This is a cozy mystery with Riley Rhodes as the main character. Riley is an ex CIA librarian. It’s Halloween and among all the costumes and decorations, a murder takes place. Riley is determined to investigate and solve the mystery. There are some good characters that readers will like. The plot is easy to follow as readers find out who is the killer.

This book is one you are going to want to put on your fall reading list! I definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning to get a better sense of the characters and their relationships etc. There are a lot of interesting, lively characters that kept the story moving in many directions.

This story had lots of different mini storylines going on which leads to a lot of revelations and a LOT of things to keep track of and possible suspects, though Riley was able to see the smallest context clues and fit them into the big picture. I wish we saw more of the ice cream shop, though this is the 3rd book and I appreciate seeing more of the town. The fancy old inn was a great setting for this familial mystery and I enjoyed watching Riley use the “invisible help” trick to snoop. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more from the series!

Asked to provide a spooky ice cream wedding cake, Riley Rhodes, ex CIA librarian turned ice cream shop manager, delivers. However, when the bride is found dead, the cake ruined, and her friend is the star suspect, Riley must do whatever takes to track down the killer. Her list of suspects proves to be longer than she imagined. Adding to the drama, a movie production team, which includes the bride's children, are filming in the town. Who had the most to gain from the bride's demise? Meri Allen has done a great job with this series. I always enjoy visiting Penniman and those that live there. I look forward to another cozy mystery in the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

We all know a cozy mystery read is not my thing but I really enjoyed this one. The plot was already intriguing!! A former CIA librarian, who owns an ice cream shop and is an amateur sleuth, Riley is perfection! Let’s add some family secrets revealed and some drama, greed, and a ton of humor, and it’s a winner.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Halloween and a Wedding what could go wrong ?

In the third installment of Meri Allen's Ice Cream Shop Mysteries - Fatal Fudge Swirl , Former CIA librarian Riley Rhodes once again finds herself investigating a murder .

Halloween is approaching the small town of Penniman, Connecticut and with it Socialite Diantha Collins is planning her Halloween theme wedding . Riley is asked to make a spooky ice cream wedding cake for the ceremony and the bride never will have a chance to taste it . Who wanted to the demanding Diantha into the Corpse Bride and why , this is the question Riley decides to find thew answer too .

Overall I enjoyed the book and it had me guessing until the end . I can not wait to see what Riley gets into next .

Thank you St.Martinis press , Meri Allen and NetGalley for the ARC .
#FatalFudgeSwirl#NetGalley

Another cozy mystery story in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery series.
There is a lot going on within the story with so many characters….I had trouble sorting out who was who.
I was kept guessing throughout the book which is always a big plus to me.
I haven’t read the two previous books in the series which I will remedy soon. I think reading this as a standalone is fine.
Now I am off to go get some ice cream!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Riley Rhodes is a former CIA Librarian who loves running the local gourmet ice cream shop in her quaint Connecticut hometown. This outing sees her trying to clear the name of an old friend accused of murdering the wealthy woman her ex-husband is set to marry in a lavish Halloween-themed ceremony. To add to the drama, the victim's son, a former child star, is also in town, overseeing filming of a romantic comedy set there.

I am a big fan of this fun series and was excited to read this! It did not disappoint! The method of murder in this book is not only sinister but ingenious, and one I won't soon forget! Riley is an interesting sleuth. Her background as a CIA librarian gives her enhanced awareness and observational skills, and I enjoy her internal dialogue as she conducts her investigations.
And the cast of supporting characters around her is a range of personalities from over-the-top to charming and supportive, but all vividly depicted. The mystery was solidly plotted and well-paced, with a wide suspect pool and a few red herrings that kept me guessing. And after the method of murder in this one, I was just as invested in learning how they pulled it off as I was in who did it!
I also loved the Fall vibes in this one. It might have been summer when I read it, but this took me to a place of falling leaves, pumpkins, and cooler temps. The pumpkin spice ice cream in this sounded absolutely delicious! There's a diva of a cat and an intriguing historical subplot involving George Washington to round out the action. Allen's writing style makes this a quick, engaging read, and after the ending, I am very much looking forward to book four! I highly recommend this to cozy mystery lovers! Can be read as a stand-alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this ARC. I loved it!

Ice cream shop manager Riley Rhodes has been asked to create an ice cream cake for the upcoming wedding of Diantha Collins, the head of a prominent family in Penniman, Connecticut. However, the morning of the wedding, Diantha is found dead in her bed. Something about the scene seems off to Riley. Can she figure out how Diantha died?

