Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas

Nancy Coco

Oct 2020 · A Candy-Coated Mystery Book 8 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

USA Today bestselling author

Christmas on Mackinac Island brings a flurry of festive activity for fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy—but also a body in a snowbank . . .
 
SNOWED UNDER
 
All Allie wants for Christmas is for renovations to be finished on the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop so she can move back home for the holidays. But for now she's staying in her friend Frances's apartment, busily baking batches of holiday fudge. After someone leaves a mysterious note on the door to meet up, the curious fudge maker goes to the rendezvous with her bichonpoo, Mal—only to discover a woman facedown in a snowdrift. With her dying breath, the woman gasps, “Frances.” The police suspect she named her killer, but Allie knows that's impossible. She needs to wrap up this case before the trail runs cold—and give her friend the gift of freedom this Christmas season . . .

Praise for Nancy Coco and the Candy-Coated Mysteries

“Memorable characters, a charming locale, and a satisfying mystery.”
—Barbara Allan

“It’s probably best not to read this while you’re too hungry, as the assorted fudge recipes may send you right to the kitchen.”
—The Oakland Tribune

“A fun and fast-paced cozy mystery that would be perfect for a weekend in, under cozy blankets with a mug of hot cocoa.”
—Criminal Element
 

Ratings and reviews

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco is the 8th A Candy-Coated Mystery. I have read and enjoyed each book in this charming series. It has been a pleasure getting to know Mackinac Island as well as Allie McMurphy and her friends. This book can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series since the author does provide the needed background information. I thought Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters. I love the descriptions of Mackinac Island during the holidays as well as the festivities. It sounds like a cold yet magical place. Allie is a strong, independent woman who is a whiz at creating fudge and loves her fur babies. The mystery has Allie and her dog, Mal once again finding a victim. I figured out the who right away, but the why was a bit of a conundrum. The reason for the murder is slowly revealed over the course of the story. I like that we get to learn more about Frances and her past. I enjoyed following the investigation to the conclusion. At the end of one riveting scene, I found myself laughing out loud. There was action and suspense which had the story moving along at a quick pace and kept me engaged. I liked that there was a complete wrap up. Allie cannot wait for the renovations to be completed on the hotel so she can move back in and go back to making fudge in the shop. She is also dealing with the return of Rex Manning’s ex-wife, Melonie. Just when we thought Rex and Allie’s romance was moving forward, Rex gets an unexpected visitor. Allie keeps bumping into a new man in town and there are sparks between them. I like the idea of a new love interest for Allie. Trent and Rex are not right for Allie (in my humble opinion). In Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas, there are snowstorms, power outages, Christmas tree lighting, decorating contest, fudge making, and friendly neighbors. I was happy to see an old friend return to Mackinac Island for the holidays. There is a recipe for a sweet treat (fudge, cookies) after each chapter. I enjoyed this stimulating story. Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas is a sweet cozy mystery with a precious pup, gregarious gossip, ex-wife woes, fabulous fudge, a familiar friend, DNA dilemma, and merry mayhem on Mackinac Island.