A delightful addition to the series and a blend of mystery, humor, and heart. The setting is charming and quaint. I loved the inclusion of fudge recipes.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A great addition to an incredible series! Wonderful characters in an incredible setting. This book will keep you guessing until the end.

This is one of my most anticipated series. I cannot wait until the next one becomes available. What's not to like about fudge and fudge recipes!

Book Review of "Three Fudges and a Baby" by Nancy CoCo

Rating: 3 Stars

As a lover of cozy mysteries, I couldn't resist diving into "Three Fudges and a Baby" by Nancy CoCo. The story follows fudge maker Allie McMurphy as she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery when her best friend's doula becomes the prime suspect in a shocking crime. With the picturesque setting of Mackinac Island as the backdrop and a pregnant friend on the verge of delivering her baby, Allie's sleuthing skills are put to the test as she races against time to uncover the truth.

The novel opens with an intriguing premise: Did the doula really commit the murder, or is there more to the story? I found myself drawn into the plot from the start, eager to unravel the secrets hidden within the quaint island community. The author weaves a well-paced mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

While I enjoyed the overall storyline and the charming setting, there were certain elements that didn't quite hit the mark for me. One aspect that I struggled with was the portrayal of some characters, particularly Allie's mother, whose behavior came across as overly exaggerated and irksome. Additionally, I noticed a few inconsistencies in the narrative that momentarily took me out of the story.

Despite these minor drawbacks, there were aspects of the book that I found delightful. The dynamic between Allie and her pregnant friend Jenn was heartwarming, adding a touch of sweetness to the plot. I appreciated how the mystery was intricately plotted, keeping me engaged throughout.

"Three Fudges and a Baby" can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, making it accessible to readers new to the series. The inclusion of delectable fudge recipes at the end was a nice touch, adding an interactive element to the reading experience.

In conclusion, while "Three Fudges and a Baby" may not be my favorite installment in the series, it still offers an entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries. The charming setting, well-crafted mystery, and endearing moments make it a worthwhile addition to any cozy mystery lover's bookshelf. So, if you're looking for a light-hearted read with a dash of intrigue, this book might just be the perfect fit for you.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This has been an enjoyable series up until this book. I wanted to scream a few times at Allie's cluelessness over the killer's identity. The whole side plot with her mom left Allie feeling weak. I get that Jenn liked the doula, but I wanted to see her stand up for herself.

The ending left an opening for the next book which I hope will be back on track.

Hotelier and fudge maker Allie McMurphy’s best friend Jenn Carpenter is past her pregnancy due date and about ready to pop. She’s determined to stay on Mackinac Island and deliver her baby naturally though, with the help of her midwife Sarah and her doula Hannah. The latter, especially, has proven invaluable in helping Jenn get ready for the birth of her very first child.

So when Hannah doesn’t answer her phone one day, Jenn gets a little emotional. To help her stay calm, Allie offers to walk Jenn over to Hannah’s apartment. They’re both shocked to find Hannah sitting outside, holding a gun and staring at the dead body of her boyfriend Matt.

Under pressure from the ambitious new district attorney, the local police immediately arrest Hannah for murder. Jenn is distraught, and not just because she knows that kind hearted Hannah would never do such a thing. She’s terrified that she’ll have to give birth without Hannah’s support, and begs Allie for help in finding the real killer before she finally goes into labor.

Complicating matters is the arrival of Allie’s mother, who has brought with her an unwelcome surprise. Brett Summers was Allie’s boyfriend all throughout high school and college. He proposed marriage immediately after graduation, but expected Allie to give up her dream of running the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop there on Mackinac Island in favor of being the perfect politician’s wife. Allie turned him down, but her mother has never given up hope of a reconciliation, especially since learning about Allie’s feelings for the twice-divorced police officer Rex Manning. Now she’s come to the island with Brett, and is insistent on throwing him and Allie together.

This is the last thing Allie needs while trying to clear Hannah’s name, be supportive of her heavily pregnant best friend, and run her hotel and fudge shop. When Brett offers her a solution that will help solve at least some of her problems, will she take him up on it, risking her reputation even before a killer endangers her life?

I really loved the subplot involving Allie’s mother, who is definitely a handful but is at least capable of explaining the reasoning behind her exasperating actions to her daughter. The ticking time clock of Jenn’s impending labor also added an exciting layer of suspense to the proceedings, as did the ongoing ups and downs of Allie’s relationship with Rex.

