Step into the delectable world of the Fudge Shop Mystery series, where creamy fudge and chilling mysteries blend in the charming lakeside village of Fishers’ Harbor, Wisconsin! This cozy mystery series by Christine DeSmet follows Ava Oosterling, a passionate fudge maker with a knack for stumbling into small-town crimes. With every batch of her Fairy Tale fudge, Ava whips up not just heavenly confections but also clever solutions to murders that threaten her shop and her dreams.
Perfect for fans of culinary cozies, the series serves up a delightful mix of humor, heart, and suspense, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Door County—known as the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest.' Ready to savor a mystery as rich as Belgian chocolate? Let’s dive into the sweet and thrilling world of Fudge Shop Mystery!
How Fudge Shop Mystery Began
Christine DeSmet, a Wisconsin-based author and writing instructor, crafted the Fudge Shop Mystery series to capture the charm of Door County, where she draws inspiration from its lighthouses, tourist-friendly villages, and Belgian-American heritage. Launched in 2013 with First-Degree Fudge, the series reflects DeSmet’s love for cozy mysteries and her knack for weaving local culture into engaging whodunits. Her background as a screenwriter and novelist shines through, creating a vivid, cinematic setting that feels like a warm hug from a lakeside town.
The Heart of Fudge Shop Mystery
The series kicks off with First-Degree Fudge, where Ava Oosterling’s new fudge shop faces disaster when a Hollywood star chokes on her Cinderella Pink fudge, revealing hidden diamonds and a murder plot. In Hot Fudge Frame-Up, Ava tackles a deadly fudge festival and a suspicious death at a historic lighthouse. Five-Alarm Fudge sees her chasing a killer and a secret divinity fudge recipe during a harvest festival, while Holly Jolly Fudge Folly delivers holiday cheer with a snowy murder mystery.
At its core, the series blends cozy mystery staples—quirky characters, small-town drama, and culinary delights—with unique themes of family, friendship, and resilience. Ava’s Belgian-American roots and her bond with her grandfather, Gil, add warmth, while the Door County setting, rich with lighthouses and cultural traditions like Belgian skritek gnomes, immerses readers in a vivid world. DeSmet’s mouthwatering fudge recipes, included in each book, invite readers to recreate Ava’s creations, making the series a multisensory treat.
The light, humorous tone and fast-paced plots keep readers guessing, while Ava’s growth from a former screenwriter to a confident sleuth resonates with anyone chasing a fresh start. Whether it’s uncovering a 30-year-old secret in Deadly Fudge Divas or going undercover in Undercover Fudge, Ava’s adventures balance sweetness and suspense with charm.
Why Fudge Shop Mystery Resonates
The Fudge Shop Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting fans with its blend of culinary creativity and clever sleuthing. Its vivid portrayal of Door County has boosted local tourism, as readers flock to visit the real-life lighthouses and fudge shops that inspired Ava’s world. DeSmet’s engaging characters, like the lovable Grandpa Gil and fudge-loving dog Lucky Harbor, create a community readers want to return to book after book.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to pair cozy comfort with gripping mysteries, offering an escape into a world where fudge and friendship conquer all. With glowing reviews praising its humor and heart, Fudge Shop Mystery continues to win over readers seeking a sweet, suspenseful read.
- Publication Years: 2013–2023
- Number of Books: 6
- Notable Recognition: First-Degree Fudge was a Barnes & Noble mystery bestseller for 10 weeks.
Grab First-Degree Fudge and dive into the Fudge Shop Mystery series’ cozy, crime-solving world! Whether you’re craving a light read or a batch of Ava’s Fairy Tale fudge, this series is a treat you won’t want to miss!