Read Nancy Coco Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

When it comes to cozy mysteries, there are few series that offer the same blend of intrigue, charm, and mouthwatering treats as the Nancy Coco books. Written by the talented Nancy Coco, this series combines the best elements of classic whodunits with a refreshing setting and a cast of lovable characters. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for a cozy mystery that’s both entertaining and full of heart, you may have already stumbled upon the Candy-Coated Mystery series. Set in a picturesque coastal town with a dash of sweetness, these books revolve around the quirky yet intelligent Allie McMurphy as she solves mysteries, often involving her family’s beloved candy store. As you read, you’ll be transported to a world where crimes are solved over a cup of hot cocoa and a bite of fudge, with every page pulling you deeper into the mystery, while simultaneously indulging your love for confectionary delights.

However, if you’re new to Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated Mystery series, you might be wondering how to approach the books. Should you read them in order? Or is it possible to jump in anywhere? In this guide, we’ll explore the world of Nancy Coco’s books, the order in which they should be read, why you might want to dive into this delightful series, and much more.

List Of Nancy Coco Books In Order

More On Nancy Coco Books In Chronological Order

1. Candy-Coated Murder (2014)

The very first book in the Candy-Coated mystery series introduces us to Allie McMurphy, who is fresh out of culinary school and has inherited her aunt’s fudge shop. But when a local man turns up dead after an argument with her aunt, Allie is thrust into a sticky situation. As she works to clear her aunt’s name, she uncovers secrets, chocolate, and a heap of drama-all set against the sweet and cozy backdrop of Mackinac Island. Oh, and there’s a cute dog too!

2. Lethal Licorice (2015)

In the second installment of the Candy-Coated series, Allie is back, and this time it’s a murder linked to a licorice festival. When a local businessman is found dead, Allie and her friends dive headfirst into the mystery, all while juggling fudge-making, a blossoming romance, and quirky island life. This one has a mix of suspense, humor, and a lot of licorice, so be prepared for some sweet twists.

3. Fudge Bites (2016)

Allie is at it again in the third Candy-Coated book! This time, she’s dealing with a rather unexpected death during a fudge competition. With tensions rising, Allie has to figure out who’s stirring the pot (literally and figuratively) before the situation boils over. Of course, Allie’s perfecting her fudge recipes while navigating island gossip, solving crimes, and keeping her friends close. It’s a great mix of suspense and sweetness.

4. Bitter Chamomile (2017)

In this fourth installment, Allie’s life gets even messier when a popular chef ends up dead, and it seems like the culprit has left a trail of chamomile behind. As she tries to unravel the mystery, Allie uncovers hidden rivalries and secrets, all while keeping her fudge shop running smoothly. There’s a balance between the suspense of the murder mystery and the warmth of the island, which makes this one a treat to read.

5. Caramel Crush (2018)

Allie McMurphy is back, and this time, caramel is the star of the show. A suspicious death at a local candy store sends Allie on another quest for answers, and she finds herself caught up in yet another tangled web of island drama, business rivalries, and sugary sweet clues. She’s got a lot on her plate-family, fudge, and some caramel-colored mystery to solve. Let’s just say Allie’s not just making candy; she’s uncovering dark secrets.

6. Mint Chocolate Murder (2019)

Things get a little minty in the sixth book of the series. When a well-known local chocolatier is found dead, Allie is once again pulled into a mystery involving the sweetest ingredients on Mackinac Island. With a minty twist and lots of chocolate, this book is a delight for fans of cozy mysteries and candy connoisseurs. Allie has her work cut out for her, solving a crime while making sure her fudge is up to par.

7. Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (2020)

In this seventh book of the series, Allie McMurphy is working hard to keep her fudge shop thriving during a difficult time, but when a famous food critic is murdered, she once again finds herself in the middle of a mystery. The book is filled with delightful descriptions of all kinds of treats (chocolate cherry cheesecake included) and more twists than you can shake a candy cane at. Allie’s problem-solving skills are put to the test in this sweet, yet dangerous, adventure.

8. S’mores & Murder (2021)

In this eighth entry, Allie is faced with a summer festival that turns dark when a local chef is found murdered. Allie and her friends must once again team up to find the killer, all while keeping up with fudge orders and surviving the quirks of their small-town life. The mystery is rich with suspense and, as usual, features lots of delicious food, making it a perfect cozy read for those who enjoy a side of treats with their crime.

9. Fudge and Fatality (2022)

The ninth book in the Candy-Coated series keeps the delicious mystery coming! Allie’s life is turned upside down once again when a death occurs near her fudge shop. This time, it’s tied to a family business rivalry, and Allie’s curiosity (and determination) lead her right into the middle of a very sticky situation. As always, there’s suspense, charm, and, of course, the best fudge on Mackinac Island!