There were eight yummy dessert recipes included here, and I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Top and bottom
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cook oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Fudgy middle
12 oz dark chocolate chips (semisweet will do in a pinch)
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment first and then grease.

Set aside.

Melt the butter. In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugars, and vanilla until combined. Slowly add flour, baking soda, and salt. Once well mixed, add oats and mix thoroughly. Put ⅔ of mixture into the bottom of the pan and pat down until flat (leaving about 1 ½ cups for the top.)

In a medium saucepan combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Gently pour over the uncooked bottom crust and spread gently until even. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely and cut into 2-inch squares. Makes 24. Enjoy!
END QUOTE

While I did give in to the temptation of carving myself a slice before the pan had fully cooled, I do agree that the bars taste much better when set. They’re certainly much easier to eat! This is a sweet treat that definitely feels healthier for the addition of the oats.

I actually used semisweet chocolate for this, but made sure to compensate for the increased sweetness by cutting down a bit on the sugar content. I brought the pan to a game night and my friends adored them, as did my incorrigible children once they stopped turning up their noses at a “healthy” treat.

Next week, we travel to the southwest to sort out what happens when sports and sweets collide to deadly effect, while baking up a craveable cupcake. Do join me!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Jenn is just about to pop as she waits for her first child to be born and her hormones play havoc with her emotions. Allie is determined to help in any way she can. She does not expect to investigate a murder. Jenn”s doula is arrested for the murder of her fiance and the evidence does not look good. But if Allie cannot spring her out of jail in time for the delivery, Jenn is going to have a conniption fit.

Allie’s boyfriend Rex is not crazy about her getting involved but he understands and actually respects her instincts. That does not stop him from being overly protective which is just the wrong thing to do when Allie is stressed by Jenn, the murder and her mother arriving unexpectedly with a former boyfriend with whom her mother expects Allie to live happily ever after. She manages to survive and get out of a pact with the devil so she can make sure the doula is by Jenn’s side.

She figures out the motive for the murder but she does not, even when she sees the clue that should have pointed the killer out, pinpoint the villain. She does, however, when confronted by the murderer, do something smart that will save her life. Other than missing the obvious clue, she and Rex make a pretty good team…something they both realize by the end of the book

Four purrs and two paws up.

This cozy mystery left me feeling lukewarm. While the premise promised intrigue and fudge-filled escapades, the execution fell short of my expectations.

Allie’s knack for stumbling into murder investigations on Mackinac Island has become the centering focus of this series. This time, Jen’s doula, Hannah Riversbend, is accused of killing her boyfriend, park ranger Matthew Jones. Compounding the situation, Allie’s mother arrives, hoping to rekindle an old romance between Allie and high school sweetheart Brett Summers. With Jenn in labor and Hannah in jail, the clock is running out for Allie to prove Hannah’s innocence. When she is not sleuthing, Allie must decide if she wants to marry Rex Manning since he is becoming bossy and only mentions marriage when another man shows interest in her.

This series depends on amateur sleuthing and fudge recipes. Unfortunately, this outing felt off and is missing twists and turns. Twelve books in, and the characters read tired. Anyone coming into the series would feel a lack of interest to continue with the character’s lives. “Three Fudges and a Baby” left me wanting more complexity, surprises, and depth.

I loved this addition to the series! The mystery was really good but what I enjoyed even more were the relationships all throughout it. The relationships between family, and between friends, between romantic relationships. I did find Allie to be a bit annoying but that’s just because she’s a character I really like and I was doubting some of her decisions! Overall a really great read, read it in one sitting. Thank you to netgalley for a free copy.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Spring on Mackinac Island means the "fudgies" are coming! It also means it is time for Allie McMurphy's best friend Jenn Carpenter to deliver her baby, but it seems Baby Carpenter is in no hurry to exit the safe, warm, comfort of Mama's womb. Her midwife and doula assure her that being two weeks late is no big deal but she is more than ready for the baby to embark on their trip down the birth canal so she can see her toes again.

Movement is a good way to start labor whether it be walking or waddling so Jenn and Allie walk down to the Coffee Bean to meet her doula, Hannah Riversbend. But when they take a shortcut down an alley they find Hannah holding a gun and her fiance, Matthew Jones dead on the ground. It is clear the woman is in shock and she says she didn't kill him but she was holding the gun.

