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Ice Cream Shop Mysteries #3
Fatal Fudge Swirl
A movie production brings drama―and murder―to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects.
Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn's kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.
But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?
Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn's kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.
But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 27, 2023
About the author
Meri Allen
8 books237 followersMERI ALLEN lives in a quiet corner of Connecticut, where she haunts libraries, used book stores, and vintage shops.
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June 6, 2023
Former CIA Librarian, Riley Rhodes, is enjoying her new job as manager of a quaint ice cream shop. Riley loved the town, the people, and the seasons that came with it.
When Riley is commissioned by her best friend and chef, Mary Ann Dumas, to construct a Halloween ice cream cake for a wedding, Riley was overwhelmed but grateful for the opportunity. The cake could boost the shop’s presence and showcase Riley’s skills. Especially since the bride was none other than socialite, Diantha Collins — a name everyone recognized.
But when the wedding date arrives, Diantha is found dead in her bedroom. And all fingers point to Mary Ann who’s ex-husband was to be Diantha’s latest groom.
Like all cozy mystery novels, the story takes place in a small town with lots of atmosphere. And Fatal Fudge Swirl is no exception. The pacing is on the slower side of the spectrum. But that’s the charm of a cozy mystery. It’s a nice respite from those adrenaline-filled mystery/thrillers.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third novel in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series. But I found it possible to read as a standalone.
There are quite a number of characters and I almost lost track of who’s who. But it really helped that the author saw fit to have the protagonist/amateur sleuth (Riley) compile a suspect list during the course of her investigations.
Fatal Fudge Swirl wasn’t one of the best cozy mystery novels for me, but it still ranks up there with four noteworthy stars.
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
When Riley is commissioned by her best friend and chef, Mary Ann Dumas, to construct a Halloween ice cream cake for a wedding, Riley was overwhelmed but grateful for the opportunity. The cake could boost the shop’s presence and showcase Riley’s skills. Especially since the bride was none other than socialite, Diantha Collins — a name everyone recognized.
But when the wedding date arrives, Diantha is found dead in her bedroom. And all fingers point to Mary Ann who’s ex-husband was to be Diantha’s latest groom.
Like all cozy mystery novels, the story takes place in a small town with lots of atmosphere. And Fatal Fudge Swirl is no exception. The pacing is on the slower side of the spectrum. But that’s the charm of a cozy mystery. It’s a nice respite from those adrenaline-filled mystery/thrillers.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third novel in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series. But I found it possible to read as a standalone.
There are quite a number of characters and I almost lost track of who’s who. But it really helped that the author saw fit to have the protagonist/amateur sleuth (Riley) compile a suspect list during the course of her investigations.
Fatal Fudge Swirl wasn’t one of the best cozy mystery novels for me, but it still ranks up there with four noteworthy stars.
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 20, 2023
Riley runs an ice cream shop in Connecticut, and she is asked to make a special Halloween cake for an important local inn owner's wedding. There is also a movie crew shooting at the inn (one of the stars being a spoiled cat named Sprinkles) and, when a murder occurs, everyone is a suspect. Of course, Riley will help find the culprit, even though she has to join the housekeeping staff because, as she is informed, they are ignored and virtually invisible to almost everyone. If you enjoy food-related cozy mysteries with likable characters and small town charm, give this series a try. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 5, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
We are back in Penniman, Connecticut just in time for the Halloween Happening and a Halloween-themed wedding complete with an ice cream cake created by Riley. A crew is also in town filming a rom-com with child star Cooper Collins at the helm.
There is some drama with the wedding as socialite Diantha, who happens to be the child star's mother, is marrying the long-time chef, Dominic, of Inn on the Green. He is recently divorced from Riley's friend, Mary Ann, who is also a chef and she has worked side by side with her husband for years.
The event takes a deadly turn when the bride-to-be is found dead in her bed and the wedding cake is destroyed. Of course, the prime suspect is Mary Ann but it seems every wedding guest including her children, had a reason to want the woman dead.
While Riley's work at the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop winds down for the season she needs to put on her sleuthing hat and use her CIA librarian instincts and skills to swirl up a way to put the freeze on the real killer.
______
Riley continues to show her sleuthing chops while she handles to day to day business at Udderly Delicious. She gets some fun news at the beginning of the book and part of her past tries to reinsert itself into her present. By the end of the story, she makes a big decision but another is still pending. I love the supporting cast of family and friends the author has surrounded her with. I really enjoy getting to know her dad and step-mom better and love it when the frisky feline, Sprinkles steals every scene she is in. Diantha was quite the diva and had no trouble stirring up the drama. Her sons were really out for themselves as well.
The murder mystery was really interesting and the murder weapon was surprising and unique. Riley did find ways to be at the inn a lot to keep an on eye on all the suspects and I had fun tagging along with her. There were plenty of clues and nice twists but I did focus on the guilty party long before Riley. That did not hinder my enjoyment of the story at all. There is a subplot concerning George Washington that I found really intriguing. It was a true puzzle to solve as those clues fell into place. The movie being filmed really added to the story and the author found cute ways to inject a lot of humor there.
I enjoyed the Halloween theme and all the Halloween plans for the town's Happening. The leaf peepers were out in force. While I liked the description of the autumn weather I am not ready to leave summer behind. All the stops at Udderly Delicious sent my ice cream cravings into overdrive.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is a fine third installment of the Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series. I am hoping Riley's decision at the end of the book is setting up book four. I am excited to see what happens next.
I can guarantee you will be craving ice cream as soon as you start reading so dish up a scoop or two of your favorite and enjoy it while reading this fun mystery.
We are back in Penniman, Connecticut just in time for the Halloween Happening and a Halloween-themed wedding complete with an ice cream cake created by Riley. A crew is also in town filming a rom-com with child star Cooper Collins at the helm.
There is some drama with the wedding as socialite Diantha, who happens to be the child star's mother, is marrying the long-time chef, Dominic, of Inn on the Green. He is recently divorced from Riley's friend, Mary Ann, who is also a chef and she has worked side by side with her husband for years.
The event takes a deadly turn when the bride-to-be is found dead in her bed and the wedding cake is destroyed. Of course, the prime suspect is Mary Ann but it seems every wedding guest including her children, had a reason to want the woman dead.
While Riley's work at the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop winds down for the season she needs to put on her sleuthing hat and use her CIA librarian instincts and skills to swirl up a way to put the freeze on the real killer.
______
Riley continues to show her sleuthing chops while she handles to day to day business at Udderly Delicious. She gets some fun news at the beginning of the book and part of her past tries to reinsert itself into her present. By the end of the story, she makes a big decision but another is still pending. I love the supporting cast of family and friends the author has surrounded her with. I really enjoy getting to know her dad and step-mom better and love it when the frisky feline, Sprinkles steals every scene she is in. Diantha was quite the diva and had no trouble stirring up the drama. Her sons were really out for themselves as well.
The murder mystery was really interesting and the murder weapon was surprising and unique. Riley did find ways to be at the inn a lot to keep an on eye on all the suspects and I had fun tagging along with her. There were plenty of clues and nice twists but I did focus on the guilty party long before Riley. That did not hinder my enjoyment of the story at all. There is a subplot concerning George Washington that I found really intriguing. It was a true puzzle to solve as those clues fell into place. The movie being filmed really added to the story and the author found cute ways to inject a lot of humor there.
I enjoyed the Halloween theme and all the Halloween plans for the town's Happening. The leaf peepers were out in force. While I liked the description of the autumn weather I am not ready to leave summer behind. All the stops at Udderly Delicious sent my ice cream cravings into overdrive.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is a fine third installment of the Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series. I am hoping Riley's decision at the end of the book is setting up book four. I am excited to see what happens next.
I can guarantee you will be craving ice cream as soon as you start reading so dish up a scoop or two of your favorite and enjoy it while reading this fun mystery.
