Margaret Olivia Lawson, Molly, has had her ups and downs in the romance department. Ditched by JT McCord twenty years ago, she married only to have her husband die. Her second husband, Sam, turned out to be a two-timing cheat, running off with a hairdresser. She eventually settled down in Tangle Butte, Minnesota, becoming a reporter with the TBTrib. While working on her fourth mystery novel, she keeps M&M’s nearby as she contemplates killing her neighbors pig, Melvin. It doesn’t matter that it is someone’s pet; Melvin continues to get in her azaleas and other parts of her garden. Then JT moves back into town taking the job as Chief of Police. The JT she remembers was never flirty and had no romantic bone in his body, but after years of being away, this one is different. When Melvin wanders into her backyard again, digging up a dead body belonging to Sam, JT begins investigating. Molly knows she had nothing to do with his death, even though her pitchfork is missing. As JT tries to solve the mess, Molly tries to keep an eye on the women, who try to get their hands on JT, not to mention wonder who might wish her dead. Thanks to a pig, this could be Molly’s downfall or bring her everlasting love.

I absolutely loved this book. Candy, Corpses, and Classified Ads is amazing. The dialogue between JT and Molly is delightful. I didn’t want this book to end. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. It hooked me immediately with the sharp writing, the mystery, and romance; the whole allure of the book just captures and carries the reader into the center of the story. The secondary characters are a good addition and blend in well with the whole of events. I love how Molly devours a different color M&M when something happens in her life. JL Wilson has sketched a book that I could read again and again. I like the mature characters and how they are well-developed. Both Molly and JT have been through difficult times, and through the years, they have been tested only to find a pathway back to each other. Their relationship is based on love and trust, and that is important, as Molly tries to sort through her past in this dynamite read.

Reviewed by: Linda L.