Fudge and Marriage

Title: Fudge and Marriage
Author: Nancy Coco
Published: April 1, 2025 by Kensington Cozies
Format: Kindle, Mass Market Paperback, 336 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 #13

Blurb: June is always beautiful on Mackinac Island, which is why Allie chose this month for her wedding to police officer Rex Manning—definitely Mackinac Island’s finest in more ways than one. But if her mother has her way, that’s the last choice Allie will get to make. Allie’s the furthest thing from a Bridezilla—but it looks like she has a Momzilla on her hands. Why else have her mother and extended family shown up a full two weeks before the nuptials to drive Allie to dizzying distraction? Honestly, a murder investigation is far less stressful—and as it happens, Allie just found Velma French dead on the ground beside the rock that killed her, with her rival Myrtle sobbing nearby. Things don’t look good for Myrtle, but all may not be what it seems. Allie vows to solve the crime before she walks down the aisle. But a killer has other ideas—and they seem to be focused on Allie herself.

My Opinion: Thirteen books in, and I’ve reached my breaking point with the Candy-Coated Mysteries. What was once a promising cozy mystery series set on Mackinaw Island—a place brimming with charm, quirky characters, and the perfect setting for locked-room-style mysteries—has devolved into a recipe for frustration.

Let me be clear: cozy mysteries are supposed to focus on, well, the mystery. A dash of subplot and a sprinkle of character development? Sure, that’s all part of the recipe. But when the main course is hijacked by bridal drama and endless wedding dress shopping, I’m ready to shove this book under a rock and find something else to read. If I wanted to dive into family squabbles, I’d scroll through social media—not pick up a mystery novel.

Initially, I was hooked by Mackinaw Island’s allure—no cars, a tight-knit community, and a setting that seemed tailor-made for suspense. But this series has taken its charm and drowned it in whipped cream fluff. Now it’s all anthropomorphic dogs (can we just not?), police officers arriving last on the scene, forensic investigators whose good looks are inversely proportional to their intellect, and senior center ladies who seem to think murder boards are a competitive sport. At this point, the mystery itself feels like an afterthought.

As much as I tried to hold on, my patience was gone. Nancy Coco’s writing still has its moments, but this book feels like it lost sight of the genre entirely. I’m officially done with the Candy-Coated Mysteries. Unless Figg (OverKill by JA Jance) or Vera Wong (Jesse Q. Sutanto) decide to vacation to Mackinaw and solve a proper mystery, my suitcase is packed—I’m out.

OverKill

Title: OverKill
Author: J.A. Jance
Published: April 1, 2025 by Gallery Books
Format: Kindle, 330 Pages
Genre: Mystery
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Ali Reynolds #18

Blurb: Chuck Brewster, the former business partner of Ali Reynolds’s husband B. Simpson, once carried on an affair with Clarice, B.’s first wife. So when he’s found murdered with Clarice standing nearby covered in blood, it seems an open and shut case.

But Clarice swears she’s innocent and begs for Ali’s help. At the same time, someone is targeting Camille Lee while she’s on the road for High Noon. Ali is swiftly running out of time to find the real killer and keep her employee safe in this high-octane thrill ride.

My Opinion: Figg shines brighter than ever in this series, cementing her place as my favorite character. With her sharp humor and cleverness, she is unquestionably the star of the show. Honestly, Ali Reynolds pales in comparison, often reduced to playing the role of traffic director as Figg steals the spotlight. If this series is to thrive, Figg deserves to be front and center, and I can only hope that Jance embraces her brilliance in future installments.

The book offers two compelling plotlines that keep the reader invested. Camille’s storyline, with its unexpected twists and turns, stands out as the more fascinating of the two. Meanwhile, the Brewster murder plot feels more straightforward—the culprit is almost too easy to deduce through a process of elimination. Nevertheless, Figg’s antics and razor-sharp wit carry the narrative forward, ensuring the plot remains entertaining even when predictability threatens to weigh it down.