10. By the Sea (2023)

Nancy Coco switches it up with a whole new mystery series! ’By the Sea’ takes us to a charming beach town, where we meet a new protagonist, a woman trying to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy. The series features cozy beach vibes, plenty of secrets to uncover, and of course, a few dead bodies. It’s the perfect blend of sun, sand, and sleuthing with the same warm, engaging writing that fans of Nancy Coco have come to expect.

Background On Nancy Coco Books

Nancy Coco is a pseudonym used by the prolific author Nancy J. Parra, who has made a name for herself in the cozy mystery genre. Under this pen name, she has penned the Candy-Coated Mystery series, which revolves around Allie McMurphy, a smart and resourceful woman who inherits a candy store in the charming town of Mackinac Island, Michigan. The series is rich with mouthwatering descriptions of candies and pastries, but also filled with engaging mysteries that have kept readers coming back for more.

The Candy-Coated Mystery books seamlessly blend traditional cozy mystery tropes-like a small-town setting, an amateur sleuth, and a slow-burn romance-with unique elements that elevate them above the standard fare. The books are also notable for their vivid sense of place, as they transport readers to Mackinac Island, a real and historically rich location known for its Victorian charm and natural beauty.

Each book in the series builds on Allie’s growth as a sleuth, her relationships with the town’s quirky residents, and her dedication to her family’s candy shop. Nancy Coco’s books are known for being easy-to-read, lighthearted, and comforting, while still providing a compelling mystery for readers to puzzle over. This combination of intrigue, charm, and delicious detail is what has made the Candy-Coated Mystery series a fan favorite.

Reading Order Explained

The Candy-Coated Mystery series is designed to be read in order, though each book features a standalone mystery. The first book in the series, Candy-Coated Murder, introduces readers to Allie McMurphy and the charming Mackinac Island. Subsequent books in the series continue the overarching storylines involving Allie’s relationships with the people in her life, the challenges she faces with her candy shop, and her blossoming skills as a detective.

Here’s a breakdown of the series in reading order:

1. Candy-Coated Murder – The debut novel introduces Allie McMurphy and her candy shop, setting the stage for future adventures.
2. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder – Allie faces another mystery, this time connected to a local pastry shop.
3. Candy Cane Murder – A holiday-themed mystery that brings Allie even closer to solving complex crimes.
4. Peppermint Mocha Murder – Allie’s sleuthing skills are put to the test once more.
5. Caramel Pecan Roll Murder – The mystery deepens, and Allie faces new obstacles.
6. Chocolate-Covered Murder – Allie’s journey continues, with yet another riveting case to solve.

Each title in the series is tied to a particular treat or confection, making the books feel deliciously thematic. As the series progresses, there is an increasing depth to Allie’s character, the relationships with the other characters grow, and the mysteries become more intricate. While the books can be read as standalones, reading them in order provides a more satisfying experience, allowing you to see Allie’s growth as a character and witness her evolving relationships within the town.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many reasons why Nancy Coco’s Candy-Coated Mystery series stands out in the crowded world of cozy mysteries. Here are a few of the things that make this series truly special:

• The Setting: Mackinac Island serves as more than just a backdrop; it is an integral part of the story. The island’s Victorian charm, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery create a cozy atmosphere that draws readers in. You can almost feel the crisp air and smell the fudge from the local shops as you read.
• The Candy Shop Element: The candy store, and the sweets that Allie creates, add an element of delicious indulgence to the stories. Each book showcases treats that range from chocolates to candies to baked goods, which makes for an irresistible reading experience for anyone with a sweet tooth.
• The Character Development: Allie is a compelling, multi-dimensional protagonist who grows over the course of the series. She’s relatable, independent, and intelligent, but also grapples with personal challenges that make her a well-rounded character. The side characters, too, are colorful and endearing, from the quirky residents of Mackinac Island to Allie’s family and friends.
• The Mysteries: Though cozy mysteries tend to be lighter in tone, Nancy Coco still provides a satisfying puzzle for readers to solve. The mysteries are clever, intricate, and often have unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.
• The Food: A hallmark of cozy mysteries is the food, and in this series, the food is mouthwatering. Each book is infused with recipes, and the candy-making aspect of the story is a treat in itself, leaving you wanting to make the delicious sweets Allie creates.

Should You Read Nancy Coco Books In Order?

While the Candy-Coated Mystery books can technically be enjoyed out of order, there are several compelling reasons to read them in sequence. The character development, particularly that of Allie McMurphy, is one of the primary reasons to read the books in order. Early in the series, Allie is finding her footing as both a business owner and an amateur sleuth. As the books progress, you’ll see her evolve, gaining more confidence, honing her detective skills, and becoming more deeply connected to the town and its residents.

Another reason to read in order is the way the relationships between the characters develop. Allie’s personal life, including her interactions with love interests and friendships, evolves gradually. If you read out of order, you may miss key moments that would otherwise provide context for character motivations and decisions in later books.

In addition, the mysteries are often interwoven with character arcs and subplots that develop across the series. Starting from the beginning allows you to better appreciate the long-term plot threads that are teased in each book and the ongoing dynamics between characters.