The how done it in this book is a strong element of the plot, and I loved the creative murder method. Of course, Riley also has to figure out the who and why, and those also kept me guessing until the end. The suspects are all strong, and the series regulars are a lot of fun as always. A storyline involving a movie being filmed in town leads to a sub-plot with some great laughs. Meanwhile, the Halloween setting is used well for the mystery. Add in a couple of hot fudge recipes at the end, and you have a winner. Grab a dish of your favorite ice cream and enjoy this book today.

I'm not a cozy mystery person per say but this one was cute and I enjoyed the different ice cream names of each character. There were several twists that I had predicted but still an overall adorable read!

This third book in this series is an entertaining addition. All of the books in the series function well as a standalone. There is enough backstory to keep new readers from feeling lost.

The core events in this installment - It’s Halloween and a movie production company has come to town to film a movie and a prominent local socialite is having her Halloween themed wedding. Unfortunately the bride doesn’t survive to attend her own wedding to the celebrity local chef. Riley’s friend, who is the groom’s bitter ex-wife, looks like the best suspect. Riley can’t help but investigate to prove her friend’s innocence and find the real killer.

This is a very entertaining book. The murder method is unique and adds intrigue to the whodunnit! There are plenty of alternate suspects to be investigated and to keep the story interesting. This series is very well written with a cast of likable characters and a supportive small town community. The mysteries are always interesting and well crafted.

I really enjoyed the mystery of this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat with the myriad of suspects and the new characters and the whole planned murder aspect of it. My only complaint was that it felt like too much was happening—a movie, Halloween, and a wedding. Which made none of the three elements very distinct, nor did we really get to know any of the extended characters well because there were so many new ones from so many things happening.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and would keep reading the series, I just wish there was more of a focus to the book that enabled us to really get to know the characters and solve the mystery with Riley.

this book was a good mix of a sweet town, hosting a movie, being filmed, and a little mystery of a murder. As I read, I wasn’t sure who the murderer was. There were definitely several characters who had the motive to kill the main character Riley definitely used her skills from working in the CIA previously to try to solve this case. This book gave me Gilmore girl vibes which I loved. It was a quick read.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for this advanced early copy!

Halloween in Penniman is not going to plan when Riley’s Udderly Delicious ice cream wedding cake is destroyed and the bride is found dead the morning of the wedding. Suspicion falls on Riley’s best friend Mary Ann, since the groom was her ex-husband and she was none too pleased about the nuptials. Determined to find out why her cake was deliberately demolished and help her friend from being arrested Riley uses her CIA librarian skills to find the murderer.

This small town cozy mystery was a delightful read with entertaining characters to connect with and who are just as flawed as we all are. The New England fall setting gave the book a comfortable feel as well. I look forward to the next adventure!

Thank you to St. Martins Press for my complimentary eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

While Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third installment in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery series, it may be read as a standalone. While I am not up to speed on the Paolo references, it did not interfere with my enjoyment of this cozy mystery.

Like all good cozy mysteries we have:

Food (ice cream)
MC who likes to solve mysteries while also getting on the nerves of the local policeman
Framed best friend
Interesting and fun set of side characters

I will never not enjoy cozy mysteries, they are the perfect weekend or travel read for me.

I am going to add the first 2 books of this series to my TBR. Looking forward to more in this series.

Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes has made a fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop in Penniman, Connecticut. The town is abuzz with Halloween preparations and the filming of a romantic comedy. The inn's owner Dominic is also getting married to a socialite mother, Diantha. But Dominic's ex-wife is not thrilled with the wedding. Several other townspeople also have scores to settle. Who is the real killer, and can Riley solve the crime before her friends are arrested?
Even though this novel is #3 in a series, it can stand alone. The author does a good job of seamlessly weaving in the backstory.
I found all the characters a bit confusing, though. It was hard to keep everyone and all their life stories straight.
And some of Riley's actions are old-fashioned. For example, she emails a document written in Polish to a former CIA colleague rather than using an online translator.
I did enjoy the recipes at the end. And the townspeople are quaint and mostly interesting. I would read more books in this series.

Fatal fudge swirl by Meri Allen due to be published June 27th 2023. Book 3 of the Ice Cream Shop mystery series.
Former CIA Librarian, Riley Rhodes, is enjoying her new job as manager of a quaint ice cream shop. Riley loved the town, the people, and the seasons that came with it.
When Riley is commissioned by her best friend and chef, Mary Ann Dumas, to construct a Halloween ice cream cake for a wedding, Riley was overwhelmed but grateful for the opportunity. The cake could boost the shop's presence and showcase Riley's skills. Especially since the bride was none other than socialite, Diantha Collins a name everyone recognized.
But when the wedding date arrives, Diantha is found dead in her bedroom. And all fingers point to Mary Ann whose ex-husband was to be Diantha's latest groom.
This book took place in a small town during the fall season .
I absolutely love everything there is about fall from the leaves to the pumpkin flavored everything. This book brought all the feels for me and can’t wait to read more in the future of this series .
Thank you NetGalley, meri allen and St Martins paperbacks for allowing me to read an ARC of Fatal Fudge swirl. I highly recommend you reading this especially if you love a small town cozy mystery.

