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Book Review of Give Fudge a Chance (A Candy-coated Mystery)

Give Fudge a Chance (A Candy-coated Mystery)
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Dollycas's Thoughts

The county fair comes to Mackinac Island and everyone is ready for fun and the crowds but not a dead body. That is just what Allie and Jenn find when they take a break to walk through the carnival's haunted house. Among the scary scenes, one body is clearly not a fake or trick. One of the owners of the haunted house is dead and the killer could be anyone. Allie's boyfriend Detective Rex Manning and Jenn's Crime Investigator husband Shane soon arrive to begin their investigation and warn their fabulous ladies to stay out of their case.

As if the small police force doesn't have enough to do with the fair and a murder, tragedy strikes again when the McMurphy Hotel is the scene of what appears to be a fatal accident. Allie is convinced the two deaths are connected. Things are really fudged up on the island and I don't mean the entrants at the fair. Allie tries to stay out of the investigations but the Book Club Gals have other plans.

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I was so happy to return to Mackinac Island to catch up with Allie  McMurphy and all her friends. All the characters Ms. Coco has created feel true-to-life and genuine. With each installment, they all get stronger and more fleshed out. Allie really tries to keep her nose out of the investigation but when the McMurphy becomes a part of a crime I easily understood her actions. Plus it wouldn't be much of a story without her involved. I do like the direction of her relationship with Rex and was not happy about someone trying to butt in. I am also excited about the developments in Jenn and Shane's lives too. Allie's Mal and Melba play a larger role in this story and I loved that!

The author plotted out a very complicated mystery with some epic twists and missing persons. I really enjoyed all the moving parts and how a huge clue was revealed. One character really surprised me. She has been evolving over the last couple of books but in this story, she is pretty darn fierce. This adds a great new element to the story and leads to an exciting showdown.

The Parkour discipline has come to the island. I was familiar with the practice of getting from one point to another in the fastest way possible seeing it on television and YouTube. It really is crazy and can be quite dangerous. It was interesting to see it employed in this story but it definitely wouldn't be my thing even if my body was whole enough for me to try it.

Mackinac Island and all its events and activities never disappoint. Ms. Coco's words bring everything about it alive and easy to envision. It is a place I want to visit so badly. Each book in this series is a nice virtual vacation but nothing like actually visiting the wonderful place in person.

You have to Give Fudge A Chance, a chance. It is a marvelous cozy mystery filled with engaging and entertaining characters along with a whole lot of fudge. Yes, recipes are included.