. Riley works in the in the Ice cream shop and does a wonderful job. Until her Ice cream cake is sabotaged, and everything start going haywire with finding a dead body and everything is all uproar with the filming and the state of the Inn. She disguises herself as a cleaning lady to find the answers of who is the killer!!!!!

Another great installment in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries series. First, I love Brandon's creations and i would 100% go to this ice cream shop if it was in my town. Second, this mystery was well written. The clues were there and I had my suspicions but I did not guess who the killer was before the reveal.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what kind of trouble Riley finds herself in, maybe the next book will take place in a secondary location?!?

It's Holloween, and the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop is getting ready to close for the season. Now Riley Rhodes must decide what she is to do during the winter months while the shop is closed. Sudenly a bride is murderd and she must find the murder to before her friend is falsely accused.

I really enjoy this series. I loved how the book was during Halloween and the description of the spooky wedding. I especially loved Sprinkles falling in love with a actor and attacking anyone who went near him. I think Sprinkles is my favorite charater in the series. I look firward to the cats antics in each installment of the series. I do wish we would have had a confrontation with Riley's ex boyfriend. Hopefully we will have some closer with him in the next book. I can't wait for the next installment in the series. Thank you Goodreads and St. Martins Press for the ARC