June 27, 2023
I'm not sure what it is but there is something about this series that doesn't work for me. The characters are OK and the mystery is intriguing but I just don't connect with any of it. Even a mention of the Washington Capitals, my all-time favorite team, doesn't get me excited about this series. Not sure if I will continue with these. There's nothing wrong with them but there' sjust something missing for me.
August 11, 2023
TITLE: FATAL FUDGE SWIRL
SERIES: An Ice Cream Shop Mystery
AUTHOR: Meri Allen
PUB DATE: 06.27.2023 Now Available
In FATAL FUDGE SWIRL, a movie production brings drama—and murder—to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects. I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery read that will leave you hungering for more!
THOUGHTS:
After reading FATAL FUDGE SWIRL, author American Allen has me already dreaming of the cool fall weather and Halloween. I also enjoyed reading about Riley Rhodes a former CIA librarian turned ice cream shop owner of the Udderly Delicious. The story is set during a very busy and deadly Halloween weekend where the town’s celebrity and Inn owner turns up dead. With a light hearted and fun small town charm, and with no shortage of potential suspects, I found myself solving the mystery with Riley.
Though this is book three of the series, I am definitely going back to read the first two books of this ice cream shop mystery.
SERIES: An Ice Cream Shop Mystery
AUTHOR: Meri Allen
PUB DATE: 06.27.2023 Now Available
In FATAL FUDGE SWIRL, a movie production brings drama—and murder—to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects. I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery read that will leave you hungering for more!
THOUGHTS:
After reading FATAL FUDGE SWIRL, author American Allen has me already dreaming of the cool fall weather and Halloween. I also enjoyed reading about Riley Rhodes a former CIA librarian turned ice cream shop owner of the Udderly Delicious. The story is set during a very busy and deadly Halloween weekend where the town’s celebrity and Inn owner turns up dead. With a light hearted and fun small town charm, and with no shortage of potential suspects, I found myself solving the mystery with Riley.
Though this is book three of the series, I am definitely going back to read the first two books of this ice cream shop mystery.
May 6, 2023
Halloween, a birthday, a wedding, and a murder.
Riley is back in her hometown where her father runs the bookshop, she runs the ice cream shop (left job a CIA librarian plus), a friend runs the local expensive inn, and the cat rules the world (even the television crew). Lots of interesting characters, a beautiful setting for a a good sleuthing. Loved it!
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Riley is back in her hometown where her father runs the bookshop, she runs the ice cream shop (left job a CIA librarian plus), a friend runs the local expensive inn, and the cat rules the world (even the television crew). Lots of interesting characters, a beautiful setting for a a good sleuthing. Loved it!
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 2, 2023
Autumn is in the air and Halloween is on the green in Penniman, Conn. It's also Riley's birthday but it's a busy day for everyone. She's been asked to make an ice cream cake for her friend Mary Anne Dumas's ex-husband's Halloween wedding to socialite Diantha Collins! Mary Anne is doing the catering and thought she would be fine but she's not. She's hurting from Dominic's rejection and everyone knows he's marrying Diantha for her money. When the cleaners are fired from the wedding venue, the cleaning lady for the historic Inn on the Green, Ruthie Adams enlists Riley's help to clean for the wedding guests. There's never a dull moment, not even at 3 AM when Riley's sleep is disturbed, or in the morning when Ruthie discovers Dianatha lying dead in her bed! Jack Voelker, chief of police, suspects murder and seems to think Mary Anne is the killer! Riley believes her friend is innocent and decides to do some sleuthing of her own to save Mary Anne AND Caroline's relationship with Jack! Meanwhile, Dianantha's son, former child star, Cooper Collins, has returned to Penniman to film a romcom and the whole town is buzzing, especially Riley's dad's wife who wants to be involved. Suddenly Riley becomes involved too, as support staff for Sprinkles, the spoiled Persian cat, who will have a starring role in the film! Riley also has some personal soul searching to do when an old flame reaches out to her. When Geri, the president of the historical society wants Riley to catalog some 18th century letters, Riley stumbles across an old mystery that may change everything and help solve the present day murder.
This book was a big improvement over the previous two. While I had no memory of Riley or Penniman going into this, in spite of having read Mint Chocolate Murder not too long ago, I remembered pretty quickly. I especially liked the cozy in this book. I loved the Halloween bash on the town green, the girl carving pumpkins to order, the historic inn and especially the history mystery. I was so pleased the author took the time to research antique paper and ink techniques and explain them in this story. Most authors get it wrong. I suspect the letters may change the entire history of the town and may be the motive for murder. Or not. I could have done without the romantic entanglements and drama of Riley and Caroline and without the annoying cat.
The mystery is also excellent. There were too many suspects. I had a short list of who I thought it was and who I hoped it wasn't. I thought for sure I had a clue to the motive but I was wrong. I did figure it out when the big clue was dropped but there were other clues I didn't pick up on. The villain was truly evil and as Riley notes, jail is too good for them!
The characters in this series don't really stand out to me. I should remember Riley, my fellow librarian. She's kind of nosy in a curious librarian way. She needs to know but shouldn't be investigating. I appreciate that she takes her clues to the police to sort out. Her adventure doesn't follow the usual pattern which is nice. Riley is such a great friend. She is like a sister to Caroline and tries to help Caroline with her romance troubles. Riley deserves a medal for watching Caroline's obnoxious cat, Sprinkles, all week long. She also tries her hardest to prove Mary Anne's innocence and support Mary Anne even if her friend does turn out to be a murderer. In this book, we meet Ruthie, Riley's former Girl Scout camp leader and cleaning lady at the Inn. Riley is an awesome friend to Ruthie too to agree to help clean up after a bunch of spoiled rich people. Riley is also a good daughter and although she doesn't love her dad's wife, she recognizes her dad loves this woman and Paulette loves her dad so much. Riley just wants her dad to be happy even if she doesn't like sharing him.
Is Riley a Mary Sue? Not really but kind of. She's not very good at maintaining romantic relationships. Everyone wants her to get together with Liam, Sprinkles and Rocky's vet. Riley is open to trying to date him but with his busy career, he isn't always available. When he is, she's too busy being a nosy buttinsky to remember Liam. She is angry at her ex, Paolo, for getting her fired and furious he's trying to come back into her life. She behaves rationally though and thinks about a tough decision. NO BRAINER!
Caroline is a little more Mary Sueish than Riley. Though she had a tough childhood, she's still very childlike. She deals with her feelings by painting. Caroline acts girlishly starstruck on the movie set, leading her to accept Paulette's request to use Sprinkles in the movie. Sprinkles is such a horrid cat and Caroline can't see it! Caroline has spoiled that creature so badly! Sprinkles has a giant ego and only accepts her worshippers. Those who are not slavishly devoted to her feel her claws come out - literally! Riley has a bit more of a sense of humor about the demonic cat now. Riley's dad seems like a sweet man but maybe a little clueless. His wife is awful. Paulette wants to be in this movie SO badly, she ignores everyone and everything except her own desires and pretty much railroads Caroline into giving permission to have Sprinkles in the movie. Paulette also tries to push Riley in the direction of Liam in spite of barely knowing Riley.
The crew at Udderly Delicious are pretty forgettable. Brandon is the only memorable one because he creates the wild ice cream flavors popular with the younger crowd. I want to try the tie dye one. That sounds NOT sweet but really refreshing for summer. I got confused between Flo and Gerri. Flo is the kindly, sweet natured sister and Gerri is the tough, no nonsense history obsessed one. Gerri tells it like it is and she doesn't take no for an answer. I'm on her side about the letters and the preservation of the historic inn though. I'm eager to look at those letters! I knew what Riley was looking at before she did. It was obvious to me but I've read about that before. I think she should have known since she was in the Army and the CIA.