What mars the experience slightly are Jance’s descriptions, which feel stuck in a bygone era. There’s a noticeable lack of modernity in the language that could benefit from a subtle, thoughtful update to appeal to contemporary readers. It’s a minor flaw, but one that stands out when juxtaposed with the fast-paced storytelling and engaging technology.

As for the future of the series, Figg is unquestionably its lifeblood—a character brimming with charisma, intelligence, and the kind of humor that keeps readers coming back for more. While Jance has yet to reveal where this journey is headed, one thing is certain: Figg belongs at the forefront of the action, leading the charge with her unique flair.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man]

Title: Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man]
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published: April 1, 2025 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, Paperback 325 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Vera Wong #2

Blurb: Ever since a man was found dead in Vera's teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly's girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn't be ungrateful, even if one is slightly...bored.

Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena's, Vera finds a treasure Selena's briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.

Online, Xander had it a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.

Vera is determined to solve Xander's murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her future daughter-in-law.

My Opinion: As a fan of the first Vera Wong novel, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, I was happy to see that the author has expanded this tea shop-owning sleuth’s adventures into a series. What caught me by surprise, though, was the depth of the themes explored in this installment. While cozy mysteries often tread lightly, this book weaves in poignant social issues, adding layers of substance to its narrative.

Vera remains a force of nature—a humorous, fiercely caring, and unconventional matriarch whose worldview is as refreshing as her brewed teas. In this second installment, readers are drawn deeper into the lives of Vera’s eclectic found family, a group of misfits whose connections to her are both quirky and heartwarming. The storytelling web ensures that even newcomers can piece together the relationships, but I would still recommend that new readers start with the first book.

It’s impossible not to appreciate Vera’s duality—she’s someone you absolutely don’t want to cross, yet her generosity knows no bounds. Her unwavering loyalty shows in countless acts of kindness, often accompanied by mouthwatering food. Vera’s ability to forgive and nurture, even when wronged, exemplifies the themes running through the series: the power of belonging, the quest for justice, the strength of perseverance, and the legacies we leave behind.

Ultimately, Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man reminds us that cozy mysteries don’t always shy away from gravity and meaning. Vera may humorously claim she’s an old woman with limited time, but her determined spirit suggests otherwise. With her wisdom, wit, and willpower, Vera Wong is destined to remain a guiding light for many more years—and mysteries—to come.

Three Days in June

Title: Three Days in June
Author: Anne Tyler
Published: February 11, 2025 by Knopf
Format: Hardcover, 165 Pages
Genre: Literary Fiction

Blurb: Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit.

But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past.

Told with deep sensitivity and a tart sense of humor, full of the joys and heartbreaks of love and marriage and family life, Three Days in June is a triumph, and gives us the perennially bestselling, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer at the height of her powers

My Opinion: This short novel encompasses human flaws, social awkwardness, and miscommunication. At the heart of the story is Gail Baines, a character who is both endearing and exasperating in her attempts to navigate a world where she never quite fits. On the eve of her daughter Debbie’s wedding, Gail’s life is uncertain—was she fired, or did she quit her job? No one knows, least of all Gail. Adding to the complexity, she’s conspicuously excluded from pre-wedding festivities, and to top it off, her ex-husband arrives uninvited, cat in tow.

The plot thickens when Debbie discovers a last-minute bombshell about her fiancé that throws everything into disarray. Gail, trying to provide motherly support, suggests that Debbie has options. But Debbie, quick to judge her mother’s failed marriage, isn’t having it. Their interaction lays bare the generational divide and the complexity of family dynamics, with neither listening to nor understanding the other.

This story is full of messy, imperfect relationships. Gail’s world is populated by characters who struggle to show love, acceptance, or tolerance—and perhaps that’s what makes this book so divisive. It’s hard to love characters who don’t love each other—or themselves, for that matter. But therein lies the brilliance of Tyler’s writing. These flaws feel real, drawing readers into a story that’s equal parts frustrating and thought-provoking.

