A festive Fourth of July celebration, delicious fudge, and a mystery that makes this my favorite installment yet!
Goodreads | Oh Say Can You Fudge
Release date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Synopsis:
Allie McMurphy is busy making yummy fudge for the summer holiday—until murder gives her something else to chew on. . .
Red, White, And Boom
It’s not Fourth of July on Mackinac Island without fireworks and fudge. The Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is supplying the treats—and Allie has hired Rodney Rivers, the biggest name in aerial displays, to create an unforgettable spectacle. Unfortunately, Allie finds him dead, covered with screaming chicken fireworks, just before the entire warehouse of pyrotechnics goes up in smoke. Is it arson or is it murder? Allie and her bichonpoo, Mal, must sift through the suspects until the killer is caught and the island can enjoy a star-spangled celebration.
Review:
Third time’s the charm! Oh Say Can You Fudge is definitely my favorite installment of the Candy Coated Mysteries so far. I feel like this series is really starting to hit its stride, and I had such a good time with this one. The Fourth of July setting was especially fun, with picnics, fireworks, and all the festive summer atmosphere you could want in a cozy mystery. Of course, a holiday celebration on Mackinac Island wouldn’t be complete without a murder, and Allie McMurphy once again finds herself right in the middle of the investigation.
The mystery itself was solid and kept me entertained, but what really made this installment shine for me was the overall atmosphere. Nancy Coco does such a lovely job bringing Mackinac Island to life, and the holiday festivities added even more charm to a setting I already adore. The fudge recipes sounded especially delicious this time around, too! Between the sweet treats, the summer celebrations, and the island’s quirky residents, this one delivered so much of what I enjoy about cozy mysteries.
Allie continues to be such an appealing main character, and I love spending time with her and the supporting cast. There’s a light, playful sense of humor throughout the story that keeps things entertaining without overshadowing the mystery. And as for that ongoing love triangle? It seems like we may finally have some resolution! At least for now, anyway. Who knows what the future holds? I’m interested to see how the relationships continue to evolve as the series goes on.
Overall, Oh Say Can You Fudge was a charming, festive, and thoroughly enjoyable read. It had a little bit of everything I look for in a cozy mystery: a fun seasonal setting, a solid mystery, lovable characters, delicious food, and just enough humor to keep things light. This was easily the strongest installment for me so far, and I’m excited to keep going with the series. Mackinac Island is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional places to visit!
Perfect for readers who love:
🎆 Fourth of July festivities and summery cozies
🍫 Delicious fudge and foodie mysteries
🏝️ Charming island communities and quirky side characters
🔎 Lighthearted mysteries with humor and a little romance
Overall rating: 4/5
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