Poor Mary Anne is under a lot of stress. Her husband unceremoniously dumped her, duped her and is gold digging. Dominic is now a celebrity chef specializing in molecular gastronomy. He has big plans that don't include Mary Anne. He's the inn chef and can fire Mary Anne and will fire her. She could also choose to leave. She didn't have to cater the wedding but she is and it is now backfiring. She's upset but did she kill Diantha? What about the triple layer ice cream cake : pumpkin spice, black chai latte and fudge swirl? Did she murder the cake? Her co-worker Marley thinks she did and is gleefully telling anyone who will listen that Mary Anne destroyed the cake so she must be a murderer! He is awful. So slimy, self-serving and a suck up to Dominic. Did he kill Diantha to have Dominic inherit her millions so Dominic would take Marley along when he left Penniman for greener pastures? He has a burn on his hand which he claims is an occupational hazard, which is correct but is it in this instance or is it from the murder weapon? Can he be the killer? He's such an awful character, I hoped he was either the killer or would be killed.
Dominic is selfish too so it stand to reason he would like Marley. I don't know what Mary Anne saw in this guy. He wanted to be a celebrity and have all the fame and fortune that went with it. He was about to fire Mary Anne from their TV show and was deceiving her in other ways. With Diantha's money, all his dreams would come true. When she's killed, he's devastated but not because his beloved is dead but because it means the end of his dreams. What a prize!
Dianatha was not a nice person either. A socialite who has been married and widowed several times, she was a Hollywood stage mom to her young son and now has returned to her hometown. Her wedding theme is Halloween and she's dressed as the evil queen from Snow White so maybe she had a sense of humor? Her taste is cake flavors is good and she has an eye for an artistic pumpkin design, I suppose, if you like skeletons. She kept some of the rooms at the Inn original, for use by her and her family. However, gossip suggests she was a terrible mother and even worse stepmother to her second husband's son. Gossip also suggests she was tight and didn't enjoy sharing her money. She was renovating the inn to attract more wealthy guests. Did her plans include her family, her fiancé or the long term employees? Just about everyone had a motive for murder.
Her son Collins, a former child star, is now behind the camera as producer of the Hallmark style Skylark Films. He's filming a movie about a spunky librarian who falls in love with a nerdy bookseller and doesn't even stop to mourn his mother or make arrangements. He doesn't seem to care she's been murdered, just that time is money! At first I thought he killed his mother for being such a horrible stage mother but he doesn't really have the strongest motive. Jenira, the star of his romcoms, is being difficult. She claims she has a stalker and hires Tilly from the police station to be her protection. Tilly is a riot but doing this illegally! What happens if Jenria's stalker does show up? I do agree with Riley that Jenria is making it up for publicity. She wants sympathy. I'm not sure she has a good motive for murder though.
Cooper's brother Sam has a slightly stronger motive. Diantha was a horrible mother to him too but he's built a career as a successful professional skateboarder. He's aging though and reflexes aren't what they used to be and soon he'll be out of time to make more money. His wife, Emilia, is the only one of the new characters I liked. She's so lovely but so fragile. She's currently unwell and the jet lag is rough on her. She inherited money when her parents died and uses it to built clean water wells in South Africa. While her intentions are admirable, I felt this plot was maybe a little white saviorish and maybe there was something else she could have been doing with her money to make her saintly. Emilia is lonely and in need of a friend and confidante. She chooses Riley to open up to. I'm certain she's not the murderer! Her conversation must reveal clues but not a motive for murder. I hope! The third and oldest brother, Chip, was Diantha's stepson. While he grew up with Cooper and Sam, he was the third wheel, the literal ugly stepchild. He benefitted from Diantha's money while he was young but as an adult he has not. He knows what she's like but I would expect years of pent up rage could lead to murder.
Rob, the manager of the Inn, is the only one to react badly to Diantha's death. He seems to have a temper problem, was drinking a lot and argued with Diantha. Riley overheard them together. Did he kill her or did he love her so much, he's protecting her killer? I don't quite trust him. I don't fully trust Ruthie either. She's nosy and snoops around the guests' rooms, showing Riley private possessions of the guests. She grew up in town and her family worked for the Inn for a long, long time. She knows Diantha well but now has a motive for murder. A strong motive! And means and opportunity. Yet as a cleaning lady, she's mostly invisible even to the cops! Her granddaughter, Lucretia, a troubled teen, lives with her. Lucretia is a gifted artist. She's one of those who can shave and carve a pumpkin into actual designs. She has a bit of an attitude but deep down she loves her grandmother and is grateful for having a home. She'll do anything to help her grandmother. Does that include murder? I hope not. I found her only mildly annoying, in an angsty teen sort of way, but I felt her motive was pure and she was just misguided.
I don't particularly like Jack. He's an excellent detective but a bad boyfriend. He keeps avoiding Caroline. While he IS very busy at work, it seems to be more than that. Is he going to break her heart? He should be honest if he wants to break up for whatever reason!
This series gets better and better each book. I hope to visit Penniman again! Now I want some ice cream!
This book was a big improvement over the previous two. While I had no memory of Riley or Penniman going into this, in spite of having read Mint Chocolate Murder not too long ago, I remembered pretty quickly. I especially liked the cozy in this book. I loved the Halloween bash on the town green, the girl carving pumpkins to order, the historic inn and especially the history mystery. I was so pleased the author took the time to research antique paper and ink techniques and explain them in this story. Most authors get it wrong. I suspect the letters may change the entire history of the town and may be the motive for murder. Or not. I could have done without the romantic entanglements and drama of Riley and Caroline and without the annoying cat.
The mystery is also excellent. There were too many suspects. I had a short list of who I thought it was and who I hoped it wasn't. I thought for sure I had a clue to the motive but I was wrong. I did figure it out when the big clue was dropped but there were other clues I didn't pick up on. The villain was truly evil and as Riley notes, jail is too good for them!
The characters in this series don't really stand out to me. I should remember Riley, my fellow librarian. She's kind of nosy in a curious librarian way. She needs to know but shouldn't be investigating. I appreciate that she takes her clues to the police to sort out. Her adventure doesn't follow the usual pattern which is nice. Riley is such a great friend. She is like a sister to Caroline and tries to help Caroline with her romance troubles. Riley deserves a medal for watching Caroline's obnoxious cat, Sprinkles, all week long. She also tries her hardest to prove Mary Anne's innocence and support Mary Anne even if her friend does turn out to be a murderer. In this book, we meet Ruthie, Riley's former Girl Scout camp leader and cleaning lady at the Inn. Riley is an awesome friend to Ruthie too to agree to help clean up after a bunch of spoiled rich people. Riley is also a good daughter and although she doesn't love her dad's wife, she recognizes her dad loves this woman and Paulette loves her dad so much. Riley just wants her dad to be happy even if she doesn't like sharing him.
Is Riley a Mary Sue? Not really but kind of. She's not very good at maintaining romantic relationships. Everyone wants her to get together with Liam, Sprinkles and Rocky's vet. Riley is open to trying to date him but with his busy career, he isn't always available. When he is, she's too busy being a nosy buttinsky to remember Liam. She is angry at her ex, Paolo, for getting her fired and furious he's trying to come back into her life. She behaves rationally though and thinks about a tough decision. NO BRAINER!
Caroline is a little more Mary Sueish than Riley. Though she had a tough childhood, she's still very childlike. She deals with her feelings by painting. Caroline acts girlishly starstruck on the movie set, leading her to accept Paulette's request to use Sprinkles in the movie. Sprinkles is such a horrid cat and Caroline can't see it! Caroline has spoiled that creature so badly! Sprinkles has a giant ego and only accepts her worshippers. Those who are not slavishly devoted to her feel her claws come out - literally! Riley has a bit more of a sense of humor about the demonic cat now. Riley's dad seems like a sweet man but maybe a little clueless. His wife is awful. Paulette wants to be in this movie SO badly, she ignores everyone and everything except her own desires and pretty much railroads Caroline into giving permission to have Sprinkles in the movie. Paulette also tries to push Riley in the direction of Liam in spite of barely knowing Riley.
