Thursday, June 22, 2023

Give Fudge a Chance

Title: Give Fudge a Chance
Author: Nancy Coco
Published: May 23, 2023 by Kensington Books
Format: Kindle, 274 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Candy-Coated Mysteries #11

First Sentence: "Are you entering the cornhold contest?" my best friend, Jenn asked.

Blurb: The Mackinac County fair is in full swing, and the air is rich with the scent of funnel cakes and the sound of carnival rides. Allie is focused on the fudge competition—another win would really put her hotel and fudge shop on the map. But she’s willing to take a little break and walk through the haunted house attraction with her friend Jenn.

When they come across a body, though, it turns out not to be a prop. Soon Allie’s cop boyfriend is on the scene, and the sleuthing confectioner is hunting for clues. Danger strikes too close to home when the hotel becomes the scene of a suspicious fatal accident, and Allie suspects the two deaths are connected. The case is turning into a real rollercoaster. Allie will need to hold on tight

My Opinion: I am not sure how the title of this book connects to the plot. Give fudge a chance to do what?

It is unusual for a murder victim to be skilled in rooftop parkour, but it made for an intriguing twist and explained how they were in proximity of the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. The victim’s age was also surprising since I had assumed Hazel was much younger based on the first part of the book.

I was puzzled by the reaction of another fair entrant towards Allie but dismissed them as suspects because they seemed too obvious. However, one of the culprits came out of nowhere. Their name was only mentioned a few times at the beginning of the book, and even Allie didn't remember them. Thankfully, there was a recap at the end to tie up loose ends. Then Harry's sudden romantic interest in Allie and Rex's exaggerated reaction seemed out of place. The book was full of many odd plot twists, including how Mal, the dog, could hear a cell phone ringing blocks away in an underground tunnel. It made me question the author's credibility -- and that is saying a lot when it comes to this genre.

I enjoyed that the story takes place on Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed, and bicycles are the primary mode of transportation during the summer season. Even the police use bikes to reach crime scenes and take their time to put down their kickstands before apprehending suspects and walking them to the police station.

No release date for the next in the series – Three Fudges and a Baby.

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