Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is the twelfth A Candy-Coated Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or who have missed a book or two. Tourist season is getting ready to begin on Mackinac Island and Allie has still not found an assistant to help make fudge. Allie’s bestie, Jenn Carpenter is two weeks overdue which has Jenn and her husband, Shane on edge. Allie’s mother decides to make a surprise visit with Allie’s ex-boyfriend. I did not like that the mother expected Allie to drop everything to entertain her. The mother also kept pushing the ex-boyfriend at Allie knowing that she is dating someone. The mystery was simple. I was able to identity the killer before the murder took place. Allie manages to do a little sleuthing in between making fudge, helping Jenn, trying to please her mother, and walking Mal. There is a good wrap up at the end. There are continuity issues in the book. Allie gets told the same detail repeatedly, but she acts like she never heard this bit of information previously. I would expect continuity issues to be caught during editing (there are several of them). I was glad that we finally got to know whether Jenn and Shane have a girl or boy. Three Fudges and a Baby is a nice story, but it lacked substance. It makes me wonder if A Candy-Coated Mysteries is winding down (it feels like it). Three Fudges and a Baby is a lighthearted tale with an emotional friend, surprise visitors, an accused doula, a meddling mother, boyfriend brouhaha, and scrumptious fudge.

This was an enjoyable read, it worked well with the mystery element that I was looking for. I enjoyed how Nancy Coco wrote this and created the characters in this story. It had a strong mystery going on and the characters worked with the mystery overall. It left me wanting to read more in this world and enjoyed how much I enjoyed this.

I enjoy the Candy Coated Mysteries that Nancy writes. This is the 12th book in the series and it was enjoyable. So many questions surrounding the storyline. You definitely want to keep reading to see if they are answered the way you guessed they would be. Such a fun cozy mystery that you will enjoy for sure.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

THREE FUDGES AND A BABY is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. With action that starts right off the bat, the quick pace held my attention throughout the entire book. The author manages to pack so much into the plot and subplots and seems to effortlessly weave them together into a book worthy of binging on… while eating fudge, of course. In this newest release, protagonist, Allie McMurphy (owner of the historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop) is busy juggling her business, her law enforcement boyfriend, her meddling mother and old boyfriend, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her BFF’s baby. Her BFF, Jenn, is already two weeks late giving birth and relies heavily on her doula for support and comfort. I was intrigued about the role a doula plays in a baby’s birth, and appreciated the tidbits of information provided. Ms. Coco’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the wonderful setting of Mackinac Island to life and immerses the reader. It makes me want to visit the area and search for Allie’s shop, even if it’s only on the pages.

With anxiety mounting over the delay of Jenn’s baby’s birth, things get even worse when her doula is arrested for murder after literally being found holding the smoking gun. Promising to get the doula out of jail before the birth, tension rise as Allie races to investigate with the help of her adorable Bichon, Marshmallow (Mal), and a group of island seniors (who add some levity). Goodness, there was so much going on with twists that I didn’t see any way to overcome, and some surprises that kept me invested in the story. If you like a fast-paced mystery with lots of scrumptious fudge and delightful characters, then I highly recommend Three Fudges and a Baby!

With everything going on in the quest to free the doula and welcome Jenn’s baby to world, Allie still manages to make lots of fudge for her shop. Be prepared to crave chocolate as you read. Or better yet, make one of the many recipes included before you start.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THREE FUDGES AND A BABY (Book 12 of the Candy Coated Mystery series) by Nancy Coco in exchange for an honest review. Jenn Carpenter, Allie’s event planner and best friend, is overdue. Jenn’s pregnancy has run two weeks late, and Jenn refuses to give birth without the assistance of her doula. That is a problem because the doula, Hannah Riversbend, is currently under arrest for murdering her fiancé. To get Jenn her doula, Allie has to cut a deal with a devil Meanwhile, Allie’s mom causes trouble between Allie and her boyfriend; Allie’s mom shows up with Allie’s highly successful high school boyfriend and pushes Allie to re-ignite the relationship. In order to avoid the matchmaking of her mamma and to help out Hannah and Jenn, Allie once again tries to catch a killer.