The crew at Udderly Delicious are pretty forgettable. Brandon is the only memorable one because he creates the wild ice cream flavors popular with the younger crowd. I want to try the tie dye one. That sounds NOT sweet but really refreshing for summer. I got confused between Flo and Gerri. Flo is the kindly, sweet natured sister and Gerri is the tough, no nonsense history obsessed one. Gerri tells it like it is and she doesn't take no for an answer. I'm on her side about the letters and the preservation of the historic inn though. I'm eager to look at those letters! I knew what Riley was looking at before she did. It was obvious to me but I've read about that before. I think she should have known since she was in the Army and the CIA.
Poor Mary Anne is under a lot of stress. Her husband unceremoniously dumped her, duped her and is gold digging. Dominic is now a celebrity chef specializing in molecular gastronomy. He has big plans that don't include Mary Anne. He's the inn chef and can fire Mary Anne and will fire her. She could also choose to leave. She didn't have to cater the wedding but she is and it is now backfiring. She's upset but did she kill Diantha? What about the triple layer ice cream cake : pumpkin spice, black chai latte and fudge swirl? Did she murder the cake? Her co-worker Marley thinks she did and is gleefully telling anyone who will listen that Mary Anne destroyed the cake so she must be a murderer! He is awful. So slimy, self-serving and a suck up to Dominic. Did he kill Diantha to have Dominic inherit her millions so Dominic would take Marley along when he left Penniman for greener pastures? He has a burn on his hand which he claims is an occupational hazard, which is correct but is it in this instance or is it from the murder weapon? Can he be the killer? He's such an awful character, I hoped he was either the killer or would be killed.
Dominic is selfish too so it stand to reason he would like Marley. I don't know what Mary Anne saw in this guy. He wanted to be a celebrity and have all the fame and fortune that went with it. He was about to fire Mary Anne from their TV show and was deceiving her in other ways. With Diantha's money, all his dreams would come true. When she's killed, he's devastated but not because his beloved is dead but because it means the end of his dreams. What a prize!
Dianatha was not a nice person either. A socialite who has been married and widowed several times, she was a Hollywood stage mom to her young son and now has returned to her hometown. Her wedding theme is Halloween and she's dressed as the evil queen from Snow White so maybe she had a sense of humor? Her taste is cake flavors is good and she has an eye for an artistic pumpkin design, I suppose, if you like skeletons. She kept some of the rooms at the Inn original, for use by her and her family. However, gossip suggests she was a terrible mother and even worse stepmother to her second husband's son. Gossip also suggests she was tight and didn't enjoy sharing her money. She was renovating the inn to attract more wealthy guests. Did her plans include her family, her fiancé or the long term employees? Just about everyone had a motive for murder.
Her son Collins, a former child star, is now behind the camera as producer of the Hallmark style Skylark Films. He's filming a movie about a spunky librarian who falls in love with a nerdy bookseller and doesn't even stop to mourn his mother or make arrangements. He doesn't seem to care she's been murdered, just that time is money! At first I thought he killed his mother for being such a horrible stage mother but he doesn't really have the strongest motive. Jenira, the star of his romcoms, is being difficult. She claims she has a stalker and hires Tilly from the police station to be her protection. Tilly is a riot but doing this illegally! What happens if Jenria's stalker does show up? I do agree with Riley that Jenria is making it up for publicity. She wants sympathy. I'm not sure she has a good motive for murder though.
Cooper's brother Sam has a slightly stronger motive. Diantha was a horrible mother to him too but he's built a career as a successful professional skateboarder. He's aging though and reflexes aren't what they used to be and soon he'll be out of time to make more money. His wife, Emilia, is the only one of the new characters I liked. She's so lovely but so fragile. She's currently unwell and the jet lag is rough on her. She inherited money when her parents died and uses it to built clean water wells in South Africa. While her intentions are admirable, I felt this plot was maybe a little white saviorish and maybe there was something else she could have been doing with her money to make her saintly. Emilia is lonely and in need of a friend and confidante. She chooses Riley to open up to. I'm certain she's not the murderer! Her conversation must reveal clues but not a motive for murder. I hope! The third and oldest brother, Chip, was Diantha's stepson. While he grew up with Cooper and Sam, he was the third wheel, the literal ugly stepchild. He benefitted from Diantha's money while he was young but as an adult he has not. He knows what she's like but I would expect years of pent up rage could lead to murder.
Rob, the manager of the Inn, is the only one to react badly to Diantha's death. He seems to have a temper problem, was drinking a lot and argued with Diantha. Riley overheard them together. Did he kill her or did he love her so much, he's protecting her killer? I don't quite trust him. I don't fully trust Ruthie either. She's nosy and snoops around the guests' rooms, showing Riley private possessions of the guests. She grew up in town and her family worked for the Inn for a long, long time. She knows Diantha well but now has a motive for murder. A strong motive! And means and opportunity. Yet as a cleaning lady, she's mostly invisible even to the cops! Her granddaughter, Lucretia, a troubled teen, lives with her. Lucretia is a gifted artist. She's one of those who can shave and carve a pumpkin into actual designs. She has a bit of an attitude but deep down she loves her grandmother and is grateful for having a home. She'll do anything to help her grandmother. Does that include murder? I hope not. I found her only mildly annoying, in an angsty teen sort of way, but I felt her motive was pure and she was just misguided.
I don't particularly like Jack. He's an excellent detective but a bad boyfriend. He keeps avoiding Caroline. While he IS very busy at work, it seems to be more than that. Is he going to break her heart? He should be honest if he wants to break up for whatever reason!
This series gets better and better each book. I hope to visit Penniman again! Now I want some ice cream!
June 27, 2023
This is the third book in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery series by Meri Allen. Riley Rhodes, an ex-CIA librarian, is enjoying working at Udderly Delicious, her best friends, ice cream parlor. As Halloween approaches, Riley is commissioned to make a spooky themed wedding cake for. Diantha, a local hotel owner. But when the bride is discovered dead, in her room, the morning of the wedding, Riley is determined to investigate. One of her friends, a chef at the hotel, is on the list of possible suspects, and she is determined to discover the real murderer to clear her friends name. The wedding cake Riley made is quickly taken into evidence after someone with access to it has defaced it. To complicate matters, there is also a movie being filmed at that location which leads to even more suspects.
This is a series that I have been enjoying from the very first book. Riley is a fun character with an interesting background, and there are numerous possibilities regarding storyline for books to come. There are many sub characters that come in and out of the stories, but are not overwhelming to keep straight. Along with the murder plot, there are also possible romantic storylines for both Riley and her best friend who happens to be dating the detective at the police force. I love that the story moves along at a quick pace, and I especially appreciate the humor that Riley brings to the story. This is quickly becoming a series that I automatically read. another plus is that there are a couple of cats that always bring added fun and usually steal the scene. They are in… You’ve got to love that!
Special thanks to the author, publisher, and #netgalley for my advanced reader, copy and exchange for an honest review. If you love, cozy mysteries, you won’t want to miss this one.
This is a series that I have been enjoying from the very first book. Riley is a fun character with an interesting background, and there are numerous possibilities regarding storyline for books to come. There are many sub characters that come in and out of the stories, but are not overwhelming to keep straight. Along with the murder plot, there are also possible romantic storylines for both Riley and her best friend who happens to be dating the detective at the police force. I love that the story moves along at a quick pace, and I especially appreciate the humor that Riley brings to the story. This is quickly becoming a series that I automatically read. another plus is that there are a couple of cats that always bring added fun and usually steal the scene. They are in… You’ve got to love that!