With her doula in the slammer, Jenn is freaking out. She begs Allie to find the real killer fast. She can't give birth without Hannah. She is going to be busy making fudge but she can't let her friend down, so she decides to find out how to do it all, and oh, did I forget to mention her mother is in town with an agenda of her own?

____

McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop owner Allie McMurphy has her hands full in Three Fudges and A Baby and she rolls with just a couple of missteps, just as I have come to expect. Business is brisk and she needs to hire an assistant as soon as possible. Her mother makes a surprise visit and expects her to drop everything so that she can get back together with her old boyfriend because he has money and her current boyfriend, Officer Rex Manning is not good enough for her. Jenn is cranky and rightly so, being nine and a half months pregnant is not fun. And now Allie has a murder to solve. She is a fantastic protagonist and all the people Ms. Coco has put in her orbit are cleverly created and true to life, even Allie's mother.

The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists. Rex wasn't totally on board with Heather Riversbend being the killer but he had to follow the evidence. He takes a huge chance to help Jenn. He is such a good guy. Hear that Mrs. McMurphy! Allie gets help from the "seniors" as she and her puppy Mal try to figure out who has a motive to kill Matthew Jones.  Gossip starts to run rampant on the island and in a surprising turn Allie makes a deal with the devil. So much happens within the pages of the book that the pages were absolutely flying. The takedown was scary but I had the right guilty party at the top of my personal suspect list and that always feels good.

Mackinac Island is a special place that I have always wanted to visit. I may never actually make the trip so for now I settle for the virtual trips Ms. Coco takes me on in this series. I know there is nothing like fudge made by a professional like Allie, but the author includes easy recipes at the start of several chapters. I suggest picking one to make before you start reading because you will be craving fudge.

Three Fudges and A Baby is a wonderful addition to this series. It is full of engaging characters, sans a meddling mother and an intriguing mystery set on the #1 Best Island in the Continental U.S. The final paragraphs of the book are not going to make Allie's mother happy but I am thrilled. The teaser chapter has me longing for April 2025 when Fudge and Murder is set to be released.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

As always I’m always grateful and happy to return to the wonderful cozy world Nancy Coco has created. The island of Mackinac is basically its own little world after all, and Ally our main protagonist has to interview and manage the local populace in order to solve a murder mystery, and quick! Her best friend Jenn is due to give birth any day, but refuses to face it without her beloved doula by her side. Ally needs to help her friend, but her mother has also arrived with her ex in tow and is determined to see her married and moved off island.

If this is your first dip into this delightful cozy series I recommend going back and reading the rest to get a real feel for both the atmosphere and character development so far. Each book is as enjoyable as the last and well worth the time spent on Mackinac. Although following the predictable cozy format, there is a certain joy I get from such books. It’s not groundbreaking or surprising and much like slipping on a well used shoe.

As always, a fun romp with great characters and settings. Five stars.

Three Fudges and a Baby: A Candy-Coated Mystery Book 12
By Nancy Coco
Kensington
April 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s April on Mackinac Island, and The Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop’s owner Allie McMurphy is preparing for the Spring tourist season to resume. Her best friend Jenn Carpenter is also very pregnant and ready to pop, and even though she is two weeks overdue she is relieved to have hired doula Hannah Riversbend to help her give birth. That relief ends when Allie and Jenn find Hannah standing over a body holding a gun, and having her doula suspected of murder sends Jenn into a spiral of panic and hysteria. She demands that Allie once again delve into an investigation and prove that Hannah is innocent, as without her doula Jenn states that she will refuse to give birth. It’s not the best time for Allie to meddle in an official investigation, as she’s questioning her relationship with the investigating Officer Rex Manning just as her mother arrives with Allie’s ex for a visit. Allie’s mother is pushing for a reconciliation between the former couple, especially since the ambitious Brett is aiming to be the next governor and needs Allie’s help in smoothing the way for his development plans. At the risk of alienating Rex even more, Allie begins to look into the exes of the victim, several of whom were angry enough to have wanted him dead.