I like the book and the series. I recommend this book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring family businesses, island life, candy making, tourist seasons, and furry friends.

#ThreeFudgesandaBaby #NetGalley

This is a fun cozy mystery read with great characters. Allie and Rex are dating. Allie owns her family's hotel and fudge making businesses on Mackinac Island. Rex is the chief of police. Allie is trying to solve a murder that her friend's doula is accused of. Allie knows she is innocent of killing her fiancé. She is being framed by the killer. Will Allie be able to solve this mystery and clear her friend before it's too late? Read it and find out! I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Hannah Riversbend, Jenn's doula is accused of murdering her boyfriend , Matthew Jones. Jenn's due to deliver any day and only wants Hannah at her side to help her stay calm. But will Hannah be able to perform her duty or will she be prison bound. Can Allie find a way to clear Hannah if she is indeed innocent, without being the next victim? Will Jenn get her chosen doula or will she be forced to chose another? Must read to find out.

This one was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. Fudge make Allie McMurphy sets out to help her pregnant friend Jenn's doula when she is found in the alley with her dead finance holding the murder weapon. The clock is ticking on this one, as Jenn is already two weeks overdue and could go into labor at any time!

Can fudge maker Allie McMurphy clear the name of her best friend's midwife before the baby is born? It's not looking good, since Hannah was found holding the gun and the baby is already overdue. The Candy Coated mystery series is everything I love about cozies, with an interesting setting I'm not likely to ever get to in real life and a fun cast of characters. Although I've only read a few of this twelve book series, there was just enough backstory to keep me from feeling lost. I was seriously tempted to put this book down just long enough to make one on fudge recipes included between the chapters, but the plot kept me reading. I definitely want to try making some fudge and want to spend more time with Allie and her friends in her historic hotel on Mackinac island.

Loved reading this book and author. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend her and her books. I suggest reading in order.

Would you be willing to sell your soul to "the devil" to help a friend?

The emotions seem to swirl about in this book. Not only Jenn, past her due date and insistent she just can't have this baby without doula Hannah there, but the family ties that both complicate and comfort, not to mention bumps on the road to romance. If it isn't obvious, I love books that are character driven and this one is that plus. Allie is dealing with all of them, not to mention keeping her fudge business going during off-season on Mackinac Island. I've never been there but have come to adore Mackinac Island's slower moving, ol' fashioned ways. I mean, the cops ride bicycles and we're talking the kind you peddle, not motorized. Horse-drawn carriage meander about with both locals and tourists and Victorian homes seem to dominate much of the area.

Jenn's raw emotions and determination to have her baby on the island with the help of Hannah and a midwife come to dominate Allie's hours, hours complicated by the arrival of her mother with an ol' boyfriend of Allie's in tow. Seems he's done well for himself and flown in on his own plane and dear ol' mom thinks Allie should give him another chance. After all, he may be governor someday. Never mind Allie is in love with Rex, the island's investigative detective. And, oh, my, Allie and Jenn stumble across a murder victim and, yikes, holding the gun is Hannah, who turns out to have been his girlfriend. That's when things get complicated.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot because it's too much fun to immerse yourself in life in Mackinac and Allie's world to spoil anything. Let's just say, things get testy between Rex and Allie as she plows forward trying to help Jenn by investigating. As usual, that means putting herself in danger although I'm glad to see she's gotten far smarter about having backup handy. So, who killed Matthew, a man everyone seems to have liked? Could it really have been Hannah? How far will Allie go to help Jenn? What does her mother say that gives Allie pause about her life's plan? Why does having your reputation precede you both help and hinder? How reliable are eye-witnesses? Is Jenn being devious? Who...oh, never mind. Enough teasers. This book is a fun read with great characters and a unique setting. I love how character driven it is, almost to the point that whodunit becomes secondary to trying to mentally sort out the side stories. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this sneak peek at the turmoil and joy surrounding Jenn's blessed event.

I so love this series. The location is fun, unique, and there are great likeable characters. Then there's the fudge talk which always gives me a craving.

This book has us awaiting the birth of Jenn's child. While out with Allie, they come across a murder victim and are shocked at who supposedly did it. All this is at play throughout the book and built to keep us guessing.