Special thanks to the author, publisher, and #netgalley for my advanced reader, copy and exchange for an honest review. If you love, cozy mysteries, you won’t want to miss this one.
July 15, 2023
Once a librarian (albeit for the CIA), Riley has settled down in small town Connecticut to run an ice cream shop. Winter's approaching and so is the annual closure of the ice cream shop..once they get past Halloween and the big fancy wedding taking place at the historic Inn in town. Unfortunately, her beautiful Halloween themed ice cream cake.for the wedding was found mutilated, and then the dead body of the would be bride is also found. To keep her best friend from being arrested, Riley starts investigating. Another good book in this well-done series. Full of interesting characters and a twisty plot. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2023
Confession time. If I spy a mystery featuring ice cream, an ex-CIA Librarian, and Halloween, I’m going to reach for the book. Was it as delicious as my anticipation? Get your two scoops of tie-dye flavor and let’s go, kids.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third in the series. I jumped into this one and did fine out of order since the author painted in the backdrop of what was going on for Riley and her small town. That said, I did struggle to keep track of so many sub-plots and characters going on around and with Riley.
So, Riley Rhodes is content to work at her friend’s ice cream shop in her small home town. She’s adjusting to her dad’s marriage to a woman she’s not keen on and who now is berserkers over getting into film and is shoving Riley into a romance she’s not quite ready for after her ex did a number on her.
The end of the seasonal ice cream shop work is coming up with the town’s big Halloween festivities that include a big publicity Halloween-themed wedding and a film production. Riley’s in the middle of it because she was asked to make the wedding cake, an ice-cream Halloween theme, and asked to wrangle her friend’s diva cat who is a pet star in the film production.
Lots of drama is swirling around this festive time with the caterer for the wedding being the ex to the gold-digging groom when he leveled up, the caterer’s assistant is a slippery character, the bride’s sons who can’t stand mommy dearest and don’t seem cut up about her death. And, really, there isn’t a soul connected to Diantha the bridezilla, who doesn’t have a reason to like her when she’s discovered dead in her inn on her wedding day. The huge suspect and motive list is what had the mystery hard to solve.
Riley jumps in when her friend, the spurned ex, Mary Ann is tagged as suspect number one. I liked that Riley did her sleuthing, but, when she comes up with something to share, she doesn’t hold out on the police and go it alone. She gives the detective what she knows. In truth, the sketchy one was her friend, Caroline, who wasn’t very bright about things much of the time and, incidentally, I could have done without her relationship drama.
I liked the gentle-pacing, visiting the ice cream shop, the fun Halloween festivities, visiting the ice cream shop, seeing Riley fleshed out as a caring person who is well-placed and good with people even when she’s doesn’t necessarily like them, and, oh, it bears repeating that part about visiting the ice cream shop. I also loved the secondary historical mystery that does eventually tie in involving George Washington and the coded info that would be of town interest and shed light on the present.
While hooked by a few of the flashy elements that, incidentally, the fun seasonal cover captures so well, I was glad this first taste of Meri Allen’s series and her writing turned out to be a hit. Those who enjoy seasonal cozy mysteries and foodie cozies should definitely give this a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Sept 20th.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third in the series. I jumped into this one and did fine out of order since the author painted in the backdrop of what was going on for Riley and her small town. That said, I did struggle to keep track of so many sub-plots and characters going on around and with Riley.
So, Riley Rhodes is content to work at her friend’s ice cream shop in her small home town. She’s adjusting to her dad’s marriage to a woman she’s not keen on and who now is berserkers over getting into film and is shoving Riley into a romance she’s not quite ready for after her ex did a number on her.
The end of the seasonal ice cream shop work is coming up with the town’s big Halloween festivities that include a big publicity Halloween-themed wedding and a film production. Riley’s in the middle of it because she was asked to make the wedding cake, an ice-cream Halloween theme, and asked to wrangle her friend’s diva cat who is a pet star in the film production.
Lots of drama is swirling around this festive time with the caterer for the wedding being the ex to the gold-digging groom when he leveled up, the caterer’s assistant is a slippery character, the bride’s sons who can’t stand mommy dearest and don’t seem cut up about her death. And, really, there isn’t a soul connected to Diantha the bridezilla, who doesn’t have a reason to like her when she’s discovered dead in her inn on her wedding day. The huge suspect and motive list is what had the mystery hard to solve.
Riley jumps in when her friend, the spurned ex, Mary Ann is tagged as suspect number one. I liked that Riley did her sleuthing, but, when she comes up with something to share, she doesn’t hold out on the police and go it alone. She gives the detective what she knows. In truth, the sketchy one was her friend, Caroline, who wasn’t very bright about things much of the time and, incidentally, I could have done without her relationship drama.
I liked the gentle-pacing, visiting the ice cream shop, the fun Halloween festivities, visiting the ice cream shop, seeing Riley fleshed out as a caring person who is well-placed and good with people even when she’s doesn’t necessarily like them, and, oh, it bears repeating that part about visiting the ice cream shop. I also loved the secondary historical mystery that does eventually tie in involving George Washington and the coded info that would be of town interest and shed light on the present.
While hooked by a few of the flashy elements that, incidentally, the fun seasonal cover captures so well, I was glad this first taste of Meri Allen’s series and her writing turned out to be a hit. Those who enjoy seasonal cozy mysteries and foodie cozies should definitely give this a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Sept 20th.
March 28, 2023
Halloween is fast approaching in Penniman, CT and Riley Rhodes is getting ready for this spooky holiday in #FatalFudgeSwirl #NetGalley.
Riley, a former CIA librarian is mixing up frightful flavors in the ice cream shop.
What could be more spooky than a Halloween wedding complete with custom ice cream cake? Finding a dead body and a ruined wedding cake are just a couple things that come to mind.
It seems everyone involved in the wedding is a perfect suspect, including the ex wife of the groom to be.
This is a frightfully fun series and this latest addition is one of my favorites.
Join Riley and friends and try to figure out whodunit in this fabulous story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Riley, a former CIA librarian is mixing up frightful flavors in the ice cream shop.
What could be more spooky than a Halloween wedding complete with custom ice cream cake? Finding a dead body and a ruined wedding cake are just a couple things that come to mind.
It seems everyone involved in the wedding is a perfect suspect, including the ex wife of the groom to be.
This is a frightfully fun series and this latest addition is one of my favorites.
Join Riley and friends and try to figure out whodunit in this fabulous story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
June 25, 2023
I love cozy mysteries, and the ones that take place around Halloween are always favorites! I love everything about this, the small town, the ice cream shop, the characters, and OMG Sprinkles is the Diva that steals whatever scenes she's in!
This is such a fun and entertaining story, with some great twists and turns that I didn't see coming! I can't wait to read more in this series, and see what shenanigans Riley will get herself in the middle of next!
This is such a fun and entertaining story, with some great twists and turns that I didn't see coming! I can't wait to read more in this series, and see what shenanigans Riley will get herself in the middle of next!
June 27, 2023
This series is such a fun cozy mystery. In this one, there is a movie being shot in Penniman's fancy resort inn. The owner of the inn, Diantha's family has owned it for generations. Her son Cooper is a child actor, Sam is an extreme sport junky and stepson Chip directs movies.
The night before Diantha is about to get married to cooking show sensation Dominic at the inn, Riley is asked to help housekeep because the main character of the movie Jenira fires 2 of the maids. Riley is given a room at the inn so she can help in the morning as well. In the morning, Ruthie find Diantha's body in her room and of course, Riley is there as well.
