In this fifth trip to Mackinac Island we find Allie McMurphy still running the McMurphy Hotel, making fudge and finding dead bodies. When Allie heads over to the Butterfly Conservatory for a meeting with Blake, the woman who runs it, she finds more than she bargained for. She finds Barbara with a hand spade in her chest and her cousin Tori, with her hands on the spade. Allie has no idea her cousin in on the island but she is sure that she didn't kill anyone. Once again, she decides to investigate to clear her cousin who is the number one suspect. As she investigates, we meet more of the permanent residents of the island, particularly the older generation. It is funny how the news of the investigation and Allie's life travel so fast that when she goes to talk to people they already know what is going on.

Of course, the whole book is not about the murder. Douglas Devaney (the McMurphy’s handyman) and Frances Wentworth (the McMurphy’s reception manager) finally plan their wedding. Allie and her cousin Tori have issues about the ownership of the McMurphy, there are smuggled diamonds and Tori and Brent are having problems. Will she finally give Rex a chance? The storyline is well plotted with a cast of relatable characters. The story has enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep the reader involved. I thought I knew who the murderer was part way through but with the final twist, turned out I was wrong. I highly recommend this book to readers of cozy mysteries, those who want a nice clean mystery and of course those who love books that incorporate food into the story and provide great and easy recipes. The pubisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Allie inherited her family’s Hotel and Fudge Shop, the McMurphy. When her cousin Tori shows up on Mackinac Island after living in California, she is angry and rude. Allie learns of her cousins visit on the island when she walks in on her standing over a dead woman impaled with a garden spade.

Allie hasn’t spoken to her cousin in years and doesn’t understand why she is treating her like a mean stepsister. She soon learns that Tori is resentful because she did not inherit the hotel and fudge shop and blames Allie for it. When all is said and done, family comes first. Allie doesn’t believe her cousin is a killer, no matter what the investigator thinks. Butterflies may be free, but Tori won’t if the cousins can’t bury the hatchet, preferably not in each other's backs, and work together to catch a killer.
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Series: A Candy-Coated Mystery
Author: Nancy Coco
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington

Oh Fudge is a great romp through Mackinac Island with delicious fudge and murder. Nancy Coco, has crafted an intelligent and entertaining mystery. The story tests the family dynamic and throws in fudge recipes that will make the reader's mouth water.

The setting is ideal for a murder mystery. The residents use a bicycle or walk to get around the island. The only way off the island is by air or boat. This guarantees the reader that the killer is not only still on the island, but is most likely one of its citizens. It is an investigator's dream scenario and his worst nightmare at the same time.

The characters are well rounded with traits that endear them to the audience and allows the reader to understand the relationship interactions with little to no explanation. Although this is the 6th book in the series, it can easily stand on its own. Readers won’t get lost trying to figure out what happened previously or who the players are. The only thing missing from the story would be a better look at what Mackinac Island life is truly like.

The action throughout the book is consistent. At times the plot will make the reader anxious to turn the page and keep reading to find out what happens. The words flow nicely, and the story is fast-paced. The reader can easily relate to the main characters. The killer is revealed, and all questions about the murder are answered with a satisfying ending.

This book and “A Candy-Coated Mystery” series is highly recommended. If you enjoy out-of-the-way vacation destinations, fudge, and personal glimpses into a character's life, you will enjoy Oh Fudge and the writing of Ms. Coco. ( )

While out walking her dog Mal Allie McMurphy discovers a dead body at the butterfly house, with her cousin Tori holding the murder weapon. Allie now has to help prove Tori's innocence while running the McMurphy hotel and fudge shop, giving fudge making demonstrations, planning a wedding for her friends, and dealing with her complicated love life. After Tori is kidnapped Allie finds her life in danger in more ways than one. This book has many twists and turns that help keep the plot interesting, and such colorful characters it feels like you are visiting with friends.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Kesington Books. ( )

While out walking her dog Mal Allie McMurphy discovers a dead body at the butterfly house, with her cousin Tori holding the murder weapon. Allie now has to help prove Tori's innocence while running the McMurphy hotel and fudge shop, giving fudge making demonstrations, planning a wedding for her friends, and dealing with her complicated love life. After Tori is kidnapped Allie finds her life in danger in more ways than one. This book has many twists and turns that help keep the plot interesting, and such colorful characters it feels like you are visiting with friends.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Kesington Books. ( )