We also have some visitors in Allie's life, not related to the murder. It causes her angst, some iffy behavior but I am happy to say things do work out and I am really looking forward to the next book.

Oh, and there is a baby!

This is the 12th installment in the Candy-coated mystery series. Allie McMurphy is drawn into another murder investigation as her best friend Jenn’s doula is accused of murder. Allie and Jenn actually find the victim when they go to find Hannah who is late for an appointment with Jenn. Hannah is found with the gun but in shock as her fiancé Matthew is dead. I really love this series and this was a good mystery but frustrated with a few plot lines. The new DA thinks they have an open/shut case so proceeds in booking Hannah immediately like within a day when there are so many holes. Also, Allie has been told info and yet throughout the story it seems like it gets lost in translation. I also did not like the whole Mom showing up with her ex and expecting Allie to be somebody she isn’t and Allie questioning herself in the process. This is a good series but I think whoever is proofreading/editing could have done a better job for the author. Enjoyed the story so 4 stars.
On a side note. First chapter of the next book already has inconsistencies from this story. It is April before big season when Jenn has her baby. Next book has something happening in June and they say Jenn’s baby is about to be 1.. these things although not the biggest issues in the world are frustrating.
Still love this series and author.

Another enjoyable addition to this series- it is a pleasure to see the characters continue to develop and grow while the plot lines remain fresh and innovative.

This was an interesting mystery and even though this was the 12th one in the series and I haven't read the previous books in the series. I wasn't lost.

Three Fudges and a Baby is the twelfth installment in the Candy Coated Mystery series set on Mackinac Island and featuring fudge maker Allie McMurphy. Allie is starting her third season on the island and business has been great at her family's Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.

Allie's best friend Jenn Carpenter is expecting her first baby with husband Shane. Jenn has hired a midwife and doula so that she can have the baby on the island. When Hannah Riversbend, the doula doesn't answer Jenn's texts, Allie and Jenn along with Allie's furry companion Mal, make their way to Hannah's house. There they find the woman sitting on the steps, holding a gun and the body of her finance dead just feet away.

Convinced that Hannah wouldn't hurt a fly, Jenn asks Allie to please find the real killer and clear Hannah's name in time for the birth of her son. Allie teams up with boyfriend, Officer Rex Manning to solve the murder and along the way has to deal with her overbearing mother and an ex-boyfriend.

A great addition to the series with a surprising twist at the end. Featuring returning characters, furry companions and delicious recipes, this installment proved to be another fun filled romp on Mackinac Island.

I received an advanced copy of Three Fudges and a Baby from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is the 13th book in the Candy-Coated Mystery series.
Allie’s best friend, Jen is due to have her first baby. Unfortunately her doula,Hannah, is fouad holding a gun over her dead fiance. Hannah claims that she did not kill him. However, the police think that she did. Now it is up to Allie to find out who the real killer is so that Hannah can be there when Jen’s baby arrives.

Three Fudges and a Baby is a fun cozy set in a town full of quirky characters. The book also includes several mouth watering fudge recipes!

As the weather begins to warm up a little on Mackinac Island, Allie McMurphy, local hotelier and award winning fudge maker is very busy indeed. Alongside all her usual tasks she is keeping a watchful eye on her best friend, Jenn, who is now two weeks over her due date and desperate for her first baby to arrive. When Hannah Riversbend, the carefully chosen doula, is suddenly the main suspect in a murder case, panic ensues. Jenn is sure the young woman is innocent and absolutely certain she can't give birth without her there and begs Allie to find the real killer, fast.

Unfortunately, as the investigation begins to take shape Allie’s mom arrives on the Island with an old flame she hasn't seen since they graduated college together,  when he proposed! With Jenn's doctor wanting her to head to the mainland to be induced, and Allie’s boyfriend, police officer Rex Manning, not at all thrilled by the arrival of Brett or her mother, both of whom want more of her than she has to spare, Allie isn't sure she won't be breaking the promise she made to her BFF especially as one of the consequences of that promise could ruin her reputation on Mackinac forever.