There were a lot of characters in this book, but since this is the third book, we are already familiar with a lot of them. All the characters at the inn and in the movie are new, but it was actually quite easy to remember who was who which doesn't always happen. I actually don't think there was a character I didn't like. None of them seemed unnecessary. Riley was curious and nosy as always, but I think that's kind of the typical heroine of cozy mysteries. I love her friendship with Caroline as well as all the people she works with at the ice cream shop.
While a lot of this book did focus on the mystery of what happened to Diantha, there was a lot of just life, which I think is what makes it cozy. It was just a fun slice of Riley's life, murder and all. I kind of did guess the murderer, but it didn't really take anything away from the story and I was still happy to read the whole thing. The climax was really exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Then we get a few chapters of kind of a wrap up and it just brings everything together and you get this sense of satisfaction.
The only thing that I really could think of that wasn't my favorite was that there were 2 times during this book where Riley listed suspects and for pages and pages went on about every little thing about them and their potential motives. The first time it happened, I got a little bored with it but it was ok. I liked listing the suspects and stuff but it felt a little long. Then the second time, I just felt was not necessary.
Riley gets some news at the very beginning of this book and makes a decision about it at the end, and I'm really hoping this will be the storyline for the next book because it would be so much fun! Even if I'm wrong, I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and SMP for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The night before Diantha is about to get married to cooking show sensation Dominic at the inn, Riley is asked to help housekeep because the main character of the movie Jenira fires 2 of the maids. Riley is given a room at the inn so she can help in the morning as well. In the morning, Ruthie find Diantha's body in her room and of course, Riley is there as well.
There were a lot of characters in this book, but since this is the third book, we are already familiar with a lot of them. All the characters at the inn and in the movie are new, but it was actually quite easy to remember who was who which doesn't always happen. I actually don't think there was a character I didn't like. None of them seemed unnecessary. Riley was curious and nosy as always, but I think that's kind of the typical heroine of cozy mysteries. I love her friendship with Caroline as well as all the people she works with at the ice cream shop.
While a lot of this book did focus on the mystery of what happened to Diantha, there was a lot of just life, which I think is what makes it cozy. It was just a fun slice of Riley's life, murder and all. I kind of did guess the murderer, but it didn't really take anything away from the story and I was still happy to read the whole thing. The climax was really exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Then we get a few chapters of kind of a wrap up and it just brings everything together and you get this sense of satisfaction.
The only thing that I really could think of that wasn't my favorite was that there were 2 times during this book where Riley listed suspects and for pages and pages went on about every little thing about them and their potential motives. The first time it happened, I got a little bored with it but it was ok. I liked listing the suspects and stuff but it felt a little long. Then the second time, I just felt was not necessary.
Riley gets some news at the very beginning of this book and makes a decision about it at the end, and I'm really hoping this will be the storyline for the next book because it would be so much fun! Even if I'm wrong, I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and SMP for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 31, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this delightful cozy mystery book. This book is the third in the series – and I had not had the opportunity yet to read the first two.
Riley Rhodes, a former CIA librarian and local “sleuth” (the primary character in the series) finds herself in the midst of mayhem and murder during a long Halloween weekend that includes a themed wedding taking place at the local Inn. In fact, the bride, Diantha Collins is also the owner of the Inn and is marrying Dominic (former spouse of Mary Ann). On site are her sons Cooper (actor who is involved in a Hallmark-like movie production also taking place at the Inn), Chip and Sam. When Diantha turns up dead on the morning of her own wedding, it introduces multiple supporting subplots that add intrigue to the murder mystery.
Other characters and suspects include Mary Anne – ex-wife of Dominic and still manager at the Inn. Lucretia, granddaughter of Ruthie (housekeeper at the Inn) who rents a little house on the Inn’s property. Diantha’s sons who had ample opportunity and stood to benefit from her death as the will would be changed after she married Dominic. Another character is Marley Wagner who just joined the staff at the Inn and gets in a mess of his own and several others.
The multiple characters created a good mystery environment and suspect list. The cause of death, once revealed was brilliant!
Riley Rhodes, a former CIA librarian and local “sleuth” (the primary character in the series) finds herself in the midst of mayhem and murder during a long Halloween weekend that includes a themed wedding taking place at the local Inn. In fact, the bride, Diantha Collins is also the owner of the Inn and is marrying Dominic (former spouse of Mary Ann). On site are her sons Cooper (actor who is involved in a Hallmark-like movie production also taking place at the Inn), Chip and Sam. When Diantha turns up dead on the morning of her own wedding, it introduces multiple supporting subplots that add intrigue to the murder mystery.
Other characters and suspects include Mary Anne – ex-wife of Dominic and still manager at the Inn. Lucretia, granddaughter of Ruthie (housekeeper at the Inn) who rents a little house on the Inn’s property. Diantha’s sons who had ample opportunity and stood to benefit from her death as the will would be changed after she married Dominic. Another character is Marley Wagner who just joined the staff at the Inn and gets in a mess of his own and several others.
The multiple characters created a good mystery environment and suspect list. The cause of death, once revealed was brilliant!
June 22, 2023
What a fun mystery! In this Halloween themed book, Riley is out to prove her friend Mary Ann is not responsible for the murder of the wealthy woman who caused the breakup of her marriage. Problem is, Mary Ann left a disturbing message which makes her the #1 suspect!
I've loved this series from the beginning. As a former CIA librarian, Riley has skills she never thought would come in handy as manager of an ice cream shop. I enjoyed the quirky and lovable supporting characters and the book kept me up until the "wee hours" of the morning.
If you're looking for a different cozy character, check out this series. This book can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I've loved this series from the beginning. As a former CIA librarian, Riley has skills she never thought would come in handy as manager of an ice cream shop. I enjoyed the quirky and lovable supporting characters and the book kept me up until the "wee hours" of the morning.
If you're looking for a different cozy character, check out this series. This book can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 6, 2023
I'd give it 4.5 stars for being an ALMOST perfect cozy mystery. It was the perfect recipe : A small town, glamorous and everyday people, many many suspects, touches of romance, fast moving, AND some recipes for ice cream toppings! What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon reading this book on a too warm day to do anything but enjoying a charming cozy mystery. I got this book from Goodreads for an honest opinion... and I will continue to read this author's other books; her writing style is such a delight.
March 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It has several twists. I loved hearing about all the ice cream., wish I had some. I liked the characters, especially Sprinkles. The method of murder is engenius., I wouldn’t have thought of it. #FatalFudgeSwirl #NetGalley
July 7, 2023
Riley is back and this adventure has an old love, history, a movie set, and, of course, murder.
Riley is branching out from just ice cream at Udderly Delicious and is in charge of making a wedding cake for Diantha Collins, owner of the exclusive Inn on the Green. Riley, somehow, gets roped into helping clean the Inn after the pre-wedding party, but instead of a wedding, Diantha is found murdered by Ruthie, the maid.
There are no shortage of suspects, from Diantha's sons, her fiance, Dom, and Dom's bitter ex-wife (Riley's friend, Mary Anne), just to name a few. Riley has a lot to contend with in this story - her Italian flame, who ruined her CIA career, resurfaces; Caroline and Jack (hunky policeman) are having relationship woes; Riley is trying to figure out how to earn Udderly money during the winter; and Paulette wants Sprinkles (spoiled cat) to be in the movie that is filming in their town. On to of all this, Ruthie's granddaughter, Lucretia is a force of nature all her own (that's all I can without spoiling anything).
I really enjoy Halloween-themed cozies (all holiday-themed cozies really) and this one did not disappoint. Riley is such a great character and she seems to be more settled in her role at Udderly and back in her hometown, than in the two previous stories - she has finally laid to rest the loss of her former career and is excited about going forward. At least until she hears from her ex - since the next book takes us to Rome (assumptions based on this story), maybe we will get a little more backstory on her previous life.
