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 … 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
more
Overall I enjoyed book eight in the Candy-Coated series even though I had a small issue.
My biggest issue was we are still in the first year of Allie being on Mackinac Island but we are on our third Christmas story and this full-length Christmas story takes place before the two novellas that have been previously published. I might not have even thought about it if I did not read the two novellas right before reading this story. It does nothing to take away from the story it was a personal peeve of mine.
I did like getting to know more about Frances’ past and more about her in general.
I admit I have not read this series in order. I have been able to follow along quite nicely.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
A light murder mystery; a big secret revealed about Frances; and a great home, hearth and family Christmas story frame fudge maker Allie McMurphy’s life on Mackinac Island this year. When Allie’s precious bichonpoo, Mal, sniffs out a half-frozen body….Officer Rex Manning responds. Unfortunately, Frances is the #1 suspect when the woman dies.
This plot showcases Frances‘s past. Author Nancy Coco gradually reveals The Who’s and why’s leading up to the murder. Very interesting. The author shares sweet treat recipes at the end of every chapter!
The Candy-Coated Mystery series is a long-time favorite series of mine, and I’ve read every story in the order they were released. Book #8 is a delightful treat, as well as the previous seven books. I highly recommend!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Such a wonderful eighth book. The plot, character progression, and ending are fabulous. Several of the recipes I have saved and will actually attempt (attempt is the word…I even bought a candy thermometer!!!!).
The last two books have truly turned the series around for me. Awesome!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There are not a lot of tourists on Mackinac Island for Christmas but the online fudge orders have Allie very busy. Because the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is closed for repairs and renovations that means she is doing her fudge making in Frances’s old apartment and rushing the orders to be shipped every day.
There are holiday celebrations and fun to be had on the island though for those who chose to stay or visit through the winter’s snow and cold. A tree lighting, a community lighting show contests, and an awesome sledding hill.
Allie received a strange unsigned note on the apartment door and asking her to meet them near the hill so she and Mal, her bichonpoo, trek out to meet the person. When they arrive Mal drags Allie to a woman facedown in the snow. Everyone does their best to revive the woman but she passes away and utters “Frances” as her last word. Was she naming her killer? Everyone knows Frances would hurt a soul so Allie is on the case to ice the real killer.
I needed just a little more Christmas cheer so I took the opportunity to start to catch up on this series. What better way to spend the New Year’s weekend than taking a virtual escape to Mackinac Island.
Allie, Frances, Douglas, and Rex are back. Liz still hasn’t returned but a blast from Rex’s past has returned to the island ready to fudge up his life yet again. The core characters are very well developed but in this story, we see how two react when they are thrown some icy curveballs. The new characters featured in this story are well written too and have layers that get peeled away nicely.
The mystery deals with a long-held secret. Ms. Coco has written this in such a way as to grab the reader’s attention but give reverence to the feelings of the people involved.
I loved and laughed out loud several times at the group of ladies that invaded Allie’s loaner apartment to help her investigate. Oh, my stars! Rex had the patience of a saint and remained so calm. Allie surprised with their presence and ideas realized early she had absolutely no control over these women. Those dialogues were absolutely priceless.
This is such a fun series filled with wonderful characters. I blame my cancer treatments for getting behind on reading it. I plan on reading and reviewing Here Comes the Fudge soon, so I am ready for A Midsummer Night’s Fudge when it is released in May.
I really enjoy the characters in this book. I enjoy the fun mysteries. Perfect amount of anticipation and mystery. Fun recipes included!
I read this book because I have enjoyed others in this series. Cozy mystery with recipes for varieties of fudge included.
It’s OK, but the recipes are not truly fudge – they are all “quicky process in the blender” – that was a little disappointing.
Fun read. Really enjoyed reading this book
Having been to Mackinac Island many times, I found this very intertaining. There is a lot of fudge made there and there are a lot of hotels. There are year round residents.
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.
Love reading about a place I have always wanted to go. Wonderful fudge recipes!
I loved it as I did all the others in the series & can’t wait for next one. Already preordered
I enjoyed the story especially since it was set in a place I’m a little familiar with!
Easy to ready. Enjoyed the surprises. Fun read, lite hearted.
An enjoyable, fun read. Look forward to reading more of this series.
Fun little book to read.
This is a fun holiday cozy. I was pulled into the story from the start. With suspects and red herrings abound, the mystery keeps you guessing and re-guessing whodunit. A bonus for the foodie cozy fans, many wonderful recipes are included. The characters both human and fur and entertaining and likable. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
This is a wonderful book in a well established series. Once again we head to Mackinac Island where everyone is ready to celebrate Christmas. When a young woman is murdered, old secrets come to light. When another person is murdered everybody struggles to figure out how the 2 murders are related. A beautiful setting, well developed characters and tantalizing fudge recipes make this a must read Christmas cozy. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I’m voluntarily providing an honest review.
Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco is the eighth in the A Candy Coated Mystery. It can be read as a stand alone.
Allie is anxiously waiting on getting back into her Mackinac hotel. Luckily for her, she has been able to stay in her friend, Frances’ former apartment. She gets an unsigned note on her door to meet at the park. Allie and her dog, Mal, are going out anyway so she goes to the place to meet. While waiting, Mal starts sniffing and again comes upon a somebody in the snow, face down. She starts CPR until the squad shows up. Allie didn’t know the young woman she found.so why did she want to meet. Unfortunately, Allie will never find out as the girl passes away.
So why did Allie get the note. Was is for her or for Frances. When another resident in the apartment building passes from poisoning, Allie knows she needs to get to the bottom of the murders.
There are decades old secrets, plot twists, wonderful characters, humor, fudge recipes and Coco transports you to Mackinac Island for Christmas, snow and all. It was hard to put this one down
I was given an ARC by Kensington Books and NetGalley for an honest review.. .
So many twists and turns are awaiting us on Mackinac Island this holiday season. I had so many OMG moments but there was also a few yeah that’s what I thought moments too. Allie has her hands full not only with the hotel and fudge making but hubba-hubba new guy is very interested in getting to know her. (ditch the guy with cray-cray ex-wife issues?, the not a island guy? or no guy at all?) Guess we will see as soon as the next book drops.