It’s easy to get frustrated with Allie as she is bulldozed over by her mother’s insistence on marrying a rich man and Jenn’s hormone-induced demands to investigate. So it’s a relief when Allie does stand up for herself and decide to pursue the path she wants. That doesn’t mean that she still doesn’t insert herself rather dangerously into the investigation though, or that she won’t have to juggle the attentions of multiple men. Delicious recipes ranging from Easy Cappuccino Fudge to Raspberry Chocolate Bars will satisfy every sweet-toothed cook, and Allie still manages to fit in her fudge-making demonstrations with her witness interrogations. Longtime fans will be happy that this 12th in the series includes appearances by the adorable Bichonpoo Mal (for Marshmallow) and the similarly confection-inspired-named kitty Mella, along with many scenes featuring delicious fudge varieties. Readers will be carried along with Allie and her investigations by the swift plot that leads to a reveal sure to surprise even the most experienced puzzle-solving mystery expert. Romance-loving readers who love to follow their favorite characters’ relationship challenges will find much to appreciate here as well, with a conclusion that is sure to warm up even the coldest of hearts. This is another entertaining and very tasty installment of a series filled with relatable family dramas as its lead heroine matures and gains confidence in her personal and professional life.

Can this series please go on forever?

Reading these books seriously feels like big, dumb fun. I always enjoy my time spend with these characters and I’m constantly looking forward to the next book.

As always, I absolutely love the recipes included and I’m excited to try a couple out.

Another fun and mystery filled visit to Allie McMurphy on Mackinac Island where we get to follow along as she solves the mystery that revolves around another dead body. It was fun to see how Allies best friend Jenn is dealing with her upcoming birth and running her personal life. I was glad to see what direction Allie and Rexs relationship is heading since they are a nice fit in each others lives.

"Three Fudges and a Baby" by Nancy Coco is a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and small-town charm that will leave readers craving more. Set in the quaint town of Mackinac Island, Coco weaves a cozy tale filled with delectable fudge, quirky characters, and unexpected twists.

Overall, "Three Fudges and a Baby" is a delightful cozy mystery that will satisfy readers' cravings for both suspense and sweetness. With its charming setting, engaging characters, and tantalizing fudge recipes sprinkled throughout, this novel is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

Highly recommend

The latest candy coated mystery finds Allie investigating a murder to clear her best friend Jenn’s doula of a murder charge. The clock is ticking as Jenn could give birth any day. Along the way, she also has to deal with an unexpected visit from her mom.

Another good entry in this series! I really like the character development we got with Allie here. The mystery was ok compared to some others, but it still was solid. This was definitely more character driven in terms of side plots!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

plenty of twists and turns, the recipes sound yumm,a d characters make you feel like their your friend ,

Jenn, Allie's bestie, is beyond ready to deliver her baby. Everything's in place - the nursery is ready, she has her midwife, and her doula. She's so excited! Until she finds her doula holding a gun, while her fiance lay dead on the ground in front of her. Jenn desperately her doula, so she enlists Allie to find out exactly what happened. Can Allie solve the case in time?

I really enjoy this series. I love Allie and crew, the mysteries are always interesting with plenty of twists and turns, the recipes sound yummy, and all the descriptions of Mackinac Island have me wanting to visit.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Three Fudges and a Baby is book #12 in the Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco.

This series has me wanting to go to Mackinac Island for some fudge. There was a lot going on. Ally has quite the deadline - she needs to solve the murder before Jenn’s baby is born. And her mom showed up with Ally’s old boyfriend in tow. I wasn’t a fan of Ally’s mom. It seemed like an open-and-shut murder case but it was more complex than it appeared. I really enjoyed the story and plan to try a few of the recipes in the book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Allie McMurphy runs an historic hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island. Her best friend Jenn is pregnant and past her due date. Her Doula suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder and Jenn begs Allie to clear Hannah before her baby comes. Hannah was found with the gun in her hand so this will not be easy. Her getting involved will not make her police detective boyfriend happy. Allie's mom and ex-boyfriend make a surprise visit and complicate her already complicated situation.

This is the 12th installment of this series. I have only read one other in this series but that was not a deterrent to my enjoyment of the story. I loved this story and was sucked in from the beginning. Allie is the kind of friend we all need. I was able to guess the killer a little over halfway through the book but still enjoyed it to the end. The characters are so well written and likeable. The story telling is what I love most about this book. I can't wait to visit Mackinac Island again with Allie and her friends. Also, I am a sucker for any book that has cute pets in it!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read this book.