Again, without giving anything away, I really liked Lucretia's character and I hope we get to see more of her in the coming books. I felt that Lucretia had the most twists in this story, and this story had a lot of them! Put this on your TBR list right away!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5*
Riley is branching out from just ice cream at Udderly Delicious and is in charge of making a wedding cake for Diantha Collins, owner of the exclusive Inn on the Green. Riley, somehow, gets roped into helping clean the Inn after the pre-wedding party, but instead of a wedding, Diantha is found murdered by Ruthie, the maid.
There are no shortage of suspects, from Diantha's sons, her fiance, Dom, and Dom's bitter ex-wife (Riley's friend, Mary Anne), just to name a few. Riley has a lot to contend with in this story - her Italian flame, who ruined her CIA career, resurfaces; Caroline and Jack (hunky policeman) are having relationship woes; Riley is trying to figure out how to earn Udderly money during the winter; and Paulette wants Sprinkles (spoiled cat) to be in the movie that is filming in their town. On to of all this, Ruthie's granddaughter, Lucretia is a force of nature all her own (that's all I can without spoiling anything).
I really enjoy Halloween-themed cozies (all holiday-themed cozies really) and this one did not disappoint. Riley is such a great character and she seems to be more settled in her role at Udderly and back in her hometown, than in the two previous stories - she has finally laid to rest the loss of her former career and is excited about going forward. At least until she hears from her ex - since the next book takes us to Rome (assumptions based on this story), maybe we will get a little more backstory on her previous life.
Again, without giving anything away, I really liked Lucretia's character and I hope we get to see more of her in the coming books. I felt that Lucretia had the most twists in this story, and this story had a lot of them! Put this on your TBR list right away!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5*
June 27, 2023
Fatal Fudge Swirl the third Ice Cream Shop Mystery and features a unique main character. Ex-CIA librarian Riley Rhodes now manages an ice cream shop owned by her best friend. Another friend, Mary Anne Dumas, has agreed to make a cake for her ex's wedding being held at the luxury inn where she works. Riley gets involved when Mary Anne becomes a murder suspect.
The investigation is complicated by the fact that a movie is being filmed in town and the key players are staying at the inn. A few are related to the victim, so Riley needs to find someone with more of a motive for murder than her friend. The book kept my interest from the beginning until the end, even though I was able to figure out the solution to most of the subplots. The murder weapon is a creative one and although I guessed it would play some sort of role in the story because of hints given by the author, I would never have guessed how or by whom. The murder is solved, but the book ends on a mini-cliffhanger related to something in Riley's past which should lead to an interesting story when the series continues.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The investigation is complicated by the fact that a movie is being filmed in town and the key players are staying at the inn. A few are related to the victim, so Riley needs to find someone with more of a motive for murder than her friend. The book kept my interest from the beginning until the end, even though I was able to figure out the solution to most of the subplots. The murder weapon is a creative one and although I guessed it would play some sort of role in the story because of hints given by the author, I would never have guessed how or by whom. The murder is solved, but the book ends on a mini-cliffhanger related to something in Riley's past which should lead to an interesting story when the series continues.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 12, 2023
Riley Rhodes has given up her career as a librarian for the CIA and is back in her hometown of Penniman, Connecticut, managing the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. It is nearly Halloween and nearly closing time for the seasonal shop. But one more big event - the wedding of the owner of the Inn on the Green - is scheduled before the shutdown. Riley has been tasked with making an ice cream cake with the bride and groom's favorite flavors.
Things are also busy because a movie is being shot at the Inn and other locations including her father's used book store. And her roommate's spoiled Persian cat has a role in the film too.
All the happy, busy activity comes to a screeching halt when the bride is found dead the night before the wedding. Despite numerous health problems, Riley isn't willing to write the death off to natural causes. Too many people were upset and angry with the woman. The prime suspect is Riley's friend Mary Ann who happens to be the groom's ex-wife.
Despite the police chief's orders to stay out of the investigation, Riley feels the need to clear her friend's name and find the real murderer. She has lots of suspects to choose from including the manager of the Inn who has had a long-standing crush on the victim and the housekeeper who might have lost her house and her job had the victim lived. Then there are her two sons and a stepson who might have had reason to get rid of the victim before she could change her will in the new husband's favor.
This was a fun cozy with a great setting and interesting characters. I liked the sound of the different flavors of ice cream Riley and a teenage assistant create. There is even a couple of recipes for hot fudge sauces at the end of the book.
Things are also busy because a movie is being shot at the Inn and other locations including her father's used book store. And her roommate's spoiled Persian cat has a role in the film too.
All the happy, busy activity comes to a screeching halt when the bride is found dead the night before the wedding. Despite numerous health problems, Riley isn't willing to write the death off to natural causes. Too many people were upset and angry with the woman. The prime suspect is Riley's friend Mary Ann who happens to be the groom's ex-wife.
Despite the police chief's orders to stay out of the investigation, Riley feels the need to clear her friend's name and find the real murderer. She has lots of suspects to choose from including the manager of the Inn who has had a long-standing crush on the victim and the housekeeper who might have lost her house and her job had the victim lived. Then there are her two sons and a stepson who might have had reason to get rid of the victim before she could change her will in the new husband's favor.
This was a fun cozy with a great setting and interesting characters. I liked the sound of the different flavors of ice cream Riley and a teenage assistant create. There is even a couple of recipes for hot fudge sauces at the end of the book.
July 4, 2023
It was nice, had a comfortable style & tone, vivid characters. Maybe I was just in the right head space, but the clues were REALLY glaring to me. Didn't mind that as I wanted an easy read, which this was! Predictable, but fun.
October 6, 2023
Kind of boring
Too much inner dialogue of the main character going over suspects in her head and ruminating
Characters were not fully fleshed out I didn’t really get a sense of who anyone was
Not enough cozy vibes
Not Halloween and fall enough for me
Too much inner dialogue of the main character going over suspects in her head and ruminating
Characters were not fully fleshed out I didn’t really get a sense of who anyone was
Not enough cozy vibes
Not Halloween and fall enough for me
September 15, 2023
3.5⭐️ too many side characters, I got confused at time! Still love the town and cozy feels of the shop!
October 12, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
July 11, 2023
This mystery has a lot of fun going on including the cozy small town feel, Halloween themes, famous people, and an upcoming spooky themed wedding that has a death in the wedding party.
I like Riley's character and sleuthing with dessert and ice cream in the mix. While the plethora of characters kept me guessing as to whodunit, there were almost too many to keep track of.
I'm looking forward to the next sweet treat mystery in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I like Riley's character and sleuthing with dessert and ice cream in the mix. While the plethora of characters kept me guessing as to whodunit, there were almost too many to keep track of.
I'm looking forward to the next sweet treat mystery in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
July 29, 2023
I received a free copy at an author signing for Sisters in Crime. I was immediately intrigued by the former CIA librarian as the main character. Who can resist ice cream? An enjoyable, easy read. I plan to go back and read the first two in the series and look forward to the further adventures of Riley Rhodes.
June 30, 2023
Ice Cream, Halloween vibes, and a cozy mystery, what is not to like.
Enjoyed the third installment of of the Ice Cream Mysteries. The twists and turns in the story left me wanting more and the last few pages....I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#FatalFudgeSwirl #NetGalley
Enjoyed the third installment of of the Ice Cream Mysteries. The twists and turns in the story left me wanting more and the last few pages....I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#FatalFudgeSwirl #NetGalley
February 29, 2024
Sometimes a great book goes down smoother than ice cream on a hot summer day, but with Fatal Fudge Swirl you get the best of both worlds.