FATAL FUDGE SWIRL is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen. When you combine an ex-CIA librarian with a diva cat “starring” in a romantic comedy filming in town (at least according to Sprinkles the cat) and the town ramping up for their Halloween bash, you’ve got a terrific basis for a fun read. And to make it even more intriguing, an over-the-top Halloween-themed wedding is taking place at the bride’s Inn, and she’s discovered murdered the night before the nuptials. Ms. Allen knows how to spin a tale to pull you in with non-stop action interspersed with some humor and yummy frozen confections! Protagonist Riley Rhodes is a disgraced ex-CIA librarian. After leaving government service, she lands in the quaint town of Penniman, Connecticut, running her friend’s ice cream shop. Her father owns the local used bookstore, The Penniless Reader, and I loved seeing their interaction and support of each other. I especially enjoyed that some of the scenes are centered around the bookstore, allowing the reader to get to know Riley and her family even better.

While it didn’t seem like Riley would need to get involved in the case of the dead bride, it proves otherwise when her good friend, Mary Ann, is accused of the crime. Mary Ann, you see, was the ex-wife of the groom and didn’t appreciate the bride stealing her chef husband. As Riley begins observing the family and guests who’d gathered at the Inn for the wedding, it becomes obvious that there are numerous people who hated the victim, including her own adult children. There were suspects galore and it was near impossible for me to settle on a single person. As the story unfolds, a separate mystery appears in the form of a letter that concerns George Washington. I was intrigued with the historical aspect of paper and ink production during that time frame and the subplot intertwines with the main plot effortlessly. Kudos to the author for coming up with a highly unusual murder method that only added to the fascinating read! There are hints of what may be in store for Riley in the next book and I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the series and the perfect fun summer time mystery. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own

I enjoy this series for its well crafted charcters, the ice cream referances and wonderful sleuthing. Each book builds on the charcters and delivers a intriquing plot to the series. This is a series with all the charms of a cozy that readers love. I look forward to the next in series.

Riley Rhodes has given up her career as a librarian for the CIA and is back in her hometown of Penniman, Connecticut, managing the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. It is nearly Halloween and nearly closing time for the seasonal shop. But one more big event - the wedding of the owner of the Inn on the Green - is scheduled before the shutdown. Riley has been tasked with making an ice cream cake with the bride and groom's favorite flavors.

Things are also busy because a movie is being shot at the Inn and other locations including her father's used book store. And her roommate's spoiled Persian cat has a role in the film too.

All the happy, busy activity comes to a screeching halt when the bride is found dead the night before the wedding. Despite numerous health problems, Riley isn't willing to write the death off to natural causes. Too many people were upset and angry with the woman. The prime suspect is Riley's friend Mary Ann who happens to be the groom's ex-wife.

Despite the police chief's orders to stay out of the investigation, Riley feels the need to clear her friend's name and find the real murderer. She has lots of suspects to choose from including the manager of the Inn who has had a long-standing crush on the victim and the housekeeper who might have lost her house and her job had the victim lived. Then there are her two sons and a stepson who might have had reason to get rid of the victim before she could change her will in the new husband's favor.

This was a fun cozy with a great setting and interesting characters. I liked the sound of the different flavors of ice cream Riley and a teenage assistant create. There is even a couple of recipes for hot fudge sauces at the end of the book.

I really enjoyed the last book in this series, so I was really stoked about this one!

Lights! Camera! Murder! Riley’s small town is now the site of a romcom movie! & also a mysterious death. When a friend is implicated, Riley must do what she can to clear her friend.

I really enjoyed this. It was just as fun & charming as the second one. Allen is very good at setting the scene. I really got a feel for this small town. There were a lot of characters to keep track off, which I felt was a bit of a detriment to the story.

The mystery was also really clever! There were enough red herrings, that I was actually surprised at the end. I had managed to predict the motive, but I was totally thrown off by the method.

The thing that really frustrated me was that half way through the story, an ex of Riley’s is dropped in, and then almost never referenced again until the very end of the story, I assumed only to be the set up for the sequel. I was expecting this reappearance to have something to do with the mystery itself. I’m not super invested in either way Riley’s romantic life ends up, so I’m glad the mystery was as interesting as it was.

Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC.