Picture a storyteller who spun the charm of Mackinac Island into cozy mysteries filled with fudge and suspense—meet Nancy Coco! This USA Today bestselling author, also known as Nancy J. Parra, has captured readers’ hearts with her delightful Candy-Coated Mystery series and more, blending humor, plucky heroines, and intricate plots. With over 15 books to her name, Coco’s vivid settings and knack for engaging whodunits have made her a beloved figure in the cozy mystery genre.
From her National Bestseller debut, All Fudged Up, to her latest adventures, Coco invites readers into worlds where small-town charm meets clever sleuthing. Let’s dive into her journey, from her early inspirations to her lasting impact on cozy mystery fans!
The Making of Nancy Coco
Nancy Coco, a pseudonym for Nancy J. Parra, holds a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, a foundation that shaped her storytelling prowess. An Air Force veteran who rose to the rank of sergeant, Coco brings discipline and creativity to her craft. Living in the Midwest with her Bichonpoo, affectionately called 'Little Dog,' she draws inspiration from her love of pets, food, and mysteries. Her writing career began with romantic suspense and historical romances, but she found her true calling in cozy mysteries, where her humor and knack for vivid settings shine.
Nancy Coco’s Unforgettable Stories
Coco’s flagship series, the Candy-Coated Mysteries, launched with All Fudged Up in 2013, introducing Allie McMurphy, a spirited heroine managing the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Michigan’s Mackinac Island. This National Bestseller immerses readers in a car-free island where horse-drawn carriages and fudge recipes set the stage for murder mysteries. The sequel, To Fudge or Not to Fudge, showcases Allie’s culinary skills and sleuthing as she navigates a fiery murder case, earning praise for its smooth prose and twists.
Beyond Mackinac, Coco’s Oregon Honeycomb Mystery series, starting with Death Bee Comes Her, follows Wren Johnson and her cat Everett in a honey-themed boutique, blending crafting and crime-solving. Her Gluten-Free Mystery series, written as Nancy J. Parra, features baker Toni Ryder, whose wheat-free treats come with a side of suspense. Coco’s style—marked by humor, memorable characters, and mouthwatering recipes—creates cozy worlds where readers feel at home, even as danger lurks.
With 19 books across multiple series, including novellas like Deck the Halls with Fudge, Coco balances lighthearted fun with well-plotted mysteries. Her ability to weave pets, like Allie’s bichonpoo Mal, into stories adds charm, while her settings, from Michigan islands to Oregon boutiques, feel like characters themselves.
Why Nancy Coco Matters
Nancy Coco has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, inspiring readers to visit Mackinac Island and try their hand at fudge-making. Her series, praised by Kirkus Reviews for their 'appetizing recipes' and 'delightful' narratives, offer escapism and empowerment through heroines like Allie and Wren. As a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Coco supports the genre’s community, while her RomVets membership highlights her advocacy for veteran authors. Her books, available in audio and large print, reach diverse audiences, cementing her influence.
Fans adore Coco’s ability to blend suspense with warmth, making her stories perfect for cozy evenings. Her upcoming release, Fudge and Marriage (April 2025), promises more adventures, ensuring her legacy endures.
- Pseudonyms: Nancy J. Parra, Nell Hampton
- Key Works: All Fudged Up, Death Bee Comes Her
- Notable: USA Today Bestseller, Air Force veteran
- Pet: Bichonpoo named 'Little Dog'
About Nancy Coco
Snag All Fudged Up and dive into Nancy Coco’s deliciously cozy mysteries today!