Author Meri Allen’s former CIA librarian, current ice cream shop manager, and occasional amateur sleuth, Riley Rhodes, is back for another mystery. As Halloween approaches, Riley is tasked by her friend, Mary Ann, with creating an ice cream cake for socialite Diantha’s wedding. However, after the bride-to-be is found murdered and suspicion falls on Mary Ann, it’s up to Riley to clear her name and find the murderer before anyone else chills out—permanently.
Allen has assembled a cozy sundae with all the toppings. Halloween celebrations. Beyond the elaborate wedding, Halloween festivities, and a murder, Fatal Fudge Swirl also features a romantic comedy being filmed locally, plenty of cat hijinks, and an interesting historical mystery that plays out alongside the action. If this book were a waffle cone, it might be ready to break under all these scoops. Yet Allen knows how to layer these ingredients, carefully pacing the mystery and doling out broader dramas in such a way that you’re always ready for one more bite. It’s completely satisfying without becoming overwhelming.
Really, though, it’s Allen’s mystery skills that provide the most flavor. As Riley explores the events surrounding Diantha’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that almost anyone—wedding guests, staff, and beyond—could be a suspect. Even though the abundance of characters and motives keeps the killer’s identity from being immediately obvious, Allen has no problem serving up several clever twists along the way. Come for the ice cream, but stay for the impeccably placed clues.
While this is the third book in the series, it works as a standalone novel. Much like a good scoop of vanilla, it’s perfect all by itself.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Author Meri Allen’s former CIA librarian, current ice cream shop manager, and occasional amateur sleuth, Riley Rhodes, is back for another mystery. As Halloween approaches, Riley is tasked by her friend, Mary Ann, with creating an ice cream cake for socialite Diantha’s wedding. However, after the bride-to-be is found murdered and suspicion falls on Mary Ann, it’s up to Riley to clear her name and find the murderer before anyone else chills out—permanently.
Allen has assembled a cozy sundae with all the toppings. Halloween celebrations. Beyond the elaborate wedding, Halloween festivities, and a murder, Fatal Fudge Swirl also features a romantic comedy being filmed locally, plenty of cat hijinks, and an interesting historical mystery that plays out alongside the action. If this book were a waffle cone, it might be ready to break under all these scoops. Yet Allen knows how to layer these ingredients, carefully pacing the mystery and doling out broader dramas in such a way that you’re always ready for one more bite. It’s completely satisfying without becoming overwhelming.
Really, though, it’s Allen’s mystery skills that provide the most flavor. As Riley explores the events surrounding Diantha’s death, it quickly becomes apparent that almost anyone—wedding guests, staff, and beyond—could be a suspect. Even though the abundance of characters and motives keeps the killer’s identity from being immediately obvious, Allen has no problem serving up several clever twists along the way. Come for the ice cream, but stay for the impeccably placed clues.
While this is the third book in the series, it works as a standalone novel. Much like a good scoop of vanilla, it’s perfect all by itself.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
June 30, 2023
Riley Rhodes and her ice cream shop Udderly Delicious are ready for Halloween. In addition to the town’s Halloween Happening Fall Fair that is bringing in extra customers, she’s also made a Halloween themed ice cream wedding cake for local celebrity Diantha Collins. Diantha is the owner of the Inn on the Green, a swanky inn where the wealthy and celebrities come to stay when in Penniman, Connecticut. She’s in the process of renovating the Inn and adding a restaurant, and she’s getting married to the man who will be the chef in her new restaurant, Dominic Dominello.
As if that’s enough action for Halloween weekend, there is also a film being shot at the Inn and around town, a small-town romance with two well known stars. Riley also has a date with the town’s handsome, popular vet, and as her birthday falls on Halloween, her family and friends have planned a party for her the day after. So there is a lot going on, not just for Riley but for everyone in town. Even for Sprinkles, the beautiful cat that belongs to her best friend and roommate Caroline, as Sprinkles has scored a role in the movie.
When the young women hired to help clean at the Inn get caught trying to take photos of the movie stars, they’re fired, and the Inn’s housekeeper Lucretia calls Riley in to help her out. Riley has wanted a glimpse in the Inn for a while, so she agrees. There are no paying guests, but Diantha has some family in town for the wedding, and the actors and director of the movie are staying there also. However, it’s clear that someone is against the wedding of Diantha and Dom when Riley’s fabulous ice cream cake is destroyed.
But the real problem starts the morning of the wedding, when Riley awakens at the Inn to find out that Lucretia has found Diantha, dead in her room. The police show up right away and start investigating, but that doesn’t stop Riley from taking a good, long look around to see what she can find out herself. As a replacement part-time housekeeper, Riley finds out that she’s invisible in her housekeeper uniform, so as she cleans up around the family and the filmmakers, she finds bits and pieces of the whole picture. But even though she thinks she’s slipping in and out unnoticed, the killer can see what she’s up to, and they want to stop her from getting all the dirt on them.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third installment of Meri Allen’s Ice Cream Shop Mystery series, featuring Riley Rhodes as the former CIA librarian turned ice cream shop proprietor. These books are filled with strong characters, delicious ice cream treats, small town charm, intricate mysteries, and the obvious stars of the novels, pampered Sprinkles and rescue cat Rocky Rhodes.
I like these books a lot, and Fatal Fudge Swirl is no different. There is so much going on with this story that it’s hard to put the book aside. But as much as I liked the storyline of the filmmakers and the Inn, I couldn’t help but wish we were spending more time at Udderly Delicious. I love hearing about the ice cream flavors and concoctions. But as part of this story, Riley was accepted into a prestigious gelato class, so I can’t help but hope that is a bit of foreshadowing for the next book. Book four in Rome? Count me in!
Egalleys for Fatal Fudge Swirl were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.
As if that’s enough action for Halloween weekend, there is also a film being shot at the Inn and around town, a small-town romance with two well known stars. Riley also has a date with the town’s handsome, popular vet, and as her birthday falls on Halloween, her family and friends have planned a party for her the day after. So there is a lot going on, not just for Riley but for everyone in town. Even for Sprinkles, the beautiful cat that belongs to her best friend and roommate Caroline, as Sprinkles has scored a role in the movie.
When the young women hired to help clean at the Inn get caught trying to take photos of the movie stars, they’re fired, and the Inn’s housekeeper Lucretia calls Riley in to help her out. Riley has wanted a glimpse in the Inn for a while, so she agrees. There are no paying guests, but Diantha has some family in town for the wedding, and the actors and director of the movie are staying there also. However, it’s clear that someone is against the wedding of Diantha and Dom when Riley’s fabulous ice cream cake is destroyed.
But the real problem starts the morning of the wedding, when Riley awakens at the Inn to find out that Lucretia has found Diantha, dead in her room. The police show up right away and start investigating, but that doesn’t stop Riley from taking a good, long look around to see what she can find out herself. As a replacement part-time housekeeper, Riley finds out that she’s invisible in her housekeeper uniform, so as she cleans up around the family and the filmmakers, she finds bits and pieces of the whole picture. But even though she thinks she’s slipping in and out unnoticed, the killer can see what she’s up to, and they want to stop her from getting all the dirt on them.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third installment of Meri Allen’s Ice Cream Shop Mystery series, featuring Riley Rhodes as the former CIA librarian turned ice cream shop proprietor. These books are filled with strong characters, delicious ice cream treats, small town charm, intricate mysteries, and the obvious stars of the novels, pampered Sprinkles and rescue cat Rocky Rhodes.
I like these books a lot, and Fatal Fudge Swirl is no different. There is so much going on with this story that it’s hard to put the book aside. But as much as I liked the storyline of the filmmakers and the Inn, I couldn’t help but wish we were spending more time at Udderly Delicious. I love hearing about the ice cream flavors and concoctions. But as part of this story, Riley was accepted into a prestigious gelato class, so I can’t help but hope that is a bit of foreshadowing for the next book. Book four in Rome? Count me in!
Egalleys for Fatal Fudge Swirl were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.
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