A Day in the Life of Allie McMurphy by Nancy Coco

Apr 27, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Oh Say Can You FudgeHi, my name is Allie McMurphy. I’m the owner operator of the Historic McMurphy Inn and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island Michigan. The McMurphy has been in my family for over one hundred years and I’m the next generation to run it. I love my job as fudge maker and inn keeper, but recently I’ve sort of branched out into amateur sleuthing. It all started with finding Joe Jessop toes up in the McMurphy’s second floor utility room. With his murder under my roof, I discovered I’m pretty good at following clues and figuring out who is behind the crimes.

Of course I have help from my trusty bichon-poodle mix, Marshmallow—Mal for short. My puppy gets me into and out of all kinds of trouble. Today is no different. We were out for a walk when Mal ran off. I chased after her only to discover a shed was on fire. I got Mal out of harm’s way and called 9-1-1 just before the shed exploded. It seems that the owners were storing lawnmowers and edge clippers and cans of gasoline to fuel them. I managed to turn and tuck Mal under me to shield her with my body from the flying debris. We are safe for the moment.

This explosion is just one in a string of arsons that have been occurring on the island this year. Mal and I have managed to be at the scene of the last few and that means the police are looking at us and the arsonist/killer has to know we are steps behind him. It’s not looking good for our safety.

Arsons aren’t the only troubles on my plate. It’s July on Mackinac and I’m on the Star Spangled Fourth committee. More specifically I’m in charge of the fireworks, which were lost in the most dramatic of the arsonists events. For the first time in over one hundred and fifty years Mackinac Island’s Star Spangled Fourth fireworks celebration might not happen. It seems it will take all my wits, Mal’s ability to find clues and my friends and family’s help to catch the killer and see that the Fourth of July celebration goes off without a hitch.

You can read more about Allie in Oh Say Can You Fudge, the third book in the “Candy-Coated” mystery series, published by Kensington. The first two books in the series are All Fudged Up and To Fudge or Not to Fudge.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on May 4 for the chance to win a copy of Oh Say Can You Fudge. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
OH SAY CAN YOU FUDGE is the third book in Kensington’s Candy Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco also known as Nancy J Parra. Inspired by the gentile Victorian feel of Mackinac Island, Nancy asked the people at The Island Bookstore if anyone had ever written a mystery series set on Mackinac Island. The answer was no. Nancy went to work with a poll of Island visitors and locals. If an amateur sleuth lived on Mackinac Island, what would she do for a living? The overwhelming answer was run a Fudge Shop, of course. Mackinac Island is known for its world famous fudge. The rest is history. Nancy’s alter ego, Nancy J Parra has an MA in Popular Fiction and a day doesn’t go by when she isn’t working on a new story or walking her own bichonpoo known affectionately on line as Little Dog. Visit Nancy at www.nancyjparra.com.

69 Comments

  1. sallycootie
    sallycootie on April 27, 2015 at 1:05 am

    I really like this series. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.

  2. Jen
    Jen on April 27, 2015 at 1:45 am

    Oh Say Can You Fudge sounds exciting! I am looking forward to reading it.
    Thank you for the giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

  3. MaryB
    MaryB on April 27, 2015 at 1:57 am

    What a yummy series! Can’t wait to read this one.

  4. C Culp
    C Culp on April 27, 2015 at 2:03 am

    Sounds like a yummy good book to read. Just the thoughts of fudge, summer on the island, and a good mystery…what more could one want? Thank you for the chance to win the giveaway.

  5. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on April 27, 2015 at 2:13 am

    I am excited to read this! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!

  6. Brenda Handy
    Brenda Handy on April 27, 2015 at 3:05 am

    Love this series! Thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.

  7. candace knight
    candace knight on April 27, 2015 at 3:14 am

    This book sounds awesome. I will definetly be checking this series out. Thank you for the chance

  8. Patty Allen
    Patty Allen on April 27, 2015 at 3:18 am

    What a fun book, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  9. Pamela Woodfield
    Pamela Woodfield on April 27, 2015 at 4:13 am

    This series looks good. It’s not one I’ve read yet & I’d love to win a copy of this latest book.

  10. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on April 27, 2015 at 4:58 am

    Looking forward to reading this one.

  11. cyn209
    cyn209 on April 27, 2015 at 6:04 am

    What a GREAT cover!!!!!
    I need to start this series…..
    Thank you for the giveaway!!!!

  12. Shawn Stevens
    Shawn Stevens on April 27, 2015 at 6:08 am

    I read the first two and cant wait to read this one as well. Oh Say Can you Fudge sounds like a great read!

  13. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on April 27, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Love the little dog on the cover. Sounds like a really great series to read. Thank you for the chance

  14. Sharleen Wells
    Sharleen Wells on April 27, 2015 at 7:28 am

    This book sounds delicious. Can’t wait to read it.

  15. Dawn Frazier
    Dawn Frazier on April 27, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Thanks for the chance to win! This sounds great.

  16. Lisa Garrett
    Lisa Garrett on April 27, 2015 at 8:18 am

    I have always been interested in Mackinac Island. I would love to read this.

  17. griperang
    griperang on April 27, 2015 at 8:27 am

    This looks like a fun book

  18. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on April 27, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Looks like a fun series, thanks for the chance

  19. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on April 27, 2015 at 8:30 am

    Love the cover!! Another want to read!!

  20. Karlene Barger
    Karlene Barger on April 27, 2015 at 8:47 am

    It would be sweet to win this book!

  21. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on April 27, 2015 at 9:09 am

    I love this series—thanks for the chance to win a copy of the latest offering!

