I previously read an earlier book in the 'Candy Coated'
mystery series, called 'Oh Say Can You Fudge'. I grabbed
ALL YOU NEED IS FUDGE, the fourth in Nancy CoCo's series.
Amateur sleuth Allie McMurphy lives on Mackinac Island and
runs a hotel and specialty fudge store. If you enjoy
culinary crime, this series has got it made.
Allie McMurphy walks her little dog regularly, but this day
the dog alerts her to something odd and she pulls a drowned
woman out of the lake. Although the community is small,
Allie didn't know the deceased - designer cocktail dresses
and personal yachts aren't Allie's usual style. Carin Moore
and her death are the focus of conversation at the yacht
club that evening, where Allie attends a benefit dinner.
While Carin might have had an accident at the marina,
gossip is already circulating as to who had words with the
young woman beforehand. The lake island is somewhere that
people visit to switch off, but Allie's hotel has Wi-Fi
which helps her take bookings and order goods. Before long,
naturally, press people and bloggers throng the police
station. Allie has a personal connection to the young woman
who is the immediate suspect, but she finds herself shut
out from matters. However, her press pals are hanging
around in the hotel using the Wi-Fi. Just what an amateur
sleuth needs.
Other amusements on the island this time include
traditional yacht races and two potential engagements, one
of which is Allie's own - but that's up in the air as the
death creates divisions. There's malice too, as when a bear
trap is set which might snap on Mal, Allie's little Bichon-
Poodle dog. And when Allie's catering is cancelled by the
society matrons running the yacht club. Trying to clear a
suspect never hurt anyone, right?
The recipes this time are for various cakes such as
raspberry choc-chip bars and a spicy fudge pudding, which
includes cayenne pepper. As ever the crime scene work and
forensic evidence is carefully detailed so you can put
together the clues as you cook. While Allie makes a lot of
sweet treats she also takes a great deal of exercise in the
beautiful location, since cars are banned on the island
except for emergency vehicles. I'd be looking to replenish
my energy with almond butter fudge too. Yummy, indeed ALL
YOU NEED IS FUDGE. Nancy CoCo has written another winner.
Fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy is making fudgie treats for
the annual yacht race--but a killer's stirring up a batch of
trouble. . .
Sailing Into Murder
The annual yacht race off the coast of Mackinac Island,
Michigan, is a highlight of the summer season, and Allie is
pulling out all the stops making chocolate centerpieces for
the occasion. Unfortunately, she and her bichonpoo, Mal,
also pull a dead body from the murky waters of the marina.
When Allie's boyfriend's sister becomes the prime suspect,
Allie dives into investigating the murder herself. Amid
bitter feuds and hushed-up scandals, the courageous
candymaker quickly gets in over her head. Someone is trying
to fudge the facts to keep a secret worth killing for. . .