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Nancy Coco, who also writes as Nancy J. Parra, is best known for her Candy-Coated Mystery series, starting with All Fudged Up (2013). The series should be read in publication order, as each book builds on the quirky characters, evolving relationships, and cozy small-town mysteries set on Mackinac Island. Below, you’ll find the complete book list, chronological order, recommended reading path, and FAQs.
Publication Order – Candy-Coated Mysteries
Nancy Coco’s most popular work is the Candy-Coated Mystery series, which mixes murder with mouthwatering fudge recipes. Here is the publication order:
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Fudged Up | 2013 |
| 2 | To Fudge or Not to Fudge | 2014 |
| 3 | Oh Say Can You Fudge | 2015 |
| 4 | All I Want for Christmas Is Fudge (short stories) | 2015 |
| 5 | Forever Fudge | 2018 |
| 6 | Fudge Bites | 2019 |
| 7 | Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas | 2020 |
| 8 | Death by Fudge | 2021 |
| 9 | A Midsummer Night’s Fudge | 2022 |
| 10 | Three Fudges and a Baby | 2023 |
| 11 | Deck the Halls with Fudge | 2024 |
Each book follows Allie McMurphy, who runs the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop, as she juggles candy making, family traditions, and solving murders in her picturesque community.
Chronological Order
For the Candy-Coated Mysteries, the chronological order matches the publication order. Events unfold in sequence as Allie and her friends age, relationships develop, and her business evolves.
Reading in order ensures you experience the continuity of character growth and seasonal celebrations tied to Mackinac Island life.
Recommended Reading Order
The best reading order for Nancy Coco’s mysteries is publication order. While each book contains a self-contained mystery, the character arcs and recurring small-town subplots add depth when read sequentially.
Starting with All Fudged Up introduces Allie, her loyal dog Mal, and the community dynamics that carry through the later books. Jumping ahead could spoil surprises or ongoing relationships.
Complete Book Series List
Here’s a full checklist of Nancy Coco (Nancy J. Parra)’s works:
- Candy-Coated Mysteries (as Nancy Coco)
- All Fudged Up (2013)
- To Fudge or Not to Fudge (2014)
- Oh Say Can You Fudge (2015)
- All I Want for Christmas Is Fudge (short stories, 2015)
- Forever Fudge (2018)
- Fudge Bites (2019)
- Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas (2020)
- Death by Fudge (2021)
- A Midsummer Night’s Fudge (2022)
- Three Fudges and a Baby (2023)
- Deck the Halls with Fudge (2024)
- Baker’s Treat Mysteries (as Nancy J. Parra)
- Gluten for Punishment (2013)
- Murder Gone A-Rye (2014)
- Flourless to Stop Him (2014)
- Perfect Proposal Mysteries (as Nancy J. Parra)
- Engaged in Murder (2015)
- Bodied in Wedding White (2016)
- Wine Country Mysteries (as Nancy J. Parra)
- A Case of Syrah, Syrah (2017)
- A Pinot for Your Thoughts (2018)
Nancy Coco/Nancy J. Parra has built a strong reputation in the cozy mystery world with multiple food- and celebration-themed series.
Upcoming / Latest Release
The latest release is Deck the Halls with Fudge (2024). At this time, no new book has been officially announced for 2025, but given the success of the Candy-Coated Mysteries, additional installments are likely.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about Nancy Coco (Nancy J. Parra) books in order.
How many books are in the Candy-Coated Mystery series?
There are 11 books published so far, plus one holiday-themed short story collection.
Is the Candy-Coated Mystery series finished?
No, the series is ongoing. The latest release was in 2024.
What order should I read Nancy Coco’s books in?
Publication order is recommended, starting with All Fudged Up (2013).
Do I need to read the Candy-Coated Mysteries in order?
Each book can be enjoyed on its own, but reading in order provides the best experience with character growth and community development.
What other series has Nancy J. Parra written?
She has also written the Baker’s Treat Mysteries, Perfect Proposal Mysteries, and Wine Country Mysteries under her Nancy J. Parra name.
Related Series
If you enjoy Nancy Coco’s fudge-filled cozies, you may also like:
- Laura Childs Books in Order — known for tea shop and scrapbooking mysteries.
- Stephanie Blackmoore Books in Order — wedding planner mysteries.
- Barbara Ross Books in Order — Maine clambake culinary mysteries.
These authors also deliver food-themed small-town cozies with clever amateur sleuths.