  22. noraadrienne
    noraadrienne on April 27, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I love this series and actually have the first two books. I’d love to win this one to enjoy and add to my home library.

  24. Patricia
    Patricia on April 27, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Thanks, Dru and Allie/Nancy. I’m ready for another visit to the inn, some fudge and, of course, precious, little Mal.

  25. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on April 27, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I love fudge and love Mackinac island so I would love a chance at a book surrounding both things.

  26. Karen Candee
    Karen Candee on April 27, 2015 at 10:20 am

    Just like everyone else I love fudge – and I love mysteries! Would love to win this one!!

  27. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on April 27, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Love the series. The cover is great.

  28. marylouh
    marylouh on April 27, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Sounds interesting. thanks.

  29. anne
    anne on April 27, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Great series. Thanks.

  30. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on April 27, 2015 at 11:08 am

    This sounds like another winner! I have enjoyed the other books of the series so much! Between the island setting, the hotel, the fudge, and Marshmallow, it is a sure hit! Thanks Nancy and Dru for the opportunity to read about the newest book and a chance to win a copy! Much appreciated. 🙂

  31. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on April 27, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Fudge and a mystery sound like a delightful chance to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book.

  32. Mary Jane H
    Mary Jane H on April 27, 2015 at 11:36 am

    I love fudge and adding a mystery is great.

  33. Vivian Shane
    Vivian Shane on April 27, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Yum, yum – fudge and an island setting – what’s not to like about this series? Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

  34. Sharon F.
    Sharon F. on April 27, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    I have been fascinated with Mackinac Island from the moment I saw the movie, “Somewhere in Time.” I was not aware of your series!

  35. Nancy Roessner
    Nancy Roessner on April 27, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Now I’m craving fudge! I enjoyed the first two books in the series and I’m ready for the third.

  36. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on April 27, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    Oh my goodness how I love the title of this new book! I love this series and can’t wait to read this book! Would really love to win a copy of this book…..please please please Dru and Nancy…please please please pick me….lol!!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win!!! God bless you both!!!!

  37. rochf
    rochf on April 27, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    I love Mackinac Island and this book sounds great.

  38. MaryAnn Forbes
    MaryAnn Forbes on April 27, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Love fudge, love books– what could be better than
    Oh Can You Say Fudge? Would love to
    read. Thanks for the chance.📖📚

  39. kayk597
    kayk597 on April 27, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    You have me hooked any time you mention candy or books. I go crazy at Christmas with the fudge and cookies, and love that you give us a chance to win this book.

  40. Debbie S
    Debbie S on April 27, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I’ve really got to get started on this series, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it, not to mention my mouth always starts to water when I read the titles, LOL. Thanks for the chance to win.

  41. Paula S.
    Paula S. on April 27, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    would love to start reading this one! clever title…cute cover…great storyline

  42. Penny
    Penny on April 27, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    I’ve loved the first 2 in the series and would love this new adventure. Thank you for the chance to win.

  43. Verna Gass
    Verna Gass on April 27, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Fudge and mystery what a great combo!
    Would love to win!!

  44. tlwalcher
    tlwalcher on April 27, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    I enjoyed visiting Mackinac Island and would like to try a book set there. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Oh Say Can You Fudge.

  45. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on April 27, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    I loved the first two stories about Allie and Mal, and can’t wait for this one – and to see Allie set off fireworks LOL! Wish I were a “Fudgie” for the summer! Thanks for the chance to win!

  46. Lindar
    Lindar on April 27, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    Loved the first 2 & looking forward to reading this!!

  47. Terri Crossley
    Terri Crossley on April 28, 2015 at 7:46 am

    Thanks for the chance! This sounds like a great book!

  48. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on April 28, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    Fudge, what can go wrong?

  49. Meg C
    Meg C on April 30, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Sounds like another great book for this series. Love the animals on the cover. Thanks for the chance to win.

  51. Michelle Fidler
    Michelle Fidler on April 30, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I like fudge and animals in mysteries.

  52. holdenj
    holdenj on May 1, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Fudge! Thanks for the great post and chance to win!

  53. Deb Forbes
    Deb Forbes on May 2, 2015 at 8:34 am

    Love this series

  54. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on May 2, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Love the cover. Would love to read this book!

  55. Pam
    Pam on May 2, 2015 at 11:09 am

    Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

  56. Karin
    Karin on May 2, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Sorry that I missed Historic McMurphy Inn and Fudge Shop the last time I was on the Island. I will search it out next time 🙂

  57. Sha
    Sha on May 2, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway! Sounds great!

  58. Rosemary Krejsa
    Rosemary Krejsa on May 2, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    I love fudge and Mackinac Island. I’m looking forward to reading Oh Say Can You Fudge.

  59. Cecilia
    Cecilia on May 2, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    Sounds like a good story. I will have to add the author to my list. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

  60. Teri Fish
    Teri Fish on May 2, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    Love this series.

  61. Christi King
    Christi King on May 2, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    I love this series and would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.

  62. Donna Gantt
    Donna Gantt on May 2, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance to enter!

  65. Judy
    Judy on May 2, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    Great setting. I love those who honor history. Cute cover.

  66. vickie
    vickie on May 2, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    This looks like another great book for summer reading.

  67. Jane Firebaugh
    Jane Firebaugh on May 3, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    Yummy! This sounds like a fun book! I hope I win a copy. 🙂

  68. Dru
    Dru on May 4, 2015 at 7:28 am

    contest is closed.

  69. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on May 4, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    Sounds like a great summer read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.