Book thirteen in this fun cosy series did have a few problems but was still a good read and set the scene for exciting times ahead. Allie, Rex, and Jenn were on great form and I enjoyed her Mom's visit very much especially as she was such an awful woman! My main concern was the actual killer’s identity because when the relevant information was discovered no one seemed able to take the next logical step when I think most of the readers would which proved to be both a disappointing and anticlimactic way to finish the investigation. I gave the book 3.5/4 stars because the rest of the storyline which didn't include the latter part of the whodunnit were great and I enjoyed them the most.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Although this didn't hit all the high notes there is a teaser chapter from book 14 and I definitely can't wait read that.As the weather begins to warm up a little on Mackinac Island, Allie McMurphy, local hotelier and award winning fudge maker is very busy indeed. Alongside all her usual tasks she is keeping a watchful eye on her best friend, Jenn, who is now two weeks over her due date and desperate for her first baby to arrive. When Hannah Riversbend, the carefully chosen doula, is suddenly the main suspect in a murder case, panic ensues. Jenn is sure the young woman is innocent and absolutely certain she can't give birth without her there and begs Allie to find the real killer, fast.

Unfortunately, as the investigation begins to take shape Allie’s mom arrives on the Island with an old flame she hasn't seen since they graduated college together,  when he proposed! With Jenn's doctor wanting her to head to the mainland to be induced, and Allie’s boyfriend, police officer Rex Manning, not at all thrilled by the arrival of Brett or her mother, both of whom want more of her than she has to spare, Allie isn't sure she won't be breaking the promise she made to her BFF especially as one of the consequences of that promise could ruin her reputation on Mackinac forever.

Book thirteen in this fun cosy series did have a few problems but was still a good read and set the scene for exciting times ahead. Allie, Rex, and Jenn were on great form and I enjoyed her Mom's visit very much especially as she was such an awful woman! My main concern was the actual killer’s identity because when the relevant information was discovered no one seemed able to take the next logical step when I think most of the readers would which proved to be both a disappointing and anticlimactic way to finish the investigation. I gave the book 3.5/4 stars because the rest of the storyline which didn't include the latter part of the whodunnit were great and I enjoyed them the most.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Although this didn't hit all the high notes there is a teaser chapter from book 14 and I definitely can't wait read that.

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is a sweet culinary cozy mystery that is the 12 th book in the delightful Candy-Coated Mystery series.

I have really enjoyed all twelve books in this series thus far. This was a nice addition. Mackinac Island is such a unique and special location, amd makes for a perfect local for this series. I also liked that Allie’s friend, Jenn, gets a spotlight in this installment when her doula is the suspect in a murder…Allie and company to the rescue…

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/26/24.

"Three Fudges and a Baby (Candy-Coated Mysteries #12)" by Nancy Coco is mostly baby themed. However, this one annoyed me more than previous books on the series for a couple of reasons. I am going to be a bit harsher than I usually am. Sorry.

First was Allie's mother and Allie being a push over to her. Her mom shows up with zero warning expecting Allie to entertain her and an ex of Allie's, that she got to bring her. She goes so far as to basically call Allie rude for not being available. Yes, Allie has so much time while running a business that she can drop everything when her mom is unexpectedly around. Then Allie pretty much lets Jenn be the reason she can't do-things instead of just pointing out to her mother that's how things are when you warning of a visit and you run a business. If she can run the business she can stick up for herself with her mom a bit more. Not just try then give up after one comment.

The second thing that really bothered me is the in book continuity issues or Allie's lack of memory for things she's told or talked about. I've come to expect that of this series but this one has been the worst for that. She's told numerous times about a suspect's relationship to another and the victim, acts like she never knew. Gets told by the primary suspect information that is then never talked about and then changed. Seriously, at one point she's told some crucial information about the culprit but it goes right over her head with a different conclusion and can't get past that it's not a particular suspect she's already focused on. If she had been logical about it she would have caught the culprit sooner. Instead this one just keeps going on.

Over all though, it was a nice story for the Jenn narrative side of things. We get the birth of Jenn and Shane's baby. We still have relationship drama for Ali (which I hope is finally over in the next book). Honestly, it feels like the series is winding down to its final book or two. Which is probably good. They're getting to that repetitive spot some series hit.