Member Review

Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy Coco takes us back to Mackinac Island where Allie McMurphy is entering her latest fudge creation in the county fair. I always enjoy returning to Mackinac Island. I like the author’s beautiful descriptions of the island. She brings the island to life with her vivid word imagery. It sounds like a lovely vacation spot (I am not sure I would want to live there in the winter--burr). With the fair on Mackinac Island, everyone should be upbeat and relaxed. Unfortunately, competition brings out the worst in people. Allie and her murder sniffing pooch stumble across a body. I love the dispatcher’s response when Allie calls 9-1-1. Detective Rex Manning and Allie have reached an understanding regarding her investigating (which I believe is totally unfair). Rex only wants Allie to investigate crimes that affect her (a friend or family member) personally. The current crime does not which has Allie focusing on her fudge duties. It is time consuming making enough fudge to fill the cases and doing the demonstrations (Allie just needs to think about the dollar signs when she is up in the wee hours making fudge). When a second murder hits close to home, Allie dons her sleuthing cap once again. The ladies at the senior center are happy to help (after they receive some of Allie’s mouthwatering fudge). Allie has her work cut out for her this time. The mystery was fun to solve. I loved the addition of smugglers tunnels and parkour athletes. The crime is nicely wrapped up at the end. Give Fudge a Chance has great characters, cute furbabies, sweet treats, a county fair, and an entertaining mystery. I laughed out loud several times while reading. One senior provided many of the amusing moments. There are delectable fudge recipes scattered throughout the book. While Give Fudge a Chance is the eleventh A Candy-Coated Mystery, it can be read as a standalone. I have enjoyed reading the series in order. It has allowed me to get to know the characters and follow their journeys. I am looking forward to Allie’s next adventure in Three Fudges and a Baby. Give Fudge a Chance is a fun fair tale with delightful fudge, passionate podcasters, best in show skirmish, parkour participants, a mysterious murder, untidy tunnels, a discussion snafu, a stealthy senior, and a feisty fudge maker.