HAVE YOURSELF A FUDGY LITTLE CHRISTMAS is the eighth book in Nancy Coco’s “Candy-Coated” cozy mystery series. One of the only constants for Allie McMurphy in HAVE YOURSELF A FUDGY LITTLE is her bichonpoo Mal. Because she’s renovating her business, the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, she’s transplanted herself to her friend’s old apartment. Also, because of some shenanigans by an ex of his, her romantic prospects with buff police officer Rex Manning have taken a turn for the worse. Discovering a murder victim completes Allie’s round of life twists.

This story involves the classic “dying clue” staple of mystery novels. Unfortunately for Allie’s friend and co-worker Frances, that dying clue implicates her. Allie feels compelled to help her friend by hunting down clues to prove her innocence and find the correct guilty party. As she takes in the sights and activities of the holiday season, she also must be on guard because of a hidden sinister element in the small town. Danger seems to pop up in the most unlikely spots and at the most unlikely times. Every kind face could hide a dark heart. This story has some of my favorite mystery elements from Nancy Drew stories and classic Golden Age mysteries of the 1930s and 40s. In addition to town regulars who might be hiding secrets, Nancy Coco introduces some strangers to Mackinac Island – some friendlier than others – who are equally likely to be the murderer Allie seeks. As the book went on, I distrusted almost everybody Allie encountered. It was difficult to tell if the motive for the murder was some unknown grievance or if it was financial. By the end of the book I was able to solve part of the puzzle but there were still a few surprises for me. The sense of danger progressively increases as Allie and the reader get closer to the conclusion.

HAVE YOURSELF A FUDGY LITTLE CHRISTMAS is a mix of small-town Christmas delights with intrigue and murder thrown in. I hope there is a resolution soon to Allie’s romantic woes. The supporting characters in this novel really helped flesh out the story and add depth to the main characters. I look forward to Nancy Coco’s next “Candy-Coated” mystery.