While it’s understandable why this book may not resonate with everyone, its imperfections make it ripe for discussion. The tangled threads of love, marriage, and family dynamics provide a fertile ground for reflection and debate. As such, *Three Days in June* stands out as a perfect book club pick, encouraging readers to not only discuss the characters’ shortcomings but perhaps even their own.

The Chow Maniac

Title: The Chow Maniac
Author: Vivien Chien
Published: April 1, 2025 by Minotaur Books
Format: Kindle, Paperback 336 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Noodle Shop Mystery #11

Blurb: When Lydia brings Lana onto the case, three of the members of an elite Asian order known as the Eight Immortals have already been murdered. Each member of the order holds one item that represents their immortal counterpart, and someone is dying to get their hands on them all. Lydia's client insists he—and only he—knows who will be next and wants the murderer captured before there is another victim.

Riding below the line of three cities of law enforcement and Lana’s own boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, the two women must tread lightly as they infiltrate a secret organization that even the Mahjong Matrons know nothing about. And somehow protect the next victim without letting on that she’s in danger.

As they dig deeper into the case, Lana finds there are unexpected associations within Asia Village and potential ties to her own family that could be devastating. With the stakes raised on the toughest case she’s ever worked, will Lana be able to keep her own emotions out of the investigation? And will the murderer be found before they become the ultimate “immortal”?

My Opinion: From the first pages, Chow Maniac is breaking fresh ground. The prologue dives into the rich, secretive past of an organization whose descendants now shoulder the burden of legacy and tradition. This historical thread weaves into the present day when members of a secret society start dying under mysterious circumstances.

Enter private detective Lydia Shepard, a figure from Lana Lee's past, with an intriguing—and dangerous—proposal. Lydia needs help unearthing the identities of the current Eight Immortals. Lana, ever curious and unable to resist a murder investigation, steps into a web of secrets entangling her family and friends. But this time, her habitual snooping places her in the crosshairs of an elusive organization even the Mahjong Matrons knew nothing about.

Lana’s growth is evident in this installment. Her ties to family and the Ho-Lee Noodle House remain steadfast, but her willingness to step beyond her comfort zone hints at the layers of complexity she’s beginning to embrace. While she’s still hilariously one step ahead of Detective Adam Trudeau, their dynamic feels repetitive.

And, of course, the Mahjong Matrons steal the show. Their charm and wisdom remind readers why they’ve always been a fan favorite. The vibrant community of Asia Village serves not just as the backdrop but as an integral part of Lana's life, ensuring that no matter where her adventures take her, she’ll always be a fixture of this tight-knit world.

This novel is an engaging mix of mystery, history, and character evolution. With its fresh feel and Lana’s deepening journey, it’s a book that leaves readers eager for her next escapade. Vivien Chien strikes a satisfying balance between cozy familiarity and thrilling novelty—perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Mr. Whisper

Title: Mr. Whisper
Author: Andrew Mayne
Published: March 1, 2025 by Thomas & Mercer
Format: Kindle, 381 Pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Series: The Specialists #1

Blurb: Investigator Sloan McPherson finds a frightened vagrant suffering from amnesia living in a Florida swamp—then learns he disappeared from Oregon when he was a teenager. To find out how he ended up three thousand miles from home thirty years later, Sloan enlists the help of two brilliant colleagues.

FBI agent Jessica Blackwood and scientist Theo Cray have already made an alarming connection. A female classmate of the Everglades drifter disappeared at the same time, and their high school journals reveal ties to an enigmatic figure they both called Mr. Whisper. Under his influence they did as they were told. The case is also attracting the attention of corporate security expert Brad Trasker, whose trail is leading to the dark heart of a master manipulator.

Jessica, Theo, Sloan, and Brad must now bring their unique skills to the table to take down a diabolical adversary. Unless Mr. Whisper’s decades-long control of the vulnerable is too powerful and far-reaching to stop.

