Summer on Mackinac Island brings a reality baking show, another murder, and plenty of romantic complications.
Goodreads | To Fudge or Not to Fudge
Release date: September 2, 2014
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Synopsis:
Life is sweet for Allie McMurphy, proud owner of Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island—until murder and deception leave a bitter taste. . .
Mulch Ado About Murder
With summer in bloom and tourists afoot, Allie is out walking her pup, Mal, when the curious canine digs up a bone from under a flowering lilac bush. The bone leads to a toe that’s missing a body. For the successful confectionaire it’s only the first in a series of sour events in the middle of the island’s Lilac Fest. When her stint on a cooking reality show swirls up a trail of foul play, Allie will have to outwit a cunning killer if she wants to continue living la dolce vida. . .
Review:
Summer is in full swing on Mackinac Island, and Allie McMurphy is back for another mystery! To Fudge or Not to Fudge brings all the charm of the first book with a fun new twist as Allie finds herself roped into filming a reality baking show. I thought that was an entertaining angle to explore, especially with all the chaos that comes along with reality television. Of course, there’s also another murder to solve, because apparently running a historic hotel and fudge shop isn’t enough to keep Allie busy!
One of my favorite things about this series continues to be the setting. Mackinac Island is such a delightful backdrop for a cozy mystery, and I love the atmosphere Nancy Coco creates. I did find myself wishing we spent a little more time at the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop in this installment, though. Allie is out and about quite a bit between the investigation and the baking show, and I missed some of that cozy hotel and confectionery atmosphere that initially drew me to the series.
Allie herself remains a highlight for me. She’s likable, entertaining, and someone I genuinely enjoy following from book to book. The romantic complications are still very much front and center, with those love triangle vibes continuing to play a role. I’m curious to see how that all shakes out as the series progresses! Between the relationships, the island residents, and Allie’s adventures, there’s plenty here to keep me invested.
Overall, I had fun with To Fudge or Not to Fudge, even if I feel like the series is still finding its footing a little. There’s so much potential in this setting and these characters, and I’m enjoying watching everything develop. The reality show added something different to the usual cozy mystery formula, and while I would’ve loved a little more time at the hotel and fudge shop, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what trouble Allie finds herself in next!
Perfect for readers who love:
🍫 Foodie cozy mysteries with charming businesses
🏝️ Summery island settings and small town atmosphere
🎬 Reality baking shows with a mysterious twist
💕 Romantic complications and likable amateur sleuths
Overall rating: 3.5/5
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