title: Fudging the Books (A Cookbook Nook Mystery)
author:  Daryl Wood Gerber 
description: <span>When I pick up a book by Daryl/Avery I know I am in for a fantastic treat and should plan accordingly. She delivers her best story yet in Fudging the Books.</span><br /> <span>~Dollycas</span><br /> <span>escapewithdollycas.com/2015/07/31/special-guest-daryl-wood-gerber-author-of-fudging-the-books-giveaway-too/</span><br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span><br /> <span>"<i><span>Fudging the Books</span></i><span> combines pirates, chocolate, friendship, and food into a fun mystery that also shows us, like Hershey, it's fine to be independent, but good to be there for others when trouble appears."</span></span><br /> <span>~Cozy up with Kathy</span><br /> <span>cozyupwithkathy.blogspot.com/2015/07/fudging-interview-review-giveaway.html</span><br /><br /><span>There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. Daryl kept me guessing to the end. Like many mystery fans I like to try to solve it before the sleuth does. And though I enjoy beating them at their own game, I especially enjoy it when a writer keeps me on my toes.</span><br /> <span></span><br /> <span>~Booklady's Booknotes</span><br /> <span>bookladysbooknotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/01/great-escapes-tour-fudging-the-books-by-daryl-woods-gerber-review-recipe-and-giveaway/</span><br /> <span></span><br /><br /><span>I have to say first of all that I love The Cookbook Nook Series. It is among my favorites. Also author <i>Daryl Wood Gerber</i> is one of the finest cozy writers around, regardless of genre', she rocks! ... Along the way, the reader is taken on a fabulous adventure. Side stories are just as interesting as the main mystery. Plenty of twists and turns, and all of them intelligent and feasible. Jenna...is sensible and thorough. And I want to be her friend.</span><br /> <span>openbooksociety.com/article/fudging-the-books-cookbook-nook-mystery-book-4-by-daryl-wood-gerber-book-review/</span><br /><br /><span>This is a sweet treat of a mystery, full of genial characters and leading to an emotionally satisfying conclusion.</span><br /> <span>~Kings River Life Magazine</span><br /> <span></span><br /> <span>kingsriverlife.com/08/01/even-more-summer-penguin-food-mysteries/</span><br /><br /><span>"I love so many elements of Daryl Wood Gerber's Cookbook Nook mysteries. Jenna Hart is a caring, warm amateur sleuth. The Crystal Cove, California setting is charming. The latest story,<i>Fudging the Books</i> has not one, but two appealing young cats. And, the store itself!...Gerber's latest mystery is a non-stop, amusing story with a great cast of characters. ...Gerber's at the top of her game with <i>Fudging the Books."</i></span><span></span><br /><span><i></i></span><br /> <span>Lesa Holstine</span><br /> <span>lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2015/08/fudging-books-by-daryl-wood-gerber.html</span>
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  ![](images/Roy_9780307510129_epub_001_r1.jpg) is for Absent…
  
  
  “Come on!” Dink dragged his friends down the street to the Book Nook.
  
  
  They looked through the window, out of breath. The bookstore was crowded with
  kids. The Book Nook’s owner, Mr. Paskey, had set up folding chairs. Dink
  noticed that most of them were already taken.
  
  
  Dink saw Mr. Paskey sitting behind a table. A big white sign on the table said
  WELCOME, WALLIS WALLACE!
  
  
  But the chair behind the sign was empty. Dink gulped and stared at the empty
  seat.
  
  
  Where was Wallis Wallace?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **Collect all the books in the**
  
  
  ![](images/Roy_9780307510129_epub_002_r1.jpg)
  
  
  series!  
   _ **The Absent Author  
  The Bald Bandit**_
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _This book is dedicated to Lori Haskins_  
  –R.R.
  
  
  _To Kathie, Jesse, and Molly  
  –J.S.G._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/Roy_9780307510129_epub_tp_r1.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/Roy_9780307510129_epub_m01_r1.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/Roy_9780307510129_epub_003_r1.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  # **Chapter 1**