This is the first book in the Candy-Coated series by Nancy Coco. In the cozy world, she’s also known as Nancy Parra and Nell Hampton. I had read the fifth book in the series when it came out but I had been hoping to get back to beginning and I’m glad I did. I started the second book right after I finished this one!
My Goodreads review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had read Oh, Fudge! already in this series so when one of the online book clubs I’m in decided on this for their April book, I was happy I was going to get to visit this series from the very beginning.
Allie McMurphy has inherited her grandfather’s historic hotel on scenic Mackinac Island and it came complete with one dead body in the utility closet who turned out to be her Papa Liam’s friend, Joe.
Allie of course was the main suspect due to the famous rivalry that had developed between the Jessops and the McMurphys. Even though she thought that down deep handsome policeman Rex didn’t suspect her, Allie was still determined to find Joe’s killer and prove her own innocence. With the help of her best friend Jenn who came to help for the season, her front desk clerk Frances and now her new handyman, Douglas, she has to figure it out.
I loved seeing how it all began! Even though book 5 was able to be read by itself, reading this book helped so much in knowing some of the people, getting to know Frances and how Douglas came into her life. I really enjoyed the character of Jenn too. She was an awesome and faithful friend to Allie. And sweet little Mal was such a cutie–she could turn even a tough guy into well, what she was named after, a marshmallow! Frances was such a good employee, almost like a mother to Allie since hers lived on the mainland. She was willing to give up her summer’s salary to help out the hotel.
I found the second book also on my iPad so I’ve started reading that. This is such a fun series. I would definitely love to visit Mackinac Island someday, but probably not during the winter. 😉
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 