My Opinion: Andrew Mayne crafts a novel of intrigue and danger with Mr. Whisper, pulling together his previous characters—Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Brad Trasker, and Sloan McPherson—into one compelling narrative. For fans of Mayne’s many series, seeing these personalities coexist is nothing short of delightful. Each character brings their own skill set to the table, forming the Specialists, a team as unconventional as they are effective. Their interplay in the story adds tension, camaraderie, and wit to an engaging plot.

That said, Sloan McPherson remains a conundrum to me; her pieces never quite fit with me. Perhaps it’s her approach—either way, I’ve always struggled to connect with her, even when the narrative demands it.

The plot is intricately woven and twisty. Mayne delivers controlled pacing as he unfolds the story of a homeless man, isolated in the Florida swamps for 30 years and struggling with amnesia, who has tied to the disappearance of a classmate. As the bits come together, a much darker presence—Mr. Whisper appears. This chilling entity evokes the same unease that Stephen King has famously mastered, blending supernatural horror with psychological terror. Mr. Whisper, a master manipulator who preys on vulnerability, demands the Specialists’ full cache of talents as they race against time to stop his reign of fear.

Mayne’s ability to balance suspense with moments of emotional depth shines through, particularly with Brad Trasker’s involvement. While his mother—one of Mayne’s most endearing and formidable characters—sadly doesn’t appear here, Brad proves integral in the hunt for justice, even as the possibility looms that the villain might slip away.

As someone who has worked their way through Mayne’s works since the first Theo Cray novel, The Naturalist, this newest book cements my belief: Andrew Mayne deserves far more recognition for his storytelling ability. For those new to his writing, Mr. Whisper is an enticing gateway, but it’s worth investing time to understand the Specialists’ history and nuances. The richness of Mayne’s characters and their backstories creates a depth that enhances the reading experience. Missing these details would mean forfeiting a layer of brilliance that makes Mayne’s work unforgettable.

Mr. Whisper is a testament to why Andrew Mayne remains a must-read author for me. He delivers not just thrills but intelligent, character-driven, and occasionally funny storytelling that stays with you long after the final page.

If Cats Disappeared from the World

Title: If Cats Disappeared from the World
Author: Genki Kawamura
Published: September 20, 2018 by Picador
Format: Hardcover, 202 Pages
Genre: Fiction

Blurb: Our narrator’s days are numbered. Estranged from his family, living alone with only his cat Cabbage for company, he was unprepared for the doctor’s diagnosis that he has only months to live. But before he can set about tackling his bucket list, the Devil appears with a special offer: in exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, he can have one extra day of life. And so begins a very bizarre week.

Because how do you decide what makes life worth living? How do you separate out what you can do without from what you hold dear? In dealing with the Devil our narrator will take himself – and his beloved cat – to the brink. Genki Kawamura's If Cats Disappeared from the World is a story of loss and reconciliation, of one man’s journey to discover what really matters in modern life.

My Opinion: A quirky and thought-provoking tale. The narrator, an unnamed postman receives a terminal diagnosis, only to return home to find the Devil—dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, of all things—waiting at his door. Nicknamed “Aloha,” the Devil offers him a deal: for each item he agrees to erase from existence, he gains an extra day of life.

The narrator’s choices for what to eliminate were not the things I would have chosen. Then again, that would make it a two-page book. The items chosen aren’t grand or dramatic. Yet, it’s in these unexpected decisions that the story probes deeper questions about what gives life meaning and what we’re willing to sacrifice.

Then comes the ending—abrupt, messy, and open-ended. It’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you filling in the blanks, imagining how things play out. For some, it might feel unfinished, but for me, it was perfect. It leaves the possibilities wide open, staying true to the narrator and the story’s themes.

At its heart, Kawamura’s book is an odd little gem, offering a fresh perspective on life, loss, and love. It’s not for everyone, but its quirks and emotional depth make it a story that lingers in your mind long after you’ve put it down.